I've noticed a disturbing trend here lately, it seems that some guys think a request for info or help is an opportunity for free advertising. foe example: Q- I need to make this work, how do I do it.... A- www.mybusiness.com or... Q- my motor blew up, what fits?... A- www.webuildHP.com. Come on guys, we can all do a web search to find your sites, try giving some helpful advice and you might get some loyal customers for your efforts! Just my view, not that it really matters. Anyone who has read my posts knows that I share good, solid info that I got the hard way, by trial and error and years in the automotive industry, racing at the strip and on dirt tracks and building street cars for myself and my friends. I'm not selling anything and I don't profit from this in any way. Thanks for the space to sound off.  

I am not sorry for helping people.  I was born to protect, help and give.  If my only means is finding and giving info about a site that will help people, So be it.  I may not be as intelligent as you with cars, but I am people intelligent and I know right from wrong and whether I know about the question first hand or have found a site for them to read, I am satisfied and feel good about it.  You will not change me or my good intentions, nor will you change how I feel about your statement.  

I don't recall pointing fingers at anyone in particular, in fact this is the first time I've seen your Username , my point is the guys who plug their own website for their own business and don't really consider what the person asking really needs. I've passed on a few business names myself, such as Year One or Stockton Wheel, but I don't benefit from it and I only recommend a business if the question asked can be answered that way. Good intentions are fine and I don't fault anyone for trying to help, just for shameless plugs where none was needed.  

Personally, I think its great that people are trying to help.  If they can give the best deal, and most of the guys around here and other boards are honest enough to tell you if they have the best deal or not.  Besides you go searching around on the net, and find Joes Performance shop who is a complete fruad, or you can go by word of mouth perse on a site from a satisfied customer.  

That is the power of the boards.. free information, good or bad.    

You guys are missing my point, I'm not against anyone trying to help and I know you take your chances on any forum. My point is simple, when some guy asks a simple question like "will a 78 400 from a TA bolt-in in place of the V6 in my 3rd gen Firebird?", guys shouldn't answer with their favorite engine builder's (or their own) website. The guy didn't ask who can build an engine for him, he asked if it is a do-able swap. By throwing a website at him, where he is only going to get prices on building an engine, you haven't helped him at all. Besides, many engine builders, while they are great at making good, reliable power, haven't got a clue what it takes to bolt it into any particular chassis. It's not that they are stupid or incompetent, it just isn't their job to know. Same goes for parts suppliers, they can find any part you need and get it delivered overnight, but they aren't mechanics (maybe not even the shadetree kind), and they can't tell you how to install the parts. Don't believe me? Go to a parts store and ask for pilot bearing for a 1980 TA with a 350 Chevy in it and a 4-speed, the parts guy will tell you, nine times out of ten that it can't be, because Pontiac didn't build it that way (and he's right!), but one time out of ten you get the sharp guy who will say "Hey, Chevy Camaro's came that way, here's the part you need!".
If you want to make scrambled eggs, and you ask "how do I make scrambled eggs?", does it do any good if someone tells you the name of a 5 star restaurant or a grocery store where you can buy eggs?
I'm not picking on anyone's good intentions, just asking people to read the questions carefully and understand what the guy needs before answering, Sorry if if this bugs people, but I find reading irrelevant answers annoying.  

Holy Crap!! I'm new here so I'll try not to piss anyone/everyone off right away, but I make no promises!

The point he's trying to make and some "people" can't seem to figure out...is this.

DO NOT PROMOTE YOUR OWN BUSINESS AS ADVICE FOR A REPAIR OR ISSUE!! If you own a business that revolves around an issue or repair give the poor guy who has the problem some helpful constructive advice on what he should try to do to solve said problem.

It's like calling the doctor and telling him you have Erectile Disfunction and getting a radio commercial for Viagra. It promotes Viagra...doesn't really solve his mental block about how ugly his wife is!! Can everyone get it now?

Sorry to anyone who is obeying the rules of common sence and good moral conduct, for those who are now mad at me....not really worried about it so enjoy your new found issue.

BTW I love this mag!!! Keep up the awesome job everyone @ HPP!!  

Barney, I noticed the same issue in the latest HPP Tech Q&A section regarding a transaxle rebuild. The responder listed his company but stated only a few shops offer this service. You might think you would list a closer shop than yours which is on the opposite coast from the car owner. Since Pontiacs are in the minority I think we should offer all the help we can to each other.Just my opinion.