I have been peeking in on the new Atlas site the past two days. To say that it is an active forum is an understatement. Another thing about it is that people are downright fiesty over there. I have allowed myself to get dragged into some pretty fierce debates about model railroading that I fully expect to get locked down before too long. Yes I behaved, i wrote and deleted many entries before posting my final mild versions. I just wanted to say that this may not get as much traffic, but you guys are much more civil over here. Thank you everyone for being so much more polite over here.
I learned long ago on various sites to keep low when things start to get hot. Some folks just have this ego thing where they have to have the last word. It is kind of hard to have the last word when you don't know when things are going to get locked down. I bailed out of the Rec/Model/RRs Newsgroup real fast after I saw people getting roasted.
Something else I've noticed about the 2 forums. . . this one seems to be more focused on the fun & learning aspects of model railroading - sharing of layouts, useful info & how to's, etc. That one does also, but you have to sift through alot more bs posts to find it. I will say one thing, though - if you need a quick answer, the Atlas forum is the place to go! I frequent both, but find myself not spending as much time over there as I used to. . . and spending more time on my layout. Isn't that what this hobby is all about? [ 24. September 2004, 22:03: Message edited by: dave n ]
Geeky, I think we reached similar conclusions. It took me about two years, but I now agree with Russ that it's best to stay low when things get hot. I'll still look and participate on Atlas and other forums (forae, fora?), because there is a true wealth of info, albeit sometimes buried, and some people with whom I have a longstanding (well, two years) colloquy about proper usage of the English language. I enjoy it here--and add my thanks to our hosts.
I guess in the 4 to 5 years since Trainboards conception we have always tried to make the site a plce where people of all ages can visit and make post without fear of ridicule. We may not have as many topics running as Atlas but thats ok thats what the Atlas forum is for. We are not trying to compete against the Atlas forum rather provide a family orientated site. I have made a lot of friends here and have been able to seek advice from the some great modellers and prottype information. Not to forget Trainboard sister sites, railimages.com and railseek.com. We are always looking for futher improvement and expansion. As much as the success of the site is due to the great staff we have here it is really because we have such great members that makes the site a great place to be at. I still visit other forums including Atlas so there is no reason why sites can complement each other rather than being in competition.
I am not sure why the Atlas forum attracts so many posts, but as has been said, you have to dig deep to find the good stuff! I have been involved in good discussions over there, but there seems to be few topics which do not get taken off at a tangent, and the original reason for the topic gets lost. We may be a quieter place, but we have much greater breadth of forums and therefore topics, both prototype and model. It is also much easier to check back on topics here. Each site has it's own style, strengths and weaknesses, so all have something to offer. I guess I just like the laid back atmosphere here the best
I sometimes argue with Russell Straw. But, I am so old that I either go to sleep or forget what we were arguing about before it is over. Anyway, I do enjoy the information and the modeling emphasis we have here. I am going to scan some of my old photos of Delores Yard in LAX and get on the railfan forums, too. A most pleasurable group here, I must say.
I think it is good that we have both places. Something about the "pace" of the Atlas forum seems to bring out the darker side in some of our N scale friends. The thread on "typos" a few weeks back absolutely puzzled me. I couldn't believe that such an issue could generate such debate. After all, this is the internet. I'll keep posting my updates to my shelf module over here (until I put you all to sleep)................Nah, just kidding; I'll even keep posting them after you are all snorring!
I agree with the statement that this forum seems to be geared more towards learning... and being my first layout, I think I'll stay here... Too much "stuff" over there IMHO... I hated digging through 4-5 pages for a post that started just earlier in that same day But, I guess it works for some people
You bunch of wishy washy wimpy women (some alliteration, there). I frequent both forums but find this one superior in breadth and temperment. Eventually, more will migrate and post in both.
The slower pace works better for me also. I like the Atlas forum, but spend an equal amount of time here...my 2 cents worth....Mike
Sure won't get any snoring from this guy! I'm enjoying following your progress. (May not always post a comment. But certainly read it all!) I find it great fun to see what others are doing. Beginners, or long timers. All kinds of neat ideas come out. I find many reasons to be inspired. Boxcab E50
The Atlas forum does have some quality posters. But reading over there just puts me in a bad mood. Atlas forum may have more quantity posts, but the quality is here.
I like the sense of camaraderie that exists here, and it seems that the people are supportive regardless of experience and ability. As to the topic of typos over on the other forum, I didn't know the thread existed. That would be a good thing as sometimes my hands move faster than my brain and sometimes words that I intended to put in got left out. I think that happens to more of us than we'd care to admit, but I'm not about to roast someone that makes the same mistake, that's counterproductive and humiliating. Anyway, thank you Trainboard staff and forum participants for keeping this forum fun!
I was right in the middle of the typo "excursion" and realized that intensity should not reach such a point that people get pissed off at each other. Am I going to be censored automatically for the word "pissed"? This is a hobby. The boards are for an exchange of information about the hobby. When the boards, their content, tone and topics are not what one logged on for, it is no longer a hobby but a soapbox for an exchange of opinions of off topic matters. If on line friendships are formed, communication on those off topic matters can be had by e-mail or Yahoo or MSN or ICQ or whatever.
Guys,I prefer the easy pace of passing on modeling tips,ideas and such like.. After much studying I started posting again on the Atlas forum for the time being.I will only post in those topic that are not hot beds of discontent..
Because of the type of business I am in, I cannot post to the Atlas Forum. It would be inadequate. I follow threads in several places pertaining to the type of products I provide and most of the time, a Manufacturer's point of view is welcomed. I requested to post a new product announcement on the-gauge.com and almost triggered an all-out war. I did the same here about a month ago and you welcomed me into your community. I cannot stress how important it is for me to be able to let people know about the products / services as a small company. I simply don't have an advertising budget. Nothing like the big boxes that's certain. When I do have budget, It will be my pleasure to purchase a small banner on this site. All your input praises / critics are welcomed - in forum format or personal email format. Thank you. I am a reseller of SMD products and designer / manufacturer of electronics (embedded systems).
I am most active on Atlas, and I guess I like the side debates. Many of you I notice post on both and are as guilty as the next guy for stirring it up. Typo thread for instance. I wonder why it is, over on Atlas people challenge one another, and over here the same people let is slide???? Interesting, veeerryyy interesting. I guess we have more crusaders on Atlas then anywhere else. And crusaders will always have challengers. I have to admit sometimes the crusades begin taking the fun out of it, and when they do, I take a break. But man is there a lot of action over there!!!!
