Festus/Scott,
You have probably noticed that a lot of formerly active NGDF'ers have cut back on their participation in the last couple of years.
The following comments are not directed specifically to Festus/Scott, they are directed to the NGDF at large. These comments I have learned the hard way, and personally, over the years, as both a participant, and as a long time moderator on this board. And, as someone who has given and taken more than my share of caustic mayhem. I remember all of that, so there's no point in writing about who am I to call the kettle, uh, well, you get the idea....
One of the things that really wears on us, because I am one who has really cut back on my participation, is the high number of posts that are really, well, not worth reading.
Don't overpost.
The NGDF would be much more interesting, again, if it weren't necessary to have to sift through post after post in thread after thread of irrelevant fluff. There isn't any need for everyone or anyone to post on every thread, and it seems like for some, that is a daily goal.
The effect of this on the collective readers is, I am sure would be to the amazement of those who overpost, is that rather than attracting general interest, many folks just don't bother to read any of their posts.
If you think that your political views are of interest to anyone, they aren't. If you think your views on everything are of interest, they aren't. If you do feel that way, please start your own board.
If you feel you have information that is interesting to the NGDF community at large, please be willing to share it.
If you feel that it can't be done without putting a dig in at somebody who said something you don't agree with, push yourself away and don't bother, because that isn't of any interest either.
I have, as many of you know, long advocated that this board not be overly moderated. In the last year or so, there has been a tendency to lean in that direction a time or two.
This board has over the long run, self-moderated very well, and would again, maybe, but it's different now.
It's a message board, a discussion forum, and if we've learned anything over the years, it's that the nature of these things that they are fluid, they change all the time. There are many new "members", many young, and there are also new "regulars", and we've seen that a lot of the old heads have moved on as the board has changed in nature and style.
The thing that has always been different about the NGDF is that it has had such wide participation from guys who have or do work on the railroads, or were there when something happened, or who are willing to share historical information that they have. It's been an amazing group, somebody out there either knows what you need, or how to help you find it. That group is still mostly here, but interesting "on topic" posts are getting harder to find.
Also be aware that we're going through tough times these days, and it's easier than it has been before to ruffle feathers, sometimes without even thinking about it.
I'm not trying to be critical of anyone in particular, just throwing a few thoughts out there which might help steer us back on track, keep us on track, as a viable and interesting forum.
I've made several friendships here, and have reaquainted old friendships that I value highly. I'm not making a plea for the NGDF to return to what it was in an earlier version, I'm just asking for some of you to reign yourselves in a little. Just a little would help.
Hang in there Scott. And to all, remember the old adage that has so often proven to be true in my life, "less is more".
Mike Trent
^^ak thu Waldcayut
