Frustrations of a lurker - 2 Suggestions

OK, so I'm an occasional contributor here, but a more frequent "lurker". And I have to tell you, it can be frustrating to read and review some of the discussion threads that are either (a) simplistically repetitive from previous threads, (b) unanswerable without more specific information - usually in the form of exact language from a particular association's governing documents, or (c)unappreciative of the perspective of what an HOA actually is - a corporate business (in most states).

So without any intent to stifle discussion - and in full recognition of the many, many intelligent insightful discussants to be found here, I would offer up two suggestions for original topic posters:

1). Unless your situation or question is of a very general nature, it would serve you well to first READ YOUR ASSOCIATION'S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS very carefully and completely. I acknowledge that this isn't "fun" or "light reading", but most often it's absolutely necessary. Take special heed of this advice, if after your original post, others here voice the need for specific language of your CCRs. Recognize that the term "governing documents" is a general reference to, most often, two legal documents - a "Declaration of Protective Covenants" (CCRs) which subjects the community's properties to deed restrictions contained in the document and also serves to form the body (e.g. the HOA) that will carry out those restrictions; and a set of "By-laws" that directs how the Association will function. It's my opinion that a substantive proportion of questions posed here, could be answered easily by the OP themselves if they first had done this.

2). RECOGNIZE YOUR HOA FOR WHAT IT IS - this "collection of homeowners" isn't a social club - it's a business. Most often, it is a state chartered corporation that operates as a separate legal entity. It's actually helpful keep in your mind a publicly held corporation that you're familiar with as an analogy for your HOA. The corporate company in your mind has shareholders (members of the HOA) who elect a Board of Directors (the HOA Board) to run the business for them - with the assumption and accountability that this Board will perform well for the benefit of the shareholders. The Board has the responsibility to see that the business runs according to it's charter. Shareholders don't typically participate in all decisions the Board makes - they don't approve every expense, they don't hire and fire every employee, etc, etc, etc. The Board is accountable to the shareholders who, can choose to replace them if their performance doesn't live up to the shareholders expectations (HOA elections).

Well, enough of me on a soap box for today

But I sure do feel better now!

John, you offer some good advise........however..........when I was new to this site I was ELATED to find all these people, and, yes, I have learned to read my documents first, before posing a question. But that is only because of the kind people here TEACHING me to do so.

I for one, do not mind the "blind" questions, and I also don't mind ASKING people what their documents say. Doesn't everyone remember their first job? How scared and "green" we felt? If we were lucky we found that ONE person who didn't make us feel stupid and let us know that ALL questions were GOOD questions.

I for one, have never forgotten that "one" person on the jobs I've had and in my current field I always try to BE that "one" person and I (like MANY) others here will continue to be helpful.

It's probably a good idea if you continue to be a "lurker", and I understand how frustrated you must get reading some of the posts. I, too, get p---ed when some people just don't get it and continue to beat a dead horse.

But please don't stop adding your "expertise" when you see fit.

I absolutely love the fact there is ALWAYS someone like you present on this board - for despite my best attempts at "civility", "softening", "reserved", and "toned-down" commentary, in retrospect, it nonetheless represents a subdued version of a frustration rant .

It's always humbling to have someone else add proper "perspective" to what I may find frustrating.

Thank You!

PeterB1 =

I'd be honored.