When you find out where that "class" is being held, let me know. I'd make a real effort to get straight As - maybe even work on my Master's Degree. :lol:
I don't want to slam the F56, but I would like to be able to speak honestly and openly about what I like and dislike about it.
I never got the impression that honest criticism was the problem. I think the issue was the incessant ragging on the F56, when that was the only point of a post and it had absolutely nothing to do with the thread. That can affect the spirit and growth of a site like this, and it certainly can discourage new people from participating. If MA doesn't grow, it will die. Like it or not, this is a business - not a democracy or anyone's personal playground. Just my $.02.
If you think there isnt some schmuck from BMW/MINI sitting behind a keyboard with the job of searching forums and social media for product research and future development you are wrong. Yeah, I could see toning it down a bit, but they still need to see what we like and dont like, what needs changed, and what we want to see stay and develop further. If the only thing we are allowed to say is "The F56 is perfect" they will continue adding more of what we dont like! Its a catch 22... Have some angry readers here, or loose the brand we fell in love with long ago. If they dont know how bad they F56'ed up from the people who kept the brand going for the last 12 years, we will be forgotten about.
I couldn't care less about hurting a manufacturer's feelings (and I guarantee you that they do look at these sites). However, especially for Nathan's sake, I'm concerned that F56 owners don't feel welcome here and instead go to that other site - if you doubt it, go look at the number of new member posts on the other site. I'm also concerned that potential advertisers get the wrong idea about the content of this site. Like it or not, new members are going to come from the newest MINIS. Think about it: What have you done for MINI lately? Buy a car 12 years ago? Never go to the dealer for service? Buy all your parts from the good vendors who support this site - but not from a dealer? You're not MINI's target audience. (Those are generic you's, BTW, not you personally. That includes me too - I would have been nuts to spend $1,000 on parts and accessories at my dealer, when I could get them from a couple of the vendors here for $750.) IMHO, the percentage of true Mini/MINI enthusiasts is higher here than at the other site, and the knowledge base is much better. The problem is that even if the quality is much higher here, the numbers that matter (members, hits, views, etc.) are dwarfed by the other site. What we all should do is invite MINI owners we know to join us here; in the Internet world, it's not use it or lose it - it's grow it or lose it. Sorry, I'm up to at least $.04 now.
My car is only 3 years old, and the reason I didn't upgrade to the F56 is because I don't like it. There is no one to blame but BMW for keeping me out of any of their new products. It's not like they haven't done the same thing to their own models too. The 135i was a fun, fast, loud, fantastic car. The "M235i" is fast, but dull. No soul, character, or excitement. BMW has become the new Lexus - just less reliable and more expensive - but with the same level of joy behind the wheel. MINI had one of the highest return buyers. Many are on their second or third MINI, but I know at the current rate, I'll never be apart of the stat. It's for the numerous reasons touched on in numerous other posts about the new product, that will be keeping me out of anything BMW or MINI, and I'll be moving over to a VW GTI/Golf R for my next vehicle.
I too am looking more closely at a new GTI/Golf R vs the "new" Mini. When I tried one on (F56) at the launch event I liked the comfort of the interior, but didn't care for the change in control locations or the general looks of the F56. Not bashing, but just voicing my opinion after checking one out personally. As for the F54... I thought the Countryman I had as a loaner was too big and clunky looking for a Mini and the new offering takes that look/image even further. When my R56 (which I love) gets to the point that I don't/won't want to sink any more money or effort into it, I might just sell it and use the money on my old '96 Vette. I'm getting to the age where I have to weigh my priorities as far as entering into long term financing a new car and whether it's worth eating into my meager income to do so. As a long time (50+ years) car guy, this is not bashing. It's just a dose of reality.