"Kids" on the forums

[Pruitt]

Over in another thread, a few folks are talking about how the forums will get better when the "immature members" go back to school, or the "one or two immature teens" who will calm down or go away "and then we can get back to trains."

Well, I can usually tell within a few posts if someone is not yet legally an adult - although I can't really put my finger on it, something about how their messages are composed gives me a strong clue. They also tend to display a certain "youthful exuberance" that at times can, quite frankly, be a little tiresome.

But immature? Some of the adults on this forum are a lot more immature than any of the teens, I think.

I'd venture to guess that this forum presents the first opportunity a lot of young folks have to converse with adults as peers, rather than as a child talking to an adult. So lets cut these younger members some slack, and not slap them across the face for that. They're not "immature members" so much as they are simply "life-experience challenged." By definition, that changes as we age.

Sometimes I read a few posts and think, "Geez, kid!" Sometimes that even lasts for two or three seconds before I remember that I was a kid once, too. Besides, maybe their newer view of the world will show me something I can't see through all the layers of experience I've accumulated.

So, for all you kids who are going back to school soon, don't be strangers - I for one hope you'll remember to drop in here often!

[AntonioFP45]

Right on, Brunton.

None of us here should ever forget that without our young people this hobby would quickly become extinct. It's good to see that we have a number of young people here and hopefully the number will continue to grow. They won't be young for long!

I'm 40 something and still remember so much of what I did as a teen exploring this hobby. Time "flew by". Most of the adult modelers I met were kind and encouraging. Does make a difference.

[simon1966]

Very good point Mark B. The internet is a very comfortable place for the young. To discourage their participation on this forum, discourages their participation in this great hobby. There have been so many threads that have discussed the death of the hobby due to the lack of new young blood entering. I would hate to think that we as a group here would contribute to this trend by discouraging kids, teens and young adults from getting involved.

[loathar]

[#ditto]
I'm 40 and I wish I was going back to school instead of looking for a job.

[davekelly]

Mark,

Right on! I totally agree with you on your statement that immaturity comes in all ages. Some of the teens here are, as you say, can exhibit youthful exuberance, but sometimes that can be a fresh air. On the other side of the coin, I have my times of being afflicted with "old fogeyism" and seeing that exuberance makes me realize that, hey, this is a hobby - let's have fun!

Loathar,

Looking for job over here myself, I totally agree with you. Knowing what I know now, man, high school would be a blast!

Dave

[SpaceMouse]

All those guys complaining are just spouting do-do.

[egmurphy]

I usually don't like the "me too" kind of post, but in this case I'll make an exception. You guys have said it a lot better than I could have. I'm happy to see the participation of so many youngsters in the forum.

Regards

Ed

[Train 284]

Thansk Brunton! Right on! How else are us young folk going to participate in this hobby if we can't say anything without being yelled at?

[jimrice4449]

Time to assume my "geezer" identity. In my early teens (about 1947 or so) I discovered model railroading. I'd been a railfan since I could tell the difference between a train and a streetcar. My father could not have been less interested. Somehow or other I found out about the South End Model Railroad Club of Chicago that met in the South Shore Railway frieght house on 115th St hard by the IC Kensington station. I was accepted as an observer (no dues!) and when they were evicted I was allowed to continue participation as meetings moved from residence to residence. I was contributing nothing but I got loads of encouagement which is probably why I've had the enjoyment of this hobby ever since.
I decided long ago that I would bend every effort to extend the same kind of encouragement that I recieved then. If that involves overlooking some of the youthful anomalies (don't they teach spelling in school anymore?) so be it. It's a really cheap currency to pay back that debt from long ago.

[davekelly]

jimrice,

I would hate to disagree with you, but I bet you contributed plenty to that club. That contribution didn't show up on the layout or any of the equipment, but I bet all those guys in the club loved having you there and I'm sure that they are smiling down on you watching you encourage kids just like they did.

Dave

[Leon Silverman]

Just a reminder to any of us old geezers who might still look down on these kids. They can assemble a kit with available light. They do not need the aid of an illuminated magnifying glass to see their work clearly.

[howmus]

One of the things in life that has always amazed me is how much I have learned from my students (K - 12) over the years. It was once said that inside every adult, there is a kid waiting to come out and play. Well, it can also be said that inside every kid there is an adult waiting for guidance and nurturing to grow. I am very glad there are so many "kids" (from teens to us 50+ folks) on this forum. Yes, it can be tedius at times, but we can all grow sometimes. Good post Brunton!

[MisterBeasley]

I'm impressed by the posts from our younger members. Their thoughts are clearly expressed, and they usually come off as articulate, intelligent people. Model railroaders in general come off as an above-average group, and every one of our "junior engineers" belongs in the group.

Oh, and they spel beter than a lot of us, too.

[Anonymous]

I remember one time I was going to send some information to a member on something that came up in a topic but it was enough off the subject of trains that I did not want to post it on the forum. When I looked at their profile I was shocked that they were only in their early teens.

I also remember a few chronologically gifted people that deserved to get there rear ends tossed off the board and did.

After being on the board long enough I know some of the more active younger members and, yes, not all of their threads are dripping with maturity but over all I have to say that they contribute a lot to the forum.

[rockythegoat]

As for Brunton's comment, [#ditto]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Leon Silverman

Just a reminder to any of us old geezers who might still look down on these kids. They can assemble a kit with available light. They do not need the aid of an illuminated magnifying glass to see their work clearly.

ain't it the truth, ain't it the truth???[X-)] [(-D][(-D]

[skiloff]

Well, as one who was put off the hobby in my teens because a couple of "geezers" pretty much destroyed my enjoyment, I have to agree with the premise of this thread. If we don't encourage these kids to enjoy the hobby, we don't have a hobby anymore. If manufacturers can't sell enough because only people over 50 are buying, then over 60, there isn't much left. Kids make mistakes. Adults make mistakes. Why is it so hard to overlook peoples mistakes? I don't know too many that haven't made mistakes. None in fact. I was encouraged that in that ebay thread that now appears to be deleted, it all seemed to be sorted out, and I hope nobody is going to leave over this. Funny how showing a little compassion is so much more difficult than criticizing or tearing down. Stepping down off the soap box.

Oh, and just to clarify, I have since met an overwhelming number of "geezers" that have been absolutely wonderful and helpful. Many on here appear to be as well.

[railroadyoshi]

thank you everybody for this support
im glad that most people here are very supportive;the section about inmature teens in the ebay thread really shook me up

[twhite]

I like their exhuberance and their enthusiasm. And when they post pictures, I really like what they're doing--some of the modeling efforts of these 'teens' are just terrific. I hope that if some of us old farts just take a moment and stand back and remember when we were their age and how amazing it was to discover this hobby--well, perhaps we can change our outlook and keep these younger people welcome not only on the forum, but in the hobby itself.
And remember, most of these youngsters are coming into the hobby more technologically advanced than some of us will EVER be--with myself at the top of the list, LOL!
Tom [:D][:D]

[Rotorranch]

As with any hobby, kids are the FUTURE of the hobby! Without the kids, this hobby would eventually die. The older hobbyists are slowly going the way of the dinosaurs, and without new blood, where would the hobby be?

Many of the younger generation are wise beyond their years, and contribute to the hobby, and this forum, with a fresh outlook.

BTW...rockythegoat...nice icon! [;)]

Rotor

[Anonymous]

I'd have to agree - in my experience there's often little difference in the quality of posts between young and old, and if this forum encourages the younger modellers to keep going then it's doing a sterling job. Slightly off topic observation here (in that it's not MRR related) but I've done a fair amount of amateur theatre work both in school and with a local group. I found the school shows a whole lot less stressful to work on because we didn't have the huge and easily bruised egos exhibited by the "adult" members of the other group. I'm not trying to draw any parallels whatsoever with this forum here (I don't believe we have any egomaniacs here - they don't last long in MRR), just saying that in my experience younger people can often be far more mature than some 50 year olds I know...

[IRONROOSTER]

One of the refreshing characteristics of this forum is the range of age and experience that is present. It would not be the same with out our younger members or our older members. The sharing that occurs here from all of us is what keeps me tuning in.
Enjoy
Paul

[Big_Boy_4005]

Hey guys, for the record, it was I that advanced the notion of kids going back to school, in that other topic. I only mentioned it as one possible and partial explanation as to the source of material bugging the other guy.

Personally, I have no problem with teens using these forums. I see them as being this hobby's future, and think that it is wonderful that they come here to learn about trains from those of us willing to share their knowledge and experience. (geezers as we seem to be known)

I think it has been very helpful having that "show yourself" topic. Putting faces with names makes the internet much less cold, and gives the forum a sense of community.

OK, I'll admit that some of the "me too" posts and other silly stuff gets a bit annoying, but Mark has the right idea. When you see something that bugs you, stop and take a deep breath, and remember that we were all young once.

It could be worse. They could be out putting graffiti on railroad cars.[swg]

[selector]

I enjoy seeing the exuberance of our more youthful members (that last word is important..at least, to me.)

I can think of all sorts of things that make me cringe now, things I did in my youth, but exuberance never seems to come up. Laziness, irresponsibility, contempt, arrogance, and other unseemly characteristics come to mind, but never exuberance.

And, since I am inexorably aging, I will become a diminishing minority eventually, and will be very happy when the vast majority of more youthful members continue to put up with my staid, old-fasioned views when I post them...as a member.

Young guys, take it away...!

[ARTHILL]

I enjoy the teenagers and preteens(That is when I started though there were no forums). It gives them a chance to learn adult ways and they may help us learn the same.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Brunton

Over in another thread, a few folks are talking about how the forums will get better when the "immature members" go back to school, or the "one or two immature teens" who will calm down or go away "and then we can get back to trains."

after we get back in school; what makes him think we won't still have our computers, and our immature attitudes, or the time to waste to disrupt his train thoughts??

[FCnota]

How easy we forget where we come from! How else do you learn, get ideas, and give advice to others? Yes, the young are excited about the hobby, aren't we all? I wish I didn't have work getting in the way of my layout! The entire reason for my layout is my son anyway! Let them ask any question they want and let them learn from my mistakes. Keep the kids on and interested.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rick bonfiglio

QUOTE: Originally posted by Brunton

Over in another thread, a few folks are talking about how the forums will get better when the "immature members" go back to school, or the "one or two immature teens" who will calm down or go away "and then we can get back to trains."

after we get back in school; what makes him think we won't still have our computers, and our immature attitudes, or the time to waste to disrupt his train thoughts??

I think the premise behind kids going back to school is they will be to consumed with going to school, doing homework, going to school activities, girls or guys depending?

I know when I had a web hosting company, the hackers and "bad guys" usually came out of the woodwork during school vacation time, and summer breaks, not sure what the correlation was, since I would imagine they would still be doing the same thing even while in school. We still had breakin attempts, just not as rabid when school was in. I think kids focus (not all so don't say not me) changes when there are other activities to divert them. With adults, we sort of have the same day in and out all year long.

I do see some younger ones posting here and at the trains forum that I am amased at the knowledge and respect they carry, same for the adults, I also see some adults (I am guilty) getting a little hyped up when things get hot, as do the "kids".

I think much ado about nothing is happening here though, like someone else stated, this forum is calm compared to some others out in Internet land.

[SpaceMouse]

One thing that has not been mentioned and it is not age specific. But words on a screen don't always contain the emotional charge that YOU think was writtten. Humor may be misunderstood as anger or an attack. An inside joke with another member, may be taken personally by someone "outside the know."

The point is posts are just words in cybersapce and there is no earthly reason to get worked up about what anyone says. Respect other people's space and ideas, but don't sweat it if some person old or young loses it for a second or two.

In real life, if someone gets mad and yells, it is gone as soon as it happens. If someone yells in cyberspace, the yell lingers. Realize that the author probably let go of the emotion and cut them some slack.

Being a moderator in a, shall we say, a much more dynamic board than this one, I found that if people have an argument, usually they are not trying to change anyone's mind, they are just trying to be heard. Acknowledge what they have said as valid, and the 'argument" looses steam.

Each of us can let the water roll off our backs.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by twhite

I like their exhuberance and their enthusiasm. And when they post pictures, I really like what they're doing--some of the modeling efforts of these 'teens' are just terrific. I hope that if some of us old farts just take a moment and stand back and remember when we were their age and how amazing it was to discover this hobby--well, perhaps we can change our outlook and keep these younger people welcome not only on the forum, but in the hobby itself.
And remember, most of these youngsters are coming into the hobby more technologically advanced than some of us will EVER be--with myself at the top of the list, LOL!
Tom [:D][:D]

Speaking of pictuers I'll just put my [2c] in.

1:I'm ten and I love trains.


2:I'll try to get some pictures of my layout on midweek madness.


Well look at that,two things make[2c]!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Brunton

Over in another thread, a few folks are talking about how the forums will get better when the "immature members" go back to school, or the "one or two immature teens" who will calm down or go away "and then we can get back to trains."

Well, I can usually tell within a few posts if someone is not yet legally an adult - although I can't really put my finger on it, something about how their messages are composed gives me a strong clue. They also tend to display a certain "youthful exuberance" that at times can, quite frankly, be a little tiresome.

But immature? Some of the adults on this forum are a lot more immature than any of the teens, I think.

I'd venture to guess that this forum presents the first opportunity a lot of young folks have to converse with adults as peers, rather than as a child talking to an adult. So lets cut these younger members some slack, and not slap them across the face for that. They're not "immature members" so much as they are simply "life-experience challenged." By definition, that changes as we age.

Sometimes I read a few posts and think, "Geez, kid!" Sometimes that even lasts for two or three seconds before I remember that I was a kid once, too. Besides, maybe their newer view of the world will show me something I can't see through all the layers of experience I've accumulated.

So, for all you kids who are going back to school soon, don't be strangers - I for one hope you'll remember to drop in here often!

Okay, I was the one who started the post, but I had no intention of it becoming all about the kids. Most of the immature members are not, I repeat, NOT kids. A lot of them are either upwards of a high-school/college age person, or an adult. There are several people all over the forums on trains.com that act immature on 85% of their posts. They flame, troll, and post for no reason. Most of the ones who are very mature and handle their posts well are kids of 17 and older. I have had almost no problems with that age group. Let's get back to Model Railraoding and trains, and get off the darn subject."

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