discontinuance of stars

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ACL Fan

QUOTE: Originally posted by dougal

Don't scrap the forums!

P.S. This topic is one of the many topics/replies that I have posted that's not short. www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11487

I bet you wouldn't have almost 400 posts if each one was as well-thought out and informative as the one to which you linked. Unfortunately, most of them are like this recent one, quoted in its entirety:

"I agree with all the winning votes"

Why not go for quality (like the one you referenced) instead of trying to prove you can post the most frequently?

I presume that you would not have nearly 100 posts if making a positive comment once in a while was among the criterea.

Why not go for contructive, helpful, friendly, heck even frivilous(sp) once in a while (unlike the the one I referenced) instead of trying to prove that you can post the most arrogantly.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmonI presume that you would not have nearly 100 posts if making a positive comment once in a while was among the criterea.

Why not go for contructive, helpful, friendly, heck even frivilous(sp) once in a while (unlike the the one I referenced) instead of trying to prove that you can post the most arrogantly.

While your comment is cute, it's wrong. Take a look at my record. Tell me that the overwhelming majority of my posts haven't been substantive, constructive posts that discuss actual techniques related to model railroading. They are.

But I'm becoming tired of the kids here who think the goal is to post one-liners like, "ummmmm...i don't know" when someone asks for advice. Or the one who said steel rail is a good idea...but really didn't know what he was talking about.

I'd like to see them post with a question they need answered or an answer that's accurate instead of treating this board like a contest where the goal is to post as much crap as possible to get stars.

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ACL Fan

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmonI presume that you would not have nearly 100 posts if making a positive comment once in a while was among the criterea.

Why not go for contructive, helpful, friendly, heck even frivilous(sp) once in a while (unlike the the one I referenced) instead of trying to prove that you can post the most arrogantly.

While your comment is cute, it's wrong. Take a look at my record. Tell me that the overwhelming majority of my posts haven't been substantive, constructive posts that discuss actual techniques related to model railroading. They are.

But I'm becoming tired of the kids here who think the goal is to post one-liners like, "ummmmm...i don't know" when someone asks for advice. Or the one who said steel rail is a good idea...but really didn't know what he was talking about.

I'd like to see them post with a question they need answered or an answer that's accurate instead of treating this board like a contest where the goal is to post as much crap as possible to get stars.

Then why is when I read one of your posts, it sounds like it's coming from the mountain top or a tall soapbox at least? When MR requires all poster to show proof of a master modelers certificate from NMRA to post "advice" or we have to start subscribing to the forum, then I'd say you have a right to complain. Some people do go for the stars..like merit badges...big deal, skip over it and press on. You don't like what they say, big deal, get over it. If they're wrong..not because of technique or opinion, but factually ...how about, "I'm not exactly sure what your experience with steel track is but here's mine and why" ...

On second thought..forget what I said ..go back to being a grumpy old dude.

[Anonymous]

This forum is starting to become more and more like


American and Canadian Idol

. Where the judges are vying for ratings and not the contestants. Within the last couple of weeks I've noticed the number of curt remarks in some other threads have increased. I would have to say by the majority of comments made that the following should apply hear:

-Don't sweat the small things
-Where the majority of us live in a democracy we have the right to express ourselves, However if you read the fine print it will go on to say that opinions expressed shall not be libelous, slanderous, malicious and disrespectful.
-Tolerance goes a long way
-If someone's opinion is based on poor or misguided information then "Educate them, don’t berate them"
-A guiding hand can point beyond the stars, whereas a dominating hand can only influence that which is within its own grasp and is further limited by those who are short sighted

If some keep perpetuating this attitude of "If I don't want to read your comments you shouldn't print it" Then we are all in trouble. After all model railroading is about nurturing abilities and talents and we all need to start somewhere.

And finally
If you Can't be Nice, Then Don't be anything!!

[Anonymous]

I said to Union Pacific Rules that although we started posting around the same time, I was doing more posts than him, but he had some great posts. Well, ever since this topic, I have been trying to post many good posts. For one thing dharmon, YOU have posted at a rate around my speed, only a little slower. Ever since all of you have been talking about kicking teens out of the forums and scrapping the forums I don't feel like placing too many "I agree", "same here" or "yes". But, as 4884bigboy said, "Sometimes it's fun to post a little [bday] or [:D].

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dougal

I said to Union Pacific Rules that although we started posting around the same time, I was doing more posts than him, but he had some great posts. Well, ever since this topic, I have been trying to post many good posts. For one thing dharmon, YOU have posted at a rate around my speed, only a little slower. Ever since all of you have been talking about kicking teens out of the forums and scrapping the forums I don't feel like placing too many "I agree", "same here" or "yes". But, as 4884bigboy said, "Sometimes it's fun to post a little [bday] or [:D].

Dude you need to chill out and throttle back......the scrap the forums was sort of a joke...but in a sense not. This is the kind of stuff that drives folks off forums. You need to reread the posts hoss and figure out what I said. If you can show me where I HAVE EVER talked about kicking someone off the forum for other than misconduct, I'd like to see it. I 'm on your side in case you didn't read the two or three posts above..with the genesis between Mr. ACL Fan and yourself..... To coin a RRism...STOP LOOk LISTEN..if you're going to try to blast me, do it for the right reasons.

[cacole]

Reading through this forum is where my 3M Renaissance Mouse with scrolling comes in mighty handy. When I start to read a topic, I set automatic scrolling down through the posts and don't even stop on those that are one-liners or are full of cutsie smilies, because I know those people usually have posted nothing of value. I keep the scroll speed at such a rate that I can read at least the first line of every post as it scrolls up the screen.

Having been trained in speed reading, I can get the gist of every post while they scroll and sometimes I don't even need to stop to read through a more substantive comment unless it's scrolling too fast. As a general rule, you can read just the first sentence of a lengthy post and know whether or not there is really anything of value in it, especially if it is broken into several paragraphs.

As far as young members are concerned, we need to do everything we can to encourage them to participate, not try to drive them away. Remember, you probably started out as a young modeler yourself. Would you still be in the hobby today if your elders had called you names and been hostile towards you back then? I don't think I would be. I would probably have looked for something else to do.

[RhB_HJ]

Hey gang,

Is it possible we all just get a life and talk about trains instead of silly stars?

Good!

BTW just keep the personal stuff out of things, the "he did, I didn't" doesn't work all that well in fora. If your reasoning won't convince the other guy, your insults or accusations most certainly won't either.[:)][:)][;)]

[Anonymous]

You're right! Let's forget about this topic!

[Anonymous]

For my part I would: Do away with the stars, do away with lengthy signature blocks, do away with 'smilie' graphics apps, do away with UP bashing and Athern whines, do away with repetitive threads and single-line 'noise' posts.

If it encourages the less mature and less sentient to go elsewhere, where they can "have more fun", well and good. I'd consider that a sizable net gain for this forum.

Randy

[Roadtrp]

While we're getting rid of everyone else, could we get rid of Republicans too??

[(-D][;)][:D][:-,][:D][;)][(-D]

[tree68]

One of the longest thread run in a long time over on the Trains Railroad forum has been the "Stupid Question Thread." Old timers and newbies have gotten in on the fun. Sure, it gets off topic now and then, but someone usually has a new question to ask and away we go again. And we all learn something almost every question.

Those who post to run up their post count eventually tire of the game. The high post count people on the above mentioned forum are highly regarded by the regular posters, old and new, and new stars are celebrated.

I got lectured big time on an unrelated board one time, for not taking the time to get acquainted with the board and its members. A little disapproval from a well regarded poster, as well as from your peers, can go a long way. So does respect for those who are still learning. Remember, you asked stupid questions once, too.

Eventually this thread will die (we hope) and we can get on with playing with trains.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Roadtrp

While we're getting rid of everyone else, could we get rid of Republicans too??

[(-D][;)][:D][:-,][:D][;)][(-D]

HERE, HERE![#ditto]

[#offtopic][#offtopic][#offtopic]

How come whenever we have a Repub in the Oval Office, our Government, Deficit, Pork, Bacon, and Spam spending $$$ goes clear thru the roof and over the moon, even though they alway claim to be for smaller government?

Ever notice how the working man gets royally scr*w*d over every time there's a Repub as President, do they think everyone can just get a job at Wal-mart?

Ever notice how the Very Rich get Very Much Richer, the poor get alot poorer and the middle class gets squeezed ever so smaller each time the Repub's are elected?

What did Marie Antoinette say about the plight of the poor?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergus

This forum is starting to become more and more like
American and Canadian Idol

.... Where the judges are vying for ratings and not the contestants....

C'mon' Fergie....don't tease us.....WHO is our version of that meany, Simon, and who is being Paula ????[:D][:D]
...and as for the contestants, who is our Ruben, or Clay ??
For Canadians, who is our forum karaoke-king, Ryan ??[:p][:p]

The "Idol" comparison isn't so bad anyway....over at the Atlas forum, it's become more like "Average Joe" meets "Fear Factor".[:0][:0]

forget it,
time for my meds,
Mike[:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith
How come whenever we have a Repub in the Oval Office, our Government, Deficit, Pork, Bacon, and Spam spending $$$ goes clear thru the roof and over the moon, even though they alway claim to be for smaller government?
Ever notice how the working man gets royally scr*w*d over every time there's a Repub as President, do they think everyone can just get a job at Wal-mart?
Ever notice how the Very Rich get Very Much Richer, the poor get alot poorer and the middle class gets squeezed ever so smaller each time the Repub's are elected?
What did Marie Antoinette say about the plight of the poor?

So.... what does it look like in L.A. ? Figuring on a Sharpton-Kucinich ticket ?

ONLY KIDDING.... we only have that one political agenda here in Canada...the straight "middle-class-and-working-man-screwover agenda"...whoEVER we elect, manages to implement that agenda. We feel your pain.
regards
Mike

[trainfan1221]

I don`t have any stars, I think. How do I get some? I feel left out. I don`t really know what
they all stand for, I do try to keep my comments constructive. But we can have a little fun, too.

[Anonymous]

You're 11 posts from getting one!

[trainfan1221]

dougal
10. I just replied to your topic.

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainfan1221

dougal
10. I just replied to your topic.

You two stop poking the grumpy old man or he's gonna get mad again[:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainfan1221

dougal
10. I just replied to your topic.

You two stop poking the grumpy old man or he's gonna get mad again[:)]

I take it your refering to "Simon"

[trainfan1221]

But, I really did reply to dougals new post! I don`t want the, who was it?, grumpy old man mad at me!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

QUOTE: Originally posted by Roadtrp

While we're getting rid of everyone else, could we get rid of Republicans too??

[(-D][;)][:D][:-,][:D][;)][(-D]

HERE, HERE![#ditto]

[#offtopic][#offtopic][#offtopic]

How come whenever we have a Repub in the Oval Office, our Government, Deficit, Pork, Bacon, and Spam spending $$$ goes clear thru the roof and over the moon, even though they alway claim to be for smaller government?

Ever notice how the working man gets royally scr*w*d over every time there's a Repub as President, do they think everyone can just get a job at Wal-mart?

Ever notice how the Very Rich get Very Much Richer, the poor get alot poorer and the middle class gets squeezed ever so smaller each time the Repub's are elected?

What did Marie Antoinette say about the plight of the poor?

[Anonymous]

Right on about the Republicans! Smaller government? Look at all the money that (Dubya) wants to throw at NASA, yet the ignore all the problems we have here at home,(the list is too long to mention). More importantly, our men and women are still dying in Iraq--no WMD and no link to Al-quaeda. Also, they are trying to cut overtime pay--Wal-Mart anyone--I want to get locked in and told I can't go home until the Manager (Kommandant) says I can. Big Money Goes Around The World--thanks to Rush (the band) for that line.

The Republicans talk a good game but an educated American knows better unless they have an agenda to which the Republicans cater.

An American Vet. Support your local VA Hospital!!!

[Anonymous]

I would like to dedicate this to all those grumpy old men out there
and
Simon Cowell eat your heart out!!!

This the thread that never ends
It goes on and on my friends
Some people started writing it not knowing what it was
They will continue to writing it forever just because

All together now

This the thread that never ends
It goes on and on my friends
Some people started writing it not knowing what it was
They will continue to writing it forever just because

Don't ya just love group hugs!

[CP5415]

Good one Fergus!

Gordon

[cmitcham]

ok folks...

in december, we spent two pages discussing the merits of the "edited on date" line at the bottom of edited posts.

now, we're on page five of "discontinuance of stars". i suggest a new rule. time available to post on this subject should be spent at my house laying track!

see you guys soon. thanks to this stupid atkins diet, there's plenty of pop, beer, chips, cookies, and pizza going to waste in the kitchen.

calvin.

all ages welcome. bring picture id for the beer.

[AggroJones]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emory

Right on about the Republicans! Smaller government? Look at all the money that (Dubya) wants to throw at NASA, yet the ignore all the problems we have here at home,(the list is too long to mention). More importantly, our men and women are still dying in Iraq--no WMD and no link to Al-quaeda. Also, they are trying to cut overtime pay--Wal-Mart anyone--I want to get locked in and told I can't go home until the Manager (Kommandant) says I can. Big Money Goes Around The World--thanks to Rush (the band) for that line.

The Republicans talk a good game but an educated American knows better unless they have an agenda to which the Republicans cater.

An American Vet. Support your local VA Hospital!!!

[#ditto] [#ditto] [#ditto]

I am not voting for that ***!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cmitcham

ok folks...

in december, we spent two pages discussing the merits of the "edited on date" line at the bottom of edited posts.

now, we're on page five of "discontinuance of stars". i suggest a new rule. time available to post on this subject should be spent at my house laying track!

see you guys soon. thanks to this stupid atkins diet, there's plenty of pop, beer, chips, cookies, and pizza going to waste in the kitchen.

calvin.

all ages welcome. bring picture id for the beer.

This is all fine and dandy, But!!!

What's your address? I'll even bring the shop-vac

[Anonymous]

Wow! the "Give me more Posts so I can get more Stars" thread is still going on? Page 5 to boot, hmm...this is interesting.

[Anonymous]

Wow. 5 pages! This's getting ridiculous! First removing stars, then kicking teens out of the forums, then scraping the forums, then taking Republicans out of office!? This is going to far. Let's just get back to talking about trains, that's what this forum was made for.

P.S. no offense to Democrats [;)]