discontinuance of stars

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ACL Fan

I didn't really even notice this situation until I started pay attention.

There are an awful lot of younger modelers here who seem to think this is a competition and continually post things like:

False information (who makes "x"? "i think athearn does," but no, they don't and it's well known that they don't)...

Silly (what size radius curves do i need? "as big as possible," as if that's not obvious)....

Or just "me-too"s ("i agree.")

Not every post needs a response, unless, of course, you think the goal is to rack up a lot of little stars.

I figured the goal was to pass worthwhile information along, not to see how many posts one could accumulate.

Also interesting: the likelihood that someone is in the "star race" is directly proportional to the length of his/her signature and the number of emoticons they use in each post.

[V][V][V][:0][:0][:0][tdn][tdn][tdn][sigh][sigh][sigh][|(][|(][|(][:(!][:(!][:(!]

[AggroJones]

The correlation between my joined time and my number of post proves I am not a star hog.

[Anonymous]

Just being old does not mean that you are well informed. I have discovered that there are pre-teens on this forum that have a knowledge of North American rolling stock and operations that are still nothing but a mystery to me.

Having never been a parent I find the enthusiasm of kids delightful. Simple pleasures such as stars cost nothing and give pleasure to some. Curtailing a childs pleasure is nothing less than mean spirited

[cmitcham]

someday i hope to get a star...

and i did, i think, use one emoticon in one post. hehe

[Anonymous]

I didn't really even notice this situation until I started pay attention.

There are an awful lot of younger modelers here who seem to think this is a competition and continually post things like:

False information (who makes "x"? "i think athearn does," but no, they don't and it's well known that they don't)...

Silly (what size radius curves do i need? "as big as possible," as if that's not obvious)....

Or just "me-too"s ("i agree.")

Not every post needs a response, unless, of course, you think the goal is to rack up a lot of little stars.

I figured the goal was to pass worthwhile information along, not to see how many posts one could accumulate.

Also interesting: the likelihood that someone is in the "star race" is directly proportional to the length of his/her signature and the number of emoticons they use in each post.

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by robmik
I don't like posts where a poster sticks a huge picture-laden signature on his post, slowing down the whole thread and widening the page, especially in a thread that was going pretty well up to that point.

Hey Mike,[;)][;)]

That's your chance to let the "offender" know how to do a nice little sig with picture and all, that takes very little space and loads quickly.[:)][:)][:)]

BTW I've noticed that the same happens if you post a long URL that isn't link referenced. Happens most often with the ebay links.

[Anonymous]

What possible issue could you have with the 'star system'?

Personally, I could give two quacks whether stars were awarded or not in response to the number of posts one makes. What really matters is that we have a place in which to share our questions, receive courteous and helpful replies, enjoy some fun/humor and, above all else, revel in our special community. The stars serve as frosting on a cake--a harmless perk--and little more.

We also need to remember that not everyone is blessed with a wealth of modeling knowledge. I've read many posts by a handful of modelers--many whom you've named, CP5170--and I stand in awe of their model railroading knowledge...knowledge which seems to have no limits. But these guys are the exception. Does that mean, then, that someone with 1/10 of their expertise shouldn't bother with posting (and, eventually, receiving the dreadful star)? Imagine, if you will, just how hopelessly boring this forum would be if only EXPERT opinions were allowed. What would a newcomer think?

Ultimately, being awarded a star for achieving a certain numer of posts is apt to bring a smile or grin to the face of someone--and little else. Leave it be. It shouldn't add nor detract from the pleasure anyone receives here. If you're annoyed, seek counsel. Seems to me those of you who take issue over such an inconsequential matter have some real life issues--and they have nothing to do with a star.[:(!]

[CP5415]

The big reason why I love this forum over ALL of the other forums is that there is a varied difference of opinion on how to do things & no one gets their face slapped for it.
That gentlemen makes this forum better than all the rest. At least in my opinion.

Unlike other forums where you have a very small group of people always saying if it's not done MY way, you're not doing it right & therefore You're a stupidhead!!!
That takes the fun out of modeling, especially those new to the hobby or that have limited modeling skills.

I'm not here saying that anyone has annoyed me, quite the contrary. Everyone has a right to state an opinion.
Last time I checked, there's freedom of speech here in Canada & supposedly in the United States as well.

I hope that Trains doesn't take the Stars or the post count away.

Gordon

PS, we were all teenagers at one time!

[Anonymous]

Pretty well every forum I ever took part in has a "post count", for the participants, and the ones that don't have 'stars' have something else, like titles ''senior member" , or "engine wiper" or what have you.
I don't think it matters.

I do know some of the posters, on all of the forums, who are the MOST engrossed with their own post counts are not teenagers at all...far from it.[:o)]

Why not just ignore the elements of each forum that you don't like ?

I for one just about gag when I see those "Happy Birthday" thread titles in some forums....needing a birthday greeting from a fellow forum poster is either sad or desperate ...maybe both. So I don't open them.

I don't care for the endless "polls" we have here, ever since the format changed to permit them. To me, they are meaningless at best, so I just avoid them.

I don't like threads which have so many "look at me" attachments plastered to them that they take forever to open....I much prefer a link instead, so one can choose whether to look at another's efforts, or NOT look at them.

I don't like posts where a poster sticks a huge picture-laden signature on his post, slowing down the whole thread and widening the page, especially in a thread that was going pretty well up to that point.

We all have our likes & dislikes....the stars, to me, are pretty insignificant in view of other annoyances.
regards
Mike[:D]

[lupo]

Hey juby4life, you are [censored] right !
no age discrimination

I like the balance between fun- and serious topics, this is the General Discussion Forum, maybe made for interaction between PEOPLE with a common interest, and hopefully some sence of humor.
And look around, the starhunters DO start interesting discussions

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]( strange that an in an age poll earlier every claims to be younger than their real age )[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D] and watch out CP5170 you are dealing with some serious 2-STAR members overhere . . . . . [:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CP5415

The reason I'm here is information & to get to know other people. I believe that is the reason why Trains has set up this forum.
Meaningful dialogue to me is saying "Cool!" to something someone has done. It usually makes them feel good about what they have done.
I'll admit that when I reached 100 posted I thought it was "Cool!"
I'm over that now.
I know for fact that I'm not the most talkative person on the planet
I usually don't say a whole lot in my posts.
I don't think the stars are hurting anyone. They're fun
The way I see it, the more posts you have,the more active you are in this forum.
The more active your are in the forum, you'll give & or receive more information.
It may not be the best information, but you can use it as a learning tool.
The more information you receive, hopefully you'll become a better modeler.

Just my 2 cents

Gordon


HEY LOOK I REACHED 250!!!!!!!![:)][:D][8D][;)][^][;)]

Well said Gordon!

When I first read the header yesterday I wasn't sure how I should take it. I realize I may ramble on at times, add a couple of dittos but I'm having fun. Why? Because I'm talking to a bunch of people who enjoy the same past time as I do. In the Grand Scheme of things there's not too many of us and to have the chance to banter back and forth with others even at times on trivial matters then so be it. Lets be honest Most of our spouses tolerate this thing we do. Some of our co workers look at us and roll their eyes as this is child's play. We are a strange lot in the eyes of some.

If I don't like the thread or if it's getting a bit, in my opinion, "weird" I'll move on. Let's not ridicule each other but rather tolerate one another, after all we are constitutionally entitled to our opinion as well as free speech, as long as we are respectful of others.

And finally I'm not here for the stars I'm here for the comraderie.

Enough Said!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by IRONROOSTER

I say keep them, they're a bit of fun and that is what this hobby should always include. I remember seeing a dinosaur pulling a train on John Allen's layout, he even gave it a number.
If we can't have a little fun then the hobby is not worth it.
Enjoy
Paul

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

[Big_Boy_4005]

Way to go Gordon, and you have raised another interesting point in the process.

Sometimes I read a response that is so complete, that I have nothing useful to add. Because I am in total agreement, but I want to let the person who wrote it know that I've read it, I will use a short response.

There are a lot of members here who only read what we have written, we never see them or have any clue that they exist. I actually got an email from one of them recently, asking for more information about an idea that I had posted. When I looked up the user's name they had ZERO posts.

It made me feel good that someone had that much interest in what I had to say, but at the same time slightly sad that they were unable to ask in the forum. Some people are just shy I guess, and I don't mind answering privately either.

The bottom line has to be, whether you make a simple nod of agreement, or give an entire dissertation on why someone is full of crap, it has to count as a post. Both are equally valid contributions to the forum.

[IRONROOSTER]

I say keep them, they're a bit of fun and that is what this hobby should always include. I remember seeing a dinosaur pulling a train on John Allen's layout, he even gave it a number.
If we can't have a little fun then the hobby is not worth it.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CP5415

The reason I'm here is information & to get to know other people. I believe that is the reason why Trains has set up this forum.
Meaningful dialogue to me is saying "Cool!" to something someone has done. It usually makes them feel good about what they have done.
I'll admit that when I reached 100 posted I thought it was "Cool!"
I'm over that now.
I know for fact that I'm not the most talkative person on the planet
I usually don't say a whole lot in my posts.
I don't think the stars are hurting anyone. They're fun
The way I see it, the more posts you have,the more active you are in this forum.
The more active your are in the forum, you'll give & or receive more information.
It may not be the best information, but you can use it as a learning tool.
The more information you receive, hopefully you'll become a better modeler.

Just my 2 cents

Gordon

That was your 250th post![bday][bday] That funny that you got it on a topic like this one.

[CP5415]

The reason I'm here is information & to get to know other people. I believe that is the reason why Trains has set up this forum.
Meaningful dialogue to me is saying "Cool!" to something someone has done. It usually makes them feel good about what they have done.
I'll admit that when I reached 100 posted I thought it was "Cool!"
I'm over that now.
I know for fact that I'm not the most talkative person on the planet
I usually don't say a whole lot in my posts.
I don't think the stars are hurting anyone. They're fun
The way I see it, the more posts you have,the more active you are in this forum.
The more active your are in the forum, you'll give & or receive more information.
It may not be the best information, but you can use it as a learning tool.
The more information you receive, hopefully you'll become a better modeler.

Just my 2 cents

Gordon


HEY LOOK I REACHED 250!!!!!!!![:)][:D][8D][;)][^][;)]

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dougal

I hope you don't mean me[:O][:O][:O]! [:)][:)][:)]

Nah, you'll know when I do![;)][:)][:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RhB_HJ

QUOTE: Originally posted by joecool1212

I think we should have different stars for our age so the teens among us can see how old the cranky people are.

I see plenty of cranky people who haven't even hit their teens yet![:0][:0][:)]

I hope you don't mean me[:O][:O][:O]! [:)][:)][:)]

[Roadtrp]

I don't see a big deal with stars one way or the other. If the teens like the stars, let the stars AND THE TEENS stay. I'm a fifty-one-year-old-fart and they don't bother me at all. With all of the garbage available on the Internet, I am ABSOLUTELY THRILLED that there are teens that want to participate in a forum about Model Railroading.

[CNW-400]

I think the original posting by Ken was just saying that some of the topics are overflowing with comments that are just a word or two like "YEAH!".

Although this is a comment, I agree it can sometimes get tedious scrolling down and clicking to another page looking for a more constructive comment or answer, or as he said it, "the meat".

But although I agree it can be tedious, I really don't think removing stars or anything will change this, it's just the nature of forums. Every forum I've participated has been like this and it's just something you grin & bear.

As far as teens or young people are concerned, his initial comment didn't even mention them, they were brought up later. IMO as long as everyone is respectful and attempts to be helpful then age, gender, scale modeled etc shouldn't enter in to it.

Mark

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by joecool1212

I think we should have different stars for our age so the teens among us can see how old the cranky people are.

Good idea!
That would get rid of the misconception that the old farts are cranky; I see plenty of cranky people who haven't even hit their teens yet![:0][:0][:)]

Oh BTW, going on the premise that the older, the more stars would apply, I'm 100% in favour!! Of course then one could earn extra stars by providing some info in the "profile", too! [}:)][:D][:D]

[joecool1212]

I think we should have different stars for our age so the teens among us can see how old the cranky people are. I dont see the teens complaining and its nice to see our hobby wont die in the next generation because we excepted them now. Come to think of it I was a teen once, too bad we dident have the internet then only the dumb tv. No disrespet intended to anyone. Joe

[RhB_HJ]

For all the star gazers........

50 posts = 1star
100 = 2 stars
500 = 3 stars
1000 = 4 stars

Now that we have the minor details out of the way, it is fairly easy to concentrate on the threads that have some substance i.e. few "atta boy" posts.
I've signed up a month ago and I more or less pre-sift the threads, some people are most certainly interested in getting lots of posts (Hi there, we know who you are!). If that's what turns their crank so be it, I check only a few of those. Basically to see if "things" improved. [;)][;)][:)]

[Anonymous]

I'm happy almost everyone doesn't want to kick teens out of the forums. Even though there are very few teens in the hobby where do you think 95% of them go, the internet.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dougal

I hear you Big_Boy_4005.

I agree. What can I say? Sometimes it's fun to just post little [:D] or [bday] (when your congratulating someone).

[Jacktal]

This forum is a great idea,allowing fellow modelers to share informations on whatever topic that may be of any interest to them.Like most I guess,I've used it both ways a few times so far and I don't give this Star rating any importance whatsoever.When I first posted I didn't even know what these stars meant and never really tried to know,until one showed up besides one of my posts.

Since then a second one has showed up and I believe that a third one will eventually appear....some time.So what!....I don't mind the Star rating system as it may show the level of participation of a member to this great forum,as long as it remains an accessory and doesn't become an incentive for anyone to post.

When I do post,it's because I either wi***o find an information or have the feeling that I may be of some help to someone.I never will post with the third or fourth star in mind,I know it will come...some day...but don't at all care to know when and certainly won't push intentionally towards it,nor celebrate the event.After all,this forum is about model railroading matters,not stars...that I know of anyway.

[Big_Boy_4005]

This has turned into a very interesting discussion, though I'm not sure this is what CP5170 had in mind when he posted the topic. Every issue has two sides.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rda1964

All for doing away with stars and number of posts. Was an illconsidered idea at the outset which has not matured into anything useful. That teens like them, if correct, is a telling argument for doing away with them.

If its a good idea to attract teens, how about creating a TAMR board for their use?

Randy

I have to disagree. Whether it's useful to one set of members or not, or whether it only benefits one set of members, it's still not harming anything. Who cares how many stars a person has beside their name, as long as their inputs are well-thought out and don't start a flame war.

As for attracting teens, I'm all for having them in this forum. This is where the major ideas for modelling get batted back and forth, and I think it's a good place for them to be so they can learn. I'm afraid that a "TAMR" board wouldn't serve the aim of the hobby, especially if it's populated by mostly teens just starting into the hobby.

I watched as Amateur Radio started to decline in popularity, and the measures that were taken to try to bring new members in. Some of the "old hams" were upset, sold their gear, and never came on the air again. Others got nasty, rude, belligerent, and turned off the very members upon whom they'll depend one day to maintain their frequency privileges.

While model railroading and ham radio are not exactly similar hobbies, there are enough parallels that it should be apparent that having something that attracts and holds younger members' attention is worthwhile.

I judge a person by the qualify of the input they give, not by the number of inputs they give.

Regards,

[Big_Boy_4005]

You won't get a thrashing from me juby, I quite agree, though I didn't mean for this topic to go off and single out the younger crowd, when I mentioned it earlier.

On the other hand, it is somewhat out of line to start a topic over a particular number of posts or stars by an individual, which is what I think the original complaint was.

Personally, when I reach a "milestone" posting it is always a normal serious response to a given topic, but I mark it with a P.S. at the bottom. Check out the topic of E.L.Moore for my 200th.

[Anonymous]

Oh look another bump my post count topic.

Jay