TheSamba.com :: View topic - AIRS-type list on TheSamba

Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:06 am

That AIRS list should become a Wiki. I wonder how long ago people added themselves to it. I bet many of those numbers are toast.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:25 am

RIOMX wrote: That AIRS list should become a Wiki. I wonder how long ago people added themselves to it. I bet many of those numbers are toast.
Most are toast. And like the site says they don't maintain it to see what is currrent.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:32 am

Quote:
Most are toast. And like the site says they don't maintain it to see what is currrent.

It still looks like the day it was launched in 1999. If I was stranded and that was the first time I'd seen that page, it would look rather ominous.

A new AIRS list should be in order.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:37 am

why isnt there a stranded page on the samba.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:15 pm

420GOAT wrote: why isnt there a stranded page on the samba.

Good idea! Everett, can this be accomplished?

Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:25 pm

420GOAT wrote: why isnt there a stranded page on the samba.

because all the use the search nazi's will be in an uproar. all solutions have been discussed. if only people would use the search there would be no getting stranded! :D

Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:44 pm

SOMETIMES ITS NOT enough to have answers, sometimes people need physical help or parts. since SAMBA is the what seems as the most updated, used, and viewed vw site in the world a emergency list would be great so folks dont have to post stranded threads when they get stranded.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:49 pm

Quote: if only people would use the search there would be no getting stranded!

I bump into a few people from time to time who ask the occasional question. If I can't help them I suggest Logging on to The Samba. When I get the puzzled look , I explain it's not about the dance. Not all ACVW owners are aware of this site. When I first discovered it , it took me a while to use the search properly. A "bus broke, need rescue" thread is not a bad idea.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:03 pm

peaceful warrior wrote: 420GOAT wrote: why isn't there a stranded page on the samba.

Good idea! Everett, can this be accomplished?
I second that.

But an updated AIRS list would be great, too. It is still quite useful, and I have been contacted more than once and have been able to help folks.

Who is in charge of AIRS, anyway, and why don't they maintain it or hand it over to someone else to maintain. The Wiki idea is a good one, too. Or perhaps a place to leave feedback, like "This number does not work anymore." or "This person was very helpful."

Sorry to contribute to thread hijacking...

Good luck down there in Sierra Blanca. Like peaceful warrior, I'm to far north of you to be of much help.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:04 pm

pb24ss wrote: 420GOAT wrote: why isnt there a stranded page on the samba.

because all the use the search nazi's will be in an uproar. all solutions have been discussed. if only people would use the search there would be no getting stranded! :D

:? :? Create a sticky in each forum for those who need help on the road, since we are now finding that AIRS is not functioning as it should. No solution has been discussed if you are asking for help on the road at the present time! :roll: And lastly, screw the search nazi's! They have the time to write do a search, this has been discussed before, rather then help someone out and find a or a few threads and post them.

Thank you John for sticking up for me, and Goat for bringing up a great idea.

I emailed this link to Everett to read and decide on. :D

Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:08 pm

Id like to travel but i dont cause im so afraid of being stranded somewhere desolate. it would put my mind at ease if there was a place here where i could contact samba folks or be contacted for help. the airs list does seem outdated. again its all in the name of helping each other and Ev can get more exposure and in turn more sponsors. 8)

Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:18 pm

this is the webmaster of the airs site. i have tried to sign up a couple times and am still not listed under new mexico. maybe the site is falling to the wayside. hope not.

airs@dropgates.com

just got a mailer daemon saying the address is no good. maybe the site is down.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:18 pm

jtauxe wrote:
But an updated AIRS list would be great, too. It is still quite useful, and I have been contacted more than once and have been able to help folks.

Who is in charge of AIRS, anyway

The type2.com people are. I am part of the admin group for type2.com. If you want to contact the man in charge contact calivw78. That's his samba nick.

The problem is is that the AIRS list was created in HTML with no database backend or any means for anyone to update there information. If you search the type2.com archive you'll see this has been discussed several times and quite recently.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 4:20 pm

airs is cool but the list is outdated and not current like SAMBA.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:59 pm

The format of the Baywindow forum member map sticky could be used except that frapper/crapper or what ever it is just doesn't function. It's a waste. Current people get dumped off which is as useless as AIRS where obsolute people have it filled up.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:20 pm

I like the idea of a stranded sticky, awesome idea for sure. I've helped a few people out when they were relatively close by and posted a thread up looking for some help. The AIRS list is a great idea, but poorly executed. It could be such a valuable resource for us if it were updateable.

420Goat--don't be afraid of breaking down. Sometimes breaking down can be the best part of the trip....I just did a 2500 mile trip in a week in my '79 RustyBus and I wouldn't trade that time behind the wheel for the world. 8 states and 2 countries in 7 days in a Bus that doesn't look like it would make it around the block......

Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:46 pm

Yeah im sure your right Vdubtech, the bus has not left me yet, except for running out of gas, but thats my fault. guage is fixed so now im more confident knowing how far i can go. SOOOO CAN WE GET THIS FELLA ANY HELP? Sorry for commandeering your thread...my apologies. :oops:

Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:56 pm

if you are stranded in Los Angeles near Wilmington Ca 90744
-i can lend a hand,
-phone use,
-internet,
-basic tools
-live near wrecking yards
-my number is 1(424)-224-1548 sorry no driveway to work, street may be ok but is not totally legal.

ill be the first entry.

Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:08 am

To the best of my knowledge the user Kommercial on here is the AIRS admin. I sent him a PM with this thread.

On the AIRS page at http://www.type2.com/~airswork/rescue/index.html the contact email is webmaster@dropgates.com

Maybe Kommercial can comment on the AIRS list. I would wager that people are added but no one ever requests removal or an update of their information. A typical issue with most online lists.

I have no problem with people posting "help" forum threads here, preferably in the Forum for the type of VW they own. I don't think having a Sticky in every Forum makes any sense as break downs are not that frequent (hopefully) and I'm betting most people would start a new thread anyway and not see or not use the Sticky.

I wouldn't have any problem starting a list here or taking over the AIRS listing if it's not being maintained but it could suffer from the same issues.

Tue Dec 22, 2009 7:04 am

I think the AIRS list concept is/was a valuable resource, especially before internet use became a daily function. I have my old type 2 directory that was printed in NEATO years ago which served the same purpose but that is way outdated.

It was a very cool concept and easy to carry with you or store in your bus on a long road trip so you dont have to rely upon a computer or print out a huge AIRS list in advance.

A few thoughts and observations... we all know that for some odd reason, people tend to overlook sticky's even though they sometimes contain very valuable info. If it were considered here on The Samba, would it make more sense to live in the "Community" tab/section?

I see lots of people that start threads saying "I'm new here, is there any other VW people in this area City, State ?" An AIRS list type forum could also help those folks not just for repairs or help but also for basic contact for mentoring, parts, gatherings, etc...

Starting an individual thread is only helpful if you have a computer while traveling and also the hopes that someone in that area actually goes online and in that particular thread to see that someone needs help in that area.

Everett makes a great point about it being updated. That means that its up to each individual who participates to keep info updated or accurate. Sadly, a large majority of people cant even keep their classified ads updated regularly let alone an annual update to an AIRS list type posting. People move often and I'm sure either forget to update AIRS or choose not to for some other reasons.

To Everett's other point is that I agree and think the usage of the list is smaller than most people realize. Most folks who are road tripping long distances [multi-state] tend to know their bus pretty well and SHOULD already have a certain level of mechanical skills. These same people including myself also know to carry the essentials with you that include necessary tools and spare parts needed to fix a large portion of breakdown causes. There are LOTS of great postings/threads about what people carry with them as a spare part kit, etc... If someone doesnt have basic repair skills, parts, tools, or a solid mechanical bus, etc perhaps they should think twice about their long distance road tripping or at least invest in AAA.

AIRS is a nice added bonus when needed but it shouldnt be relied upon as the only source when youre stranded. All that being said, I agree that its a good resource and would be great to either have it updated in current location or posted on The Samba as others have mentioned.