Site Statement - Please Read

FriscoCharlie Jul 28, 2004

  1. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Due to a few posts on the site recently, and comments that I have been directed to read on other forums, I would like to take a few minutes of your time to address the perceived relationship between TrainBoard and other forum sites, and explain some of our methods.

    As has been mentioned previously, TrainBoard offers support to these other sites in the form of RailImages.com. We could easily block domains from calling for images from that site. Example: We could block atlasrr.com from calling images from RailImages, thus producing the little "red X" when people tried to post an image there. We could also do that to forum sites that are deemed "competition" to TrainBoard.

    We don't want to do that. We have never tried to be adversarial with other forum sites. We have crossed swords with a few folks over time but that is inevitable. We try to avoid it and we all like to think we are straight with other people and not placing ourselves in a situation where we are likely to make enemies. The people that frequent these forums are all interested in trains and railroads and that bond should be strong enough to transcend some of the disagreements, but it is often not. This comes as no great surprise - I am involved in other hobbies besides trains and the same thing often occurs. It is just unfortunate.

    I should also note that some individuals that we have provided free services to through RailImages, have been the harshest critics of TrainBoard on other sites. I'm not sure that would be proof that no good deed goes unpunished, but usually this criticism is the result of someone wanting us to do something a certain way, and if we refuse, they are going to punish us for it on other sites. Usually, this just drives people to this site to see what's it's all about. So, I think saying negative things about one forum on another usually backfires, and we don't like to see people bashing other forums here either.

    We realize that the Atlas Forum was (is) a very busy forum. Do we wish we had that level of activity here? Of course we do. We would love to attract more people and to that end we try to offer as many things to people as we can. It would no doubt be true that almost every other railroad forum would also like to attract increased participation.

    Those who frequented the Atlas Forum are fragmented somewhat between several forums, and some are probably just taking time off until the Atlas Forum returns.

    TrainBoard is one of the oldest railroad forums around. We have assembled a team of volunteers from around the globe and many of us have been here since these forums opened in March of 2000. Others have joined along the way.

    I would like to offer a few comments about how we moderate these forums:

    We realize that some people see us as being heavy-handed, and certainly that would be a big turn-off if true. We have been accused of "over-moderating" the forums as times. Some folks believe that this makes the site boring, and yes, we have all seen this site referred to as "trainbored" on other sites.

    Over the 4-plus years that we have operated these forums we have learned a number of things. One of these things is that good people are usually put off by arguing and are more likely to leave than participate in arguments. As well, people do not like to have to sort through loads of crap to get at good content. Watching people argue (while fun for some) is stressful for most people so they back away from it and do a mental disconnect.

    Personal arguments, name-calling, petty bickering, attacking another person... all of these things are very negative and this is why we do not allow them here. This is not a problem for most people, as most people do not do this, nor do they have any desire to. But, one person allowed to go unchecked, can run off many good people.

    Some folks mistakenly believe that we do not allow arguing or disagreements. This is not true. A good argument is a lot of fun - when the arguing takes place based on the merits of whatever is being disagreed on. But, for many people, it is not possible to engage in debate without turning personal or losing their cool. "Gentlemen's disagreements" are fine - as long as we remain gentlemen (or ladies) of appropriate behavior.

    There is a natural progression that many of these threads take. You'll see it here or on any forum - very frequently on the Atlas Forum, where you could measure the heat level of the posts. As long as no one was getting personal you could say that the heat level of a disagreement was at a certain level. Then, you can tell that within a few more posts, it will be red hot. When that happens, there is a problem.

    Why do we cut those off? Because a very small percentage of people are the cause of these problems and they are not worthy of the attention of site as a whole.

    There is a standard of behavior that most of us are held to away from the Internet. We are not allowed at work, home or in social situations to act like idiots, throw tantrums, belittle those who have opposing views, or generally make a spectacle of ourselves. Society generally does not tolerate such behavior and shuns these people, yet on the Internet common civility is often out of the window as we deal with people that we are likely to never have to stare at eye-to-eye. Many people have a bad day and come home and take it out on some person on the Internet that said something they disagreed with. Then, many other people are drawn in.

    We believe that we are best served by good behavior and we strive toward that goal. It is easier to remove the small number of posts and people who cause such problems than to try to police and coddle those who do not agree with this policy. This is not many people or posts - we rarely take any action. People do not like to be "regulated" and we do not like to do it - contrary to the opinion of some.

    Unfortunately, some people believe that we are watching over their shoulder just waiting to delete content that we do not "like". This is simply not true.

    This site exists for the enjoyment of the people that are present at it. That's it, plain and simple. No one is pocketing money. Even though we have advertising and accept donations, this site is not a money-making prospect for anyone.

    We enjoy the many friendships that have been made on this (and other railroad forum sites). We believe that TrainBoard and other forums are responsible for many good things - from railfanning and railroad-related education, to model railroad education and awareness - and much more.

    Like every other railroad forum web site, we are doing the best job we can, and trying to add things and constantly tweak settings to please our members and visitors. Every group of people operating forums will draw differing conclusions about how to best do things. Some sites will fail, some will succeed, some will simply stagnate. I am sure that all of us want these sites to be as busy as possible. I would love to see 100 active topics here every day.

    Anyone operating a forum site has made a significant commitment of time and money to make it go, and they are going to do it in the manner that they think will work best.

    When the Atlas Forum returns, I am sure that many people will return to that if they like the new format - whatever it will be. Hopefully, many will stay here or continue to visit and post here regularly. We have certainly enjoyed having many new people.

    I hope that this has given you some insight into how (and why) we do things here. Some people will agree, some will disagree. That's just part of the process.

    No "attaboy" posts are needed following this and if you have comments, please feel free to e-mail or private message me rather than having a big discussion of this following - which is not necessary.

    Thanks for reading,

    Charlie
     
  2. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I wish to say I support Charlie 100% on this. I consider it a privilidge to Admin both this site and Rail Images and look forward to having all members here.

    We have a great site here and I've also made a lot of friends.
     
  3. Stourbridge Lion

    Stourbridge Lion TrainBoard Supporter

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    I know Charlie has asked that we not reply to this but I wanted to pass on some feedback as well. I initially joined TrainBoard on March 17, 2000 {a.k.a. strourbridgelion Member # 228} to help get the Fallen Flags going. Charlie and I have had are differences in the past but our shared love of this hobby overcame even those heated times. I myself have been one of those that have been "cutoff" when I did forget myself and what this site is all about and fully supported what was done after the fact when my head cleared. Besides being a longtime Forum Moderator here I am an active member of other forums as well as left others as they just didn't meet my interests. If you don't like how a site runs make positive suggestions to those that operate it, ask questions, and try to help make it better. If any site still doesn't fit your fancy doesn't mean its a bad site, just one that doesn't fit you is all.

    For me, TrainBoard is a GREAT site and one of the few where those from all aspects of the hobby can be together and share topics while still having our unique areas at the same time. We have gained many new members this summer and I have enjoyed the topics, images and I look forward to sharing more. To me this is the #1 Hobby in the world and it so great we have members from all around the world here to experience their views and ideas we can all learn something from. Most members here don’t visit the Fallen Flags forums and that’s OK, they are still here for those interested in historical topics and images whether it be for Railfanning or looking for ideas for your Model Layout. Charlie nearly eliminated these forums once but brought them back to their full glory because he does listen to the members to make this site better and fun for everyone.

    Enjoy the summer here at TrainBoard and stop by the various forums here and learn/share more about other facets of this great hobby with others within those forums…
     
  4. jmhewitt

    jmhewitt TrainBoard Member

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    [post deleted]
     
  5. Robin Matthysen

    Robin Matthysen Passed Away October 17, 2005 In Memoriam

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    Not an attaboy Charlie but just a big thankyou for the time effort and generosity you have provided to keep Trainboard going
     
  6. Mr. Train

    Mr. Train TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you Charlie [​IMG]
     
  7. PRR1957

    PRR1957 TrainBoard Member

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    I was just looking over all the sections of topics. As I read this one some thoughts are floating and I ask that you indulge me.

    I am new to model railroading and was on another site reading, learning, and even posted a cpl of times. I liked it and learned a tad but was reluctant to ask questions as I noticed some had a habit of posting what seemed to me as being snotty or arrogant replies.

    I just joined THIS forum a cpl of weeks ago. I notice some familiar names so I know some visit both forums. The thing though that I am smitten with is ... when I posted even the first time I was welcomed warmly [​IMG] Then, when I asked a question I was equally treated warmly with responses.

    The thing that impresses me even more is that I posted that I bought two engines ... my first purchases [​IMG] and to my suprise, these folks actually shared in my excitement [​IMG]

    For whatever reason, I felt prompted to share this with you. Ppl are often quick to complain but slow to praise. Well, I'm slow to complain but quick to praise. Silly me? [​IMG]

    Blessings upon you,

    Pastor David
     
  8. Comet

    Comet E-Mail Bounces

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    Thank you Pastor David for your kind words about Trainboard. We are all very happy that you enjoy your visits here.
    Bill
     
  9. GP30

    GP30 TrainBoard Member

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    I too am an old-timer......kinda. Under the name "wt&c" i joined about May of 2000. Late in 2001 i became co-moderator of a freelance section (evolved into the Inspection Pit). Stupid kid I was, I didn't handle the position well and made a few comments that rightfully resulted in me removed at a moderater. I made a new ID and started over. So really, I have over 1,000 posts instead of 670-some.

    I just want to say to Charlie and all the moderators. Thanks for putting up with the crap, not just from me, but everyone else too, lol. :D
     
  10. Stourbridge Lion

    Stourbridge Lion TrainBoard Supporter

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    Nothing more fun that sharing your hobby with others and getting the same back from them!!!

    We are all human and sometimes we forget ourselves, I'm part of that same list. Best thing to do is to hit the RESET button and remember this is the #1 hobby in the world and here you will find people from all over the world that can't think of anything better than spending some time here with others doing the same thing.

    We don't just talk N Scale, we talk all Scales in every way you can think off!

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    What was that old saying about it being better the give than receive. [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
  11. OC Engineer JD

    OC Engineer JD Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Well said Charlie, and Thank you for this great site. [​IMG]
     
  12. N_S_L

    N_S_L TrainBoard Member

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    Wooo hooo + 2!
     
  13. N_S_L

    N_S_L TrainBoard Member

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    Somebody did tell you that once you hit the 5 engine mark that you sponsor the next TrainBoard get-together at your house??? :eek:mg:
     
  14. MOPMAN

    MOPMAN TrainBoard Member

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    Well for my part, I find this forum the least hostile of any of the sites I have visited and your right IT IS A TURNOFF. Keep up the good work.
     
  15. JCater

    JCater TrainBoard Member

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    Alright, Charlie said no comments so knock it off !! LOL :D

    Look, it is strange to me that people get into a site just to argue but it happens. I have looked at other sites over time and this one is clearly the best. Why? Simply because things are NOT let to go. I too have been around this site since nearly the beginning, was a moderator and understand the delicate line between fun and fight.

    Anyhow, thanks to everyone who makes this forum possible. Without it I would really have no one to talk to about model railroading.

    John
     

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