Where do we draw the line?

[Anonymous]

The events of the last couple of days have been upsetting to say the least, however they were a long way coming. Every steam engine has a safety and I think we've just seen it blow and maybe this is a good thing. Now we can haul the forum back into the shop and see what caused this occurrence and hopefully rectify it before we loose any more time and energy.

Gordo's rant has been well received as calmer heads are starting to prevail. Robmik has made some valid points in that thread, as to membership and it's trends. So the question is how do we maintain the ridership of this forum and keep everyone happy?

I believe some have left because they feel things have gotten away from the hard core MR'ing but I also believe most people come and go as they please. They will stay for awhile and move on. This would be regardless of content.

I believe there is room for all of us but in order to do this we all have to be respectful of each other's views, ideas and ways.

If we make this too hard core it will be "the job" re-visited, and I don't think so. If we let it get too out of control we will alienate the other side.

If we can agree to disagree and remain respectful and tolerant of each other then great, if not then we've lost a great place to visit, chat, learn, educate, laugh and even commiserate.

Educate me don't berate me.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergus

The events of the last couple of days have been upsetting to say the least, however they were a long way coming. Every steam engine has a safety and I think we've just seen it blow and maybe this is a good thing. Now we can haul the forum back into the shop and see what caused this occurrence and hopefully rectify it before we loose any more time and energy.

Gordo's rant has been well received as calmer heads are starting to prevail. Robmik has made some valid points in that thread, as to membership and it's trends. So the question is how do we maintain the ridership of this forum and keep everyone happy?

I believe some have left because they feel things have gotten away from the hard core MR'ing but I also believe most people come and go as they please. They will stay for awhile and move on. This would be regardless of content.

I believe there is room for all of us but in order to do this we all have to be respectful of each other's views, ideas and ways.

If we make this too hard core it will be "the job" re-visited, and I don't think so. If we let it get too out of control we will alienate the other side.

If we can agree to disagree and remain respectful and tolerant of each other then great, if not then we've lost a great place to visit, chat, learn, educate, laugh and even commiserate.

Educate me don't berate me.

Well put Fergus.....I think a lot of things got out of hand yesterday, It seemed just boil over from one thing to another, to another. I believe there may have been a lot of pinned up hostilty, and yesterday was just a catylist. We're not unlike a big club on here, and we will have our differances, how we handle those differances is really what counts.

[Big_Boy_4005]

I realize that the focus of this forum is model railroading, but the truth is that if that was all we ever talked about it would actually be kind of dull. Making jokes, and chatting with other members is almost as important to me as the actual model railroading content. I have exchanged emails with a few of the people here and have gotten to know those individuals even better.

Remember that this hobby isn't just about the trains, its about the people too.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by brothaslide

Where do we draw the line?

It is easy to be "brave" sitting quietly behind a keyboard. Personally, I have the conviction not to say anything to anyone over the internet that I would not personally have the courage to say to their face. Additionally, remember what your parents taught you - If you can't say anything nice, then don't say it at all.

Some of you who like to blast the teenagers and pre teens on this board would probably think twice about doing it if you had to deal with their fathers.

Peace and Chicken Grease

This had absolutly nothing to do with teenagers or age, It had to do with someone we respected, and accepted as an equal, posting an un-acceptable response in a rather obscure place on another forum, it was stumbled upon and things got out hand yesterday, however all seems to be getting back to normal. Best to let time heal the wounds, wouldn't you say[:)][:)] Yesterday was just a catylist, for apparently, several other beefs that were brewing just under the surface. I really think the air has been cleared and all will be ok.

[Anonymous]

You know, I've kept quiet about this stuff since it started. I guess now is the time to put in my OPINION...

It seems the individuals that complain the most about off-topic, lack of respect, etc., are the ones doing the most to perpetuate this line of threads. How does one expect respect if one can not/ will not put the concept of respect to use?

Frankly, through the lack of restraint of certain individuals, I have, very unfortunately, lost all manner of respect for them. The way I see it, if you, as an adult, can not/will not treat a child/teenager/another adult with the respect and dignity you would like bestowed upon yourself, then you are without merit for any amount of respect from others. Regardless of the venue.

The events of the last couple of days have amounted to no more than school yard bullying. No one has forced anyone to respond to certain statements. Those responses have been solely for the sake of exacerbation. If a topic doesn't suit your fancy, don't waste your time reading it/responding to it.

Respect is not something that is owed nor deserve, rather what is earned.

If anyone cares to take a pot-shot at me, be my guest... But before you do, think for one minute what you'll have to gain from it, and what you'll have to lose. Surely, you'll gain nothing, just lose someones respect.

Again, these are just my opinions, and if I've ticked anyone off in the process of stating my opinion, my humble apologies, in advance.

Rey

[dharmon]

This is not the first time nor will it be the last that this ugly issue raises its head...About six months ago the Trains side had a flamefest like this over a benign topic that went awry. One thing is that folks tend to shoot first and forget that this audience goes from about 9 or so to however old the oldest here is. We need to treat it at a PG13 or so level. Another is that basic respect for others should be followed....not everyone can spell or is linguistically adept as everyone else. Have a little respect for folks strengths and weaknesses. There are some folks too that just like stirring things up becasue that's how they get their kicks....we have to deal with them too. The big thing is folks need to just chill out and throttle back some. This is a hobby and a site for other interested in a common thing to meet and discuss things...and not all things have to be about the hobby, but this is what got us all here together. For those of you that go to church....have you every discussed football or work or something like that with folks while you were there? Same idea....you don't just talk religion the whole time..but it's what got you all togther....

Be nice..play well in the sandbox.

[willy6]

if you read the menu of TRAINS.COM, to get get to this forum it is titled as GENERAL DISCUSSION(Model Railroader)........................"DISCUSSION".........NEED I SAY MORE?

[willy6]

QUOTE: Originally posted by willy6

if you read the menu of TRAINS.COM, to get get to this forum it is titled as GENERAL DISCUSSION(Model Railroader)........................"DISCUSSION".........NEED I SAY MORE?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by willy6

if you read the menu of TRAINS.COM, to get get to this forum it is titled as GENERAL DISCUSSION(Model Railroader)........................"DISCUSSION".........NEED I SAY MORE?

Are you saying that the discussion should only be about Model Railroading or MRR plus anything else that comes to mind, within reason. Do you approve of the DOS and the NEVER ENDING STORY?????

[Anonymous]

I think I see Willy's point... this is discussion and it is about the MRR Forum...

[Anonymous]

As I typed in another thread, GENERAL IS GENERAL.........
Also as stated B-4, both are good reading......

[Anonymous]

*Yawn*
*Stretch*

Alrighty then...can we all be friends now? [:-^][:-^][:-^]

[PistolPete]

The negative comments sound like what happens when a group is together to long, be it family, team, classroom and may now e-mail forums. At times people just need to take a break and recharge. Even the best groups can get stale from time to time.[2c]
As Spock once said "Live Long and Prosper"

[easyaces]

From all that I have gathered on this in the last two days. seems we all have put our two cents in. Who opened up this can of worms anyway? Geeze, what a mess!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergus
...Educate me don't berate me.

Fair enough Fergie;
"Boil me, fry me, Shepherd's Pie me....the rest is gravy".
regards;
Mike

[lupo]

And all ease up at the youth please,
I read some posts on the Under twenty Crowd topic abiout them being harrased at school for being into model railroading and not being able to share their fun in the hobby with ohter youth their age, must be awfull !
We must be FLATTERDED if they share it with us older dudes,
I think the over 20 crowd should keep that in mind, before getting aggrevated about something the under 20 crowd posts
or before flaming one of the younger forum members.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12317