I received an e-mail from Paul Graf and he takes exception to the comments beginning this thread. He said he remembers talking to Mr. Hewitt at Chantilly and he went away from the conversation thinking that Mr. Hewitt thought that Atlas should not bring their forums back due to the fact that TrainBoard was now using a new dedicated server. He also said that he was aware of TrainBoard (as well as other forums) and that he had confused TrainBoard with another forum during the conversation they had. He said that the Atlas forum is coming back (which should end any continuing speculation). So, that's his take on it and I am posting that in fairness to both sides of the story. Bottom line: The Atlas forum is coming back. Some folks will stay here, some will go there, some will do both, some will visit and participate in many forums. Everyone is free to do what they feel is best for them. We all visit these forums for enjoyment so we are going to do whatever gives us the most enjoyment. I'm not sure what else (of a constructive nature) can be added to this discussion as it seems to be a moot point. Atlas is a manufacturer and many of us are their customers. They also have a forum. I occasionally read theirs and Mr. Graf apparently looks in here as well. There is no adversarial relationship between the forums and there will not be one. Sure, we would love the traffic but I don't think anyone has the magical formula to be able to please everyone so everyone will just keep doing the best they can. Charlie
And I suppose that those of us who contributed generously, or what we considered generously, to RailImages should jusr kiss our money goodbye? I don't mind being considered a carpetbagger and interloper for coming over here while Atlas is down, but reaching into my pocket is another matter. I'm retired and don't have an infinite supply of money, but am willing to support RailImages as long as use of my photos is not limited.
No sites would be blocked from using RailImages unless there was some issue of abuse that could not be resolved any other way. RailImages was intended as something for everyone, not just TrainBoard. The only stipulation is that we have to be able to pay the bills and thank to the generosity of the users, we have been able to do so. We're running a little low right now but not at an emergency level. Charlie
what I said to Mr. Graf is that there was no need to bring the Atlas Forums back, and cited Trainboard as one example of a functioning forum. we did discuss several other examples such as nscale org and net, and he mentioned Railwire. I guess I think that the Atlas Forum will come back, but it won't last. Mr. Graf (and I think the other moderators) obviously treat moderating the forums only as a job, not a pleasure, as the moderators do on most other forums. the action of shutting down the forum arbitrarily seemed to indicate deep disgust with what was happening in the posts. the Forum is coming back because his boss told him to bring it back, according to him. if the Forum comes back, has all the old archived posts, and doesn't again shut down arbitrarily, then I will be very pleased (I have MY forum pin too). but I am very sceptical Michael
Given that Railimages now was 20,000 Images I think it's fair to say there are a ton of people taking advantage of this service too...
I registered here because it seems that Mr. Hewitt either misheard or misinterpreted what I said at the Chantilly show. Of all the people that had questions and comments about the Chantilly show, only one person said we shouldn't bring it back because of other boards, specifically Trainboard. When I was asked about it, I had confused Trainboard with Railroadforum. At no point did I ever say I had never heard of Trainboard. In fact, I had been popping in on a regular basis to see what was going on (as well as at other forums). As far as the Atlas Forums are concerned, they are coming back, and should be back this month. The meeting that we were supposed to have with our hosting company was pushed back until later in the week, so the 10-14 day window given at the show may be a little longer than expected. The owner of Atlas wants the Forum, and since he pays the bills, the Forum will return. There will be new software and new rules, which will be enforced. As far as discussing other manufacturers' products on the Atlas Forum, that was always allowed, as long as it was done in a respectful and constructive manner. For criticism of Atlas products, we never censored anything that was said about our products. When a concern is expressed, we look into it and address it as needed. It is not my intention to be a regular poster on this Forum. I will continue to check in from time to time, even after the Atlas Forum returns.
Mr. Graf: I guess that is why I said it.... when I was running a business, I always wanted to hear the dissenting voice, and you surely heard mine. and I guess it wasn't that you were censoring comments about Atlas products, but when you are hosting the forum, I know that I (and I think others) are reluctant to post negative opinions (not all, of course, but my mommy trained me well: don't slam the cook when you are eating at her house). which of course is one of the points why I don't think it is necessary or desireable for Atlas to host a forum.....but if the boss wants it... I will see you on the Atlas Forum when it returns!!! Michael Hewitt
Michael, I don't get your comment - there were plenty of negative comments about Atlas comments. Constantly. I have marveled at the ability of Atlas staff to "grin and bear it" and not boot some people because of some of the anti-Atlas comments that I have read. I agree with not slamming the cook while you are the cook's guest, but some constructive criticism is helpful and welcome to some. I am looking forward to the big board reopening, and hope they continue it for a long time.
I beleieve the Atlas forum has served Atlas well in tems of both positive and negative feedback. It gives Paul and staff instant feedback on products rather than costly surveys etc.
Heck, I'd NEVER complain about the Atlas forum! Why, they let my pet orangutan, Ms. Dee Rayle, say whatever she wanted. Great Apes got Freedom of Speech!!!
Good to hear from Paul. I started on Trainboard, and gravitated to Atlas, soley because it was the busiest site at the time. I have no idea why that is, but my only concern in going to boards is to have some MRR fun through community sharing. For whatever reason, being upset about archiving old items on such a real time medium doesn't really fit my world view either! Certainly, arguments anywhere detract from that! And Atlas only seemed to shut down threads when certain individuals (no names, but the intials UPM should remind some of those days!) got too personal. I once ran into a Trainboard member in a hobby shop in Florida who had been BANNED from Trainboard, so it happens here, too. My only question is, what on earth would poseess anyone to get so worked up about anything about trains as to behave badly enough to be banned from a forum? And, why do we question any of our gracious hosts, rather than those individual participants? I like the fact that Paul and Charlie seem to think there is room for all. I will continue to frequent both, since no one forum can be all things to all people. Hats off to both boards!
