so called humor: decent posters, will the posts of another poster drive you away?

[BigJim]

gardendance

BigJim   No, but it is stupid posts like this ["Bomb Trains" threaten America's safety, according to report] that make me shake my head and make me wonder why people who are here just to stir up things up are allowed to post to this forum. Drive me away? No, but, I have found it useless to try to reply to a rock. So, if something intelligent comes up that I thing I might be able to add to, I will do so.   I remember reading the first few posts in "Bomb Trains", and didn't find anything that interested me, but also didn't find anything in the posts that was out of line. It just seemed to me to be old news, I had read articles like it years ago. Your post raised my interest again, I reread the thread, but again don't see anything out of line in the thread. I do agree that the article to which it refers is stupid, but not the thread's discusion of the topic. Can you please be specific, what about the thread do you feel is stupid?

This is the part: "make me wonder why people who are here just to stir up things up are allowed to post to this forum". 
And remenber, it has to be taken in context with the title of this thread in mind.

[Norm48327]

schlimm

This has become yet another in a long series of threads that are obsessive, whining, ranting, insulting and boring.

Then, if I may ask, why are you even reading it, much less contributing to the boredom? Bored people usually walk away.

[Murphy Siding]

schlimm

 

Murphy Siding

 

 

schlimm

I've noted the "insanity" question here.   I won't touch that one with a 50' pole, but maybe 51'.

 

 

 

 

  You're so inane.
 You probably think this thread is about you-don't you? 

 

 

 

 

 

In a word, NO.  Is that clear enough for you?  

This has become yet another in a long series of threads that are obsessive, whining, ranting, insulting and boring.

 

  I believe you've lost your sense of humor.  Perhaps you could ask Santy Clause for a new one?

Wiki?  Google?  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27re_So_Vain 

[schlimm]

Murphy Siding

 

 

schlimm

I've noted the "insanity" question here.   I won't touch that one with a 50' pole, but maybe 51'.

 

 

 

 

  You're so inane.
 You probably think this thread is about you-don't you? 

 

 

In a word, NO.  Is that clear enough for you?  

This has become yet another in a long series of threads that are obsessive, whining, ranting, insulting and boring.

[gardendance]

tree68

What's missing is the drama.  And nobody misses it at all.

Although I'm sure you don't miss the drama, I don't feel you can speak for everybody else. That's almost as bad as trying to claim that the good professional railroaders who used to post on these fora in the good old days have been driven away, never to return.

I also challenge your signature. I have lots more humility than you ever will.

[gardendance]

schlimm

Most of us indicated we could ignore the subject of this thread.  However, he has taken to posting on almost every current thread making that increasingly difficult.   How much longer does this have to go on?   He's destroying whatever enjoyment was left of these forums on his way to oblivion.

gardendance

Seriously though, where are ANY examples to support your contention that ChessieCat123 "has taken to posting on almost every current thread"?

Schlimm, that wasn't a rhetorical question. You said that the problem was "HE" puts his comments into almost every thread. I assumed you meant chessiecat123, and presented evidence that shows he hasn't put his comments into every thread, but rather originates a lot of threads. Do you still believe he puts his comments inot every thread, and do you have any statistics to back that up, or are you willing to admit that there's not much evidence to support your opinion?

Or are you perhaps talking about someone else besides chessiecat?

BigJim

 

No, but it is stupid posts like this ["Bomb Trains" threaten America's safety, according to report] that make me shake my head and make me wonder why people who are here just to stir up things up are allowed to post to this forum.

Drive me away? No, but, I have found it useless to try to reply to a rock. So, if something intelligent comes up that I thing I might be able to add to, I will do so.

 

I remember reading the first few posts in "Bomb Trains", and didn't find anything that interested me, but also didn't find anything in the posts that was out of line. It just seemed to me to be old news, I had read articles like it years ago. Your post raised my interest again, I reread the thread, but again don't see anything out of line in the thread. I do agree that the article to which it refers is stupid, but not the thread's discusion of the topic. Can you please be specific, what about the thread do you feel is stupid?

You remind me of an important point: not only must the topic be intelligent, but I must feel that I have something to contribute. There are many topics I read, but don't reply, because I feel I have nothing to contribute. That doesn't make the topics any less valid or worth peoples' attention, despite jokes people like me make that the only true measures of a thread's success are its reply and view counts.

Norm48327

 

 

schlimm

Exactly. Folks are staying away. It is 1:17pm CST and so far today (since 6 am) there are only six posts on the general forum.

 

 

Well, some of us have other things to do than sit in front of a computer all day.

 

Norm, you beat me to it. We hates you, we hates you forever, filthy Bagginses.

[tree68]

Convicted One

 

 

tree68

that's because it takes no knowledge of railroading to contribute.

This would be a pretty boring forum if posts were only allowed by those possessing an intimate knowledge of the trade, don't you think?

Not necessarily - the fire forums I'm on seem to do pretty well.  There is the occasional outlier - a wannabe who's got a story a mile long but no background to back it up.  They get called on it and that's usually where it ends.  There are definitely disagreements on tactics or tools, but folks usually agree to disagree.  In fact, several folks who were at each other's throats on-line have met and found out they were a lot closer on their views than anyone would have imagined.

 

I'm on other railroad forums, too.  The topics there seem to follow the general ilk of what we see here - abandoned lines, traffic on certain lines, the appearance of heritage units and the like, and because it's a more local forum, some items of local interest, like train shows schedules and switching at a local brewery.

 

The participants are a mix of fans and railroaders.

 

What's missing is the drama.  And nobody misses it at all.

[Convicted One]

tree68

that's because it takes no knowledge of railroading to contribute.

This would be a pretty boring forum if posts were only allowed by those possessing an intimate knowledge of the trade, don't you think?

[tree68]

Convicted One

I would like to encourage you to look at the "views"  tally for the thread in question, and compare it to the equivalent value to more serious threads that have been on the board longer. CLEARLY even though this thread might not meet YOUR approval, it certainly must appeal to others.

Alas, that's usually the case - threads on minutiae, often only periphally related to railroading (if at all), frequently have long runs.  And that's because it takes no knowledge of railroading to contribute.  

A technical discussion will only last as long as there are questions or comments on the topic at hand.  And most folks will recognize and respect the information provided by those who deal with the topic on a regular basis.  And if you tell me that the air pressure in the brake line is what holds the brake shoes off the wheels, I'm going to correct you.  

[Convicted One]

Euclid

And if that doesn't work, then they will trot out their dead horse argument.

 

Or play the "NIMBY" card.   And when it comes right down to it, what makes our resident railroad "experts" think they know so much more about NIMBYism than genuine NIMBYS do?

[Euclid]

Convicted One

 

BigJim

No, but it is stupid posts like this ["Bomb Trains" threaten America's safety, according to report] that make me shake my head and make me wonder why people who are here just to stir up things up are allowed to post to this forum.

 

 

Try to take yourself out of the center of the universe  for a moment and realize that no one made you "grand dragon of allowable content". Others very well may have interests that do not run parallel to yours. That DOES NOT mean you get to sanction what is relevant.

 

Some people here often make themselves "grand dragons of allowable content."  They will complain when people with insufficient credentials question their wisdom.  And if that doesn't work, then they will trot out their dead horse argument. 

[Convicted One]

tree68

Or when they dismiss out-of-hand a proven (documented) fact.

 

Sometimes "facts" are embedded in a pool of murk.  Sometimes  facts are cherry picked and are not necessarily representative of the entire picture. Both can lead to arguments that are non-persuasive.   Are we  expected to yield to non-persuasive arguments simply because their source is a supposed authority?

[Convicted One]

BigJim

No, but it is stupid posts like this ["Bomb Trains" threaten America's safety, according to report] that make me shake my head and make me wonder why people who are here just to stir up things up are allowed to post to this forum.

 

I would like to encourage you to look at the "views"  tally for the thread in question, and compare it to the equivalent value to more serious threads that have been on the board longer. CLEARLY even though this thread might not meet YOUR approval, it certainly must appeal to others.

 

Try to take yourself out of the center of the universe  for a moment and realize that no one made you "grand dragon of allowable content". Others very well may have interests that do not run parallel to yours. That DOES NOT mean you get to sanction what is relevant.

[Convicted One]

Euclid

This thread seems to be the county seat of innuendo.

 

Not in my endo you don't!!

[Norm48327]

schlimm

I've noted the "insanity" question here.   I won't touch that one with a 50' pole, but maybe 51'.

 

It pays to be crazy. It keeps you from going insane.

[Murphy Siding]

schlimm

I've noted the "insanity" question here.   I won't touch that one with a 50' pole, but maybe 51'.

 

  You're so inane.
 You probably think this thread is about you-don't you? 

[schlimm]

I've noted the "insanity" question here.   I won't touch that one with a 50' pole, but maybe 51'.

[Norm48327]

edblysard

Of all people...you can seriously ask that? Outstanding!

Of course. Don't you know he's never wrong?

Caution: sarcasm intended.

[Norm48327]

Murphy Siding

Inanity or insanity?

The latter. About two waves short of a shipwreck.

[tree68]

Euclid

What is the difference between "folks who don't agree" and folks who "don't seem to get the message when the fallacy of their points is shown”?  You say the former are not driving people away, but the latter are.

If person A disagrees with the opinion of person B, that's one thing.  Each is entitled to their opinion.  If someone leaves because of it, it's their loss.

If person A insists that stop signs are star-shaped and green and won't change their mind when it's proven that stop signs are red and octogonal, continuing to argue otherwise, that's stupid.

Euclid

Give me an example,

Sorry, I don't keep a scorecard...  

I've been on this forum for quite a few years, though.  

[edblysard]

Euclid

 

tree68

 

 

Euclid

In this discussion about members being “driven off” the forum, the general presumption is that they are driven off because others do not agree with them in discussions.  What about those who might be driven off because they can’t deal with what they perceive as inanity? Maybe they conclude that this is not the place for serious discussion.  Or maybe they don’t like a format where some people claim that their credentials mean they can’t be wrong in a debate; and that gives them the right to insult people who disagree with them. And besides the people who are driven off, how many people decide not to join the forum because of what they see here?  I’ll bet that is a larger number than the number of people leaving. 

 

 

I don't believe that people are "driven off" by folks don't agree with them.

I think the inanity factor is much larger.  Sometimes the old meme "cat-like typing detected" is more appropriate.  All too often, these folks don't seem to get the message when the fallacy of their points is shown - they just keep on keeping on.

And it is hard to take some posters seriously when an acknowledged expert in a field, as proven by the body of knowledge they've brought to the forum over time, is dismissed by a poster whose credentials might be that they've been reading railroad magazines for a bunch of years (or less).

Or when they dismiss out-of-hand a proven (documented) fact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the difference between "folks who don't agree" and folks who "don't seem to get the message when the fallacy of their points is shown”?  You say the former are not driving people away, but the latter are.

 

Give me an example, of when an acknowledged expert in a field, as proven by the body of knowledge they've brought to the forum over time, was dismissed by a poster whose credentials might be that they've been reading railroad magazines for a bunch of years (or less).  Or when they dismiss out-of-hand a proven (documented) fact.

 

Of all people...you can seriously ask that?

Outstanding!

[Murphy Siding]

tree68

........I think the inanity factor is much larger......

  Inanity or insanity? 

[Euclid]

tree68

 

 

Euclid

In this discussion about members being “driven off” the forum, the general presumption is that they are driven off because others do not agree with them in discussions.  What about those who might be driven off because they can’t deal with what they perceive as inanity? Maybe they conclude that this is not the place for serious discussion.  Or maybe they don’t like a format where some people claim that their credentials mean they can’t be wrong in a debate; and that gives them the right to insult people who disagree with them. And besides the people who are driven off, how many people decide not to join the forum because of what they see here?  I’ll bet that is a larger number than the number of people leaving. 

 

 

I don't believe that people are "driven off" by folks don't agree with them.

I think the inanity factor is much larger.  Sometimes the old meme "cat-like typing detected" is more appropriate.  All too often, these folks don't seem to get the message when the fallacy of their points is shown - they just keep on keeping on.

And it is hard to take some posters seriously when an acknowledged expert in a field, as proven by the body of knowledge they've brought to the forum over time, is dismissed by a poster whose credentials might be that they've been reading railroad magazines for a bunch of years (or less).

Or when they dismiss out-of-hand a proven (documented) fact.

 

 

 

 

What is the difference between "folks who don't agree" and folks who "don't seem to get the message when the fallacy of their points is shown”?  You say the former are not driving people away, but the latter are.

 

Give me an example, of when an acknowledged expert in a field, as proven by the body of knowledge they've brought to the forum over time, was dismissed by a poster whose credentials might be that they've been reading railroad magazines for a bunch of years (or less).  Or when they dismiss out-of-hand a proven (documented) fact.

[Norm48327]

Euclid

Norm,

If you have no inside knowledge, but are willing to learn, how do you know who to believe as you go about your learning? 

 

Because it is no major task to decipher who knows of what they speak and those who don't.

You have claimed in the past to have experience but refuse to show any credentials. Therefore, your credibility is in serious doubt.

[tree68]

Euclid

In this discussion about members being “driven off” the forum, the general presumption is that they are driven off because others do not agree with them in discussions.  What about those who might be driven off because they can’t deal with what they perceive as inanity? Maybe they conclude that this is not the place for serious discussion.  Or maybe they don’t like a format where some people claim that their credentials mean they can’t be wrong in a debate; and that gives them the right to insult people who disagree with them. And besides the people who are driven off, how many people decide not to join the forum because of what they see here?  I’ll bet that is a larger number than the number of people leaving. 

I don't believe that people are "driven off" by folks don't agree with them.

I think the inanity factor is much larger.  Sometimes the old meme "cat-like typing detected" is more appropriate.  All too often, these folks don't seem to get the message when the fallacy of their points is shown - they just keep on keeping on.

And it is hard to take some posters seriously when an acknowledged expert in a field, as proven by the body of knowledge they've brought to the forum over time, is dismissed by a poster whose credentials might be that they've been reading railroad magazines for a bunch of years (or less).

Or when they dismiss out-of-hand a proven (documented) fact.

 

 

 

[Euclid]

Norm,

If you have no inside knowledge, but are willing to learn, how do you know who to believe as you go about your learning? 

[Norm48327]

Euclid

Maybe they conclude that this is not the place for serious discussion. Or maybe they don’t like a format where some people claim that their credentials mean they can’t be wrong in a debate; and that gives them the right to insult people who disagree with them.

Coming from someone who refuses to show he has ever worked in the industry but claims he has experience that statement is a slap in the face of those who do work there and have knowledge of what works and what doesn't.

That said, I admit to having no inside knowledge but I'm willing to learn from those who do.

Flame suit is on.

[Norm48327]

schlimm

Exactly. Folks are staying away. It is 1:17pm CST and so far today (since 6 am) there are only six posts on the general forum.

Well, some of us have other things to do than sit in front of a computer all day.

[Euclid]

schlimm

 

BigJim

 

 

 so called humor: decent posters, will the posts of another poster drive you away?.

 

 

No, but it is stupid posts like this ["Bomb Trains" threaten America's safety, according to report] that make me shake my head and make me wonder why people who are here just to stir up things up are allowed to post to this forum.
Drive me away? No, but, I have found it useless to try to reply to a rock. So, if something intelligent comes up that I thing I might be able to add to, I will do so.

 

 

 

 

 

Exactly.  Folks are staying away.  It is 1:17pm CST and so far today (since 6 am) there are only six posts on the general forum.   

 

 

In this discussion about members being “driven off” the forum, the general presumption is that they are driven off because others do not agree with them in discussions.  What about those who might be driven off because they can’t deal with what they perceive as inanity?

Maybe they conclude that this is not the place for serious discussion.  Or maybe they don’t like a format where some people claim that their credentials mean they can’t be wrong in a debate; and that gives them the right to insult people who disagree with them.

And besides the people who are driven off, how many people decide not to join the forum because of what they see here?  I’ll bet that is a larger number than the number of people leaving. 

 

[schlimm]

BigJim

 

 

 so called humor: decent posters, will the posts of another poster drive you away?.

 

 

No, but it is stupid posts like this ["Bomb Trains" threaten America's safety, according to report] that make me shake my head and make me wonder why people who are here just to stir up things up are allowed to post to this forum.
Drive me away? No, but, I have found it useless to try to reply to a rock. So, if something intelligent comes up that I thing I might be able to add to, I will do so.

 

 

Exactly.  Folks are staying away.  It is 1:17pm CST and so far today (since 6 am) there are only six posts on the general forum.