I received in the mail a free AOL disc and I first went "online" with it back in 1990. The AOL phase lasted about 5 years and in 1995 a friend said to me, "You don't need AOL to surf the net." I was honestly surprised back then; I was ignorant to the whole internet thing. A few days later I started to cruise the info superhighway and didn't look back to AOL. Also, at that time PC's had not been interesting to many people, however they did rush to stores with computers so they could get on the internet and receive their email.

I received in the mail a free AOL disc and I first went "online" with it back in 1990. The AOL phase lasted about 5 years and in 1995 a friend said to me, "You don't need AOL to surf the net." I was honestly surprised back then; I was ignorant to the whole internet thing. A few days later I started to cruise the info superhighway and didn't look back to AOL. Also, at that time PC's had not been interesting to many people, however they did rush to stores with computers so they could get on the internet and receive their email.

Back then the Internet was really different. Web pages and sites were a lot simpler, since everyone was practically using dial-up internet service. The "information" was easier to find because the internet wasn't over ran with commerce sites. Since the early '80s, forums and chat rooms were prevalent but were clunky and hard to use. It was much easier to use due to AOL's interface.

The action of blogging appeared around 1994 and it didn't take off until 1999 with the addition of "blogging tools." The blogosphere really took off once the political pundits embraced the bogs in 2002. At the moment there is a blog for everything, which is good and bad news. Almost half of the links are for services, products, auction listings, and blog and forum comments when search is conducted by researchers like me. I was sort of bothered at first with the Corvette forum links since searches often were linked to things such as, "I like side-pipes too." However I was satisfyingly surprised to find a rich, complete information source once I took a glance at Corvette forum's home page.

There is a Corvette forum called SmokinVette.com. The thrill and excitement of Corvettes is huge because it covers a 57 year lineage of cars in six unique generations. SmokinVette has Corvette forums for all of the six generations. Upon entering your Corvette's generation forum, look around and check out all of the topics. All of the forums are distinctive, so take your time and glance around at the numerous links, controls and drop down boxes. It like entering and searching around a home improvement store. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but you will learn to find everything you are looking for.

I am sometimes in the mood to look at Corvette pictures, and SmokinVette has an enormous collection of them. What would a high-testosterone topic like Corvettes be without an assortment of Corvette Girls? The answer is it would be boring! However, you will not find anything too over the top, as they are classy pictures at SmokinVette, but you will find a lot of SmokinHot babes. And the last comment is only a compliment, ladies.

Being a Corvette owner is not as expensively challenging as owning a pleasure boat, however you could spend extra cash on personalizing or refurbishing your Corvette. In the SmokinVette forum's "Vette Parts" section you can find anything from a crate engine or supercharger to a little ole LED lights and even used parts. Corvette enthusiasts are extremely creative. You will locate Corvette parts that you didn't even know was being offered.

It is very hard to only be a voyeur. As soon as you finish the free registration, you can add your ideas on some of the forums, start a new forum topic, and ask a Corvette question, or even post images and/or photos. People interested in Corvettes are VERY helpful. Whether you own a Vette or just an enthusiast, you are a member of a uniquely American club. The "Save the Wave" thing got started as a way for Corvette owners to notice one another on the road. Corvettes are special and they are something more than just "cars" that you will not be able to comprehend until you drive one. Driving a Corvette is a genuinely unique experience. You can't just "ride" in a Corvette you have to DRIVE a Corvette, because they are designed and made to be DRIVEN. I have heard and read so many different times, a new Corvette owner say, "I never really understood this car until I drove one." That's the moment when you get hooked.

Make some time, get comfortable, and check out some Corvette forums, such as SmokinVette.com. It's very fun, educational, engaging, and a good way to meet like-minded people the "get" the Corvette passion. Enough said! -KST