TO FORUM MODERATOR - How about closing inappropriate topics?

[Anonymous]

I guess the problem is that many threads, although hobby related could end up becoming political. I think it is a very legitimate question when someone wants to know why so many hobby products come from China. How can that be answered without getting somewhat political? I do remember a long time ago when Model Railroader reported that several manufacturers (and perhaps MRR itself - I don't remember) were testifying about brass inports not being toys and should be taxed differently upon entering the country. That's kind of political and is definately hobby related. The whold thing about Athearn/UP and MTH/DCC is related around various statutes and regulatations. How can a discussion about these remain politically neutral? The "who ya gonna vote for"? OK. totally political. But the vast majority of the posts were comical in nature ("A Kato in every basement!").

I don't care what the topic is: some are of interst, others are not. The only problem I have with any post/thread is when people become rude or inpolite. That is unacceptable.

[Pruitt]

On the Model Railroader forums page, the link into this forum reads as follows:

General Discussion (Model Railroader)
Advice, tips, questions and general information on the hobby

Note that part about "...on the hobby." It doesn't say "...and politics." It doesn't say "...and religion." It doesn't say "...and bodily functions." And so on. So why would anyone think a forum about the hobby is an appropriate place for other discussions?

I posted this topic because it appeared that there were a number of topics that weren't really related to the hobby. A day or so after I posted, several topics were deleted. Perhaps this was coincidence, or perhaps the moderators are more wont to let things go without interference until someone says something. Regardless, it appears that my comments were not totally without merit, though some have tried to make it seem so.

My post was not an assault on any one person. I didn't even look to see who opened the topics - it didn't matter. One person seems to have taken offense that I mentioned two of "his" topics. I'm sorry if they took it as a personal "assault" - it wasn't. I suggested that "Who here is a firefighter" COULD be considered inappropriate. I didn't say it absolutely WAS inappropriate. It would depend on which way the conversation moved, like the thread about "Made in China" that was ultimately deleted. I apologize if I offended you, polizi.

There have been all sorts of interesting replies on this thread. Some more or less agreed with my perspective, and some clearly oppose the idea of anyone even suggesting that the moderator review topics for appropriateness and content. Some are in between.

For some folks, if I agree with their opinions I can post all day long. If I have my own opinion and it's at odds with theirs, I have no right to post it.

One person has intimated that, if you don't post often and have a large post count, you aren't qualified to post an independent opinion here. That same person is upset that the forum moderators listen to individual comments - "...I am very disappointed with the fact that the whinings of one member have been heard more loudly than the voices of many of the members." And then there is someone else who is angered either because I don't post more often, or because I posted without their approval first, I'm not sure which. I've been belittled as one who tries to impress simply by using a word that isn't on that person's 500 most-used words list or some such (I had a great laugh at that one, since the accuser's grammar and punctuation were so abominable). Anyone who reads through the entire thread can see more, including some swearing, to which Bergie has said in the past: "One more thing on the topic of swearing: I don’t care if you use symbols to clean up your swear words, it’s still swearing... don’t do it."

Perhaps I haven't been overtly "flamed" for my post, but there have certainly been attempts to thoroughly "Singe" me. It's kind of funny - those who tell others if they don't like a thread to just pass it by seem incapable of taking their own advice.

This has probably run it's course by now - the moderators have no doubt read through the thread and taken note of whatever they think is valid, and have, or will, take whatever actions they decide are suitable. So maybe it's time to close this thread and move on from here.

[Anonymous]

Railman, I agree with you in part but the other part that is what upset me. I take offense when some one said my topic should be deleted when it had a valid question in it. The other topic was to get some information on the forums which if you have viewed that post "Stars??" youu would see that I am the last poster on it when I called for an end to it since it was getting way off topic. These forums are a place for people to post Questions, Ideas, and thoughts and share a very special hobbie not be push by someone into an arean of censorship.

To all who post we hold these truths to be self evident that all men and women are to be treated fairly and with the same respect that we ask.

[railman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emeraldisle

I've been stompen around in this forum for around a year and a half now so I guess I qualify as one of the old timers on this forum since there seems to be a constant turnover of people like your self. One thing that really ticks me off is for someone like your self with only 67 posts in 4 years, to all of a sudden pop up on here and start complaining about stars and topics ETC. Really, if you don't like what you see, then go somewhere else, no one here is twisting your arm to stay. You're not the first to try closing the door on every ones party and I'm sure you won't be the last. If you wi***o stay, then contribute, if you want to complain about everything, the please go elsewhere.

By having a thousand posts by no means qualifies you more as an expert on forum dynamics than me being a member since January of 2001 with 230. I do agree that commenting on or reading a off-thread post is voluntary, I do not like when we belittle members of the forum who disagree with the majority., no matter how unpopular the decision.

IN SUM: This forum is supposed to be a place where we can share ideas and opinions, and maybe have a little fun once in a while, but let's just all get along. After all, there is only so many model RR's out there; and we need to stick together. So settle this over a cup of coffee already!

[Anonymous]

I've been stompen around in this forum for around a year and a half now so I guess I qualify as one of the old timers on this forum since there seems to be a constant turnover of people like your self. One thing that really ticks me off is for someone like your self with only 67 posts in 4 years, to all of a sudden pop up on here and start complaining about stars and topics ETC. Really, if you don't like what you see, then go somewhere else, no one here is twisting your arm to stay. You're not the first to try closing the door on every ones party and I'm sure you won't be the last. If you wi***o stay, then contribute, if you want to complain about everything, the please go elsewhere.

[Junctionfan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by fec153

How do you model -A HUMAN? We are "Chemical Plants". We give off heat and odors.
Phil

Yes but my emissions are legal..........maybe[:D]

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Joe Polska

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005
If you prefer your forum more censored, I suggest the OGR forum. I've heard good things about that there.

Yep, I agree Big Boy![;)]

I knew you'd get a kick out of that one Joe.[swg]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005
If you prefer your forum more censored, I suggest the OGR forum. I've heard good things about that there.

Yep, I agree Big Boy![;)]

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPowell

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

QUOTE: Originally posted by n2mopac

I would contend that this "General" forum is not so much a model railroading forum as it is a forum for model railroaders. Some of the posts you mention (screen name meaning, who is a firefighter, etc.) actually gives us a chance to get to know something about other model railroaders, who they are, what motivates them, etc. While I myself have complained, even railed, about the large number of these posts compared to the small amount of responses to substantive modeling topics, I still believe that these topics are relevant and should not be "censored." (Yes, I used the "c" word.)

I have to agree that some topics are beyond my taste and view of what is appropriate. I had a problem with the call of nature thread. But, as stated by someone above, the membership here tends to shut these down pretty quickly. If you look at the voting thread, you will see that no political arguments have broken out there (thankd goodness) but it has turned into something of a joke. Is it model related? No. Does it help us get to know other model railroaders? Maybe. My suggestion is, if you don't like th topic, don't open it.

Ron

I really like the distinction that you have made there Ron. When you get down to it, this really is more about the people than it is about the trains. The trains are what we have as a common starting point.[^]

I have to agree with this as well. [^]

Thank you J Powell.

Frankly, I am very disappointed with the fact that the whinings of one member have been heard more loudly than the voices of many of the members. In the past 3 days we have lost 3 topics that I am aware of. Topics that had been running for days without trouble, were suddenly deleted.

I realize that this is not a democracy, and that Bergie has the final say as to the content, but I see this as a call for censorship, and feel that it is flat out wrong.

If any topic deserves to be deleted it should be this one!!!

[JPowell]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

QUOTE: Originally posted by n2mopac

I would contend that this "General" forum is not so much a model railroading forum as it is a forum for model railroaders. Some of the posts you mention (screen name meaning, who is a firefighter, etc.) actually gives us a chance to get to know something about other model railroaders, who they are, what motivates them, etc. While I myself have complained, even railed, about the large number of these posts compared to the small amount of responses to substantive modeling topics, I still believe that these topics are relevant and should not be "censored." (Yes, I used the "c" word.)

I have to agree that some topics are beyond my taste and view of what is appropriate. I had a problem with the call of nature thread. But, as stated by someone above, the membership here tends to shut these down pretty quickly. If you look at the voting thread, you will see that no political arguments have broken out there (thankd goodness) but it has turned into something of a joke. Is it model related? No. Does it help us get to know other model railroaders? Maybe. My suggestion is, if you don't like th topic, don't open it.

Ron

I really like the distinction that you have made there Ron. When you get down to it, this really is more about the people than it is about the trains. The trains are what we have as a common starting point.[^]

I have to agree with this as well. [^]

[lupo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by qwerty1

If you don't wanna see it, don't click on the link you idget, its just server space thats not yours. don't muck with it!
personally this thread is off topic too! stupid[censored]

[#offtopic]

[:0]

now this is one " sharp " obsevation [D)][D)]!

what is an idget ?

[Anonymous]

If you don't wanna see it, don't click on the link you idget, its just server space thats not yours. don't muck with it!
personally this thread is off topic too! stupid[censored]

[#offtopic]

[dave9999]

Eastcoast,
Thought I'd throw my two cents in the pot (pun intended). I also did not find the "call of nature" thread
offensive in any way. Accually, it happens all the time. Especially if I have a couple of "cold ones" after
work and then work on the layout. It never fails.... as soon as I get right in the middle of something,
well you know..... but I'll just leave it alone before someone tells on me or screams for the moderator.
Dave

[Anonymous]

Sorry I didn't post anything on the chemical plant thread. I'm afraid that we'll end up talking about the EPA, foreign oil and government subsidies and then the thread will be erased.

[lupo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by fec153

How do you model -A HUMAN? We are "Chemical Plants". We give off heat and odors.
Phil

I could suggest how to model a human chemical plant using "clay" that smells [xx(],
but there could be a serious risk this topic gets deleted! [}:)][}:)]

[fec153]

How do you model -A HUMAN? We are "Chemical Plants". We give off heat and odors.
Phil

[lupo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Junctionfan

Would anybody like to add any remarks to my topic about modeling chemical plants? It's much more interesting than this I would think........please?

OK!
( and floodcontrol kicked in! [wow] now that reminds me of the older days, and topics long gone, closed down, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!

[Junctionfan]

Would anybody like to add any remarks to my topic about modeling chemical plants? It's much more interesting than this I would think........please?

[lupo]

Did the call of nature topic get deleted?
WHY? [tdn][tdn] I did not even post in it! I thought it was not insulting in any way, it shows most of us are humans [:o)]

IMO the title gave away enough of its contents, so one could skip it easily.

Maybe this is the moderators way of showing the "power" they have over what is posted on this forum, random deleting some topic once in a while .
I have seen much worse topics and statements left alone over the last months

btw: I do agree with the political charged topics deleted.

[Fergmiester]

East Coast: Hopefully this will not mean the end for you as I personally enjoy your contributions.

The question that we should be asking is if this forum was strickly MR related would you still be here?

Ponder that one for awhile.

The call of nature to me typifies the majority us but to some it is a reminder of how mortal they are.

Regards
Fergie

[eastcoast]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Brunton
[TOPIC_ID=22791
Another example of an inappropriate topic is "Call of Nature" - http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22562
Thanks,

[V][?][%-)]
As I am the poster of this topic, maybe the title should have been different.
I meant no harm as to reflect a lighter side of modeling a railroad. Some even
found my humor in this. NOW, it went and got erased, but I am OK and will
carry on. I feel that we all have some common threads here and just like to chat.
Take for instance, the coffee shop, it discusses EVERYTHING. How would it
feel to have to do away with this ??? I have an opinion as so does everyone else.
I enjoy discussing many a thing with other modelers as so it is not HARMFUL
or illegal. If we want a topic to DIE, just DON'T REPLY.
[2c][zzz]

[Junctionfan]

I am either a Guinness or a MacEwans man myself.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

HE"S A GUINNESS MAN! Not a G&T guy!

Well Dan, at home I'm a Guinness man, at a party when its someone elses Bar, I'm a Sapphire and Tonic man, unless you have some good single malt...[:p]

[Anonymous]

As reader of many forums , it's attitudes like yours that screw it up for others and really **** people off . Because your type is hard pressed to be civil . Your type just can't leave alone and move on . Nobody forces you to reply . And what makes you and those like you the the arbitrers of what is wrong or a lie . It's just your opinion . Like a bunch of old ladys on here .
My favoite saying is . " What goes around comes around "
Unless you do point to point
Certainly time for me to move on , it's only a hobby !
Joe

Why do I sense another deleted topic in the immediate future? [#dots][:-^]

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