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Attention 5 star individuals

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Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 12:55 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Yes Mook, but conversation simply for the sake of talking is not what this forum is all about. It is about TRAINS. You're free to do what you want, and the guys here really like you because you are so friendly and chatty, but I've noticed that a good portion of what you say has nothing to do with trains.

Personally, I try to keep most of my content on topic, but in the course of having a conversation I sometimes stray a little. I generally don't start topics, but try to provide answers to questions or just add my perspective to the topic. I actually come to this forum to learn, because prototype matters are not my area of expertise, though I do know some things. I am a modeler first.

There are only 5 of us so far that have 5 stars. You, Jim, Ed, me, and now Joe. I suspect that what prompted you to post this topic was seeing my posts per day. It is over 11. Yes that is a huge number, and yes, I did that in less than six months. By doing the math, yes, you are in danger of losing your status as the trains.com top poster. However, I have slowed way down recently, suffering from burnout, and a lack of decent topics to talk about on any of the forums. Beside, it's summer and I have been busy with other things. The modelers tend to be that way, but when we get back into fall, things will pick up. By the way, I am a stay at home dad, so I have a lot of time to read and reply to topics, especially when the kids are in school.

This star business has come up over on the MR forum a couple of times, and with disasterous results. I know this because I have been there and seen and been involved in it. It serves no useful purpose to discuss it, but somehow I feel compelled to respond. It is pretty hard to ignore when one member in a group of 5 says something. I know this isn't about Ed, he only posts here. Jim and Joe do most of their posting here, but some on MR. That leaves ME.

I'm not angry, just a little defensive of my participation and style here at trains.com. There are 6 forums here, not just one. Keep in mind that the magazine that started Kalmbach is Model Railroader, back in 1934. Trains Magazine was an after thought.[swg]

Those who say this isn't a competition are exactly right. It's about having fun, and maybe even meeting people with a common interest. For me, it is also about sharing my experience, especially my 35 years of modeling, with others. Once in a while, in the course of meeting people there will be some head butting. Differences of opinion or simply being unfamiliar with someone are often the cause. I'm not trying to butt heads, I'm just trying to explain who I am, and why I come here.

I hope this reply ends this discussion.
Hmmm seems I struck a nerve here.

Well, at least we are conversing. And I admire you for being a stay-at-home father. It isn't a job for everyone.

I will tell you, which you probably won't believe, that until you informed me, I didn't know how many people had red stars. I know Ed does and Joe does. Other than that - I never look at the stars - they don't mean much to me.

I am more concerned with your defensive posture on this. You are right - a lot of what I say isn't about trains. But I try to get out every weekend and "find" things to discuss that do involve trains. I truly do want answers to my questions. It does kind of resemble trying to build a skyscraper by e-mail, since I don't have a hands on situation and have to visualize everything. I don't model, don't take pix, don't have any expertise. I can't answer questions, because other than BNSF is in my city, I don't know much more.

But I will "talk" to just about anyone on the forum and try to encourage more posters by being open and available and maybe a little silly - because some people have a real problem just typing in their first post. Maybe it will help make them feel a little more comfortable just to know there are some people on here who don't take life quite so seriously or ridgedly.

So, the bottom line is - you can have your stars and mine, too if you wish. You can post every 3 min if you want - you won't scare me. I wasn't aware I had more stars than Ed, who was our lead poster for a long time, until someone on the forums told me - on the forum!

If you don't like me being frivolous, don't read my posts. Skip over them and go on to the next poster. Although, frankly, I would enjoy a conversation with you every so often. You seem reasonably intelligent and I enjoy visiting with intelligent people. We would just have to find a common train subject that we could both address.

And....as I have said before, you are having this conversation with a cat - so maybe you do have a sense of humor.

Mookie

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 12:57 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by warner brook

yo mookie
i don`t have any stars but i can count to five,is that acceptable?
roy
quite acceptable my friend! [;)]

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by edblysard on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 4:44 PM
Warner,
Do like me, count the webs between the fingers too!
That way, you can get 9 on each hand!
If I count all four flippers, I can get to 36 with my pants on, or 37 without them!

Ed

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 5:34 PM
Ferroequinology is an art that requires good vocabulary, a strong mind, a tough hide and conversation worthy of great minds. [2c]
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 6:26 PM
What on earth is Ferroequinology?
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 7:02 PM
QUOTE: Dougal -
hehehe sorry guys but a agree with railfix 110%


You agree?? Dougal how many of your post were nothing but a plain number, to count the posts under a nothing topic?

Mookie observes and wonders ab=nd then ask the most important question in the world - WHY?

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 7:37 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by macguy

What on earth is Ferroequinology?

Ferro = Iron
Equine = Horses
-ology = The Study thereof

Micro = Little
[:D]

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
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Posted by rixflix on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 7:41 PM
Yeah Dougs. you sound a little conflicted in your last few posts.
What are the stars for anyway???
Why not get rid of them and eliminate the blathering post-counters.
Those with high star numbers have all registered their disdain for them and would continue to post quality stuff, while a lot of chaff would vanish overnight.
What are the stars about??? Subscription numbers???

Bergie, please educate us here!!!

The Rixter

rixflix aka Captain Video. Blessed be Jean Shepherd and all His works!!! Hooray for 1939, the all time movie year!!! I took that ride on the Reading but my Baby caught the Katy and left me a mule to ride.

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 8:50 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

QUOTE: Originally posted by macguy

What on earth is Ferroequinology?

Ferro = Iron
Equine = Horses
-ology = The Study thereof

Micro = Little
[:D]



So I suppose Repliferroequinology would bethe study of model Iron horses, or model railroading?
[:)][:p]
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Posted by dharmon on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 9:07 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by rixflix

Yeah Dougs. you sound a little conflicted in your last few posts.
What are the stars for anyway???
Why not get rid of them and eliminate the blathering post-counters.
Those with high star numbers have all registered their disdain for them and would continue to post quality stuff, while a lot of chaff would vanish overnight.
What are the stars about??? Subscription numbers???

Bergie, please educate us here!!!

The Rixter


Grammar Grocer...It's all about rank inflation. Don't you remember ..Be My Little General? You are a Major General, I am a General (Admiral) and Mook is a General of the Army.
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Posted by edblysard on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 9:09 PM
Hey rixflix,
I think I can safely state for the record, that stars or no stars, neither myself or Mookie would "cut out the chaff" one bit.
I might not have made myself clear.
I could care less how many stars, or posting and replies I, or anyone else, for that matter, have made.
Makes not one bit of difference to me.
I will continue to make silly, dumb and useless postings, when and where I feel like it, topical or not.

I come here for the company only, not the topic.

I get enough trains at work to keep me happy!

Ed
QUOTE: Originally posted by rixflix

Yeah Dougs. you sound a little conflicted in your last few posts.
What are the stars for anyway???
Why not get rid of them and eliminate the blathering post-counters.
Those with high star numbers have all registered their disdain for them and would continue to post quality stuff, while a lot of chaff would vanish overnight.
What are the stars about??? Subscription numbers???

Bergie, please educate us here!!!

The Rixter

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Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 6:19 AM
Ahem....when I get the tears out of my eyes after laughing at Ed's reply to Roy maybe I can address the Ferroequinology - it is the study of Fiery Horses - I am sure! Tree keeps leading me down the garden path that it is iron - but we all know that belongs to chickens and so this must be Fiery! Just think how glamerous that sounds - Fiery Horses next to something that sounds like school lessons!

Mookie

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 6:31 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by macguy

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

QUOTE: Originally posted by macguy

What on earth is Ferroequinology?

Ferro = Iron
Equine = Horses
-ology = The Study thereof

Micro = Little
[:D]



So I suppose Repliferroequinology would bethe study of model Iron horses, or model railroading?
[:)][:p]

That would be another take. I prefer microferroequinology....

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 7:16 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by talbanese
You agree?? Dougal how many of your post were nothing but a plain number, to count the posts under a nothing topic?


My guess about 50 which is low compared to most, why do you guys spent your time talking about who's the best because him/her has the most posts?
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Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 8:05 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by dougal

QUOTE: Originally posted by talbanese
You agree?? Dougal how many of your post were nothing but a plain number, to count the posts under a nothing topic?


My guess about 50 which is low compared to most, why do you guys spent your time talking about who's the best because him/her has the most posts?
Dougal, most of us aren't talking about it - I asked a question about if the stars on other forum count on here, too. Got the answer and then some. But you know, we have 24/7, 365 - so who doesn't have the rest of their life to spend our time talking about whatever.....and we all probably know how to "skip"......

Moo

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Posted by warner brook on Thursday, June 24, 2004 2:07 PM
yo piouslion
your definition of ferroequinology makes me wonder if my mind went the way of the iron horse. roy
dutchman

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