HOBBY
Defined: an activity normally outside of one's occupation done for diversion, pleasure, and relaxation.
RAILROAD MODELLING
Defined: a hobby in which the person endeavours to replicate a scale example of a currently operational or an historical railroad using various skills, techniques, and materials. The goal, conventionally, is to approximate the reality to the extent possible within one's means and abilities. The outcome tends not to rely on the opinions of onlookers for validation and worth unless it is presented for that purpose.
MODEL RAILROADING
Defined: common term used to denote the pursuit of enjoying scaled toy trains, not always prototypical, sometimes on an elaborate and highly functional mock-up or layout, and otherwise with simple and temporary orientations of track on available surfaces. Unlike railroad modelling, this pursuit is less restrictive and is even more subjective in that fidelity to a real or former prototype is not necessary. Its purpose is more fanciful or whimsical, and not meant to be a rigorous attempt to replicate the reality in detail.
TOYS
Defined: small implements, devices, replicas in scale of real items, meant for amusement and pleasure. They may operate realistically when provided with energy and a motive device, or may not be meant to move at all. Toys may be stuffed animals, dolls, cars, trains, planes, and other commonly found objects.
TOY TRAINS
Defined: any item, whether mechanically moved or static, that is a scale replica of a real or imagined locomotive or full train, extant or no longer existing, that is meant to be used for fun and amusement, as in a hobby.
FUN
Defined: a partially dissociative experience or emotion induced when excited, pleased, aroused, or when doing anything that is interesting and desirable. It can be an end in and of itself, and is occasionally used to justify any pursuit. This last point often results in conflict between those whose path to fun is markedly different from others', even in the broad confines of the same game or hobby.
CONFLICT
Defined: a state met when either two or more persons with incompatible interests must share limited resources or when their divergent preferences for a desired state causes resentment, mistrust, or anxiety. Commonly the conflict arises out of errors in understanding, such as ambiguous or arcane taxonomies, poorly defined terms, or from concepts and constructs with low face validity (not intuitively acceptable). The remediation involves building trust and good will among the affected stakeholders so that they can build a common understanding upon which to bridge their differences.
GOOD WILL
Defined: a cultured and wilful disposition to regard positively all others, regardless of their appearance, mannerisms, creed, sexuality, marital status, medical condition, stage of life, or interests. Note that this does not preclude value judgments against proscribed, illegal, or immoral acts, nor does it preclude the withholding of good will towards those who are judged to be mean-spirited, evil, egoistic, untrustworthy, or generally uncivil and unfriendly.
INTERESTS
Defined: one's privately or publicly defined means or outcomes for achievement, advancement, gratification, self-promotion, power, and status.
I wonder how all this fits in with some of the more intractable discussions we have had lately. I don't necessarily invite the picking apart of my definitions, but can they provide a basis for a friendly discussion of how we minimize the rancor in important and potentially revealing threads? Do you think it is possible to deal with the broader hobby without specificity and personal interests adversely affecting the tone and the advancement of the subject, or will we just have to live with threads that have a natural half-life? For example, there are some threads that have specificity, and others that are merely a friendly form of banter, that tend to stay up in the first two pages quite handily? What is it about these threads that is unlike others that make some of us angry with one another? How is it that in a single hobby that welcomes folks from all walks of life we so easily break into camps?
selector wrote: (snip)...How is it that in a single hobby that welcomes folks from all walks of life we so easily break into camps?
(snip)...How is it that in a single hobby that welcomes folks from all walks of life we so easily break into camps?
Just like anything out in the world, everybody will relate better with some people than with others, and I see it on this forum a lot. It's too bad that we can't all accept each other despite what we like and just try to enjoy this hobby. Then again, if it were in our human nature to be forgiving of differences, then there would be no racism, sexism, and all other forms of separation that we see day to day.
TONY
"If we never take the time, how can we ever have the time." - Merovingian (Matrix Reloaded)
loathar wrote:Just curious where you got these definitions from? ...
They're my own, Loathar. They may resemble others, but that would be largely coincidental, although all that I am is from the works of others before me, here or elsewhere. I thought I would try to derive, as an exercise (perhaps in futility), a set of definitions that we might accept...even if we have to hold our noses. Just for the purpose of trying to find a method to keep our discourse oriented toward the topics, and not toward the utterer.
Even when we disagree we lose richness and opportunity sometimes if the discussion gets into the gutter and we can't continue apace. Gutter balls are spectacular in that they hold our attention, but they don't amount to much when we tally the score. I really dislike it when otherwise decent discussions get sidetracked into personal vitriol.
Full Moon. May 31st.
Werewolves of London again....
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Selector I agree with what I think are your thoughts. This is a hobby that is supposed to be fun and relaxing. The conflict that has risen on this forum as of late has been sometimes created on purpose, sometimes created when poster is trying to promote healthy discussion, and sometimes from misinterpretation of what we are trying to say. The tone and the language used in our posts sometimes creates conflict. It puts people on the defensive and closes our mine to healthy discussion. Dave V's post recently on 3 Mantras was very interesting, I hope he starts one on themes because it really has caused me to think on how I can improve my Modelling whether I do prototypic or a fantasy I see many ways to improve and hold my interest for the long term. Thank you all
Kevin
If I may share...
Back in 2000-2002 while stationed in Ohio I joined the 6th Ohio Volunteer Militia (Guthrie Grays), a Civil War reenactment group. I'd been a member of the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, a great unit, up until then. The 6th Ohio were a great bunch of guys, but the unit fell apart because of differing visions of what it should be. In fact, the whole Civil War hobby was being torn at that time.
The stitch counters (I'm not making this up) hand-made all their clothes, slept in the open, and criticized everything. The mainstreamers packed beers into coolers they covered with period blankets and wore machine-made uniforms. One side said "We must suffer like the real soldiers did so that we honor them." The other side said "It's just a hobby; let's have fun!"
I fell in the middle, like I do in model railroading. I had some machine-made and some hand-made stuff. I slept in a shelter half or in the open, not a full tent. I tried to be as accurate as possible, but never forced others too. Eventually, the stitch-counters pushed too hard and the unit split in two.
My point? Not everyone has the same vision of what the hobby should be. We all want to have fun, but there's no one standard for what is fun.
From the recent locked thread I get the impression some might think a guy like me is too busy being accurate to have fun. In fact, besides my family and friends, model railroading is the greatest joy in my life. Re-creating a railroad scene I was born too late to witness in person has been extremely fulfilling.
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
Have you read some of the discourse on YouTube?
Unfortunately, some people are predisposed to argue. Egos are fragile and fuses are short. There are lot of angry folks in this world. It's pretty amusing to think that most people expect entire nations to coexist peacefully when they can't even get along with their own neighbors.
File that sad truth under "Nature: Human."
Nelson
Ex-Southern 385 Being Hoisted
Well, I can see we're not all working off of the same definitions. Maybe that's part of the problem. My version:
Hobby: I agree and would add not usually done for financial gain.
Railroad modelling: The building of models/minatures of railroad equipment, structures, settings, etc. that may or may not have moving parts/animation. Just as there are different schools of painting so there are different schools of railroad modeling, including but not limited to exact replication (all the details), impressionistic (less detail), fictional, fantasy, etc.
Model railroading: The building and operation of a model transportation system that simulates movement of people and goods using railroads. This could be done using Lionel 027, Plasticville structures, and grass mats; or highly detailed museum quality locomotives, tracks, structures, scenery; or something in between. Again there can be different schools of operation including exact replication (including paperwork), impressionistic (less paperwork), fictional, fantasy, etc.
Toys: I'm okay with this.
Toy Trains: I would add that these are intended for children, yeah I know who's going to spend $2000 for a Big Boy that some kid is going to run around the floor and then stuff into a toy box. Maybe nominally intended for children or once intended for children.
Fun: I would stop after the first sentence.
Conflict:I would add that it also occurs when there is greed or desire to dominate.
Good will: To me good will means that I care about the well being of others and is extended without regard to merit.
Interests: I admit I don't quite understand where you are going with this one. My interests are things I enjoy doing or learning about.
As someone (Winston Churchill?) once said, "We are two peoples separated by a common language." I suspect part of the problem with some threads is due to our having slightly and not so slightly different definitions of terms. Case in point is the term "Rivet Counter"; it means very different things to different people some of whom are passionate about their definition to the point where several threads have gone into total warfare over it.
Personally, I try to never take anything personally. I'm not always successful, but I do try.
Enjoy
Paul
Selector,
I read your definitions with interest. I understand your motivation for this thread, given that all too many recent ones have deteriorated into rather uncivil affairs.
I would offer the following thoughts if I may.
Of course, however any given individual chooses to pursue it, the hobby is indeed "fun" for us as individuals. But having said that, clearly some people pursue their fun with greater passion than others, and feel strongly that their particular approach to the hobby is "the best one". The hobby is fun, but given the amount of time, energy, and cash used in its pursuit, it can also be taken very seriously.
The nature of a forum like this is that every time we post something, we do so with the understanding that there is an implicit invitation to comment. While I'm no psychologist, I believe that it is a common human trait to want to "win people over" to your point of view. People with strongly held views (political, religious, and yes even model railroading) cannot resist the temptation / opportunity to preach their version of the gospel. Unfortunately, they often fail to promote their own views without simultaneously denigrating others'.
Civilities all too often go out the window for several reasons:
Generally speaking, the threads that are most likely to degenerate into flamethrowing spectacles are the ones that invite subjective "philosophical" responses (like this one ), rather than technical details. I wonder if the forum might be well served by a separate Debating Area where people can (civilly) engage in whatever topic is chosen for that week...let a topic run for a specified period of time, then shut it down and pick another. Just a thought. I don't know if it would work.
At the end of the day however, the problem is virtually impossible to fix. You can ask for civility and tolerance all you want, but I suspect that you won't get it. There will always be a few individuals who can't temper their enthusiasm. When things get out of control the only remedies that remain are thread-locking or banishment of individuals by the powers that be.
As is the nature of threads like this one, I've provided a lot of commentary but unfortunately, no answers. I share your hope that people will think twice before hitting the SEND button when they've composed a nasty comment in haste and anger. Cheers.
I've never had such philosphical thoughts or ideas about our hobby. I just do what I enjoy doing, making models and taking photos of them. I follow this forum to hopefully be able to learn something, share info that I might have and hear about new products.
Perhaps the OP with over 8200 posts on this forum spends too much time musing and not enough time modeling? To each his own I guess!
Bob Boudreau
CANADA
Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/
selector wrote: I don't necessarily invite the picking apart of my definitions, but can they provide a basis for a friendly discussion of how we minimize the rancor in important and potentially revealing threads?
Do you think it is possible to deal with the broader hobby without specificity and personal interests adversely affecting the tone and the advancement of the subject, or will we just have to live with threads that have a natural half-life?
For example, there are some threads that have specificity, and others that are merely a friendly form of banter, that tend to stay up in the first two pages quite handily?
What is it about these threads that is unlike others that make some of us angry with one another?
How is it that in a single hobby that welcomes folks from all walks of life we so easily break into camps?
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
Great, yet another esoteric topic destined for a padlock.
Oh, and a hobby is simply a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation (per Webster). Seems like a few here are pursuing this hobby as though it IS their regular occupation.
MABruce,
Then you're gonna LOVE the thread I just started!
Seriously, if the philosophy ain't for you, I get it. There are plenty of threads to go around.
Seems most of my hands-on project threads end up sinking to the bottom - too specific. At least these threads touch a broad audience.
IRONROOSTER wrote: ... Fun: I would stop after the first sentence.Conflict:I would add that it also occurs when there is greed or desire to dominate...Paul
Conflict:I would add that it also occurs when there is greed or desire to dominate...
Paul, thanks for your thougtful reply. Fun is such a personal experience that it means different things to different people. Some of us, like my father, defines fun as success in a year's crops in his garden. Although he enjoys gardening and is quite accomplished, he does it more out of character than for pleasure. His father raised him through the Depression and into the War. it was a time where people chipped-in and workede harder to get things done with less. What you didn't have you made or grew. When I asked him a while back why he didn't have toys or a hobby, he replied that he grew up during those times when such things were frivolous...unthinkable. Now, he could not enjoy the expense, nor could he justify it. His pleasure, such as it is, is in growing his own vegetables. Yet, it is a duty. He must.
Not so with a hobby. We do what we will, not what is required by custom or convention...at the risk of bearing the brunt of the critics among us. So, fun is tied to personal choice, and personal choice rests on the interests that one has in the dimensions that I list under that section...power, status, advancement, and so on. Note that interests may be tied to something as base (not basic) as security. I don't want to get into academic discussions, but this is my field. My specialty is in conflict analysis and management, with a concentration in third party intervention in ethno-political conflict. In a nutshell, that is building trust between factions that have been at war, often within the confines of a nation.
If we don't understand what the opposition's interest are, we are not likely to say the things that will make them want to work with us instead of against us. So, I agree that the bones of contention are often due to differences in semantics. But in this sense, interests are not what appeals to us, what amuses us, but what makes us feel secure about ourselves in the emotional, physical, and philosophical realities that we face and that define us.
SteamFreak wrote: Have you read some of the discourse on YouTube? Unfortunately, some people are predisposed to argue. Egos are fragile and fuses are short...
Unfortunately, some people are predisposed to argue. Egos are fragile and fuses are short...
Nelson, I do not frequent the widely popular spaces on the internet due to my desire to avoid the angst I would feel for what goes on there. Ignorance is bliss. I only venture to youtube when someone posts a MRR or RR related video that promises something worthwile watching. I have almost always been pleasantly surprised in that regard.
Egos are highly fragile, mine among them. My fuse is usually quite damp and hard to light, but it is about at long as the quick on my little finger.
RRCanuck wrote: Selector,I read your definitions with interest... I believe that it is a common human trait to want to "win people over" to your point of view. People with strongly held views (political, religious, and yes even model railroading) cannot resist the temptation / opportunity to preach their version of the gospel. Unfortunately, they often fail to promote their own views without simultaneously denigrating others'.Civilities all too often go out the window for several reasons:some people feel compelled to preach their gospelmost people rankle at being preached tothe relative anonymity of the medium allows people to abandon the rules of civil discourse that they would probably follow were they face-to-face.Generally speaking, the threads that are most likely to degenerate into flamethrowing spectacles are the ones that invite subjective "philosophical" responses (like this one ), rather than technical details. I wonder if the forum might be well served by a separate Debating Area where people can (civilly) engage in whatever topic is chosen for that week...let a topic run for a specified period of time, then shut it down and pick another. Just a thought. I don't know if it would work.At the end of the day however, the problem is virtually impossible to fix. You can ask for civility and tolerance all you want, but I suspect that you won't get it. There will always be a few individuals who can't temper their enthusiasm. When things get out of control the only remedies that remain are thread-locking or banishment of individuals by the powers that be.As is the nature of threads like this one, I've provided a lot of commentary but unfortunately, no answers. I share your hope that people will think twice before hitting the SEND button when they've composed a nasty comment in haste and anger. Cheers.
I read your definitions with interest... I believe that it is a common human trait to want to "win people over" to your point of view. People with strongly held views (political, religious, and yes even model railroading) cannot resist the temptation / opportunity to preach their version of the gospel. Unfortunately, they often fail to promote their own views without simultaneously denigrating others'.
Well said, fellow Beaver Tail connoisseur.
Yes, to your first point, and this hearkens back to egoism. We want to belong, but we want to be the first among equals. We crave the worshipping masses, and the power that they promise us. And, true, in the absence of substance, most will resort to deprecating the achievements of their rivals in order to aggrandize themselves.
These threads must...they must...sound to many onlookers as an attempt to preach or to compel uniformity in thinking and in effect. I wish I could dispel that notion, but the way some threads get around to full-blown rancor and personal attacks, little wonder that the whole theme seems to take on the aura of a threat. I can see why these more philosophical discussions threaten some folks, but I wish I could convince them that there is much to gain by seeing them through to the second half-life....not the first. Bergie axes them at the first, although I can see where he's coming from, and can hardly blame him.
I disagree with your statement about the matter being impossible to fix. Just as there are referees in most sports, certainly where things count for more than just bragging rights, there should be referees in this forum. I wish, oh, how I wish, that we could police ourselves in gentlemanly fashion, but the history tells us otherwise. So, we need a system of moderation that, at the very least, takes the pressure off Bergie and that allows us to keep civility and tolerance to the fore during the...ummm...."quiet" hours. Just my opinion, but there is support amongst the membership for that idea.
I am not looking for answers, per se, but perhaps the way to them. In that respect, you have done admirably. Next beaver tail is on me.
-Crandell
Railphotog wrote: Perhaps the OP with over 8200 posts on this forum spends too much time musing and not enough time modeling? To each his own I guess!
When you're right, you're right, Bob; to each his own.
Thanks for your contribution.
Brunton wrote: What is it about these threads that is unlike others that make some of us angry with one another? Maybe they don't attract the folks who seem to revel in antagonizing someone just because they have opportunity.
Maybe they don't attract the folks who seem to revel in antagonizing someone just because they have opportunity.
Aha, there's a sage among us. That could be it, exactly, Mark. A thread that invites opinion also seems to invite the pugnacious personality. When we gill burgers, expect hornets.
MAbruce wrote: Great, yet another esoteric topic destined for a padlock.Oh, and a hobby is simply a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation (per Webster). Seems like a few here are pursuing this hobby as though it IS their regular occupation.
Why is it when a deep thought discussion comes up some as to under mind it? Are they afraid others may give views they are not comfortable with and feel they must react with harsh words or click the report this post icon? What thrill do they get for doing this?
I bet if a simple topic came up on modeling a short line they will be those that would respond negatively with cries of its my layout,its my blah,blah,blah and yada,yada...Are they afraid they might learn something or that others may actually get some good thought provoking ideas?
Dang if I know.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
BRAKIE wrote: MAbruce wrote: Great, yet another esoteric topic destined for a padlock.Oh, and a hobby is simply a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation (per Webster). Seems like a few here are pursuing this hobby as though it IS their regular occupation.Why is it when a deep thought discussion comes up some as to under mind it? Are they afraid others may give views they are not comfortable with and feel they must react with harsh words or click the report this post icon? What thrill do they get for doing this?I bet if a simple topic came up on modeling a short line they will be those that would respond negatively with cries of its my layout,its my blah,blah,blah and yada,yada...Are they afraid they might learn something or that others may actually get some good thought provoking ideas?Dang if I know.
Larry, you've been around this forum as long as I have and ought to know better. A majority of these ‘thought provoking' topics tend to turn sour after a couple of pages and end badly. I've seen it happen over and over again. Yes - they don't have to, but they just do. The reasons why could fill a book, but the results are usually predictable: They only end up turning into yet another topic that draws moderator intervention.
(And no, I'm not the one who clicks the 'report this topic' icon on these topics.)
Well put David B .
I was struggling on contributing to this thread and your description of tone, or rather the loss of it, in this written format perfectly states what I was struggling to say.
I consider myself somewhat of an old-hand on this forum, yet have found myself contributing less-and-less and drifting away. I'm not particularly sure why, perhaps it is a phase I am in? Certainly my interests have shifted more towards scratch-building and structures, but I also think that the atmosphere has changed here as well.
I want to comment on the issue of cultural differences that have been mentioned before. Our friend Mark K illustrates well some differences in approach from one nation to another. Mark, I enjoy your approach and find myself smiling often at your posts. I have a dear friend from Australia who has a wonderfully pointed acerbic wit. He lives in the US and seems to be on a single handed mission to counter the political correctness that is so prevalent here. Your direct approach reminds me a lot of him. I tend to read your posts with his Aussie drawl in my mind. If you are not expecting it, it can be easy to feel challenged and threatened by this approach, especially in the written form.
Anyway, Selector, my Canadian friend, thought provoking as usual, lets hope that this one does not degenerate.
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
simon1966 wrote: Well put David......Anyway, Selector, my Canadian friend, thought provoking as usual, lets hope that this one does not degenerate.
Well put David...
...Anyway, Selector, my Canadian friend, thought provoking as usual, lets hope that this one does not degenerate.
Simon, thanks, for both comments.
I agree with Dave to an extent. As part of my learning, cultural differences mean a great deal. Mark Newton has attempted to explain his style, but it grates on folks this side of Hawaii. I had to turn off my own "harrumph!" filter when reading his replies because I know he is entirely willing to communicate with us...but as an equal, not as a sycophant who wants desperately to fit in....am I right, Mark? So, if he is to be an equal, he has a duty to be as forthright as we all claim to be. No more, no less. So folks, get past his apparent style, and deal with his message...not the tone if David's message has any value.
Just for the record, though, as a former staff officer in the Canadian Forces, the written discourse most definitely has tone. That is why writing is an acquired and studied skill, since you have to learn how to tell a senior officer how to pee up a rope...nicely. It is one of the reasons that some of us get irritated with others here. Writing has style, and inset in the style is tone. Words strung together can stroke or they can sting. Just ask David. (We're "okay", the two of us.)
Thanks for championing the acerbic MK, Simon. It is a proper thing to do when you know it will serve a good purpose.
As for this thread degenerating, it doesn't need to, sure, but it may very well, sure. If every one of us wills not to take a directed comment personally, and works very hard to counter with facts or solid arguments instead of invective and personal attacks (fallacies of relevance in logic), this thread may help to make us tolerate one another a bit more. A lofty goal? Sure. What goal worth reaching was ever easy?
MisterBeasley wrote: Full Moon. May 31st.Werewolves of London again....
and he went to Lee "H.O." Fooks......and his model railroad was perfect!
sorry. one of my favorite songs.
Defined: a hobby in which the person endeavours to replicate a scale example of a currently operational or an historical railroad"
Selector, I don't think railroad modelling requires trying to replicate a currently operational or a historical railroad. Freelance railroad modelling, cleverly conceived, thoughtfully planned with context, and hewing to basic operational precepts of the prototype....it's lost in your definition.
It is a shame when high-level posts with interesting subjects like this turn into flamethrowing or ruminations about tone of the forum. It's a turn-off.
"But in this day and age of polarization - no sense agreeing on anything when we can fight to the death over some misunderstood principle - there are those who take umbrage when someone champions a view other than their own." - Tony Koester
davidmbedard wrote: ... CONFLICTAll conflict can be attested to one thing: status. Conflict arrises if someone is trying to raise their status, or someone is trying to lower someone else's status. I challange anyone to come up with an example that nullifies this statement. The most intense conflicts come with 2 or more people with 'high' status have different opinions. As a personal example, I had in my signature "Guru of DCC sound"(mearly to say that I was well informed on the new development in the hobby and would be happy to teach others about it.....Guru means teacher). There were lots of people who tried (and succeded) to knock down this percieved mark of high status and hence created conflict to achieve this. I inturn removed the label (hence lowering my status) to allow others to raise their status.Just some food for thought.David
All conflict can be attested to one thing: status. Conflict arrises if someone is trying to raise their status, or someone is trying to lower someone else's status. I challange anyone to come up with an example that nullifies this statement. The most intense conflicts come with 2 or more people with 'high' status have different opinions. As a personal example, I had in my signature "Guru of DCC sound"(mearly to say that I was well informed on the new development in the hobby and would be happy to teach others about it.....Guru means teacher). There were lots of people who tried (and succeded) to knock down this percieved mark of high status and hence created conflict to achieve this. I inturn removed the label (hence lowering my status) to allow others to raise their status.
Just some food for thought.
David
David, in the context of this thread, I think you are on to something. Conflict is based on a need for security. Needs and interests are what generate conflict when the attainment of either is retarded or prevented entirely by someone or by circumstances. In this and other forums, the desire for acceptance is a search for security. When someone challenges us and rebuffs us, worse when they attempt to belittle us, it hurts and causes us to lash out in reply. Later, when our acceptance is assured, we attempt to improve our position by changing our focus to one of establishing status.
In my case, I look back to Bob Boudreau's reply. He apparently feels that I spend too much time here pondering the hobby. You'll notice that my reply was neutral and accepting of his premise...not necessarily because I agree with him, but because I willed myself to consider his message and to overlook what could easily be taken as a slight or a slam. His understanding of my circumstances can only be based on his own relevant circumstances, and in that respect someone who has as many posts as I do must have little esle going on in his life. The logic is faultless, but his conclusion is wrong. It is nothing I need to address, and if it helps him to believe that about me, I commend him to his belief. Belief is convenient.
I do agree that the attainment of status is something that drives most of us. The more comfortable we get here, the more posts we mark up, the more learning and doing in the hobby, the more confident we get about our specialties. In your case, you are about to establish yourself as a DCC guru. Perhaps the membership thought you needed to spend some time in a sort of probationary period first.
A pecking order is an artifact of all societies, and this is a microcosm. That artefact of socialization is often not pleasant, but is certainly is a reality.
Thanks for your observations.