BCM Community

I am guilty of this also but now it's getting out of hand (in my opinion). There have been several brain teasers posted lately and when going through the "bus related" posts they already get pushed way down the list too fast as it is. Maybe we could limit this type of stuff to once a week, or better yet once a month. Not trying to be a kill joy but I do come here mostly for a bus related education. Hope I don't piss ant body off, I'm not trying to be mean spirited I love comedy and jokes and brain teasers, just not all the time

Well, I'm like you. . . it's not that I don't enjoy them, it's just that I belong to a lot of forums, plus receive a lot from friends and family, so you can be sure, I receive the same joke, heartfelt saying, etc., over and over and over and over and, well, you get my drift!  :P  There's only so many times I can read some of this stuff before I want to throw up from all the sicky-sweet poems I get sent. . .guess that makes me sound pretty harsh, doesn't it. :-[

Then, there's the really fun ones when people forward urban legends, because they are too naive or uneducated to research whether what they are forwarding is really true, and that starts the whole discussion and debate over whether it is true, whether it OUGHT to be true, whether they should have sent it.  .etc.   >:(

Perhaps there could be a seperate section on the board, like the calendar, help files, etc., for riddles, jokes, etc. . . . Oh No, guess that means I'd have to post in that section then, wouldn't I,  ??? since 1/2 of the stuff that happens to us is literally a joke, and almost unbelieveable.  Hmmm, guess I'd better think that one over again.  I have been putting OT next to my posts if technically they're not truly bus related, but I will say I'm guilty of posting about a certain shower incident that would only have been bus related if I had claimed to have been in the shower IN OUR BUS when it happened.

It'll be interesting to see if others chime in. . . we all feel the same way, don't want to hurt anyone's feelings because we adore so many of these guys. . .well, I do, I'm not sure if Ron does, ha ha.   ;D  Christy

How about if we make it easy and I'll just delete anything that starts or ends with OT, then no one will be forced to read it.

After all, we all know that if it's posted on here, you are bound by the law of the bus nut to read EVERY post.

Good intentions Dallas, But there are some OT threads that are helpful. Such as the one Ace posted about E-bay and virus problems.
Posts like that will help keep us educated on computer savvy ways so we can always use this forum. It's more of a self policing issue. and using restraint.

Capt. Ron,

Thank You, Your Comments are taken very seriously. However, we have a very diverse wealth of members

that make this board what it is. Including yourself.  I am convinced that the variety of topics on this board are

the reasons for it's success... Not to put aside any bus related topics by all means but, the variety is what

keeps the average member comming back more often than usual. This is one of the reasons that this BBS

is the most popular, most visited, and most hit's of any bus related web site out there.  I know we can't please

everyone and thats what we would like to be able to do but, thats not realisyic.

Most important, this board is both serious and fun! I know I enjoy it. And I'm proud to be the Moderator!

Thanks
Nick-

I was not at all sugesting it stop as I myself enjoy these posts to an extent. I was merely pointing out too much of a good thing can be bad. I often stop myself from making off the wall posts and comments, other times I can't resist. ;D ;D ;D

Looks to me that as long as people put "OT" in the subject line and do their best to make the subject line reflect the content, then it will stay a non-issue.  I thought about our fine moderators, (and Dallas) ;) ;) ;) (just had to tease you Dallas), and it looks to me that if it became a problem, they would likely take steps to correct it.   8)

I think Dallas has a good point, that you don't have to read a post of you don't wish to, so as long as I put an interesting subject line, I can trick people into reading ALL of my posts, tee hee he. ;D

I used to go to "show unread posts since last visit", but I found that if I visited regularly, pretty much I could just read the first page or two of "all topics" and catch anything that has happened or been said.  I have a harder time deciding if one should start a new topic or add to an old one, which the conversation in the old topic shifts farther and farther away from the original thought.  Of course, when someone adds to a post, it jumps up to the front of the list, but when those posts get 2 or 3 pages long, it becomes more cumbersome to add to the end of it and then to dig on to the end of it and read the last added post.  Anyone have advice?  um, other than just keeping my mouth shut? :-\  :D  Christy Hicks

I come here to soak up bus conversion/maintnance knowledge, but I also enjoy the off topic conversations of my friends here.  I enjoy the light off topic conversations whether they are jokes or brain teasers or just simply off topic discussions and would hate to see it go away either by rule or by people choosing against posting it.

Many forum applications allow the user to specify how many posts are displayed on a page either in their forum preferences or at the bottom of each page.  If that feature is available in this software but just not enabled, maybe it could be enabled.  That way, when we are on a high speed connection, we can choose more posts on a page so that we see more at a time.  When someone is using dial-up, then they can set it to a lower number to speed up page load.  Just an idea.

I whole heartedly agree with Nick's observation that the variety of knowledge and fun is what makes this such a vibrant and successful board.  I also think the fair and friendly mindset of the moderating team is a major element of the success.

I have enjoyed this board for many reasons. First and foremost, to learn about our Eagle and other fine machines that we all love. Second, this board is carefree about topics posted. Be it a joke, brain teaser or the like. If I don't want to read a joke I just ignore it and move on.

PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT HOW THIS BOARD IS OPERATED!

IT IS THE BEST, THAT IS WHY I DON'T GO TO THE OTHER BOARDS I BELONG TO ANYMORE!

The MODERATORS of this board do a fantastic job, think of how much time they spend making US ALL HAPPY!

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

Why not have another forum for the board for 'Off Topic' topics?  It can be done with this forum software, as I've visited other forums using the same software with many different forums.  They also have a spell checker!  ;)

David

I'm with Ron - I can find enough of the OT "stuff" without having to wade through it here.  I hope we can self police but I wouldn't object to some net nanny work if it gets out of hand.

likely eveyone here is an adult.....and should have the self control to police themselves.




Off Topic threads should be deleted immediately.....this is a bus conversion/busnut board......

I enjoy a good joke or off topic conversation as much as the next guy......but do not want to read them here.

If you have freinds on the board......get thier emails....and send this stuff through emails.......

or perhaps the board ownerrs can add another catagory for OT threads.

I agree that there are too many non-bus things lately, it is slowly getting worse.

It would be helpful if the OTs and jokes of the day had a separate place on the board or just be deleted entirely.

Gee, I guess I opened a big ol can of worms.....My only point was that the Informational threads get pushed down the list very fast. Sometimes a new thread is pushed to the 3rd page on the first day.... If there is a setting that I can change for my personal viewing let me know, as I am still learning things about this board... I scan through posts and if it does not interest me I move on also... I'll live with it and pull my dog out of this fight ;D ;D ;D ;D

Captain ron,  I agree that you are entitled to add a note of caution about the off-topic posts.

Those who have delved a bit deeper into mathematics than most will remember a kind of proof using "reducto ad absurdum" (sp?) that is sometimes resorted to when conventional methods of proving a theory are required.

In this case, what would happen if every member posted say 5 off-topic threads every day?

The forum would disintegrate overnight.

Would those taking part in the new repowering thread want lots of off topic posts in their special section?

I doubt it.

Create another section for these types of posts and then no-one can complain - especially if the moderators move OT threads from the main section.

Same as graffiti or vandalism -- best way to keep it under control is to remove/repair it immediately. Leave it there and it acts as a magnet for the next joker to come along.

Tony

Yes we could all join many different boards to get into discussions on other topics.  For example, I could join a physics discussion board to engage in discussions like Jeremy's Fly vs. Train thread.  I have enjoyed considering the physics and mathmatical concepts, but I wouldn't have interest in joining a group to discuss nothing but physics and math.  I have enjoyed the Joke of the Week threads, but would not choose to join a group for nothing but jokes.  I have enjoyed reading of Christy's experiences and observations even when not bus related but I would not choose to join a group for just that.  There are boards out there for random discussions, but they are poorly moderated and mostly filled with teenagers discussing topics I don't even care to know exist.   I consider the members of this group to be friends.  Not just two or three of them, but the group in general.  Emails are fine for one on one discussion, but these discussions work best when a group can join in.

I guess I would agree that a separate section would serve everyone's interest.  Several boards I visit have sections for off topic conversations.  Some of the section names I have seen:

• General Chit Chat
• Cup of Java
• Friendly Conversation
• Break Room
• Off Topic Lounge
• The Lounge

Here a couple examples:
http://forums.ev1servers.net/
http://forums.oscommerce.com/

Maybe that is what is needed here in order to help everyone to keep enjoying the board.  Perhaps even seek out an additional moderator for that section so as to avoid overloading or distracting the existing moderating team from the bus discussions.

I personally don't get the problem ???

I open everyday with the "Show unread post since last visit" tab. (It's at the top in the user's info box), Then scroll down to anything that has a subject line I might be interested in.

I simply skip any subject line that doesn't interest me. If the subject says for example "mechanical widgets on Ebay" I can skip it because I don't need anymore widgets.

Dallas,

Great, Now I have to go back and read everything I haven't read. I didn't know about the Law of the Bus Nut. Guess I'm gonna be busy for a few days ;D

Dale

Quote from: captain ron on January 22, 2007, 10:02:25 PM
Gee, I guess I opened a big ol can of worms.....My only point was that the Informational threads get pushed down the list very fast. Sometimes a new thread is pushed to the 3rd page on the first day.... If there is a setting that I can change for my personal viewing let me know, as I am still learning things about this board... I scan through posts and if it does not interest me I move on also... I'll live with it and pull my dog out of this fight ;D ;D ;D ;D

Hey Ron,
Since ya  got all those worms how 'bout go'n fish'n? ! LOL! Sorry couldn't stop myself! BK  ;D

Quote from: HighTechRedneck on January 23, 2007, 05:35:37 AM
Yes we could all join many different boards to get into discussions on other topics.  For example, I could join a physics discussion board to engage in discussions like Jeremy's Fly vs. Train thread.  I have enjoyed considering the physics and mathmatical concepts, but I wouldn't have interest in joining a group to discuss nothing but physics and math.  I have enjoyed the Joke of the Week threads, but would not choose to join a group for nothing but jokes.  I have enjoyed reading of Christy's experiences and observations even when not bus related but I would not choose to join a group for just that.  There are boards out there for random discussions, but they are poorly moderated and mostly filled with teenagers discussing topics I don't even care to know exist.   I consider the members of this group to be friends.  Not just two or three of them, but the group in general.  Emails are fine for one on one discussion, but these discussions work best when a group can join in.

I guess I would agree that a separate section would serve everyone's interest.  Several boards I visit have sections for off topic conversations.  Some of the section names I have seen:

• General Chit Chat
• Cup of Java
• Friendly Conversation
• Break Room
• Off Topic Lounge
• The Lounge

Here a couple examples:
http://forums.ev1servers.net/
http://forums.oscommerce.com/

Maybe that is what is needed here in order to help everyone to keep enjoying the board.  Perhaps even seek out an additional moderator for that section so as to avoid overloading or distracting the existing moderating team from the bus discussions.

HTR,

We can discuss your ideas a little more...
Thanks
Nick-

The problem with selecting "show unread Posts since last visit" is when you try to find a post that you want to refer back to.

AND

Not everyone has the time to check into this forum every day, and when you check after about 2-3 days there is so much "NEW" posts (half of which don't seem to be bus realted) that I just end up poosting on other boards that seem to keep it bus related...





.

Since I'm as guilty as anyone of posting and replying to OT posts, let me point out this.

Amongst the jokes, physics discussions, and trip diaries, and general chit-chat considered OT, this group of busnuts have recently:

• sent graphing calculators to a deserving student and his school
• gave some much-needed support to a family whose husband just lost his legs in an accident

Neither of these were "on-topic", and I'm afraid if OT posts were relegated to some other place on this board, important posts like those would have been missed... as would the groundswell of well-intentioned folks that made these such successful outpourings of generosity.

This board is well-moderated. It's one of the finest places on the Internet. And that's because it's not just a place to post about bus-related stuff.

My $0.02,
Brian "OT" Brown

Now you have me thinking too!

Moderators, I would like to see ALL future posts put in two catagories:

CRS-Cliff Related Subject  This would only include things that I am or may be interested in.   Email me first to be sure.

HCIHCT- How Can I Help Cliff Today  This area would be for everyone to post there travel plans so I can arrange cheap shipping for parts I need or so that they could schedule there vacations to help me finish my bus.

But lets get real, we would need to keep the OT for everyone elses needs.  I don't want to be thought of as selfish.   ;D ;D LOL

Cliff

CLIFF......I mean CRS,

Here's a thought!


NRS-

I think that the boards you reference have a couple of hundred thousand members instead of our measly couple of thousand members. They probably get more posts in a day than we do in a year. Having multiple headings would be mandatory in their case. I do not think we are ready for that yet.
Richard

Quote from: HighTechRedneck on January 23, 2007, 05:35:37 AM
Yes we could all join many different boards to get into discussions on other topics.  For example, I could join a physics discussion board to engage in discussions like Jeremy's Fly vs. Train thread.  I have enjoyed considering the physics and mathmatical concepts, but I wouldn't have interest in joining a group to discuss nothing but physics and math.  I have enjoyed the Joke of the Week threads, but would not choose to join a group for nothing but jokes.  I have enjoyed reading of Christy's experiences and observations even when not bus related but I would not choose to join a group for just that.  There are boards out there for random discussions, but they are poorly moderated and mostly filled with teenagers discussing topics I don't even care to know exist.   I consider the members of this group to be friends.  Not just two or three of them, but the group in general.  Emails are fine for one on one discussion, but these discussions work best when a group can join in.

I guess I would agree that a separate section would serve everyone's interest.  Several boards I visit have sections for off topic conversations.  Some of the section names I have seen:

• General Chit Chat
• Cup of Java
• Friendly Conversation
• Break Room
• Off Topic Lounge
• The Lounge

Here a couple examples:
http://forums.ev1servers.net/
http://forums.oscommerce.com/

Maybe that is what is needed here in order to help everyone to keep enjoying the board.  Perhaps even seek out an additional moderator for that section so as to avoid overloading or distracting the existing moderating team from the bus discussions.

"The problem with selecting "show unread Posts since last visit" is when you try to find a post that you want to refer back to."

The search function has really helped me in the past and works great so I don't have to dig and hunt through all the OT post.


"Not everyone has the time to check into this forum every day, and when you check after about 2-3 days there is so much "NEW" posts (half of which don't seem to be bus realted) that I just end up poosting on other boards that seem to keep it bus related..."

That's why the "show unread post since last visit" is so handy. I don't have to look through stuff I have already read or stuff (OT) I probably don't care to read. I am away sometimes for long periods (weeks) and can get through 2 or 3 pages of "Show unread post since last visit" in just a couple of minutes. If it has OT or some subject line that I ain't interested in I just keep scrolling down.

I am a member of 2 other Classic Car boards with 10,000+ people and they have the multiple headings and it can really be a pain in the buttocks to try to figure out what was posted while I was away. I agree with Richard (DrivingMissLazy) This board don't have enough daily post to need multiple headings yet.

We can sit here and banter back a forth about this forever....

I can link you to many forums that have less posts then this one and still have great responses on all of their topics.

I don't believe that an important post would go unread just because it was in a forum specifically designed for those posts. (in fact it may get better response)


Put the forum where your mouth is and try separating the forum for a while to test your theory. Check the numbers after about a month take a poll of the members to see how they like/dislike the split forum and prove to everyone that it is a bad idea.


.

Quote from: DrivingMissLazy on January 23, 2007, 09:17:21 AM
I think that the boards you reference have a couple of hundred thousand members instead of our measly couple of thousand members. They probably get more posts in a day than we do in a year. Having multiple headings would be mandatory in their case. I do not think we are ready for that yet.
Richard

Actually, I have seen boards of all sizes use category sections to separate areas of interest.  Examples:

• RV.net with almost 3 million posts in 33 sections
• osCommerce forum with 125,000 members, 551,000 posts in 24 sections
• EV1Servers/The Planet with 25,000 members, 550,000 posts in 32 sections
• MAK Bus Conversions forum with 1,252 members, 26,441 posts in 4 sections
• RTS bus nuts Yahoo group with 499 members, 17,000 posts in 1 forum section plus 6 special function sections
• Skoolie.net with 554 members, 13,000 posts in 7 sections

Personally, I am fine with it the way it is now, I read what I choose to and skip what I don't.  But I realize that OT posts are frustrating some members of the community and adding to the enjoyment of the forum for others.  Perhaps a poll before making any changes would be a good idea.  Like when a poll was done about how to handle the rally announcements.

HTR,

Thanks for the numbers!  That reassures me that what we are doing is just fine.

We have a great board here that is full of intellegent members, quick to respond to a fellow busnuts needs, ect, and it is still growing at a great speed!

I think that this Soap Opra is now over in this thread!

Thanks for everyones comments!  I'm going to lock this down now before we create bad feelings between members and

comments and who is taking sides ect... It just is seeming like a place to throw a punch now.

Nick-