Frequently Asked Questions

F1NGers? What’s that then?
Formula 1 NewsGroupers. That’s because it is a newsgroup (or NG) about Formula 1 (or F1), and we are the memb-’ers’.

What are the rules of this NG?
Only two – (1) What happens on this NG belongs on this NG and nowhere else. (2) Your password and login are not shared with anyone else at any time for any reason.

Who owns this NG?
Everyone who contributes to it financially or otherwise. F1NGers is supported by members donations, which are optional.

I’m a Jacques Villeneuve fan – can I still post even though I’m clearly insane?
Yes.

I want to use profanity in my posts – will anyone give a fuck?
No. This forum is used by adults who (ahem) occasionally use adult language. You may need to be selective about kids access. There is no censorship here.

I just bought a new car, can I post in to the NG even though the picture exceeds 100kb?
Yes – please use the “f1ng.spa98″ group – and delete them from replies – or you’ll be called an asshole. NB; pics of the latest F1 car are exempt and can go on the main group.

I have some fantastic footage of my sexy neighbour being humped by 3 large men – can I post it here?
COOL! Send it to “f1ng.spa98″ server – unless your neighbour is a bloke – in which case please don’t.

Can I catch VD from this NG?
More than likely.

I want to post into other NG’s – can I do this?
Do as you please – just keep the content from this NG on this NG – as per rule 1. We’ve been stung before so we’re a bit jumpy on this, you’ll just have to accept it.

I like to take the complete piss out of newbies who post things like, “Michael sux” – can I do this here?
Yes. Our members do this all the time.

Oh, “members” eh? So, how much is it to join and what are the club benefits?
There is no joining fee, the club benefits are too numerous to mention. Racing related get-togethers, competitions, websites and all sorts of exciting in-yer-face stuff coming up. Oh, and prizes and all that shit – and if you’re lucky you may get the opportunity to share a room with me – but only if you win the top prize.

But surely if it is you who has control of this NG you can do as you please?
Indeed we can. Bow to your new masters.

So – let me just get this absolutely clear in my head coz I’m a thick twat. You cannot ban anyone? You can’t delete their posts? You won’t complain about their posting style? You won’t tell anyone what to do and what not to do? Is that exactly what you’re saying? Is it? Well? I’m waiting? Coz I seem to remember someone else saying this not so long ago on another NG I went to, but he couldn’t stop himself inflicting his laws on the others because he has no life or power so he used this internet forum – I bet that’s what happens.
If everyone owns the NG, then everyone has a say in how it’s run. Should someone break rules 1 and 2, there would be a vote taken and the members would have their say – there would need to be at least a 75% turnout on this vote to make it count. Quite frankly, we have neither the time nor the inclination to be arsing about with people’s posts, not to mention trying to work out how many people 75% is – and if anyone is the staunchest believer in “post whatever the fuck you like”,then that’d be us. “Post” meaning contribution on this forum – not a letter to the authorities. (Just making that one clear)

I think you’re a bit of an asshole – you get on my tits. What you gonna do about that then? Eh? Bet you won’t let me post.
Indeed – post away, do your worst – pin back yer ears and let’s do the dance. You know this is an uncensored cyber-space forum eh? Jolly good.
Well, I’m glad you brought that up actually, because it is censored if you control who is and is not allowed to post.
Ah – yes, I can dig your point. This NG rule exists because of some unpleasantness which kind of ruined the whole ethos of a previous NG. That’s why it needs to be a rule – by you agreeing to this rule, it makes you a normal human-being, not some deranged madman with a personal grudge who would engage in a vendetta. It has happened before, we don’t want it happening again. We don’t throw people out just ‘cos we feel like it, like other places do.

So who’s banned then?
There are 3 people in the world who won’t be given access to this NG. We are in no hurry to add to this list.

That’s just not fair though.
It is fair on the people who enjoy posting nonsense on a newsgroup without any comeback in real life, namely, all of us. It is only unfair on those who break that trust.

So I suppose I have to choose my words very carefully and ensure I don’t upset anyone then?
No not at all. As long as it remains in cyberspace, no problem, do your worst – that’s the fun bit!

Well, I’m still not convinced, I think I’d like to stay just where I am.
Thank you for your time and goodbye.

OK, maybe I’ll just lurk – can I just lurk? What’s lurk?
Lurking is when you read the messages but don’t reply or start new threads yourself. Yes, of course you can do this. But then you’ll miss getting flamed and baited for your “I ♥ Ralf” thread.

I don’t really like Formula One – can I still contribute?
Just sod off already.

I knew you’d get abusive – you gonna delete my posts now eh? I bet you do – you big prick, you smell like a warthogs arse on a hot summers day, your breath is as putrid as a dead cow that’s been left in the dessert for a month and has been half eaten by vultures. Go on, delete me you fuckin tosser? I’ll fuck you up good – you lame arsed fuckwit who knows nothing and reeks like fish.
Left in the dessert, what like a lemon meringue? I’m not surprised it smells if you left a dead cow on a lemon meringue. Thank you for choosing F1NGers to air your views. We hope to see you again soon.

OK – I think I get the point. When I’m part of a club, I want to have cool T-shirts with cool slogans and shit – any chance of that?
There will be new F1NGers merchandise along soon – watch this space. But then we said that last time. We’re a lazy bunch, come and give us a kick. This community will be what we make it, so join in and help us build something good.

I still think you’re a dick
Welcome to F1NGers!

Do you enforce bottom-posting/context-posting, and do you prohibit HTML, both of which are the Usenet standard for newsgroups?
No, F1NGers is not attached to Usenet and is not subject to its rules. We have our own rules about posts, which are more like courtesies than rules. Top-posting is the norm, because the other way wears out your mouse wheel while you scroll past the long exhaustive explanation of something you’ve just read, to get to the funny one-liner disproving it all. We do use the other way when in a long discussion. F1NGers is usually more pub-humour than long discussion. HTML is not only allowed, it is actively encouraged. We aren’t anally retentive like those fags on Usenet. You won’t find people moaning about sig separators here.

I take offence at your attitude to homosexuals.
If you can’t see it’s just a joke, you won’t last five seconds with us.

Anything else I should know?
Finland is in Russia and Brazil is in Mexico. Don’t ask, just accept it. Also, Canadians are Amentalcans with no concept of sanity, hence their adoration for Jacques Villeneuve and his rim cleaner. Oh, and Button came from CART, I can’t even remember why any more, he just did.

You guys are crazy. Where do I sign up?
See the ‘Join Us!’ page. Tip: Buy a keyboard which can withstand multiple coffee spills, or use any industry-standard jizz guard.