What a crying shame!!!!!!!!!!

[fsm1000]

You know, I have had a few websites. Mostly for fun, a couple for profit.
One thing I learned fast is to never have an area for opinions. The reason for that is I found you get more negative stuff than positive. This forum and others are examples of that.
I say that because here you have people who go out of thier way to be kind and generous with thier skills. Many paying money to set up a website. They spend who knows how many hours taking pictures and typing out things and they get flamed for it.
What I find surprising is that any one bothers at all.
I also notice that most websites do not have a place you can voice opinions.
However, There then comes along a few who make it worth while. And for those I and others say thanks.

I would love to post others pictures on my site but I don't dare for copyright reasons etc.
About 5 years ago I tried asking around and the ONLY one who let me was a guy named Paul Templar from his old layout the badger Creek.
All the others said no.

I like this forum and a couple others I go to. There will always be some jerks but hey, that's life.
Also someone just might be having a bad day so cut them some slack.
If they keep it up however....

ANyhow I am not trying to rant so much as I am just saying for the record that stripes2
and others have a point, but I also think that a sense of humor can help for the silly posts otherwise just ignore them.
That's it for now LOL
I will get off of my [soapbox] now LOL>

[Anonymous]

There is more than enough good information on this site which far outweighs the bad.

Best thing to do is ignore a bad thread, back out of it, and go on to something better IMHO.

This site has helped me alot - I leave it like that.

[Anonymous]

And, also, we all have to remember that this is a free forum. Kalmbach doesn't have to provide this. While I still believe that we should be able to control ourselves, I am still thankful for this forum.

[Anonymous]

"3)Encouragement to NOT bring up topics NEARLY A YEAR OLD. (Makes me want to tear my hair out!!!)"

I agree and think that many people do not think to use the search function before asking a question.

I may not post alot, but that is because if I have a question ussualy I can find the
answer by searching past posts, and there is no need to drag out old threads.

[PennsyHoosier]

Well put Ravenstar, well put!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dimastep

These forums, unfortunately, due to no moderation are nothing more than a bunch of people chatting about any topic whatsoever, randing from their grandmother's underwear preferences to starting a poll on how many times per day folks here go to take a pee.

Shame, really [:(]

There IS moderation. Bergie does a great job. Such users as "Trolls" and "Star-Chasers" and "Pollers" are the problem. Immaturity is an issue as well. Generally, it's not lack of maturity due to age, just lack of maturity overall. Everyone included, adults and teens. I know, this will lead to a "persecution of teens!" anthem, and more flaming and worthless topics, but we'll hope it doesn't.

The BEST things to happen to this forum to minimize the number of idiotic posts and topics:

1)NO MORE STARS! (Coming soon[:)])
2)Elimination of polls to the common user.
3)Encouragement to NOT bring up topics NEARLY A YEAR OLD. (Makes me want to tear my hair out!!!)
4)IP banning


Matt

[Anonymous]

The same as some people like criticising a model because they see one rivet as being a micron out of place some people enjoy going ballistic about the lack of "correctness" of posts on a forum.
There is little harm in the occassional giggle and (usually) a lot of good in it.
Flaming? Well, try selling tickets at any major city's rail terminal when there's even a minor delay let alone a big mess... those "flamers" know where you live, will be back with at least twenty of their friends at the end of your shift... they even spit at the windows. Strange thing is that if there is reason to go outside a few minutes later they will sit quietly and read their newspaper...
The hobby is for all of us to enjoy - preferably peacefully.
Personally I get at least as much from the giggle threads here as from the serious stuff; that's my good fortune.
One thing that might be worth doing is to look at any individual's input and compare ratios of giggle, useful notes and flaming. It might be revealing.

I wish you luck with your project. I hope that you are aware that you are far more likely to get "column inches" of "Mr Angry" than people saying "Hey that was good".

Have a nice day [:P][:P][:P]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: If you are doing tips and tutorials, that will be interesting. If it means learning another forum, I may never get there.

My feelings are with Art. I love to learn but hate jabber. And I don't have time for a new forum.
Neal

[dwRavenstar]

When it comes to the insight and initiative of railroad modelers you can never have enough sources of information.

This forum has a Moderator (darn good one) but a distinct lack of moderation displayed by some Members.

Far as the firestorms that erupt I think of the old potato farmer who could remember every spud he had ever sold but couldn't describe a single rock, weed or clump of dirt he had cast from the back of his wagon.

Ignore the fertilizer and concentrate on the harvest. Best of luck with your future efforts.

dwRavenstar [:)]

[Anonymous]

Whoa, Lets not bring Bergie into this

[ARTHILL]

Only the people who like those threads read them and respond. The rest of us follow the modeling threads and they are WONDERFUL. I try not to miss a day in reading those that are helpful to me. I have no trouble skipping the rest. If you are doing tips and tutorials, that will be interesting. If it means learning another forum, I may never get there.

[PennsyHoosier]

Well, you have threads that invite chit chat and others that invite considered responses. Many times it's a matter of properly framining the question. I very much appreciate this list and all that I have learned from the talented modelers on it.

[Budliner]

make a link to trains
free help
:O)

[Anonymous]

Ya you know Bergie. He's old and crippled[:D]. Just kidding Bergie.[:D]

[Anonymous]

I think a moderator is needed. I notice that only bergie does anything around here. but ya know what, We should be old enough to moderate ourselves. I noticed the Bush engine topic, I don't like bush, and i would LOVE to post a flame in there, but i'm going to be nice and try and stay out of it. I know we can do. We really shouldn't need a baby sitter anymore

[rayw46]

I think it's interesting to look at how many people view a post compared to how many actually contribute. Could it be related to what David has noted?

[Anonymous]

I agree dimastep, To me it is a shame, because there are so many experienced
modelers here that could be a mentor to a newbie, yet look at how some of these threads turn out!

[Anonymous]

These forums, unfortunately, due to no moderation are nothing more than a bunch of people chatting about any topic whatsoever, randing from their grandmother's underwear preferences to starting a poll on how many times per day folks here go to take a pee.

Shame, really [:(]

[Anonymous]

Thank you SpaceMouse, I appologize! I guess it just got to me how childlike this forum can get at times!
I will gratefully add your tutorial and will email you a link to the site for your approval!

[SpaceMouse]

I did this photo essay. You're wellcome to adapt it for your site.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=47930

[Anonymous]

I just read some insane posts about modelrailroaders breakfast, and the George Bu***rain. There are threads on here that deteriorate into flame wars over the stupidist comments. Yet I posted this thread on another forum, which could be of benifit to many people, and I should not dare ask it here! Because the members regress into petty rivalry.
Well, I asked a simple question of what people would want out of a web site and Bergie had many complaints! So here goes! If this offends anyone feel free to email me and voice your complaints to me . Why can`t we all get along? This is a hobby to be enjoyed by all!
And whether you count rivits or you build the most un-prototypical layout ever made, IT IS YOURS! Enjoy!

"Hi everyone! I am starting a web site and was hoping to have a page for tips and tutorials on building structures and painting/weathering/detailing these buildings. I was hoping that some of you would like to share your experiance with others. I would of course give credit where its due!
The site will be up in july. Thanks in advance.
David"

PS. Thanks to tstage for allowing me to use his wonderful tutorial on lights.
Thank you for being a teacher to anyone interested in learning!

[soapbox]