Large Scale Central

Posting references for clarity

General Discussion
#1

Suggestion for clarity:

Problem Example:

The recent lengthy (5 pages) of commentary on whether TrainWorld was going to continue carrying large scale trains did include, on one of the last pages, a statement by the owner affirming that TrainWorld would continue to carry large scale. He also referenced the source cited in the initial posting as not accurate.

Then, on a separate posting from one of our members, was the headline TrainWord was going to keep selling large scale. There was no copy of the owner’s statement. Only an enthusiastic statement that appeared to be only personal opinion. If a person did happen to read the statement from the owner tucked into the last pages of the previous post, it made sense. Otherwise, as I noted, since I did not read the owner’s statement in the last pages of the lengthy discussion. I posted there appeared to be missing data between the initial claim and this latest opinion.

The outcome was I received irritation for challenging the owner’s statement – which I neither saw nor read because it was not repeated in this new post.

Conclusion:

If you create a new posting and reference another posted topic, please copy the data that is critical to your claim instead of presuming everyone reads the sometime lengthy discussions where the crucial information is finally posted.

#2

Wow, what an improvement that would be!

There are always people who never check anything before posting, like showing that huge German layout every 9 months even though the video has not changed.

One can only hope. I think what happens is that there are people who look at the forum as a source of information, and others must think it’s some form of blog or like facebook.

Greg

#3

Greg, you mean its not a blog, or form of chat room? Ratz.

No, actually I agree with both of you. The “issue” is, folks need to read the other posts, so that they don’t duplicate posts, and they need to quit assuming that everyone knows what they know. Re: quoting another thread so everyone is on the same page.

The times I start a thread, I try and give the reader enough information so that they know what the heck I am talking about. Sometimes, ok, quite often, I ramble on a bit too much. But I am just that kind of weirdo, that wants everyone on the same page.

#4

The day this forum becomes only a place gain knowledge from those that have already done it with no banter , no sharing if stuff, no small talk is the day I walk away from it. Some of us may never have seen the huge German layout, maybe some of us want to see it again. I wouldn’t have looked for post on here about it but I sure didn’t mind seeing it again. Some who have only joined 6 months ago may never have seen it and since they missed the post 9 months ago would have no idea to even search for it.

Now the Wendell makes a great point that there are times when the posts are going on simultaneously and that is a bit much, no need for that. But every once in awhile revisiting topics is nice and for those who are newer it can be very helpful especially when we may not even know to look for it.

The best part about it is if you don’t want to follow a thread or be involved in the conversation well then don’t.

I come here for the social aspects as well as the knowledge.

So keep posting whatever makes you happy. Most often there are enough people that care to do so and if there isn’t the thread will die quickly.

#5

Maybe we should redesign the landing page yet again with a huge banner that reads: please search out archives exhaustively before venturing to the forums where new posts can only be about a new topic.

Wonder how many new people would come and stay if that’s what this sight was about. But I think this site is so active because of the “Facebook” nature of it where people come and share whats going on and whats on their mind.

#6

Perhaps some would like such a place, but as I understand it, we’ve been invited into Bob’s living room.

I do think Subject titles that reflect the content would be the place to start…

Otherwise, it ain’t broke, if we accept it as a revolving knowledge pool.

John

#7

I am Administrator of another site (NautilusSubmarine.com), where we discuss everything anyone wants to discuss. Sure we are more interested in Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and it iconic Submarine, but the doors are pretty much open to any discussion at a, barring religion or politics!) Some members get upset that we don’t “stay on topic” and just talk about the Nautilus, and think the rest of us are just talking about dumb stuff all the time. But we are all, most of us, interested in many things and many other movie genres besides 20K (as we call it).

The site has become a community of people with diverse interests spread all over the world that feel free to bring their enthusiasms to the forums and meet with like-minded individuals, and share their interests. I think that feeling of camaraderie and friendship is more important (at least to me) than the central topic of our site. I feel the same way here, even though I am a relatively new member. I can assure you, I get a lot of nitty-gritty information about Large Scale Railroading along with the jocularity and gentle ribbing that grows out of friendships. I have tried some of the other model railroad sites, and I feel more comfortable here just the way it is. I think Bob does a great job taking the same type of gentle hand on the throttle and brake lever that I try to take with my mob of rabble-rouser over on the Nautilus site.

#8

This thread is probably all my fault

#9

I am not going to search through all the posts for something. If I post something that has been covered before–so be it.

#10

Most “product specific” forums have the “search first” admonishment right at the beginning.

Some are rigorously controlled, some are moderate, and some are very lax.

Also, some forums are very rigid on staying on topic, to the point where the moderator will move a post to a new thread, and others are pretty moderate, and some are just nuts.

Personally all the variations have a place in cyber space, but my opinion is that if someone starts a topic on a very specific subject, then it is not great when someone comes in and drags it way off topic.

Clearly many threads get answered and pretty much no one cares about thread drift after that.

But my opinion is that LSC and MLS are the last bastions of information, where someone can search and find a problem and don’t always have to ask the question again.

The Internet has many “faces” but one great one is a giant searchable encyclopedia.

And yes, Rooster, it is all your fault! (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

Greg

#11

It’s always his fault.

#12

Forums such as this are both knowledge pool and social chat room, whereas a place like Greg’s website is strictly informative. And a wealth of information it is!

I think the Trainworld thread became so long winded that most lost track, no pun intended.
The fact that some pertinent info came to light but was buried in that thread is unfortunate, but it happens.
I agree the new thread could have been more informative and perhaps quoted the owners rebuttal, instead of just cheerleading.
But it happens.

On the matter of a “search first directive”, as a member of other hobby forums, most frequently 16mm and 8mm film forums, I see many of the same questions come up time and time again.
Usually the inquirer will be directed to “search the forum” by another member, thus ending the thread and hopefully planting the idea to please use this method in the future.
Other times, someone will just answer and that often leads to further discussion or perhaps a contrary opinion.
Seeing how there are not endless topics to discuss in any hobby, recycling is inevitable.
I think most new members are just looking to participate so they throw out a post to hopefully engage someone. Certainly that is more fun than the search function. Eventually that excitement quells and the questions become less frequent and more challenging for senior members.
And isn’t that the pattern in everything?
The younger or less experienced, full of questions and excitement. The veterans, choosing to be annoyed by the whippersnappers or taking a breath and taking them under their wing.
While that may seem a bit maudlin, it’s how I see it.

#13

As a newbie I can see both sides of this problem, but when someone like me who is new to this hobby has looked through 12 PAGES of threads trying to find some question that was asked by other people we may miss the thread it was answered on because of improper heading or the thread drifted to the answer, so I am left with the solutions of asking a question that I know has been answered before and then feeling like a dummy when 6 people tell you it has been answered so many times they know where to find it , or not asking it , so as to not PO the regular everyday people who populate these forums. Or , just keep plowing through the threads hoping to find an answer.

I for one have huge respect for the knowledge here and for the fact that asking a question I will get answers , not a go away kid, this is for US, we just let you look mentality of some other non GRR forums I have been on.

#14

yes, reading pages and pages trying to find a question is tough… that’s why you use the search function.

and when you find a thread that has been derailed so that you never get an answer to the question posted, while that is irritating too.

Greg

#15

Pete Lassen said:

As a newbie I can see both sides of this problem, but when someone like me who is new to this hobby has looked through 12 PAGES of threads trying to find some question that was asked by other people we may miss the thread it was answered on because of improper heading or the thread drifted to the answer, so I am left with the solutions of asking a question that I know has been answered before and then feeling like a dummy when 6 people tell you it has been answered so many times they know where to find it , or not asking it , so as to not PO the regular everyday people who populate these forums. Or , just keep plowing through the threads hoping to find an answer.

I for one have huge respect for the knowledge here and for the fact that asking a question I will get answers , not a go away kid, this is for US, we just let you look mentality of some other non GRR forums I have been on.

Yes, I use the search function to search LSC, as well as searching the world wide web thingey. But all too often, I get sidetracked with either thread drift, or search engine results that have nothing to do what my original question was, but, that cause me to ask more questions. So, after a few searches, I post a question here. If it has been asked and answered before, then so be it. I tried to find it, and I didn’t net the answer on my own. There is such a resource of information here that we can tap, if we can’t find the answer for ourselves, and that is kind of the point of this whole thing, information sharing, along with camaraderie.

#16

John Bouck said:

I am not going to search through all the posts for something. If I post something that has been covered before–so be it.

John do you know how can I level up with a stroke of the keyboard to become a miserable old man as well or do I have to earn it?

Edit: cause if I have to earn it …ahhh never mind