TO FORUM MODERATOR - How about closing inappropriate topics?

[Bergie]

It's locked now.

[Bergie]

This topic comes up from time-to-time and here's typically how I respond to it...

Let's say this Saturday you go to your local hobby shop and meet up with some buddies. In the beginning you would likely discuss model railroading: what's new at the shop, what you've done lately to your layout, what you've read on ModelRailroader.com, etc. But after being there for a while, the topic of conversation would most likely switch to other, non-hobby discussions.

The same thing happens here. While the large majority of topics here are model railroad related, there are going to be non-hobby conversations. It's only natural since many of our users have spent a lot of time here and haven't gotten to know each other pretty well.

That's my stance.

Erik

[railman]

Time to press the big red button, Mr. Moderator. Send this thread to forum heaven.

[darth9x9]

Wow. So much emotion in this topic. Interesting though,,,, I don't remember the EULA (End User License Agreement) that we all accepted when registering to create an account on this forum site (trains.com), containing any verbage stating that you had to read or reply to any or all topics. Nor was there any language about having to earn stars. As stated before, if you don't like it, move on.

BTW, you can visit dictionary.com to see the the pronunciation of PUERILE. I tried to cut and paste the text but the special characters don't show up properly.

[Anonymous]

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

[Anonymous]

I think this topic oh so very funny!......Sorry I couldn't help it.

[trainfan1221]

I think this one started out well meaning. I know the main subject is model railroading here, but also that since many of us are familiar with one another we like to have a little fun occasionally and that sometimes includes topics that are off the beaten path. As long as the general theme is always trying to help one another with their layouts and the like, I think we are on the right track--no pun intended. This topic will probably close now as they always seem to after I post!

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

This is starting to go "DOS". Time to find a bunker and hide!

I'd say more like Windows 2000.....[;)]

[Fergmiester]

This is starting to go "DOS". Time to find a bunker and hide!

[lupo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tondogg

If you don't like the topic don't read it!

[2c] How do you know you don't like a topic if you don't read it?

[Anonymous]

Whatever the moderator's reason for locking a thread, the decision should be respected. Reopening the topic by creating a new thread to continue the topic shows a lack of respect for the decision and authority of the moderator.

Let's talk trains here.

Wayne

[vsmith]

5 PAGES of ongoing rhetoric with only a few good comments....

...maybe it is NUKE TIME!!!!!![}:)][X-)][%-)][|(][:-,][D)][censored][alien][xx(]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

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!!!

[#ditto]

[Anonymous]

If you don't like the topic don't read it!

[eastcoast]

In my opinion, THIS THREAD HAS GONE INAPPROPRIATE.
I think it NEEDS TO BE LOCKED. or just ignored !

[Anonymous]

Being a fairly "newbie" to the forums I gotta (yes, I know that's not really a word)say that up until today I was impressed with the quality of people here and the excellent advice I've gotten through reading the posts. I even posted one of my own. I just got back from Kinzua and Altoona and asked if anybody was modelling the Horseshoe Curve. The post evolved with some good answers and then got slightly off "model railroading" when someone asked about the bridge condition today and how to get there. I hope I'm not in trouble now. I say this somewhat tongue in cheek but what seriously concerns me is the bile going back and forth here and the "I was here before you" stuff. Surely we've all got something better to do.

[Anonymous]

Woa, alot of buent brain cells here.

[Fergmiester]

Just so we can clear the air here. Is this appropriate?

There's a train and I did get the sign and billboard from my LHS.



BTW Hopefully I haven't upset your sense-abilities.

PS If anyone want the graphics for this just e-mail

As Always
Fergie

[Pruitt]

Not clicking on a topic that doesn't interest you is fine, but take a look at some of these topic titles and see if you can figure out what the content is from it. Sometimes it seems people intentionally mis-title topics to get people to read it. "Death toll in Boston rises!!!!" is a prime example of that, and also is a prime example of a topic that shouldn't be here.

[Roadtrp]

Sixty eight posts in three and a half years and now he wants to run the place.

He should try to get rid of his tummy ache and chill out.

[:o)]

P.S. I know there have probably been dozens of posts before this one saying about the same thing but saying it better. I was too lazy to read them all though, so here I am putting in my [2c] anyway.

[:p]

[johncolley]

CEN SOR SHIP!!!!!!!!!! Here? C'mon guys, lighten up, eh? The answer is as simple as not clicking on things that don't interest you. You don't have to "wade through" anything. Each person is, or should, be in command of their own mouse. just select topics of interest to you, which is what 99% of us do anyway, since there are so many facets of this hobby. No one is going to read every minute item in all 4 basic categories. That much time is better spent on your railroad.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by railman

Let me get my soap box out;

Now,

I enjoy off topic posts just like everyone,

I didn't want to sound negative when I posted earlier. I'm saying is that we, myself included, have a tendency to blast people we don't agree with.

It's people expressing their opinion. I didn't say I seconded the motion; in fact I disagree with it.

It's like a lot of things in the real world- we don't like it; but they can say it.

I DO think people need to think before they post, and consider the message the post will send to the rest of the forum.

If I have offended anyone by what I have said in earlier statements, I apologize.

Ron

Same here, I just don't want to see any more wars started over this issue. Too much blood has already been spilled over the last 18 months concerning this issue, too many feelings hurt, too many good people left the forum because of the wars. Lets just put this puppy to sleep permanantly and not bring it up again. It's just not worth the friendships that can be lost. Wouldn't you agree?

[railman]

Let me get my soap box out;

Now,

I enjoy off topic posts just like everyone,

I didn't want to sound negative when I posted earlier. I'm saying is that we, myself included, have a tendency to blast people we don't agree with.

It's people expressing their opinion. I didn't say I seconded the motion; in fact I disagree with it.

It's like a lot of things in the real world- we don't like it; but they can say it.

I DO think people need to think before they post, and consider the message the post will send to the rest of the forum.

If I have offended anyone by what I have said in earlier statements, I apologize.

Ron

[AntonioFP45]

He locked the "Politics" topic. Still on here, but no one can post on it any longer. I liked his closing note on it. Short and to the point.

[Junctionfan]

Not to sure why Bergie hasn't at least locked this thread by now.[?][zzz]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 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 ?

I wholeheartedly agree.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 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!

I never said that it did, however, this particular issue has been brought up too many times on this forum and has caused more than just a casual confrontation. It has, in fact ,caused a couple of week end wars and I think that everyone on here, thats been around for more than a year has seen enough of those fought over this issue. So please, if you don't like the topics that you see on here, don't click on them, it's just that simple. This forum is for everyone, not just a select few die hard Model Railroaders that just can't stand to see other topics on here other than MR. [:(!][:(!][:(!] If you belong to a club, I'm sure that when you go, you talk about more than just MRing. This forum is no differant.[banghead][banghead][banghead][soapbox][soapbox][soapbox]

[Anonymous]

Brunton apology accepted. I just felt that that topic was Model related and shouldnt have be included by you. Many of the post on here are not right on topic but I dont mind and I read and respond to some no matter who or weather I agree or disagree with there point of view.

So far to date none of my post have been deleted as I hope this one is not either. As this is a healthy thing for adults. We all have different points thats where we learn tolorence and about indifference. These things are ok to have and if we read and think about these things maby we too can have a different view or at the very least not be so closed minded.

[Anonymous]

I think that innapropriate topics usually are fade out on thier own. I woukld also like to comments that not all " innapropriate topics " are started by us younger guys. As for stars, they are alot of fun and I like them. I am working twords my 3rd star, but I make sure that all my posts are meaningful.