Forum protocol

[sailor38]

I don't have them time to scroll through all this to see if the topic has been broached before, I'm sure it has been. If you'll indulge me, I'd like to bring it up again to see what some of you think about it.

It seems to me that the purpose of these "forums" (forae) is to enlighten, encourage and help each other in the pursuit of this great hobby. It's a place where we can share information, laugh about the mistakes we've made, rejoice over the discoveries, learn better ways to enjoy the hobby and so forth. So, why is it that a few of you seem to be focused on whether the question or comment is posted in the correct forum? When you think about it, given only four categories from which to choose, you could split that hair way past the point of invisibility.
I'm a pretty fair hand at the English language, but I don't find it necessary or rewarding to correct any of your spelling, grammar, or syntax. I see you as looking for information or wanting to share an experience and that's good enough for me.
So, for those few of you who seem bent on being "hall monitors", if you can't provide something responsive to the post, why don't you just move on without comment?
I can't think a newcomer to this hobby will be very favorably impressed with us as a group if he/she wants to know why a 4-6-2 is called a Pacific and all he/she gets in response is "you should have posted that in the prototype forum"

FYI, this is posted in the Coffee Shop in the "GENERAL DISCUSSION" venue.

Comments?[2c]

[ericsp]

Sometimes suggesting someone post that thread in another forum is a helpful suggestion, not nitpicking. For example, if someone is asking about operations, car, locomotives, etc. on a real railroad they will probably get more information by posting in the Trains forum than posting in the Model Railroading forum.

[Anonymous]

hmm i actually havent seen to much of what your talking about, I wouldnt exactly say its an epidemic. i wouldnt worry too much about it anyway, just ignore the english majors and read all the great advice posted in this forum on a daily basis

[Anonymous]

Just post what you want /when you want/and how you want to post it.I am sure there will be many of us who will appr.enjoy,or be enlightend by your comments.The nitpickers will allways be out there,as with the old saying {There is one in every crowd}.If I had to spell for a living,I would be at the head of the line at the soup kitchen daily.

[Anonymous]

So if a person has a question about the proper way to lay track outside in his backyard, he should come to the Model Railroader forum? If another person is looking for a missing or broken part for his vintage Lionel engine, he too should post on the MR forum?

Seems to me the best way to get such questions answered would be to go where those with the information hang out, namely the Garden Railways one and the Classic Toy Trains forum.

Do HO scale modelers post questions re their section of the hobby in Garden Railways? I don't personally know, as I've never visited that forum because I don't have any interest in railways in my backyard.

Seems to me posing questions in the appropriate forum would be the best way to get an answer.

Bob Boudreau

[Fergmiester]

Bob does make some valid points above as there are several forums within the MR site. But for the most point as you have pointed out this is a general discussion forum. And some questions are better answered else where.

This is in itself is a small neighborhood. For the most part you have great neighbors, But as posted above there a handful that like to go beyond their property line and dictate the local covenants. Best way is to avoid them, put up a fence, ignore them and continue having a good time. Remember "It's only fun until someone looses an eye" does apply here.

This has been a topic discussed on and on since I've been here, A few salvos have been fired but after the dust has settled peace and civility have prevailed.

This is a good forum to be apart of as there is lots of technical, whimsical and an overall topical discussions that take place on a daily basis.

Regards
Fergie

[Anonymous]

Actually the English Majors are verbally flamed by the rest here and suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for the rest of their lives here on this forum! This happened to me! My thread was eventually shut down by Mr. Bergstrum whom flogged me to within an inch of my life, before he shut it down!

I try not to be controversial anymore. However, what's life without some controversy!?

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FundyNorthern

So if a person has a question about the proper way to lay track outside in his backyard, he should come to the Model Railroader forum? If another person is looking for a missing or broken part for his vintage Lionel engine, he too should post on the MR forum?

Seems to me the best way to get such questions answered would be to go where those with the information hang out, namely the Garden Railways one and the Classic Toy Trains forum.

Do HO scale modelers post questions re their section of the hobby in Garden Railways? I don't personally know, as I've never visited that forum because I don't have any interest in railways in my backyard.

Seems to me posing questions in the appropriate forum would be the best way to get an answer.

Bob Boudreau

I have to agree with Bob in saying that it is not a bad practice to point newcomers in the right direction for answers, so long as it is done politely. This website represents 5 train related periodicals. They are specialized, and the regulars know that. Newbies aren't expected to know that, but they also need to learn. It is in everyone's best interest. Newbies get better answers, and everyone gets less topic clutter.

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by deschane
However, what's life without some controversy!?

Boring, but in a nice kind of way. Something us older types start to realize once we hit 39

[Anonymous]

39!, I am old enough to almost be your father, if I'd a started having children when I was 15!

[sailor38]

Thanks for all your input. It was enlightening and, for the most part, pretty civil. I guess the point I didn't make very well is that you can ease someone in the right direction, but it ought to be done in a friendly and helpful manner, e.g. "Bill, I think rounded windows on the end of the sleeper are okay, but you might want to take this to PROTOTYPE INFORMATION where you will find more modelers who know about this", not just "You should post this in the right forum". Anyway, thanks for your opinions. They helped.
Here's to keepin' the flanges on the INSIDE of the rails!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

Bob does make some valid points above as there are several forums within the MR site. But for the most point as you have pointed out this is a general discussion forum. And some questions are better answered else where.

This is in itself is a small neighborhood. For the most part you have great neighbors, But as posted above there a handful that like to go beyond their property line and dictate the local covenants. Best way is to avoid them, put up a fence, ignore them and continue having a good time. Remember "It's only fun until someone looses an eye" does apply here.

This has been a topic discussed on and on since I've been here, A few salvos have been fired but after the dust has settled peace and civility have prevailed.

This is a good forum to be apart of as there is lots of technical, whimsical and an overall topical discussions that take place on a daily basis.

Regards
Fergie

I have to agree with Fergie here, we've all seen skirmishes, battles and even weekend wars fought over this issue. When the dust does settle, cooler heads tend to prevail and the ones that started the whole thing go limping off the field. This forum isn't unlike a big club of friends and lets face it, when go to club meetings of your own, you don't always talk about trains do you. The same holds true here. Just remember, this is a hobby, not a life and death situation.[:)]