When I first became a "regular" user of the forum in May 2004, the same four forum categories were present - just as they are now in 2007. If you had a question, you posted it on one of three*venues that were available:
(*Where's the 70th Anniversary Boxcar? forum is a separate entity in and of itself and, to me, not part of the equation.)
Lately (or since the the upgrade of the forum software in July), there seems to be an exponential increase of what I'll call "special interest" threads on the forum - i.e. a thread for N-scalers, a thread for "diner" eaters, a thread for "beer" drinkers, a thread for "whistlers", a thread for such-in-such RR, and so on. A couple of the aforementioned threads have been here for a while; others are a more recent development.
Now I'm NOT saying that all these threads are bad or don't serve a purpose. What I'm wandering is: Do these threads help the forum, or do they actually split the forum up further into isolated "cliques"? Are certain topics discussed in some of these "sub-forums" being lost to newbies (as well as regulars) who might actually benefit from them?
I'd be interested in hearing what you all have to say on the topic.
Signed,
Curious George (Tom)
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Well, I started the N scale thread because what was happening was that there were several threads that started on a very specific N scale issue that eventually went off-topic into general N scale modeling. Call me biased, but I think it adds rather than detracts from the forum. We discussed whether or not we should ask create a fifth forum, but decided in the end that would isolate us too much from the general community. I think an N scale thread in the General Discussion strikes a nice compromise.
Now, I don't do the Beer Barn, Coffee Shop, Whistle Stop, Depot, Roundhouse, Elliot's Diner, etc. I tend to think (WARNING: MY OPINION) that the social threads could instead be their own forum.
Just my two cents...
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
As a non-N-scaler (I model in 'twice-N' scale) and a Beer Barn regular, I will note that, while there's quite a bit of technical information exchanged, it's more the kind of thing that would be sent to an individual by e-mail than would be brought out in the open Forum.
The quick answer, for anyone who feels that some gem of knowledge might be missed, is to skim the 'social' threads each time you check into the Forums. Of course, for anyone who isn't a speed reader, that could be a lot of skimming. Unfortunately, the content of those threads is rather like gold ore - ounces of gold in tons of ore.
OTOH, there are some people, myself included, who prefer to see the human rather than the cardboard cutout labeled, "Model Railroader." After all, we aren't interchangeable parts.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - arthritis willing)
Dave Vollmer wrote:Well, I started the N scale thread because what was happening was that there were several threads that started on a very specific N scale issue that eventually went off-topic into general N scale modeling. Call me biased, but I think it adds rather than detracts from the forum. We discussed whether or not we should ask create a fifth forum, but decided in the end that would isolate us too much from the general community. I think an N scale thread in the General Discussion strikes a nice compromise.Now, I don't do the Beer Barn, Coffee Shop, Whistle Stop, Depot, Roundhouse, Elliot's Diner, etc. I tend to think (WARNING: MY OPINION) that the social threads could instead be their own forum.Just my two cents...
I agree with Dave, keep the model ones together. I suggested the social threads be a separate section when The Whistle Stop was started but nothing happened:
I think that the general discussion forum is the place to be!
beegle55
tstage wrote: Do these threads help the forum, or do they actually split the forum up further into isolated "cliques"? Are certain topics discussed in some of these "sub-forums" being lost to newbies (as well as regulars) who might actually benefit from them?
Do these threads help the forum, or do they actually split the forum up further into isolated "cliques"? Are certain topics discussed in some of these "sub-forums" being lost to newbies (as well as regulars) who might actually benefit from them?
I see your point, but on the other hand, you could look in those threads and find out if it's something you're interested in.
I'll just use the N scalers thread as an example here.
The N scalers aren't going to exclude you from joining in the conversation just because you don't model that scale. The idea is that N scale related issues will be the primary focus of that thread. HO scaler's probably aren't too interested on how the latest N scale release runs. N scalers are very interested, and so for them, that is a place they can go and talk about it. If you model HO, but you are interested in something like that then you'll now know where to find it.
I don't think it hurts anything. I think it's more of a case of a different way of doing it, thats all. It's like a new flavor of ice cream. Its different from the ones before it, but its still good!
Tom, I don't mind them at all. In fact, it helps me to wade through the chaff, as I determine it, to get to the other threads that are titled in an appealing way for me. I won't enter a thread about Beer and Barns, N-Scale, and others that are thoughtfully titled to represent a limited appeal for your general modeler...that I am.
I hope my use of the word chaff is not taken as a deprecation, just that it is akin to "noise" in the signalling world. In other words, these threads actually improve the signal to noise ratio for me.
(How's that for a non-engineer/physicist?)
selector wrote:In other words, these threads actually improve the signal to noise ratio for me.(How's that for a non-engineer/physicist?)
In other words, these threads actually improve the signal to noise ratio for me.
I was looking for "feedback", wasn't I?...
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
I skip the "chat" subforums. None so far have been of interest to me. They are generally off-topic or I have little idea what the content of a particular message will be. If there is something that would be of interest, that's too bad for me (and maybe others on the chance I had something to contribute), but I'm not willing to scan such huge, chatty lists.
Mark
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
tstage wrote: When I first became a "regular" user of the forum in May 2004, the same four forum categories were present - just as they are now in 2007. If you had a question, you posted it on one of three*venues that were available:General DiscussionLayout and layout buildingPrototype information for the modeler(*Where's the 70th Anniversary Boxcar? forum is a separate entity in and of itself and, to me, not part of the equation.) Lately (or since the the upgrade of the forum software in July), there seems to be an exponential increase of what I'll call "special interest" threads on the forum - i.e. a thread for N-scalers, a thread for "diner" eaters, a thread for "beer" drinkers, a thread for "whistlers", a thread for such-in-such RR, and so on. A couple of the aforementioned threads have been here for a while; others are a more recent development. Now I'm NOT saying that all these threads are bad or don't serve a purpose. What I'm wandering is: Do these threads help the forum, or do they actually split the forum up further into isolated "cliques"? Are certain topics discussed in some of these "sub-forums" being lost to newbies (as well as regulars) who might actually benefit from them?I'd be interested in hearing what you all have to say on the topic. Signed,Curious George (Tom)
Before reading this, read me signature.
That is one of the stupidest things Ive heard in a while. Since when was N scale abolished as a MODEL RAILROADING scale?
Mechanical Department "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."
The Missabe Road: Safety First
coborn35 wrote: tstage wrote: When I first became a "regular" user of the forum in May 2004, the same four forum categories were present - just as they are now in 2007. If you had a question, you posted it on one of three*venues that were available:General DiscussionLayout and layout buildingPrototype information for the modeler(*Where's the 70th Anniversary Boxcar? forum is a separate entity in and of itself and, to me, not part of the equation.) Lately (or since the the upgrade of the forum software in July), there seems to be an exponential increase of what I'll call "special interest" threads on the forum - i.e. a thread for N-scalers, a thread for "diner" eaters, a thread for "beer" drinkers, a thread for "whistlers", a thread for such-in-such RR, and so on. A couple of the aforementioned threads have been here for a while; others are a more recent development. Now I'm NOT saying that all these threads are bad or don't serve a purpose. What I'm wandering is: Do these threads help the forum, or do they actually split the forum up further into isolated "cliques"? Are certain topics discussed in some of these "sub-forums" being lost to newbies (as well as regulars) who might actually benefit from them?I'd be interested in hearing what you all have to say on the topic. Signed,Curious George (Tom)Before reading this, read me signature. That is one of the stupidest things Ive heard in a while. Since when was N scale abolished as a MODEL RAILROADING scale?
Bring back 000 scale!
-George
"And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers ride their father's magic carpet made of steel..."
Tom, I don't mind them either. I'm really not interested in the, as someone put it... 'social' threads.. but have absolutely no problem with anyone that is. Is it possible you can have too many?
Anyway, I wonder why the site doesn't have a separate N scale section, there are quite a few N scalers, around. I almost was... once.
I frequent a photography forum quite often and it is broken down into so many categories it isn't funny. There's several for certain model cameras, a tech section, general, a sales category not to mention the photos themselves are in distinct areas, i.e. people, birds, studio, macro etc etc. It gets to be a little much sometimes.
JaRRell
I do not think that we need to change the face of the forum as it is fine the way it is.
However I do wish that when some one starts a new thread that they would state the scale in the title.
This would be helpful when one is asking questions on locos and or rolling stock.
I for one model in N-scale and open almost all the threads weather N is indicated or not to see if I can reply to the questions if they are N related.
The open Forum threads allows someone to see all the ideas on a subjet.
You will have all the different scalers giving input on a subject.
I like the chance to read in a thread what a builder in HO has to say.
Brad
Walkin' the Rails
There is the do-it-yourselfer which is the next best thing. The idea is to organize what you can control.
I have a favorites sub-folder under the primary Model Railroader Forum folder called "Forum Clinic Threads" where I include a lot of Joe Fugate's clinics, and others like "The 'N Crowd" that consistantly stick to the subject.
There are of course, about another dozen sub-folders like Lighting, DCC, Track, Helix & Grades, etc.
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
tstage,I don't contribute to or even read any social "chat" thread whatsoever if I can help it. And as far as N-scale threads, or individual RR threads, or what have you...forget it. I have no interest in N scale or CNW or UP or fill-in-the-blank-RR-name. If I want to talk New Haven (my only railroad I really model/collect), then I go to the New Haven Forum at www.nhrhta.org.
These threads can be as "cliquey" as they want, it's no bother to me. I'll ignore 'em, just like I always have here.
Why? Because honestly it's hard to follow along unless you read the threads from the beginning, and I have better things to do than to wade through 500 pages of stuff. Also, it'd be too much like certain other boards I'm aware of that are more concerned with their kids grades at school, their last hairdresser apointment, or which TV star is the hottest than with the topic at hand.
The one time I ever got involved enough to read such stuff was on a small-tractor web forum, where I wandered over to read a "social" type thread/forum, and there I found a quote that so infuriated me that I just could not stand to be there and deal with people like that. What was it that so ticked me off? It wasn't foul language, it wasn't hate, it wasn't even hard feelings. Nope, some well respected guy on the forum, someone I had liked, said something to the effect of, "Yeah, we Midwesterners are the REAL Americans, not like those on the East and West coasts!" Therefore implying that I, and everyone else who didn't live on some prairie somewhere were not "REAL" Americans. And yes, he was serious. And all the other "Me, too!" types who chimed in after that were serious, too. Now, they can call me names, they can insult my choice in politicians or even my religon, but they better not dare imply that I'm not a real American.
I was so ripped, I left and never returned. And ever since, I have avoided chatting with my fellow forumites on any forum due to the possiblity that the above may happen again.
So thanks, but no thanks to the "chatty" threads. They just aren't for me.
Paul A. Cutler III************Weather Or No Go New Haven************
I don't mind the social or scale specific threads but when there are helpfull modeling techniques hidden that many others could benefit from I think someone should say something and send them off to create a new topic.
I don't go into the social threads anymore as for the most part I get ignored. This is especially irritating as you wouldn't ignore me if I were touring your layout, would you?
John
tstage wrote:When I first became a "regular" user of the forum in May 2004, the same four forum categories were present - just as they are now in 2007. If you had a question, you posted it on one of three*venues that were available:General DiscussionLayout and layout buildingPrototype information for the modeler
I would like to see the forum broken down differently. I think the forum should be broken down by subject area. Here is my list:
Tom
You are right about certain cliques that have formed, but it would seem some of these existed prior to the change. Maybe they are more isolated now than before.
Many have certain types of interest but these were around prior to the change or at least I thought many existed.
All of the forums seem to have certain people who are interesting and certain ones who always generate much discussion even if it is trivial. It's that way in any form or communication between any and all of us, at least to some degree.
Many of our forum members do not use the Prototype section for questions and comments about Prototypes and use this one instead, but at least they get answers.
I have notice a lot of questions that are asked seem to be extremely basic so that would mean we have a lot of new modelers not looking anything up, but asking questions on the forum. That is not bad except they could probably learn more by doing some research first and asking questions when that avenue ran out.
If I compare the three forums that I belong to, the is by far the best for me.
ericboone wrote: tstage wrote:When I first became a "regular" user of the forum in May 2004, the same four forum categories were present - just as they are now in 2007. If you had a question, you posted it on one of three*venues that were available:General DiscussionLayout and layout buildingPrototype information for the modeler I would like to see the forum broken down differently. I think the forum should be broken down by subject area. Here is my list:SceneryOperationsTrackwork BenchworkElectrical (DC, DCC, and other)PlanningLocomotives and Rolling StockCafe (for social and off-topic non-trains threads)I think these catagories group the posts we see the most often quite nicely. They also may help cut down on the same questions getting asked multiple times.
I think these catagories group the posts we see the most often quite nicely. They also may help cut down on the same questions getting asked multiple times.
Don't fix what ain't broke!
Bob Boudreau
CANADA
Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/
ericboone wrote: I would like to see the forum broken down differently. I think the forum should be broken down by subject area. Here is my list:SceneryOperationsTrackwork BenchworkElectrical (DC, DCC, and other)PlanningLocomotives and Rolling StockCafe (for social and off-topic non-trains threads)I think these catagories group the posts we see the most often quite nicely. They also may help cut down on the same questions getting asked multiple times.
Eric, there are several other MRR forums on the web that are broken down into similar headings. IMO they are less effective, at least for me, because there are then so many places to go look to see what is going on. On this forum I can quickly see what is going on. The headings work reasonably well if you are going to the forum to get specific information, but not as well if you just want to generally contribute. I think the real key is for the forum to posses an excellent search function and for folks to use it. That would really cut down on the repeat threads.
Railphotog wrote: Don't fix what ain't broke!
I agree.
There is a SEARCH function that can find what you want to read. Even in the "CHAT" thread there will be information on Weathering or such and that word will be in the post.
The real deal on the chat thread is a comfort zone. YOu know that if you go to Whistle Stop and post something about a car you will not need a bucket of water to put out the flames
I think that the problem with searching for something is that a lot of posts do not have any indication of what they are about, in the "Title of the Post". Such as -- "How to you do that", and three lines later you find out what "that" is.
I have tried to find posts about things, and I sometimes get 3 or 4 replys that only one has anything to do with what I am looking for. Other times I may get 10 to 20 replys but Half of them are the same reply, just keyed to a different word in my original search.
Put the object of your post into the "Title of your post"
SAM
Railroad Line Forums ( http://www.railroad-line.com/ ) has many, many forums for specific topics and interests. It is my favorite forum as most of those on it are craftsman type modelers as opposed to newer modelers.
The forum software makes all of the separate forums work fine, as it always opens showing only those forums with new posts. That way it is easy to select the topics you want to follow. I think there were 24 new messages when I logged on first thing this morning, I read probably 20 of them, the others weren't of interest to me.
So their forum software can make multiple forums work, but it doesn't appear that the Trains.com forums could be operated the same way.
My truck forum is like that. Unless your so&so your no one.In the General discussion area people stop to ask questions, get responces and keep building.It is hard to get cliqueie when the subject changes from scale to scale and scenery to operations.