July 2006 LXOM: MattRobertson

**DMAG** · 07-02-2006, 12:33 PM

written by MattRobertson

When the Dodge Magnum popped up out of nowhere, I knew I had to have one.

I thought I was buying a cool station wagon that would let me haul crap around and indulge my need for Ridiculous Speed. A perfectly practical toy.

I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. Up until this point, while I enjoyed reading about cars and had a general understanding of what makes them go, go faster, and how, that was it. I am a computer geek after all. I work behind a keyboard and a vehicle's primary benefit is that it goes fast, keeps running and never breaks. If I could nail the hood shut so much the better.

Well with the Magnum that all changed. I got online while I waited for mine to be built. With months of nothing to do but learn about the car, and how to make it better, I started stocking up on parts. The joke at home was if the car didn't get built soon I would have enough parts on hand to make one myself.

Well after a few bumps Darth Hemi was born and in short order the mods started piling on. Hobbies I had previously got left behind. After floating around a couple other forums I discovered this one. It didn't take long for lxforums to stand out as an online community; having more the feel of a real-world car club, with an extended family atmosphere, than your typical online gathering. I don't even bother visiting other fora anymore. If I need to find something out, the answers and the brain trust is here.

And so are many new friends. Thats something else about this place that shines like a beacon: People here are pretty cool. RedInOrange took time out of his day to hang out when I went down and had my Zoomers put on. That was, frankly, my first opportunity to actually talk to a live person who I had conversed with online. At GIFO1 I don't think I was the only one to be surprised by the fact that 1)we all were able to come together in the real world without the sky falling or someone slugging somebody else and 2)we all seemed to click together as if we had known one another for years. Since then there have been many events, Meet-n-Greets and just plain BS sessions over a beer or two.

The focus of my involvement in LXForums has changed over time. The car is only a part of the story. Half the reason I would go to a MnG now would be to hang out in person with friends. That we all have cool cars to drive there is a bonus.

The first 18 months of owning this car have been a very different trip than the one I had planned. Its all been great, and with the news of the Challenger it doesn't look like its going to end ANY time soon. Where do we go next?

Cheers to you all,

--Matt--

**sugar-tj** · 07-02-2006, 01:13 PM

congrats matt, great write up, i know how ya feel about the forum, i feel the same way,....
and, like you said, meeting forum members in person is the best part.

**chasb** · 07-02-2006, 01:37 PM

The best times I have are when I meet folks in person, after cyber-chatting with them on this site.

My goal is to make one of the treks out west to meet you west coast LX brothers. When I get the time I will do that.

**Jaak** · 07-02-2006, 01:56 PM

Congrats Matt and well said! Yes, the forum has transformed my experience with this awesome ride as well...

**ZMagnum** · 07-02-2006, 01:59 PM

Congrats Matt. I'm so glad you decided to join this site. It was also great to have met you at 2 different events. Looking forward to the next one. Keep up the good work.

**EXTREME** · 07-02-2006, 02:08 PM

Congrats Matt!!!

**LowGo** · 07-02-2006, 02:15 PM

Congrats again, Matt. I always enjoy reading your posts.

**1bad4dr** · 07-02-2006, 02:15 PM

Great speach Matt.... Congrats to you.

**thewagon** · 07-02-2006, 02:21 PM

Matt,
Great write up. Being new (2 yrs now) to the California area and new to actually having a car that can "get out of its own way" for a change has brought my interests in cars to a new level.
The LX Forum and all those who participate and share their lives simply floored me as well. It was great meeting up with you, especially on the ride to Scottsdale Arizona along with the other "car nuts". I enjoy your experiments with the air cleaner and now the new wildwood brake writeups as well. Don't stop, you've got a captive audience.

Andrew

**MikeEast** · 07-02-2006, 03:02 PM

Congratulations Matt! Well Deserved too!

You contributions are part of what makes this forum cooler than any others I've been part of, thanks!!

Mike

**grinner** · 07-02-2006, 03:12 PM

well deserved, brother.
awesome ride. awesome dude

**fnkychkn** · 07-02-2006, 03:14 PM

congrats Matt. great write-up. i think you nailed the atmosphere on this forum right on the head.

**Darthvader** · 07-02-2006, 03:21 PM

Matt, You have been an inspiration. Thanks for all the info you have provided and your help on some of my projects too. Congrates on LX Member of the month.

**Mosie** · 07-02-2006, 03:40 PM

CONGRATS MATT!!

Originally Posted by [COLOR=#8b0000

MattRobertson[/color]]After floating around a couple other forums I discovered this one. It didn't take long for lxforums to stand out as an online community; having more the feel of a real-world car club, with an extended family atmosphere, than your typical online gathering. I don't even bother visiting other fora anymore. If I need to find something out, the answers and the brain trust is here.

Time after time I look to the forums to find an answer, and (as you know) you are one of the people I'll call if I'm unsure or just can't make up my mind by myself. You ARE a part of the LX Forums "brain trust" that we all take advantage of. We’re lucky to have you as an active member!

It’s been a pleasure meeting you and hanging out at some of the different events!
See you at the track

and the next MoFO testing event!