*CURRENT Tracking Rules*

[cyberdman 1,452]

I've done some house cleaning and consolidation and added in a few new items to take notice of. Please review the items below for changes / updates.

1.) I request that you subscribe to this thread if you haven't already. Click the little button at the top that says "Watch topic". That way I'll get no frantic responses from any of you that don't keep up with this and ask me a million requests when I am gone or on vacation that I have already said I won't be available. You will be automatically notified as long as you have your forum / board settings set up properly.

2.) There are a number of you that have come to this forum for only the purpose of tracking and have in a sense spammed the forums with silly banter in order to fluff up your post count to get in here and demand some tracking action. I would think that if tracking was that important, many of those of you would have read my rules and responded accordingly. I know how you feel ... it is just like Terms of Service agreements or software piracy acknowledgments - you know, those agreements in software programs that scroll on forever that those people ask you to read, but you don't and you just click "agree" anyway to get to quickly click on the next prompt. Humor me and read each and every rule. I ask for a reason and there are so many rule breakers I'm close to my wits end with a lot of you. The rules are here to assist me in helping you - that is it.

3.) If you break a rule, I am no longer going to give you a kind reminder. I am simply just going to ignore your request. If you find you are being ignored, then you did something wrong. Figure it out. Re-read the rules you were supposed to have read in the first place. Then, once you are ready to comply properly, you can re-bump your thread properly. I am not going to respond until you do.

4.) I am sorry, but some of you are taking extreme advantage of my generosity and this free service I offer on my own time. Those that do are ruining it for everyone else. From now on: Absolutely no more than ONE (1) update per tracking thread, per week. I don't care if you are in the process of shipping, or have started production. You plan it out when you want to hear from me, but no more than once per week. I don't care if your lease is expiring and you need to know tracking info so you aren't left without a vehicle. Get a clue - If you are to the point where you need to know where your vehicle is in production because you may/will be left without a vehicle to drive - you have definitely already screwed up and have extremely poor planning that even I can't help you with.

5.) All PMs asking about tracking, information or updates will be deleted no questions asked. I thought this was clear, but apparently it is not. I don't care if you can't figure out how to post in this forum. No PM's about tracking or updates, period!

6.) I am not ignoring you, but at the same time I am not baby sitting your vehicle tracking either. If you want an update, bump your thread. If I haven't gotten to it in a few days, please re-bump - it may have fallen off my list of new updated topics.

7.) If you start to become annoying by wanting timely minute-by-minute updates of any minor thing that happened during your production run or shipment - please stop posting and see your dealer. I am not a service, I do this in what little free time I have because I want to. Please don't make me not want to do this anymore. If you respect my free time, I'll respect your request - it is pretty simple. You don't own me and I don't have to respond.

8.) I have to be at work to do this and I'll typically handle most requests in the morning. Don't ask me for a weekend update because you won't get it.

9.) If I have previously given you an update and in that update there was a specific date listed of something to happen next in the production run, please don't ask me for any more updates until that date has passed. I waste a ton of time with folks wanting updates to production dates I have given you when that date hasn't even happened yet - there won't be any changes. Please be smart about it.

10.) I am not the plant, delivery system, production scheduler or your dealership. Don't ask me to estimate any type of dates or time frame for you, or why things are such and such or taking so long. I can't and won't. There are a million and one variables in what happens with your order - things take as long as they take.

11.) I provide vehicle locator updates - status updates that can be found in your vehicle visibility report. That is it. Don't ask me to provide you with anything other than that, i.e.: no build sheets, no window stickers, no production schedules, no rail car information, no rail car numbers, etc.

12.) Do not make multiple threads for updates. Stick to one thread per VIN / Dealer Code-Order Number for updates. You want to follow a second car you have ordered, make a new thread for that vehicle. Repeat, do not make multiple threads for the same vehicle - even if you've provided incorrect information the first time. Just correct your mis-information in an update to your thread. I will get sick of figuring out which one I need to respond to and just not respond to any of your threads.

13.) I am a human, not an internet robot. I appreciate civility and I enjoy pleases and thank yous. However, please keep the extra chitchat outside of tracking info to a minimum because it helps me sort through threads I haven't upated yet and ones I have.

14.) I do not want anything in return for this. However, after all this work for you, my only payoffs are, 1 - knowing you are happy, and 2 - seeing that final picture of the vehicle I helped you follow for weeks on end. Please don't forget the photo. I love that.

15.) I need a valid VIN, or dealer code and order number to track your order. Please quadruple check the numbers you provide me. I know they are a long string of numbers and letters, but reporting those numbers right the first time will makes us both happier.

16.) When you bump your threads looking for more info, please repost your VIN (or Dealer Codes and Order Number) within your bump.

17.) Do not come here looking for information if you don't have either a VIN or proper, correct Dealer Code AND Order Number. Don't try to give me a Dealer Code with your vehicle description and expect me to find your vehicle. In most cases it is a needle in a haystack. Without both - forget it. If you have your DORA, the Dealer Code and Order Number are both on there, do me a favor and give me both or forget it. Also know this, most dealerships order multiple vehicles -even different types, under the same Order Number, so I will need a description of your vehicle along with your Dealer Code AND Order Number - such as: type, engine, trans, body style, that is it. Don't give me packages or trim levels, those things don't mean squat to me and are not listed in the Visibility Report as trim levels, just a laundry list of options.

18.) I am only a minor admin on this sub-forum, I have no control over how it works and how you get here. I can organize threads and close topics, but I am mostly just a user like the rest of you. Forget all the conspiracy theories of what I am doing to you in why you can't post here or your threads disappearing or whatever related to how the forum works, it is just all B.S..

19.) If I give you a status and it is Unscheduled-Clean, that means you have a successful order in the system and it isn't currently scheduled for production. When you are in Unscheduled-Clean status I will provide updates no sooner than every two weeks, providing you bump your thread properly.  There are a multitude of reasons why something doesn't progress quickly from that status to the line. It has to do with production schedules, plant availability, ordering priority numbers, where you live and that region / dealerships specific allowed allocation segments for that vehicle. I have seen Unscheduled-Clean status stay that way for weeks and weeks on end - even as long as 6 months depending on the availability of what you are ordering and speed of the plant, etc. etc. If you are upset about your vehicle being Unscheduled-Clean for an extended period, you need to work with your salesperson to try to adjust your order priority or find out what period your allocation unit is limited to.

20.) Enjoy yourself. If these updates start making you angry or hostile, or your attitude is making me angry or hostile, please go elsewhere and blow off some steam.

Thanks as always. Any comments will be deleted.

Edited June 22, 2020 by cyberdman
Cleanup and updates

[cyberdman 1,452]

Hello Blue Oval Friends.  I've been tracking here for you all for ... what - somewhere around 12 years or more?  I know we've had some ups and downs here.  I have been through an unbelievable amount of turmoil in my career and made it through dozens and dozens of cuts, setbacks, salaried reductions, smart redesigns, etc. etc. and despite being a third generation Ford employee with a combined 26 years with the company (minus 5 years with that Visteon fiasco) and someone who has always bled blue - it just wasn't enough this time and my time has now come to an end.  I have been volunteered to involuntarily separate myself from the company.  Tomorrow is my last official day.  I am about to lose my access and I will not be able to track any longer.  It breaks my heart.

 

Since I am no longer tracking, the rules no longer matter.  Please, if you wish, go ahead and make posts in here if you would like to say something nice - or even yell at me.  I'd love to see it.

 

Hopefully someone else will come along and take this over for you all and hopefully they will make their own rules...

[ice-capades 5,183]

4 hours ago, cyberdman said:

Hello Blue Oval Friends.  I've been tracking here for you all for ... what - somewhere around 12 years or more?  I know we've had some ups and downs here.  I have been through an unbelievable amount of turmoil in my career and made it through dozens and dozens of cuts, setbacks, salaried reductions, smart redesigns, etc. etc. and despite being a third generation Ford employee with a combined 26 years with the company (minus 5 years with that Visteon fiasco) and someone who has always bled blue - it just wasn't enough this time and my time has now come to an end.  I have been volunteered to involuntarily separate myself from the company.  Tomorrow is my last official day.  I am about to lose my access and I will not be able to track any longer.  It breaks my heart.

 

Since I am no longer tracking, the rules no longer matter.  Please, if you wish, go ahead and make posts in here if you would like to say something nice - or even yell at me.  I'd love to see it.

 

Hopefully someone else will come along and take this over for you all and hopefully they will make their own rules...

 

Thank you for all your years of service, both to Ford and to the Blue Oval Forums and its members with the all the time you've donated on a voluntary basis to track BOF member vehicles. Best wishes for your future endeavors! Your absence will be a great loss. 

Edited April 28, 2022 by ice-capades
Additional Content

[DieterG 18]

19 minutes ago, cyberdman said:

Since I am no longer tracking, the rules no longer matter.  Please, if you wish, go ahead and make posts in here if you would like to say something nice - or even yell at me.  I'd love to see it.

You were always friendly and helpful and your rules were clear and simple.
It will be difficult for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps.
All the best and the best of health, you will be missed here.
Best regards
dieter

[Wolfeman 14]

Thanks for your help during several orders that I made through my dealership. I wish you the best in your retirement!

[Fastronaut 141]

37 minutes ago, cyberdman said:

Hello Blue Oval Friends.  I've been tracking here for you all for ... what - somewhere around 12 years or more?  I know we've had some ups and downs here.  I have been through an unbelievable amount of turmoil in my career and made it through dozens and dozens of cuts, setbacks, salaried reductions, smart redesigns, etc. etc. and despite being a third generation Ford employee with a combined 26 years with the company (minus 5 years with that Visteon fiasco) and someone who has always bled blue - it just wasn't enough this time and my time has now come to an end.  I have been volunteered to involuntarily separate myself from the company.  Tomorrow is my last official day.  I am about to lose my access and I will not be able to track any longer.  It breaks my heart.

 

Since I am no longer tracking, the rules no longer matter.  Please, if you wish, go ahead and make posts in here if you would like to say something nice - or even yell at me.  I'd love to see it.

 

Hopefully someone else will come along and take this over for you all and hopefully they will make their own rules...

You've helped so many of us throughout the years..... THANK YOU SO MUCH.

 

I just wish we knew your name to properly thank you.

[Black Label 244]

Wow. I was wondering if you were okay yesterday since you had not posted any updates. I am really sorry to hear this. Thank you for tracking my 2 Navigators. 

 

 

[dennis48755 10]

Thank you for all the help you have been to us.

 

Dennis

[txsd 11]

Really sorry to hear this.  I very much appreciated your assistance, very kind of you to do so.  I wish you luck in the future wherever the road takes you!

[cyberdman 1,452]

33 minutes ago, Wolfeman said:

Thanks for your help during several orders that I made through my dealership. I wish you the best in your retirement!

 

It isn't retirement.  I don't get that luxury.  I just get to not do this anymore.

[Mchom 13]

You will be truly missed and wish you the best in whatever door shall open for you. Hopefully God will bless you with a bountiful future. 

[Tony Alonso 1]

Thank you for all you've done. Wishing you the best as you forge ahead. You are in my prayers.

[ButlerDan 11]

Wow man, so sorry to hear the news.  I hope you know how many people appreciated the insight you gave them.  The world needs people like you.  Best of luck going forward.  You will be missed.

[yorid 61]

Thank you for all the hard work you've done. You're tracked numerous vehicles for me throughout the years. Enjoy whatever your doing next.  Enjoy all the free time you'll have now. Thank you again.

[Pinkly Taurus 11]

Cyberdman, first of all , sorry to lose you as an excellent resource here on BlueovalForums, we all are going to miss the thankless task you under took years ago to help us.

I am sorry to hear of your forced retirement, would have been nice for you to have received more notice im sure and you obviously enjoyed what you were doing so that is like a double strike.

we can only hope and wish you transition into the next chapter with greater opportunities and more time with loved ones. Best of luck to you sir and you will be missed

[ponyhp 10]

Cyberdman, thanks from myself for the several vehicles you've tracked for me over the years.  But thanks for you willingness to help out the Ford Community and sorry to hear Ford isn't being nice to you.  Good luck in your future and I pray you get to work in a place you will enjoy.  

[gom 29]

You will forever be a legend among Ford enthusiasts. Thank you for your many years long contribution to us all.

[JC2014 75]

You have gone above and beyond for the people of the BOF. I wish you health and happiness in your furture. You will be truly missed.

[JC2014 75]

Good Luck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 28, 2022 by JC2014
duplicate

[Roland 32]

So sorry to hear this.  Thank you for all the help you've given over the years, including with my current ride.

 

As someone who has been there, done that in a different industry I can tell you that for me, being forcibly separated from a company that I had invested way too much of myself into was the best thing to happen in my career.  A harsh reminder that a company will never love you back.

 

Wishing you the best wherever you go from here.

[cyberdman 1,452]

I wish I could have given you all more notice - but I didn't have any advanced notice myself either.  Of course, that is the way they wanted it. The people they got rid of this time around left just about everyone I know there scratching their heads wondering if even they know just exactly what they are doing.  It made no logical sense.

 

In any case - the bright side for me is I won't have to put up with the continued aggravation of having the forum bomb out 4 or 5 times while trying to update 20 odd different orders/threads.  That was maddening to deal with.

[Jim58 33]

To start off I want to thank you for your help when I was waiting on my 22 F250 and getting the standard run around or BS answer for Stealership. You have been a big player in helping everyone through all this mess that Ford wants to claim as “The New Normal”. 
 

Sorry to hear they are making you leave. Guessing they have or will hire someone younger with no knowledge of Fords or how things work, for less money so they can pocket more for themselves.  

[Jbrubakerjr 4]

Thanks for all the years of dedicated service! Best wishes to you and all you put your efforts and expertise towards in the  future!

[Forderorder 68]

@cyberdman , sorry to hear this.  I am so grateful for the help you've provided with tracking my orders, and if it weren't for you I probably would not have stuck it out waiting for a Ford vehicle.  I cannot thank you enough.  I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do next.

[4thTimer 64]

That sucks in a big way and I'm not talking about the loss of your highly valued assistance.  That's just no way to treat someone unless they were being fired for cause.

Dumping you off with no warning like a line robot is just wrong.

And while it's still wrong of them,  things happen for a reason and new opportunities will open to you.

God bless.