TO FORUM MODERATOR - How about closing inappropriate topics?

[Anonymous]

If you don't wanna see it, don't click on the link you idget, its just server space thats not yours. don't muck with it!
personally this thread is off topic too! stupid[censored]

[#offtopic]

[lupo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by qwerty1

If you don't wanna see it, don't click on the link you idget, its just server space thats not yours. don't muck with it!
personally this thread is off topic too! stupid[censored]

[#offtopic]

[:0]

now this is one " sharp " obsevation [D)][D)]!

what is an idget ?

[JPowell]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

QUOTE: Originally posted by n2mopac

I would contend that this "General" forum is not so much a model railroading forum as it is a forum for model railroaders. Some of the posts you mention (screen name meaning, who is a firefighter, etc.) actually gives us a chance to get to know something about other model railroaders, who they are, what motivates them, etc. While I myself have complained, even railed, about the large number of these posts compared to the small amount of responses to substantive modeling topics, I still believe that these topics are relevant and should not be "censored." (Yes, I used the "c" word.)

I have to agree that some topics are beyond my taste and view of what is appropriate. I had a problem with the call of nature thread. But, as stated by someone above, the membership here tends to shut these down pretty quickly. If you look at the voting thread, you will see that no political arguments have broken out there (thankd goodness) but it has turned into something of a joke. Is it model related? No. Does it help us get to know other model railroaders? Maybe. My suggestion is, if you don't like th topic, don't open it.

Ron

I really like the distinction that you have made there Ron. When you get down to it, this really is more about the people than it is about the trains. The trains are what we have as a common starting point.[^]

I have to agree with this as well. [^]

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPowell

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

QUOTE: Originally posted by n2mopac

I would contend that this "General" forum is not so much a model railroading forum as it is a forum for model railroaders. Some of the posts you mention (screen name meaning, who is a firefighter, etc.) actually gives us a chance to get to know something about other model railroaders, who they are, what motivates them, etc. While I myself have complained, even railed, about the large number of these posts compared to the small amount of responses to substantive modeling topics, I still believe that these topics are relevant and should not be "censored." (Yes, I used the "c" word.)

I have to agree that some topics are beyond my taste and view of what is appropriate. I had a problem with the call of nature thread. But, as stated by someone above, the membership here tends to shut these down pretty quickly. If you look at the voting thread, you will see that no political arguments have broken out there (thankd goodness) but it has turned into something of a joke. Is it model related? No. Does it help us get to know other model railroaders? Maybe. My suggestion is, if you don't like th topic, don't open it.

Ron

I really like the distinction that you have made there Ron. When you get down to it, this really is more about the people than it is about the trains. The trains are what we have as a common starting point.[^]

I have to agree with this as well. [^]

Thank you J Powell.

Frankly, I am very disappointed with the fact that the whinings of one member have been heard more loudly than the voices of many of the members. In the past 3 days we have lost 3 topics that I am aware of. Topics that had been running for days without trouble, were suddenly deleted.

I realize that this is not a democracy, and that Bergie has the final say as to the content, but I see this as a call for censorship, and feel that it is flat out wrong.

If any topic deserves to be deleted it should be this one!!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005
If you prefer your forum more censored, I suggest the OGR forum. I've heard good things about that there.

Yep, I agree Big Boy![;)]

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Joe Polska

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005
If you prefer your forum more censored, I suggest the OGR forum. I've heard good things about that there.

Yep, I agree Big Boy![;)]

I knew you'd get a kick out of that one Joe.[swg]

[Junctionfan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by fec153

How do you model -A HUMAN? We are "Chemical Plants". We give off heat and odors.
Phil

Yes but my emissions are legal..........maybe[:D]

[Anonymous]

I've been stompen around in this forum for around a year and a half now so I guess I qualify as one of the old timers on this forum since there seems to be a constant turnover of people like your self. One thing that really ticks me off is for someone like your self with only 67 posts in 4 years, to all of a sudden pop up on here and start complaining about stars and topics ETC. Really, if you don't like what you see, then go somewhere else, no one here is twisting your arm to stay. You're not the first to try closing the door on every ones party and I'm sure you won't be the last. If you wi***o stay, then contribute, if you want to complain about everything, the please go elsewhere.

[railman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emeraldisle

I've been stompen around in this forum for around a year and a half now so I guess I qualify as one of the old timers on this forum since there seems to be a constant turnover of people like your self. One thing that really ticks me off is for someone like your self with only 67 posts in 4 years, to all of a sudden pop up on here and start complaining about stars and topics ETC. Really, if you don't like what you see, then go somewhere else, no one here is twisting your arm to stay. You're not the first to try closing the door on every ones party and I'm sure you won't be the last. If you wi***o stay, then contribute, if you want to complain about everything, the please go elsewhere.

By having a thousand posts by no means qualifies you more as an expert on forum dynamics than me being a member since January of 2001 with 230. I do agree that commenting on or reading a off-thread post is voluntary, I do not like when we belittle members of the forum who disagree with the majority., no matter how unpopular the decision.

IN SUM: This forum is supposed to be a place where we can share ideas and opinions, and maybe have a little fun once in a while, but let's just all get along. After all, there is only so many model RR's out there; and we need to stick together. So settle this over a cup of coffee already!

[Anonymous]

Railman, I agree with you in part but the other part that is what upset me. I take offense when some one said my topic should be deleted when it had a valid question in it. The other topic was to get some information on the forums which if you have viewed that post "Stars??" youu would see that I am the last poster on it when I called for an end to it since it was getting way off topic. These forums are a place for people to post Questions, Ideas, and thoughts and share a very special hobbie not be push by someone into an arean of censorship.

To all who post we hold these truths to be self evident that all men and women are to be treated fairly and with the same respect that we ask.

[Pruitt]

On the Model Railroader forums page, the link into this forum reads as follows:

General Discussion (Model Railroader)
Advice, tips, questions and general information on the hobby

Note that part about "...on the hobby." It doesn't say "...and politics." It doesn't say "...and religion." It doesn't say "...and bodily functions." And so on. So why would anyone think a forum about the hobby is an appropriate place for other discussions?

I posted this topic because it appeared that there were a number of topics that weren't really related to the hobby. A day or so after I posted, several topics were deleted. Perhaps this was coincidence, or perhaps the moderators are more wont to let things go without interference until someone says something. Regardless, it appears that my comments were not totally without merit, though some have tried to make it seem so.

My post was not an assault on any one person. I didn't even look to see who opened the topics - it didn't matter. One person seems to have taken offense that I mentioned two of "his" topics. I'm sorry if they took it as a personal "assault" - it wasn't. I suggested that "Who here is a firefighter" COULD be considered inappropriate. I didn't say it absolutely WAS inappropriate. It would depend on which way the conversation moved, like the thread about "Made in China" that was ultimately deleted. I apologize if I offended you, polizi.

There have been all sorts of interesting replies on this thread. Some more or less agreed with my perspective, and some clearly oppose the idea of anyone even suggesting that the moderator review topics for appropriateness and content. Some are in between.

For some folks, if I agree with their opinions I can post all day long. If I have my own opinion and it's at odds with theirs, I have no right to post it.

One person has intimated that, if you don't post often and have a large post count, you aren't qualified to post an independent opinion here. That same person is upset that the forum moderators listen to individual comments - "...I am very disappointed with the fact that the whinings of one member have been heard more loudly than the voices of many of the members." And then there is someone else who is angered either because I don't post more often, or because I posted without their approval first, I'm not sure which. I've been belittled as one who tries to impress simply by using a word that isn't on that person's 500 most-used words list or some such (I had a great laugh at that one, since the accuser's grammar and punctuation were so abominable). Anyone who reads through the entire thread can see more, including some swearing, to which Bergie has said in the past: "One more thing on the topic of swearing: I don’t care if you use symbols to clean up your swear words, it’s still swearing... don’t do it."

Perhaps I haven't been overtly "flamed" for my post, but there have certainly been attempts to thoroughly "Singe" me. It's kind of funny - those who tell others if they don't like a thread to just pass it by seem incapable of taking their own advice.

This has probably run it's course by now - the moderators have no doubt read through the thread and taken note of whatever they think is valid, and have, or will, take whatever actions they decide are suitable. So maybe it's time to close this thread and move on from here.

[Anonymous]

I guess the problem is that many threads, although hobby related could end up becoming political. I think it is a very legitimate question when someone wants to know why so many hobby products come from China. How can that be answered without getting somewhat political? I do remember a long time ago when Model Railroader reported that several manufacturers (and perhaps MRR itself - I don't remember) were testifying about brass inports not being toys and should be taxed differently upon entering the country. That's kind of political and is definately hobby related. The whold thing about Athearn/UP and MTH/DCC is related around various statutes and regulatations. How can a discussion about these remain politically neutral? The "who ya gonna vote for"? OK. totally political. But the vast majority of the posts were comical in nature ("A Kato in every basement!").

I don't care what the topic is: some are of interst, others are not. The only problem I have with any post/thread is when people become rude or inpolite. That is unacceptable.

[Anonymous]

I think that innapropriate topics usually are fade out on thier own. I woukld also like to comments that not all " innapropriate topics " are started by us younger guys. As for stars, they are alot of fun and I like them. I am working twords my 3rd star, but I make sure that all my posts are meaningful.

[Anonymous]

Brunton apology accepted. I just felt that that topic was Model related and shouldnt have be included by you. Many of the post on here are not right on topic but I dont mind and I read and respond to some no matter who or weather I agree or disagree with there point of view.

So far to date none of my post have been deleted as I hope this one is not either. As this is a healthy thing for adults. We all have different points thats where we learn tolorence and about indifference. These things are ok to have and if we read and think about these things maby we too can have a different view or at the very least not be so closed minded.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by railman

QUOTE: Originally posted by emeraldisle

I've been stompen around in this forum for around a year and a half now so I guess I qualify as one of the old timers on this forum since there seems to be a constant turnover of people like your self. One thing that really ticks me off is for someone like your self with only 67 posts in 4 years, to all of a sudden pop up on here and start complaining about stars and topics ETC. Really, if you don't like what you see, then go somewhere else, no one here is twisting your arm to stay. You're not the first to try closing the door on every ones party and I'm sure you won't be the last. If you wi***o stay, then contribute, if you want to complain about everything, the please go elsewhere.

By having a thousand posts by no means qualifies you more as an expert on forum dynamics than me being a member since January of 2001 with 230. I do agree that commenting on or reading a off-thread post is voluntary, I do not like when we belittle members of the forum who disagree with the majority., no matter how unpopular the decision.

IN SUM: This forum is supposed to be a place where we can share ideas and opinions, and maybe have a little fun once in a while, but let's just all get along. After all, there is only so many model RR's out there; and we need to stick together. So settle this over a cup of coffee already!

I never said that it did, however, this particular issue has been brought up too many times on this forum and has caused more than just a casual confrontation. It has, in fact ,caused a couple of week end wars and I think that everyone on here, thats been around for more than a year has seen enough of those fought over this issue. So please, if you don't like the topics that you see on here, don't click on them, it's just that simple. This forum is for everyone, not just a select few die hard Model Railroaders that just can't stand to see other topics on here other than MR. [:(!][:(!][:(!] If you belong to a club, I'm sure that when you go, you talk about more than just MRing. This forum is no differant.[banghead][banghead][banghead][soapbox][soapbox][soapbox]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lupo

QUOTE: Originally posted by qwerty1

If you don't wanna see it, don't click on the link you idget, its just server space thats not yours. don't muck with it!
personally this thread is off topic too! stupid[censored]

[#offtopic]

[:0]

now this is one " sharp " obsevation [D)][D)]!

what is an idget ?

I wholeheartedly agree.

[Junctionfan]

Not to sure why Bergie hasn't at least locked this thread by now.[?][zzz]

[AntonioFP45]

He locked the "Politics" topic. Still on here, but no one can post on it any longer. I liked his closing note on it. Short and to the point.

[railman]

Let me get my soap box out;

Now,

I enjoy off topic posts just like everyone,

I didn't want to sound negative when I posted earlier. I'm saying is that we, myself included, have a tendency to blast people we don't agree with.

It's people expressing their opinion. I didn't say I seconded the motion; in fact I disagree with it.

It's like a lot of things in the real world- we don't like it; but they can say it.

I DO think people need to think before they post, and consider the message the post will send to the rest of the forum.

If I have offended anyone by what I have said in earlier statements, I apologize.

Ron

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by railman

Let me get my soap box out;

Now,

I enjoy off topic posts just like everyone,

I didn't want to sound negative when I posted earlier. I'm saying is that we, myself included, have a tendency to blast people we don't agree with.

It's people expressing their opinion. I didn't say I seconded the motion; in fact I disagree with it.

It's like a lot of things in the real world- we don't like it; but they can say it.

I DO think people need to think before they post, and consider the message the post will send to the rest of the forum.

If I have offended anyone by what I have said in earlier statements, I apologize.

Ron

Same here, I just don't want to see any more wars started over this issue. Too much blood has already been spilled over the last 18 months concerning this issue, too many feelings hurt, too many good people left the forum because of the wars. Lets just put this puppy to sleep permanantly and not bring it up again. It's just not worth the friendships that can be lost. Wouldn't you agree?

[johncolley]

CEN SOR SHIP!!!!!!!!!! Here? C'mon guys, lighten up, eh? The answer is as simple as not clicking on things that don't interest you. You don't have to "wade through" anything. Each person is, or should, be in command of their own mouse. just select topics of interest to you, which is what 99% of us do anyway, since there are so many facets of this hobby. No one is going to read every minute item in all 4 basic categories. That much time is better spent on your railroad.

[Roadtrp]

Sixty eight posts in three and a half years and now he wants to run the place.

He should try to get rid of his tummy ache and chill out.

[:o)]

P.S. I know there have probably been dozens of posts before this one saying about the same thing but saying it better. I was too lazy to read them all though, so here I am putting in my [2c] anyway.

[:p]

[Pruitt]

Not clicking on a topic that doesn't interest you is fine, but take a look at some of these topic titles and see if you can figure out what the content is from it. Sometimes it seems people intentionally mis-title topics to get people to read it. "Death toll in Boston rises!!!!" is a prime example of that, and also is a prime example of a topic that shouldn't be here.

[Fergmiester]

Just so we can clear the air here. Is this appropriate?

There's a train and I did get the sign and billboard from my LHS.



BTW Hopefully I haven't upset your sense-abilities.

PS If anyone want the graphics for this just e-mail

As Always
Fergie

[Anonymous]

Woa, alot of buent brain cells here.

[Anonymous]

Being a fairly "newbie" to the forums I gotta (yes, I know that's not really a word)say that up until today I was impressed with the quality of people here and the excellent advice I've gotten through reading the posts. I even posted one of my own. I just got back from Kinzua and Altoona and asked if anybody was modelling the Horseshoe Curve. The post evolved with some good answers and then got slightly off "model railroading" when someone asked about the bridge condition today and how to get there. I hope I'm not in trouble now. I say this somewhat tongue in cheek but what seriously concerns me is the bile going back and forth here and the "I was here before you" stuff. Surely we've all got something better to do.

[eastcoast]

In my opinion, THIS THREAD HAS GONE INAPPROPRIATE.
I think it NEEDS TO BE LOCKED. or just ignored !

[Anonymous]

If you don't like the topic don't read it!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

I realize that this is not a democracy, and that Bergie has the final say as to the content, but I see this as a call for censorship, and feel that it is flat out wrong.

If any topic deserves to be deleted it should be this one!!!

[#ditto]

[vsmith]

5 PAGES of ongoing rhetoric with only a few good comments....

...maybe it is NUKE TIME!!!!!![}:)][X-)][%-)][|(][:-,][D)][censored][alien][xx(]