Looking back over my previous post, I realize that I wasn't as clear as I might have been... I meant to say that on *other* model rr forums, there was a lack of civility, and since they were/are predominately older people, that age didn't always = manners. I certainly wasn't implying that TrainBoard was like that...quite the opposite. Lashedup, I agree....the lack of face to face DOES lead to a lack of responsibility for what is said. I'd also blame TV and popular entertainment. Humor no longer arises out of situations but rather in the sharp retort or the snide putdown. And DON'T get me started on rap music! <deep breaths> I am calm.....I am peaceful....I can clearly see the face of the idiot poster I am choking........
As a category manager for two lines one RC and one model railroad, I have to say Trainboard is more like a virtual "Mayberry". I've been on Trainboard since the first week if my memory serves me correct and I have never been involved in a flame war. Everyone I have had talked with on this board has been more than helpful and I would not hesitate to have any of you at my place for an op session. Bookbear is right, people seem more rude and hostile, I've seen more of it these past ten years. Doing seminars on airbrushing at shows gives me a lot of face to face contact and after three years I have only had one grouch at a railroad show. I will be the first to admit that I'm no expert but I do Know what I'm doing. That said I will always take critcism good or bad as it can usally make our models better. If someone does come to me for advice I will give it, if they don't like it they can ask someone eles. Inkaneer, try not to let it bug you too much. I still get discouraged every now and then when the old hands won't take advice from a kid
Someone on another forum put it well when they posted after a major flame war erupted over some inconsequential subject, "I wonder if we would be talking to one another like this if we were all hanging out in a room together." Somehow is cyberspace suppose to make it okay to show your hind side? I too would say Thanks to the TB staff and members for maintaining the civil atmosphere of "Peaceful Valley"!
Mayberry? Good analogy. Our deputy doesn't even carry a gun, just an empty spray can of red paint. (Steve- If I am outside the envelope, please let me know).
I have been a member of the TB for almost a year now and I have to tell you guys that I love this forum. As a rockie modeler I know that I can always count on you guys for great advice. Please don't let the occasional "jerk" get the best of the board. Keep those great tips coming because I can use every one if them. Ben
Just don't p*ss of Barney! I have to say, you all are the nicest bunch of board guys I've come accross. And I'm a member of many boards, hobby and otherwise! Try posting a question to a NEWSGROUP sometime! The place where every question is a dumb one, yikes.
Reminds me of a Garfield comic strip I saved. It had Garfield proclaiming: "I'm going to go make fun of dogs!". Next frame shows a beaten and tattered Garfield proclaiming: "I'm going to go home and make fun of dogs over the Internet."
Dunno (other than what others have posted here) how others feel, but if someone takes the trouble to reply to a question I've posed, I always try to answer their post with some form of a thank you, even if I don't intend to use their method. Even if it's just an acknowledgment. Forums (and this one in particular) have a very diverse population and almost everyone has a different way of doing the same things and the more info I can gather the better (I think) the final piece will come out. As for common courtesy, my dear departed mother and father, (let's not get all choked up here, it's been a really long time) would be twisting in thier graves if I acted any other way. It's the way I was raised. And common courtesy (in general) does seem to be a thing in withdrawal. But if I catch my kids acting like that (they're all grown) they still get a tongue lashing from their mothers AND me that would probably peel wallpaper off a wall. So they are not discourteous either. (well not very often, anyway) But it IS how you were raised, I think, that really matters. Some folks just got a bigger share than others. Ignore the a**ho*es! They ain't worth the time or the energy wasted on 'em! Ignore 'em and outlast 'em!
The electronic medium doesn't allow for the normal nuances of conversation that prevent situations like this from flaring up. If the situation is the one that I saw but didn't pay a lot of attention to on the N_Scale List.... write it off to the limitations of email. The person asking the question and giving the YaButz is a longtime N Scaler and wasn't degrading your opinions.... just responding how the solutions would work for him. In normal conversation tone, facial expressions and other cues would have softened the rejection....which I don't think was intended as a judgement of your knowledge, just normal conversation. Best regards, Charlie Vlk
As Tom mentionned, how we are raised can the change the way a person can be later. I am only in sec 2 and a lot of teens aren't friendly at all and always criticizing. I had be a victim of them when the knew I have a passion for trains but at least, it stopped. I've also see people being part of a model RR club having a word fight during an exposition . Thanks a lot everyone here on Trainboard to be friendly and helpful. All Trainboard members must really appreciate it.
advice is just that... take it or leave it. esp. when asked for, there is no need to snap back rudely. if the suggestions won't work or are not that particular to your situation, then just move on to the next.
I remember sometime back I posted an answere to a questiion. As it happened, I knew what I was talking about. Somebody else came in behind me and remarked I don't know what I am doing and proceeded to say a bunch of garbage that was way off topic. I came back and said. "Fine. I will just go to another train forum." The next day I received a E Mail from this guy saying he was sorry and was wrong and asked me to come back. After that there was no trouble
wow, you make ONE comment about painting too much rock island and I get labeled a grouch. jeesh!! but that's OK, the thrash-man loves his new lokeys my man!!
