FORUM REALITIES 101 – A REMINDER

[Anonymous]

deschane,
Oops I just made the first mistake of my life. [ :D] You are correct on the "sword". Thanks for catching that. [:D]

[Anonymous]

Greengoose, I am slow, however, wasn't that really the pen is mightier than the sword, and not word?

[Anonymous]

Hello Mister Anderson.

[Anonymous]

Good reminder. Have seen that happen on computer forums I moderate. But the actual percentage is low but as the "pen is mighter tan the word" (who said that?), it has a far reaching consequence.

If we take the responsibility for our actions and words there usually is not a problem.

And another thing I have noticed on this forum is the respect given one another overall. Makes it enjoyable to be here.

Not one of us knows it all and by sharing we learn and save alot of time in doing so.

In closing - those with fictitious identities must be pretty lonely people looking for something. I for one am not hard to find. [:)]

[Anonymous]

Well, we're gonna have to give up this thread, as we are forgetting what one of me has said what! My grammar bad. Speling hard! Like trains.

Bob Forum

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mdemt



Think about it, if a person attacked you (even if it was you,) should someone who disagrees with the argument not speak up?

Or, are you suggesting that there is really only one person actually on the forum and I should stop arguing with myself and stop wasting time writing myself all of these messages to help me on my layout that I could be building instead of wasting time "chatting" here with all of my alternate personalities?

Man.... I think I need my medication....

Maybe MR should be called "Matrix Railroading"

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rda1964


At least one reader got it.

Randy

Uh Randy uh um you spelt wooden wrong on one of the other threads

Shame on you!!!![:(!]

[Anonymous]

At least one reader got it.

Randy

[Anonymous]

mdemt - Well put.

LightBender - I think we are all a little warped.

After reading this post it has become obvious that there are only two "actual" users on this forum, and that all the other usernames are aliases of one same person who is playing some demented game with me. That, or there is only one person making posts and he/she has created their own little word in this forum like The Sims, in which everyone (including me) is only a characters created for one persons enjoyment. Or maybe I just forgot to take my prescription to suppress my paranoia.

[Anonymous]

Hello Train-Master,

There we go. I read Randy's post and after tripping over the grammar and spelling I started to chuckle, I assumed that the entire post was satire what with the insults and the post ending with the admonition to 'speak softly'. It made me laugh,
Do I have a warped sense of humour?
Does Randy?

[Anonymous]

Excellent point mabruce.

However, many of the recent heat has been by three or more different "users" on various topics. None the less, yes there is the inherent chance that they are the same person, but the debate that raged was real none the less.

If you are referring to some of the more recent hot topics... all I can say is that most of the heat was pointed at views that were not acceptable by some of the more moderate posters. Some posts and replies were even downright hostile towards people that we read posts from. People that are routinely positive and helpfull were hurt by the posts or replies unfairly.

As a result, many of the people that "jumped" in, were doing so out of support, or out of outrage at the treatment of people they have come to respect. Even others were merely trying to state their view of the topic or issues so that we have a well rounded discussion of WHATEVER comes up.

To suggest that we skip it, means that wether you are young or old, you do not get to see differing viewpoints. This is the ultimate reason to be here, albeit we should be doing so on train topics, not social topics.

But if a social or personal topic comes up, and we are here in the forum, it is sometimes better to respond to an issue that moves you, or risk belief that that issue does not carry your viewpoint or belief.

ALL extremes are usually bad, but I believe most of the posts were not from extremist people. They were from people who banded together over a fundamental idea of fairness to see to it that bully's do not run unchecked in our forum.

Think about it, if a person attacked you (even if it was you,) should someone who disagrees with the argument not speak up?

Or, are you suggesting that there is really only one person actually on the forum and I should stop arguing with myself and stop wasting time writing myself all of these messages to help me on my layout that I could be building instead of wasting time "chatting" here with all of my alternate personalities?

Man.... I think I need my medication....

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rda1964


First: Grammar, spelling, punctuation and typographic attention are NOT OPTIONAL. This is a written medium. Clear expression of ideas and points require standard english. How much respect should I, or anyone, have for careless illiteracy? In my view none at all.

I think that most people view these forums as a pretty casual place to post topics and generally chat without people getting anal about grammar. Save the grammar corrections for obviously incorrect posts, or the MLA forums (that's the Modern Language Association for those of you who aren't in high school) Also, how would you like it if you were posting on a board that was in a different language that you weren't completely fluent in and people thought you were a moron for "careless illiteracy"?

QUOTE:
Second: Topical structure is not a suggestion. It is a rule of the forum. Abide by it or go elsewhere. Saying, "If you don't want to read my post don't read it", is the logical equal of saying, "If you don't like the rubbish I leave on the street take a different route." Its intentional bad manners.

The last time I checked, these forums promoted free speech. If the topics were all restricted to train topics, it would get old pretty fast. While I think that people should generally stick to railroading topics, I have no problems with others “hanging out” or chatting with acquaintances from this forum. I intend to support the principle of free speech, provided that what is posted is respectful and not deliberately trying to offend me.

QUOTE:
Third: The idea all forum posters are deserving of equal respect is, to me, silly on its face. Here all anyone knows about anyone is between the margins. Forums are a pure meritocracy. If what is written over the signature is ill expressed, off topic, poorly spelled, ill puncutated and tendentious what should I conclude other than the poster is a hopeless AND lazy twit? And weight his views accordingly.

You think whatever you want about that person. I’ve already made up my mind about you.

Also, while typing this post in my word processor, it automatically found quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes that you made. I would say that that is kind of ironic, wouldn’t you?

[Anonymous]

You know, I've been reading this one for two days now, and I just can't come up with anything to say.

[pbjwilson]

Can youv tell me why a 022 switch has a 31" radius? Why isnt it a 031?

[Anonymous]

Good topic, Mabruce. I've been aware of this all along. That's why I never give out my name, street address, town, etc. You just NEVER CAN BE SURE, unless you've met the person. Glad to see someone brought up safety issues.

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tpaulsen


And I really am tpaulsen, and I will remain so.

Tom

I don't believe you. If you are the real Tom Paulsen what is your date of birth? What is your mothers maiden name? What are the first 16 numbers on your Visa card (in order), what is the expiration date on that card, what is the billing address and how does your name appear on the card.........huh?[:)]

[Anonymous]

Let us see here. I can tell you all that your modelling sucks, but so does mine from time to time. I can tell you that you look funny and your mom is strange, but maybe I look funny and have a strange family as well. I can tell you that the rivets in your levi's are not to scale, but that doesn't mean your pants will fall off. And on and on.

No one person is perfect, except perhaps at being a butthole. So why rise to the tra***hat some people have to post? Why even care about them? There is a lot of great stuff in this forum, more than enough to offset those that need to take their ball and go home because we will not play by their rules. If we just ignore the trash, make no comment to it at all, the trash will go away in time. The only reason it is here is because we react and respond to the jerks. I have been criticized on this forum, but I have never responded. Now no one says much about my posts. Let the turkeys try to learn how to fly, let us ignore them as they do.

And I really am tpaulsen, and I will remain so.

Tom

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Doccm9, I agree with your spelling and grammar comment but not for argument sake, but just out of common decency

Unfortunately some people use it as a low brow attempt to save themselves from losing a debate, but instead it confirms thier loss, becasue they lack a counter-argument.

QUOTE: And finally to doccm9 – If it makes you feel better that a debate is won when someone points out bad spelling, then fine. Whatever. I’ll pledge never be a “spelling Nazi” again. BTW: This is just a piece of advice (not trying to win a debate here), but using the “Nazi” term can be considered extremely offensive to some people here – especially Vets. I’d reconsider ever using it again, unless you really want to get people extremely pissed at you. Maybe something like “Spelling Tyrant” would be better?

No offense is meant, that's just the commonly used term.

[Anonymous]

Fingers no, but I have pointed thumbs at some people [tup] [tup] [tup] [tup] [tup]

[Anonymous]

But Mabruce is right, people aren't Exactly who they may seem to be.

But I am kevin, lat time i cheacked...

Well actually...

Now if you'll excuse Me, i put on my Robs as today is going to be a grand day in court, maybe i'll get to yell pathetically at philistines and make myself look like a jerk!

Judge Jud... uhh i mean "Kevin"

[MAbruce]

QUOTE: Originally posted by easyaces

[:(!] So what do you expect everyone to do there MaBruce, point fingers at one another or call each other names ? I think not!!!!!! Yes, unfortunately there are some who would stoop very low. But if anybody has any sense , we would be able to see through that kind of guff, and learn to disregard it, and press on. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail as they have in the past !!!

Easy there, "easyaces". [:)]

Pointing fingers at one another and calling each other names is exactly what I'm trying to get people to reconsider doing. I agree that cooler heads have eventually prevailed in past heated topics, but sadly, this occurred only after a heated exchange of harsh words.

I’m just trying to get people to rethink even starting such an exchange. One of the things that help me to walk away from a flame fest is to remember that there are people out there that are TRYING to get this to happen. They may not even be model railroaders, but just people with way too much time on their hands that get their kicks out of starting fires.

Anonymity on the internet is a fact of life. I would neither expect, nor want anyone on this forum to expose their true identity. It’s just not a good idea for everyone’s safety. But there will be those who take advantage of this. Hey, I could actually be “easyaces” myself. It’s not hard to set up more than one account here! You would never know (sorry easyaces, didn’t mean to pick on you).

Overall, the replies to this topic have been interesting, but not surprising. I was sure that I’d draw some scoffing, and even jokes (at least I’ll take them as that).

KevintheRRman, you could be right about no one being here if everyone stuck to train subjects, but maybe not. We’ll never really know because I don’t thing any forum will ever be 100% on topic. And about those voices in your head…[:O][;)]

RSN48 – I know you well from other MRR forums. Please stop skipping your medication! [:D][:D][;)]

Scottydog – You are 100% correct, but it will never happen.

And finally to doccm9 – If it makes you feel better that a debate is won when someone points out bad spelling, then fine. Whatever. I’ll pledge never be a “spelling Nazi” again. BTW: This is just a piece of advice (not trying to win a debate here), but using the “Nazi” term can be considered extremely offensive to some people here – especially Vets. I’d reconsider ever using it again, unless you really want to get people extremely pissed at you. Maybe something like “Spelling Tyrant” would be better?

So let's all just relax and at least try to talk trains. [^]

[Fergmiester]

Interesting points made here (all above). I for one like the fact we live in a democracy and have certain freedoms and are allowed to express our selfs in a respectful way and not having to live in a draconian regime.

Maybe MABruce or some one should put this to a poll and see what the majority of users want. Any seconds on the Loco motion/Lo-comotion?

[Anonymous]

Several points here:

First: Grammar, spelling, punctuation and typographic attention are NOT OPTIONAL. This is a written medium. Clear expression of ideas and points require standard english. How much respect should I, or anyone, have for careless illiteracy? In my view none at all.

Second: Topical structure is not a suggestion. It is a rule of the forum. Abide by it or go elsewhere. Saying, "If you don't want to read my post don't read it", is the logical equal of saying, "If you don't like the rubbish I leave on the street take a different route." Its intentional bad manners.

Third: The idea all forum posters are deserving of equal respect is, to me, silly on its face. Here all anyone knows about anyone is between the margins. Forums are a pure meritocracy. If what is written over the signature is ill expressed, off topic, poorly spelled, ill puncutated and tendentious what should I conclude other than the poster is a hopeless AND lazy twit? And weight his views accordingly.

Fourth: In my view the TAMR set is certainly welcome here, as they have no forum of their own. I continue to suggest a separate forum sub-section for their use. However, as it doesn't yet exist, the adults need to understand younger posters tend to "run off the rails" (railroad metaphore here) from time to time and require a bit of guidance. Of course, such guidance should be a reminder not a rebuke. If they are, as is often asserted, the future of the hobby wouldn't we all prefer a polite and knowledgable future?

Lets all remember a soft word is always preferable to a barb.

Randy

[Anonymous]

One doesn't need to explore the whole planet to realise that some folks are a little weirder than others and are entertained by sources beyond the understanding of most of us. Age has little to do with this. Sorry Don, but your naivete is showing, the internet means all and sundry get in.

Doccm9, I agree with your spelling and grammar comment but not for argument sake, but just out of common decency. As MABruce said we don't know who is at the keyboard and assuming that everyone has English as a first language is rudely arrogant.

Writing in CAPITALS can be annoying but although unlikely these days, for those of you who don't remember, early Apple ]['s didn't do lower case.

As KevinstheRRman suggests there will never be RR only discussion boards, we have more to share than just trains. When controversy raises it's head however, Easyaces gave us the ultimate answer "disregard it and press on" If you wrestle a pig you won't win, you'll get stuff on ya and the pig is the only one enjoying it.

[Anonymous]

I pretend to be cool on this site, but I'm not cool in real life. I'm sorry I lied. Can you forgive me?[:I]

[krump]

yip

[AggroJones]

You are right. I could be a serial killer. [:-,] But I'm not.
I'm just a sad younger gentleman who finds joy in model railroading.
I am who I say I am.

And I don't like confrentation. Online or in real life. [:(]

[Anonymous]

Thanks for reminding me - time to take my medication.

[Anonymous]

Don Cameron-

The thing is, yes, it's a fun hobby, but for some people, getting on a random forum or chat room and hogging all the attention by submitting outrageous or flaming posts is, in itself, their hobby. You would hope that such persons would, over time, be convinced to give up that "hobby" for a better one, i.e. Model Railroading.