Forum Suggestions & User Assistance - About joining the forum...

I may be out of turn here, but here goes...

I have noticed that much of the tension around here seems to be due in part to practically everyone posting improperly at least some of the time.

If you wanted to weed out those who are not as sincere, why not make everyone who joins go through a probationary period or at least a "tutorial phase" just to make sure that they know how and what to post. Test 'em. Make sure that they know the guidelines before they join instead of assuming that they know or will read on their own. I know it would be somewhat of a hassle, but the ones who care wouldn't mind a little inconvenience. It would save a lot of trouble in the end- no one could plead ignorance when booted.

just a thought (they are few and far between, so I have to share them quickly! );)

Look, just because one or two members get their shorts bunched up over a couple misplaced posts does not mean the administrator should have to hold everyone’s hand while they learn the ropes. Also, anyone reading an internet forum must realize that what they're reading are the OPINIONS of the posters. That is what should be stressed to newbies so they don't take things personally.

Internet forums are what they are...a place where people of like interests can relate to on another, and not always about the specific topic. If Joe and his posse try too hard to sanitize the boards then this place will become bland for the regulars, who'll soon tire of all the same rhetoric. The so-called worthless banter is one of the things that keep the regulars around.

I have been reading these boards rather heavily the past couple of months, and am impressed with the overall sense of community here. Sure there is the occasional flame or two, and if you don't like it add your rebuttal or just scroll past it. Overall this forum is very enjoyable and informative.

Originally posted by Moose
Look, just because one or two members get their shorts bunched up over a couple misplaced posts does not mean the administrator should have to hold everyone’s hand while they learn the ropes.

Settle down there, killer! My point was that if people are concerned about every piece of spam in the world, there are ways around it. I frankly couldn't care less what anyone posts here. If I don't like it-- I'll leave.

Have I done something personally for you to get your shorts in a bunch? If so let me know what it is.

Sorry I came off a bit harsh, nothing personal. I guess that, in part, I misinterpreted your post. I thought you were referring to complaints that the forum strays too far from cycling topics and that post counts encourage babble. I wasn’t aware of tension created by spammers.

It's just that I feel that the complaints heard around here lately are a little overboard and there is no need for any drastic changes.

Originally posted by Moose

It's just that I feel that the complaints heard around here lately are a little overboard and there is no need for any drastic changes.
Ditto.

I agree aswell, I'll ask the welcome team members to include a link to the community guidelines in each welcome PM. Most already do, i think im the only one that dosent ;)

well, I am eating crackers and meat right now, and just got done with some orange slices too, if that clears anything up.

I have also just added a simple javascript countdown to the registration page. Users now must wait 15 secconds before hitting the agree button, hopefully more members will read the community guidelines, or atleast review them, while waiting to register :)

Perhaps more Elmo jokes would 'liven up the party' a bit?:D

Originally posted by goose
Perhaps more Elmo jokes would 'liven up the party' a bit?:D

Oh nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! :crash: :crash:

I agree... if you don't like what you read, move on.

I'm sure my opinions may not suit everyone, but we all have a right to our opinions...
and I try to keep them clean, and to the point.

My opinion:
I see a bit of chatter back and forth with little substance thoughout this forum...
so what... I'll move to another thread if I think it's really stupid. The bottom line, is that this forum is a great way to get and pass along info to fellow cyclists... and we don't have to get along, we're all one big disfunctional family...
:love: :fight: :beer: :fun: :roflmao: :fun: :beer: :fight: :love:

I think that most understand the point that I was trying to make, but if not, here goes:

I am NOT saying that the forum NEEDS to be or SHOULD be changed. I was trying to point out that instead of going postal over something as trivial as post counts, subject matter, etc. something could be done if necessary. Honestly- I don't take bikes that seriously, let alone a couple of hundred posts about Elmo or (insert your pet peeve here). In fact- I find that most people here are either easy to get along with, or easily ignored (such as those who cannot appreciate sophisticated humor i.e. Velo:D :D ).

My second opinion...:beer: :beer: :beer:

Ahhh, but you cant seriously expect us not to give at least a little crap to certain folks (including myself, and especialy d*alex)?

btw, If anyone else stumbles in here wanting to trade a vortech supercharger for a motorcycle, I plan on making fun of them at least once.

As far as arguing about post counts, etc- I've just learned to avoid those threads. My post count is not a symbol of my manhood, so I dont care either way anyway ;):D

I like to think of the forums as expressing the sort of discussions which I have while out with my cycling friends: We talk about bikes, of course, but also T.V, wildlife, family etc.

I just skip posts I don't like the look of, but unless someone is obviously being deliberately offensive, see no need for change.