Off topic moved out of 94-97 forum

[AlH]

I don't know who the moderator is that suddenly started moving off topic stuff out of the 94-97 forum....but...

THANK YOU!

I've been wondering when some of that stuff would get policed. Lots of totally non-technical stuff gets posted there. I personally get tired of wading through the crap to get to the good stuff.

Again...thanks!!

[Dick Cutting]

Uh....that'd be me. There was an overabundence of Off Topic subjects there this morning. Still a few were left that I felt were borderline.

The 94-97 forum is not the place to be discussing snow in Texas. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

Dick

[AggiePSD]

I know you won't agree, but Lou posted about the snow in the forum because that is where all of his buddies from Texas are. We all get together every once in a while, and we look to this forum for many things, not just technical info. I guess it has more to do with the group of guys who hang out there.

Also, Swamp posted there because this is where he started out in, and he still mainly posts in the 94-97 forum. Once again, that is where all of his buddies and admirers are, and most of his business comes from there too. So in that forum he would get the most pertinent responses.

I know you won't agree. Just my opinion.

[SmokeyWren]

[ QUOTE ]
I know you won't agree.

[/ QUOTE ]

You're right. I don't agree. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

Folks that want to read about '94 -'97 PSDs will read the '94 - '97 PSD forum. Folks that want to read about snow in Dallas will read the Other forum. Folks that want to read about the 3-cylinder diesel in my old John Deere will read the General Diesel form. Folks that want to read about get-togethers of the Dallas bunch will find Sid's posts in the Events and Rally forum. Folks that want to chit-chat with a buddy can do it via PM or e-mail.

But most folks looking for truck info in the PSD forums don't want to have to skip over topics about snow in Dallas or old John Deere diesels or the annual Texoma shindig or general chit chat. So we sorta would like for you to post on topic for the forum you post in. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[AlH]

[ QUOTE ]
There was an overabundence of Off Topic subjects there this morning.
The 94-97 forum is not the place to be discussing snow in Texas. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

Dick

[/ QUOTE ]

Or bumper stickers...or any number of things the last few months that have NOTHING to do with technical topics. I know the moderators are probably overworked, but I had really began to wonder if any of them were looking at the 94-97 forum.

[FC_Racer]

I have to agree that the off-topic posting in the '94-'97 forum is getting to be a bit much. Check out this post where the poster knows he is posting off-topic but does so anyway hoping his buddies will see the post before it gets moved [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[ QUOTE ]
hey just seeing what ya'll were doing this weekend gonna be in town again for a few days. maybe we can spend some more time playing with stuff i know everyone had stuff to do after the dyno day. lou, brian, anybody? well i hope this doesn't get moved before ya'll see it... not an event or rally.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps the poster might consider using PM's or email to organize gatherings such as this rather than a message board with 37,384 members [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

Dennis

[Powerstroke2000]

[ QUOTE ]
AIH:
I've been wondering when some of that stuff would get policed. Lots of totally non-technical stuff gets posted there. I personally get tired of wading through the crap to get to the good stuff.

[/ QUOTE ]



Well, I have to say personally, this truly is the best Powerstroke forum for those of us that own that particular species of truck, and really the only negative part of the forum is the dictorial style that is apparent, but still its something we have to overlook to enjoy the rest of it!
Never have liked dictatorships...but hey, what can ya do?
I'll try to explain, as we all don't have the same point of view obviously.

With regard to AIH's above post, I've always had a problem understanding why we would worry about "snow in Texas" type posts, and as far as I'm concerned, the odd one is fine...as there is usually a good reason for it being there, which was discussed here.
For those that have a hard time moving their mouse cursor to the next post...I say they need to worry about other things in life, rather than something so small. Its really not an issue for me, as I just "didn't read the snow in Texas post"...its really that easy!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I know the moderators don't give a hoot about what most of us say...if it's a negative comment, but love the praise, which they are 90% of the time justified in, but really, they sure have ticked off alot of people lately. (from my many PM's).
I honestly can say Smokey, truly doesn't understand at all, the '94 - '97 "family" type feeling alot of us long time members have with one another. There is a large majority of this crowd, that has this particular part of the forum bookmarked, and that's the only place they go!
For anyone wanting to hear about "Snow in Texas" they most certainly wouldn't have seen the post in any other part of the forum! Smokey would think...who cares, but really its part of the "family" (buddies really) that is now missing out on that particular topic!
If I where a Texan, I'm sure I would have read that post, but fortunately for me, any post I don't feel I have interest in...I just move on to the next one, and have a hard time understanding why others can't?? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

It was unfortunate in the beginning really, that Jason didn't break up the '94 - '97 a little more like he did with the Superduty crowd, where there was a more "general" topic area, and then a "Upgrades & Aftermarket" just for those with these years of trucks. For whatever reason he had, he didn't do that (I think he bought a Superduty) and that is his perogative since he's the owner, and because we don't care for it, it certainly didn't change his mind.
It sometimes seems like he really doesn't care about what anyone thinks, whether its a good idea or not...and we just live by that! (Not meant in a negative way, just stating a fact.)

I'm sure there are some, but the Superduty crowd is just different (and I don't mean that in a bad way) in that the bond between them is different than those of us in the early PSD forum. Many of us have gotten together over the years, or have had long e-mails between one another, creating a friendship bond amongst one another. So some posts may seem "out of character" to an outsider (meaning a Superduty owner in most cases) yet really a post that looks off topic, was meant only for those in that particular group of people. It wasn't meant for anyone owning a Superduty to read (although they are most welcome to do so) as it was for his/her buddies in the early PSD forum.
Of course there may be those (like AIH) perhaps that haven't created that bond with others, and I truly don't think the majority of the moderators can really understand that, since most don't drive an early PSD on a continuous basis, having the closeness as some of us have.

Sorry for being long winded here, as I am trying to help those that don't truly understand why specific posts are in this particular forum. I honestly try (and do) post in other areas of the forum to keep things on topic, but have seen many a post that I don't agree should have been moved, because of the reasons above.
I do believe though, if the '94 - '97 was broken up a little more like the Superduty guys have had given to them, topics wouldn't be as off topic as many would think.

I often wonder how many times moderators get a complaint that a topic isn't sitting perfectly with them, and should be moved (in the '94 -'97 section)? Is there any way regular members could find this out? It would be interesting to know why they figure a specific topic should not be there, as perhaps that member hasn't got that same bond that others of us have gathered over the years.
I certainly don't mean this to sound like this is anything more than friendships from years of knowing one another, and in some cases true families have met one another, and do get together on occassion for BBQ's and such...all from a
bond gathered from a truck forum! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[ QUOTE ]
Smokey:

You're right. I don't agree.

[/ QUOTE ]

I totally understand what AggiePSD says...so there is the difference, where there probably are hundreds that would understand...and others who don't have the bond I've talked about, wouldn't. Obviously Smokey doesn't, by his comment.
Same goes with government...they understand only what they want to understand, but they have the power, so they inflict their wrath on everyone because of their lack of understanding.
I'm not saying that Smokey doesn't do a great job moderating, I'm just saying he does't understand the true meaning in AggiePSD's statement!

[ QUOTE ]
Smokey:

Perhaps the poster might consider using PM's or email to organize gatherings such as this rather than a message board with 37,384 members

[/ QUOTE ]

Well said, this is often what I do, which is why you don't see too many off topics that I've posted, albeit often I would like to get a message out (only to those in the early PSD forum members) but find that moderation will rear its ugly head and send it to the bowels of the forum (which some..not me..think that is any other part of the forum other than the '94 - '97 section). [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]
Again, not understood by the moderators...now lets say you have a thought you would like posted, but it doesn't fit the "moderators" taste for being in our corner of the forum...so now I (or anyone else wanting to do this) perhaps wants that post to go to 40 or more folks we've become close to, so now you type it out in a PM (as the originator of the above quote says) so now I have to find and collect each members "username" and do a copy/paste 40+ times! When IF that post could have gone straight into the forum (albeit off topic for a few) it would not only have been easier, but others in that forum would see what others are up to, and perhaps may want to do the same in their area?
But because one or two people, for whatever reason felt that topic shouldn't be there, someone has had to go through quite a gamett of gathering PM names etc., to get that message out. Again, you have to remember the message was for a specified group, but there again, all would have been welcome to see it if they wished.
For anyone not wanting to see it, you move your eyes down to the next post, and not read that particular one. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

Perhaps this might be a good question for the moderators...lets say in one particular part of the country, you are going to have a mini-rally, of perhaps 50 - 100 people. Most are welcome to attend, but in reality its those that you've bonded with over the years that you would like to attend.
With this above cicumstance, it would make the most sense (to those of us in the early PSD forum) to place it there, as you really aren't close to most Superduty folks, (yet you may not mind a few to attend) but the rally is really for those with the early PSD.
In reality, a post like that should go in the "Events & Rallies" forum, but 99.9% of the time, none of the early PSD folks go there (I think I've only looked at it 3 or 4 times in all the years I've been here) so posting there would be futile. Yet putting it in the early PSD part of the forum would have caught everyones attention!

[ QUOTE ]
Smokey:

Folks that want to read about snow in Dallas will read the Other forum.

[/ QUOTE ]

Again, I don't agree! If the issue is for a select few to see, its rare for them to go to the "Other" forum to pick up on that particular topic.

[ QUOTE ]
Smokey:

Folks that want to chit-chat with a buddy can do it via PM or e-mail.


[/ QUOTE ]
To me, thats what the "Other" forum is for. Everyday ordinary thoughts that want to be shared...not specific thoughts for specified people (early PSD folks).

For every person like AIH who has a complaint about a particular post not being relevant, there are many more that would like that particular post left ontouched, so we'll always have a different point of view.
Again, 90%+ will miss out if a moderator moves a post/topic, because this is the only forum they frequent, but in the moderators mind, they think its as easy as just moving around the forum...which it is really, but it just doesn't happen that way in the real world, and they can think whatever they wish.

Hands down, the moderators help make this forum a wonderful place to visit, but they certainly can get folks hackles up too, where they don't have the understanding (hmm..perhaps we need a moderating school?) obviously of the '94 -'97 corner of our world.

I would hope that this would help some to understand in a small way even, how friendships have occurred and why certain posts are there for a specific reason. I doubt a moderator driving a Superduty will though, so we'll just have to live with the uncertainty? Overall, they do a wonderful job though...but I still have a hard time over their six figure salaries for doing this job! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Have a good one guys/gals!

Dale

[Larry M]

Dale,

Have you ever thought about just posting correctly "on topic" and then adding something either in your signature or at the end of your post with a link to highlight something like say I have just done in this post to highlight say the upcoming MOB meeting thread going on in the News forum right now. I've done that recently to try and get people to look at the "little secrets" and also in my signature to get people aware of the new NOVAPS club. If you do it in your signature it will show up in all future and past posts automatically.

Just a thought

Larry
keeper of the <font color="blue"> "little secrets" </font> [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
NOTICE
<font color="red">CHECK OUT FEB MOB MTG HERE</font>

[shoebear]

Although I couldn't quite get through all of Dale's post, I agree with him and AggiePSD that there is a "community" aspect to the 94-97 forum, and sometimes that's the best place to put a non-technical post intended for that audience.

I also realize that this does not fit the forum rules, but many if not most of the guys in the 94-97 forum don't mind an occasional off-topic post. However, in deference to the rules and to those like AIH who do mind, could you create a "94-97 Community" forum?

[Powerstroke95]

94-97 community forum! what a concept. I bet that would all but elimanate off topic post. I don't guess it's possible tho. Good thought shoebear.

[shoebear]

How much you want to bet that 98% of people in the 94-97 forum don't see this suggestion? Maybe I should make an off-topic post over there to drum up support. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[Powerstroke95]

I don't think so shoebear. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

[AggiePSD]

[ QUOTE ]
...could you create a "94-97 Community" forum?

[/ QUOTE ]

Great idea Dan! I never thought of that, but it would really solve the "problem" in my opinion. I have to agree completely with what you and Dale have to say. I feel the same way.

[JLester]

Here's the problem as I see it with off-topic posts in the technical forums. No, it doesn't cause a problem if someone occasionally posts something like that. The problem occurs when lots of people start doing that. What if there were several posts a day on subjects that weren't relevant to the 94-97 trucks? It's a slippery slope and if we start allowing it, things will go downhill fast. We've had it happen in the past and I don't intend on letting it start again.

As for the off-topic forum, we already have one called Other. I sometimes think that is one more than we need, but it is available for anyone's use. I will never create another.

Jason

[Powerstroke2000]

[ QUOTE ]
Have you ever thought about just posting correctly "on topic" and then adding something either in your signature or at the end of your post with a link to highlight something like say I have just done in this post to highlight say the upcoming MOB meeting thread going on in the News forum right now.

[/ QUOTE ]

Larry, thanks for the tip! I believe the only problem is, that even though my sig isn't all that long, it doesn't seem to allow me many more "characters" to use, so I don't know if a link will fit in there?
Yours seems longer than mine, so perhaps I can give it a shot...thanks!

Larry, if you could do me (and others a favor) if this is ok to do, I recently left a post, in trying to find clearification to a question, and Jason closed the thread before it could be read, and he mentioned that I could find it answered elsewhere, but I have looked and can't seem to find the answer? If it had been left open a little longer, perhaps someone could have left a link to where it is? I just thought that perhaps you might know the answer, or where I can find it?
I guess Jason jumped to the conclusion thinking I may have seen it..or knew where it was, but I haven't found it, or when I tried doing as search didn't find it.

Thanks Larry...

Dale