"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
What is this w**k you speak of - this mystery word. Forums themselves can be relatively ephemeral, even this one. Atlas shut theirs down in 2012. With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe.
People have different priorities and preferences but forums are generally set up so members don't have access to personal contact info unless a member voluntarily shares it with someone they feel they can trust.
They come for their own reasons. Obviously some come here as much for the social interaction as to talk about model trains, sometimes model trains are pretty much a vehicle or excuse to socialize online.
I particiapate in a number of forums so I don't depend too much on any one. If MR magazine shuts this forum down, which I expect will happen sooner or later, it will not be horrible to me. Maybe it will be for some who have become dependant on it. I tend to prefer forums where trains or model trains are the focus, rather than social banter, or "coffee clutch" talk with "virtual" food. A couple of other forums are very much social centers and as such, I tend to visit less often - not much "meat" there. A few others are much more focused on the hobby and to me they are more satisfying.
But as they say, different strokes ...
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
The mystery word appears to be work.....
Sheldon
I don't have any kind of notification plan in place. I do belong to a couple different forums, but I don't post enough for anyone to miss me.
However, I just retired about a month ago at the age of 57. That might give me time to post a bit more and, maybe, someone might actually notice when I disappear!
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
I had guessed it, but didn't understand why work had to have letters replaced with asteriks, like it was trying to go stealth or something. Maybe I haven't had enough coffee to get some subtle thing here? or was that just done to play with our heads?
I am a new member here but I really appreciate the help and tips that I have received on this forum.
I only have an ipad, no computer, so when I post pictures here, it takes me a long time to do it. So in the last weeks, I decided to try model railroading Facebook groups. It's way faster to post photos than here but my threads get lost very fast in the sea of threads. Plus, I have received a lot more helpful tips here than on Facebook so I am back even though this forum is not user friendly for ipad users like me.
Stef
So, I guess the question I’m asking is, do you have (even if it is for the far distant future) a notification system in place? That is if you even care.
This is interesting since I know several forum members who suddenly "disappeared".
I have left enough information in some of my posts that it would not be difficult for someone to find my obituary when that happens.
That said, it is concerning when someone who actively posts just quits. I'm not sure why my first thought when that happens is that something bad has happened.
York1 John
JaBearIn the Current Interweb Age of Information there are too many instances of ffolkes putting far too much “personal stuff” into the public domain, which if they had any sense, they wouldn’t.
Before I joined this forum, I was a very active member, for years, on a wargaming forum used by thousands of people world-wide. The wargamers shared A LOT MORE personal information than the model railroaders do, but I think that is because we all met at coinventions/tournaments from time to time in the real world, so there was less anonymity amongst the participants.
Also, before I joined this forum, I had a substantial online presence with my previous employer.
I already had tons of personal presence under my real name in the web, so since I have always "existed" on the web, I don't think about it much.
JaBearI’ve been perturbed by Forum members whose valued contributions, be they helpful/ interesting/ controversial/ other or a combination of categories, have, for the want of a better word, stopped!
I have also 90% stopped offering advice/solutions/help to people in this forum. I communicate via email with four other regulars that have done the same thing for the same reason.
Continuously being shouted down by a know-it-all who can't even figure out how to wire or operate an Atlas Controller, but constantly tells the experienced helpful people they are wrong, has taken a brutal hit to the helpful advice provided here.
JaBearUnfortunately, the Diners RIP Track is increasing in occupancy at a somewhat alarming rate.
I think this has just been the case in the last few months. Since I have been here, January 2017, Brakie, Rrinker, Neil B, PastorBob, and TamikawaTT are the only new arrivals on the RIP track from the forum usership, but four of them have been in the last 12 months. I pray this surge ends.
JaBearNow, I’m making a reasoned guess that some former prolific contributors have “out grown” this Forum / hobby; had a w**k/ lifestyle change; or simply moved on with their life.
That happens. I would never have come here if I had not been kicked off the wargamer forum I used. I will need to be kicked out of here to leave this one. I think I am stubborn when I find a forum home.
What Mr. Hooper would call a territorial predator.
JaBearThere are, of course, Forum Members who have left enough “breadcrumbs, that I feel certain that I can identify their real persona.
I have met about a dozen forum users face-face, even visited five of their homes. I have cell phone numbers for about 20 people. That might sound like a lot, but I had this circumstance with hundreds of the users on the wargamer forum.
JaBearThere are other regulars who I wouldn’t have a clue how contact them.
I used to have addresses for about 30-40 forum members, but I lost them all when I retired and surrendered my work computer. The file became encrypted and locked when I tried to open it on an unauthorized computer.
JaBearThe question I’m asking is, do you have (even if it is for the far distant future) a notification system in place? That is if you even care.
Since everyone here knows my real name and where I live, I am certain it will not take much effort to figure out what happened to me. But... my wife has instructions how to let everybody know.
riogrande5761 Atlas shut theirs down in 2012. With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe.
Atlas is a manufacturing company that had a forum. It did not fit.
Kalmbach Media is a communications company that is transitioning to a larger online presence. The forum fits. The forum drives a bit of traffic to the Kalmbach site, and keeps it returning. The hardest part of having an online business is getting people to come in your door. I think the forum will be here for a long while.
I just renewed my subscription to Fine Scale Modeler, and subscribed to Classic Trains for the first time to try it out. I finally had a contribution published in Model Railroader.
The forums do work for Kalmbach Media to a certain extent. I am certain they work better than they did for Atlas.
They could do better, like my previous employer did (we were a manufacturer that used the forum to keep our "enthusiast" customer base excited).
trwrouteI do belong to a couple different forums, but I don't post enough for anyone to miss me.
You would be missed, at least by me. I recognize your avatar and read all your posts.
riogrande5761I had guessed it, but didn't understand why work had to have letters replaced with asteriks, like it was trying to go stealth or something.
W**k, to many of us, is an offensive and vulgar word.
York1That said, it is concerning when someone who actively posts just quits. I'm not sure why my first thought when that happens is that something bad has happened.
Many of the missing members communicate with me via email. Most are just fine. Hopefully when the toxic dark force that has infected the prized how-to threads moves on, they will be back.
I have two more projects to share, like my benchwork segment and paint booth, but in the current environment, I am holding them for the time being.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
To be honest, I can see how someone can get frustrated with these forums and give up. Topics often veer off course into politics, so a question like "why does Amtrak use this-or-that piece of equipment" will inevitably have mixed in with actual / factual answers several "government can't do anything right so what do you expect?" answers.
Other folks can't wait to show their detailed knowledge of railroad trivia, so a question like "what did railroads use as switchers in the steam era?" will elicit a quick answer "steam switchers were typically 0-6-0 or 0-8-0 types" which should suffice, but instead will then be followed with a reply of "you're forgetting the Yooperland Central, a three-mile shortline in Ishpeming Michigan, that used a 2-4-2 as a switcher from 1899 to 1903...don't you know anything?".
I think some folks just want to be trolls and argue with whatever anyone says, or put out obviously untrue statements just to see how long they can get people riled up and responding.
wjstixI think some folks just want to be trolls and argue with whatever anyone says, or put out obviously untrue statements just to see how long they can get people riled up and responding.
The latter example is severely detrimental to these forums.
At some point in the last 6 months, I lost the ability to post as Tin Can; hence the Tin Can II avatar. I have also retired in Texas, moved to a rent house in Kansas, started a challenging new job, made numerous trips back to Texas as part of the final move, bought a house in Kansas, moved into the house in Kansas, begun renovations of said house in Kansas. Very little time for hobbies, although the Kansas house has a large basement with an incredible space for a layout/workshop. I may pop in once a day to this forum, and rarely post.
One morning I expect to wake up, grab a coffee, sit down at the computer and find this forum no longer exists. In the sixteen years, I have been here I have had a lot of enjoyable conversations both on the forum and through the PM option. I miss many of those that are no longer with us, many of them guided me through my return to the hobby.
That being said I really value my privacy. If I type my name in Google absolutely nothing comes up and I would like to keep it that way. If I find my days on this planet are coming to an end, I will most likely be one of those that has slipped off in the night.
I find myself on FB a lot more as it is a cornucopia of photos and other info. I came across one group that I joined that talks about nothing but how to detail track. Who knew?
FB has a global audience and the modeling is stunning and the specialized groups are the ultimate reference. People talk about not being able to go to the local hobby shop and talk to the owner. Well, a lot of manufacturers are on FB and often show up to chat. The boys from Rapido have gabfest and I have participated a few times and have gotten a lot of good answers to my inquiries live and in colour!
To be honest, I am on this forum out of habit, I joined 16 years ago because I was looking for help and enjoyed the interaction I found with the members and I still do. I don't find myself asking for help here much anymore as FB is a Quantum Computer compare to this old beat-up "how-to" book. I think this forum is withering on the vine, but I'll hang around till the end. When that happens I am easy to find on FB as I post the same pics over there.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
In the convesation about MIA's I am remembering "Grampy's Trains" AKA DJ. He posted great pictures in Weekend Photo Fun of his very nice PRR layout. Suddenly, he quit posting at least 4 years ago now. Nobody was able to find out what happened to him.
In the Diner, we are wondering about John Boy AKA Last Mountain and Santa Fe who quit posting over a year ago. We know he had healthe issues.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
SeeYou190 wjstix I think some folks just want to be trolls and argue with whatever anyone says, or put out obviously untrue statements just to see how long they can get people riled up and responding. The latter example is severely detrimental to these forums. -Kevin
wjstix I think some folks just want to be trolls and argue with whatever anyone says, or put out obviously untrue statements just to see how long they can get people riled up and responding.
I have curtailed forum activity lately. It has become tiresome.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
SeeYou190Continuously being shouted down by a know-it-all who can't even figure out how to wire or operate an Atlas Controller, but constantly tells the experienced helpful people they are wrong, has taken a brutal hit to the helpful advice provided here.
Endorse.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I don't mind if conversations veer off target but sometimes the moderators come on and nix them, even when it is not off target saying move along. I think a lot of people don't like this as the computer has given us all a sense of freedom and trying to take that away offends many Americans, even those that are less than patriotic. This forum could be a goldmine in stearing people to this companys product, but mis handled and the oposite is true. Kalmbach sees the trees instead of the forest. Evolve or perish is what all the techies live by, Kalmbach could own the media of model railroading space if they wanted to and pick up other assets for little money.
SeeYou190 I have also 90% stopped offering advice/solutions/help to people in this forum. I communicate via email with four other regulars that have done the same thing for the same reason. Continuously being shouted down by a know-it-all who can't even figure out how to wire or operate an Atlas Controller, but constantly tells the experienced helpful people they are wrong, has taken a brutal hit to the helpful advice provided here. -Kevin
I too have stopped giving advice (unless specifically asked me).
The last twice what the OP wanted was not what he asked, yet 'blasted' contributors for 'giving the wrong information'.
Having said that, I like this Forum and read most threads.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
NorthBrit SeeYou190 I have also 90% stopped offering advice/solutions/help to people in this forum. I communicate via email with four other regulars that have done the same thing for the same reason. Continuously being shouted down by a know-it-all who can't even figure out how to wire or operate an Atlas Controller, but constantly tells the experienced helpful people they are wrong, has taken a brutal hit to the helpful advice provided here. -Kevin I too have stopped giving advice (unless specifically asked me). The last twice what the OP wanted was not what he asked, yet 'blasted' contributors for 'giving the wrong information'. Having said that, I like this Forum and read most threads. David
Mike
SeeYou190 trwroute I do belong to a couple different forums, but I don't post enough for anyone to miss me. You would be missed, at least by me. I recognize your avatar and read all your posts. -Kevin
trwroute I do belong to a couple different forums, but I don't post enough for anyone to miss me.
Thanks for the kind words, Kevin!
I am sure there are more.
These are just some people that I usually conversed with when they posted, that I have not seen for a while.
I figured the MIA dates using the forum search function, sometimes I know it is not completely accurate.
I have never felt qualified to give advice, however, I do respond by saying this is what I did, or this is how I do it, and leave it at that. They can take it or leave it.
BATMANI have never felt qualified to give advice, however, I do respond by saying this is what I did, or this is how I do it, and leave it at that
My favorite posts of yours are where you show off your layout (and the curtains), and describe your techniques.
SeeYou190My favorite posts of yours are where you show off your layout (and the curtains), and describe your techniques. -Kevin
Thanks Kevin
The curtains may actually disappear soon, even my cousin commented on them and that is not something she would normally do.
I cannot imagine how disgusting they are after the big reno.
Classic!
Jim secretly likes them.
Having been around here for a while, the amount of useful modeling information has declined significantly, and some of the most prominent posters fall into two caregories: this is how I did it in the '70s, and this is how I will do it if I ever build a railroad. Never-ending discussions about prices and the NMRA don't interest me at all. My local NMRA is a small-circle of hardshell old-timers, and I just spend what I think I can afford. For topics like signalling or other specific prototypeinformation, there are more productive groups and forums that are not hard to find.
Lastspikemike Facebook.
Facebook.
No thanks. I had a FB account for a very short time around 7 years ago and disabled it pretty quickly and never went back. I let me wife do all the stuff that is advantageous on FB - mainly FB Market Place to find good deals.
BATMANJim secretly likes them.
You wish! I think you just keep them to uglify the room for me!
But praytell, whey were you be giving into the scwartz and remove them?
riogrande5761 BATMAN Jim secretly likes them. You wish! I think you just keep them to uglify the room for me! But praytell, whey were you be giving into the scwartz and remove them?
BATMAN Jim secretly likes them.
HA!.... That only took 10 minutes and four seconds for a response. Slowing down in your old age or you couldn't let go of that piece until the glue dried.
SeeYou190riogrande5761 Atlas shut theirs down in 2012. With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe. Atlas is a manufacturing company that had a forum. It did not fit.
With the way things are going with this magazine, I wouldn't be surprised if this forum gets the axe.
It fit for around 18 years. I was on that forum starting in 1994. It was made pretty clear that shutting the forum down was a cost cutting measure as the factory closings and recession had hit Atlas pretty hard in the preceding years and the maintenence and upkeep and moderating was something they decided, as you would say, didn't fit. It was basically an upkeep and budgetary decision.
The way I see Model Railroader Magazine, what with the drying up of ad revenue, fewer and fewer pages, lower circulation, things don't really look that differently to me. This is a magazine comapany that has a forum and eventually they make look at it as an unnecessary burden for the very same reasons, upkeep, maintenence and moderation. I'm not seeing a huge difference. Mainly timing. But as Sheldon used to often say, what do I know?
I despise FB, so I come here, and to "the other" forum.
I have left a few clues here and there, and anyone who views "full screen" any of my pics or vids gets my full name.
Anyone could, based on those clues and my name, find any "news" should something occur.
As someone who "disappeared" a while back due to taking a break from people, over some issues that occurred elsewhere, (So called "Friends" who became angry I lost my job bc of pandemic), I get why some others may simply stop posting, for various reasons. W*rk, family obligations, busy with "other" interests, etc... are all valid reasons to "disappear" from posting here for a while.
But if this forum ever ends, I will never be found on FB.... I really despise it that much.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
I try to pop on daily as a great break from that four-letter work you used. Certain topics veer to the contraversial or outlandish. The lack of civility sometimes get crazy, but I think if folks think before sending a post, that helps greatly.
Overall, I appreciate the advice here greatly. With so many STILL running rains (like myself), it hearing from others with helpful suggestions happens fast. I tend to let some posts go a bit before responding. This allows time for me to hear from others.
So, I guess the question I’m asking is, do you have (even if it is for the far distant future) a notification system in place?
We've successfully steered away from that question and onto whether the forum will survive and forum members we don't like.
If someone went through my password manager that might think I participated in 40 or 50 forums. Most I joined to see a picture or read directions or ask a question, once.
As my interests or hobbies changed, so did my participation in various forums. I never said goodbye, I just stopped reading the forums.
Facebook forums were unsatisfactory because their algorithm for showing you a thread also prevented you from seeing or searching for a particular thread, even if you started it.
At any rate I don't expect my wife to post my obit in any forum. She is going to have enough problems with my departure. I hope she cancels my Facebook account because getting notices "Today is so and so's birthday, when they are dead is creepy. Though not as creepy as some of the birthday wishes that follow.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley