A Bit More of an Explanation
#1
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
A Bit More of an Explanation
A Bit More of an Explanation
I feel I owe the 50+ Forum a bit more explanation. The specific remarks in the "What is Your Life Situation" poll and thread, although a factor, were not the main reason I am taking a break from the forum for a bit.
For some time now I have been feeling a "misfit" between who I am and what I want from a forum and the current direction, "personality," and content of the 50+ forum.
Now, I firmly believe that a forum is the sum of its parts and membership. In other words, I don't believe there is anything I can (or better, should) do to try and influence the direction of the forum. The forum (and its evolution) is a given. I am a given. When those two "givens" no longer match, then something has to "give" (so to speak) and that "give" will be my taking a break for some undefined period.
I have been participating in some other forums, and find a lot of 50+'rs who have not joined in the 50+ forum, and some who have quietly left. I likely should have left quietly - just stolen off into the night, and I sort of regret that I didn't.
BTW, there is never "no reason."
I wish you ALL the very best!
I hope to see you on some of the other forums.
Originally Posted by stonecrd
+1, this like the 3rd or 4th time now that we have had people leave the forum for no reason that I can see. Clearly the problem with written vs verbal communication is an issue in all forums which is why emoticons came about to begin with. When you are writing though, you know your intent and you may assume that anyone reading would as well and leave the smiley off. In any event I always give people the benefit of the doubt and assume a smiley even if it does not exist.
For some time now I have been feeling a "misfit" between who I am and what I want from a forum and the current direction, "personality," and content of the 50+ forum.
Now, I firmly believe that a forum is the sum of its parts and membership. In other words, I don't believe there is anything I can (or better, should) do to try and influence the direction of the forum. The forum (and its evolution) is a given. I am a given. When those two "givens" no longer match, then something has to "give" (so to speak) and that "give" will be my taking a break for some undefined period.
I have been participating in some other forums, and find a lot of 50+'rs who have not joined in the 50+ forum, and some who have quietly left. I likely should have left quietly - just stolen off into the night, and I sort of regret that I didn't.
BTW, there is never "no reason."
I wish you ALL the very best!
I hope to see you on some of the other forums.
Last edited by DnvrFox; 01-11-08 at 08:10 AM.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 118
Bikes: 2 Raleigh Sprints. 1 Saracen tourer. dawes Galaxy, 1985 Harry Hall racer, 1991 Raleigh Special Products 853 Race bike. 1985 Raleigh Royal
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
holy crap drama
this is Bike Forums, not PsychForums
get over it and ride
this is Bike Forums, not PsychForums
get over it and ride
Seriously though we are all allowed to have an opinion. Although EDZOs is more of an insult.
Jim.
#5
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,796
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1392 Post(s)
Liked 1,324 Times
in
836 Posts
Denver, I am sorry to see you go. I enjoy the 50+ forum, and I am thankful to you for starting it. Our members have discussed a number of issues which are important primarily to others in our age group.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#6
I need more cowbell.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 8,182
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Sirrus Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Now see, misfits is exactly my problem. My FD is a misfit on my Peugeot. I can't make it fit. It's driving ME fits. I thought the 50+ Forum was a great fit for misfits!
Good luck, Dnvr, wherever you go. Come back and brag about your ride your age ride and inspire us with your stories about your wife and choir and stuff.
And whatever happens, eat pie.
Good luck, Dnvr, wherever you go. Come back and brag about your ride your age ride and inspire us with your stories about your wife and choir and stuff.
And whatever happens, eat pie.
__________________
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, USA
Posts: 1,737
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I must say I was surprised to read this post. I stopped following the thread on which the ill feelings took root, and didn't know these feelings existed. I stopped reading the thread when it stated to feel more like instant messaging than a discussion forum thread. And, that's been something that frustrates me. It is clear that there is an informal group (which changes in membership overtime) that communicates with one another much more frequently than others do on this forum. My observation has been that this group tends to be more likely to poke fun (not mean spirited in my view) at one another. Perhaps it is my lack of understanding, but I've always wondered why this kind of stuff doesn't take place in a format like instant messaging instead of a forum. Sometimes a thread will evolve in such a manner that it seems like a private conversation between "those in the loop". In any event, there have been times, despite a healthy number of posts on my part, where I've felt like an outsider. However, I'm 56 years old and still ride a bicycle. So, I'm a bit used to being an outsider in most places. I also know there are differing levels of sensitivity for folks who participate. One's current life experience can increase or decrease the threshold for feeling insulted, hurt, etc. My only hope is that Dnvr. will find his way to a spot that matches what he needs right now and that at some point that will include the 50+ group again.
#9
Clipless faller
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 268
Bikes: 2008 Specialized Allez Elite Compact, 1981 Raleigh Super Record 10-sp, Trek 4900 MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sometimes the banter does get tiresome, but in most cases it reinforces the camaraderie among us. 50+ remains my favorite forum, and the one that has benefitted me most.
#10
Version 7.0
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 13,127
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 297 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1340 Post(s)
Liked 2,482 Times
in
1,457 Posts
Dnver, remember that anyone can critique but very few can create or originate. Whatever you decide to do, this forum was a great idea and I thank you. Good luck and do not be a stranger.
#11
Squirrel
I was a BBSer before the internet forums became popular, and it really was more of a group IM situation back then, so I know I'm more lax with the rules than I should be.
I guess, to be honest, I hadn't realized that I was breaking protocol in any way. To me, it kind of depends on the thread. There are threads in which one needs to be serious, and there are light hearted threads. I think it's the ones in the middle that cause me confusion. I'm actually a very inclusive person, though, so it would make me feel bad if my joking around alienated anyone.
Sorry. We're not going to have a situation here where I'm voted off the island, are we?
__________________
#12
I need more cowbell.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 8,182
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Sirrus Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#13
Prefers Cicero
Dnvr, an internet forum like this is an open, free-flowing anarchic thing. Anyone can post whatever they want. It has no direction and really no purpose except to let people interact however they choose to interact. No one person controls it and there is no need for everyone to share the same reasons for being there. Having some kind of expectations of what it should be like, or "wants" from it, as you put it, you're bound to be disappointed. It's like a bus full of random people who have decided to chat as they roll across country. Some will be ones you have something in common with and will chat about stuff you're interested in and some are going to be people that irritate or bore you, so just tune them out. People will get on and off the bus all the time - it's no big deal.
Why not just interact with the people or threads that interest you, and don't sweat whatever else is going on?
Why not just interact with the people or threads that interest you, and don't sweat whatever else is going on?
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Maupin, OR
Posts: 532
Bikes: Used Marin MTB, New 6/06 Scott Contessa Speedster
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't participate as much as some here, but that is what I am comfortable with. I come here several times a week, for inspiration and information, and always feel well rewarded for having dropped by. Dnvrfox, I have always enjoyed your posts, have fun doing what you want.
#15
I need more cowbell.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 8,182
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Sirrus Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
__________________
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
#16
Erect member since 1953
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Antioch, CA (SF Bay Area)
Posts: 7,000
Bikes: Trek 520 Grando, Roubaix Expert, Motobecane Ti Century Elite turned commuter, Some old French thing gone fixie
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 38 Times
in
21 Posts
Thank you or submitting your resignation.
On careful consideration we has decided not to accept it at this time.
Please be at your station at the usual time.
that is all.
On careful consideration we has decided not to accept it at this time.
Please be at your station at the usual time.
that is all.
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC and Mt. Airy, NC
Posts: 20
Bikes: Electra Townie 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I, too, am one of those who can't fix her own bike and 12 miles is a really good ride for me. So, your posts and threads are interesting, inspiring and don't make me feel like I don't belong here. I will miss them and you.
#18
Squirrel
See, I deleted my post because I was trying to be good, but now I've left my good buddy Big Paulie hanging! Go ahead! Boot me off the island! At least I'll go with a smile! So here it is...
ME TOO!
ME TOO!
__________________
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 62
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You go somewhere and they are talking about you or your family you should and are in the conversation. OTHERWISE you can walk away, turn a deaf ear, ignore, move on, or do something else that you feel will provide you with a life. Did AMF make bicycles?
#20
Senior Member
I think the original idea for this group was to cater to 50+ers who were just getting into cycling, or returning to cycling after a long hiatus. Even if we met those criteria when we started, I think it's natural to expect we'd all become experienced after a while! (Sorry, the age thing is unlikely to get turned back though.) So the list matures and evolves, whether we want it to or not.
#21
Squirrel
But, I LIKE it here. I don't want* to be naughty. I just can't help it.
__________________
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,259
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think the original idea for this group was to cater to 50+ers who were just getting into cycling, or returning to cycling after a long hiatus. Even if we met those criteria when we started, I think it's natural to expect we'd all become experienced after a while! (Sorry, the age thing is unlikely to get turned back though.) So the list matures and evolves, whether we want it to or not.
Stuff like that really irritates me, so I joined up and started posting!
Seriously, I already miss Denver Fox, and hope his wisdom and patience once again graces these pages. For him, cycling is so therapeudic, it's spritiual in nature. I think that describes it for a lot of us, too!
#23
I need more cowbell.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 8,182
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Sirrus Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Anyone know Monica Diego's AIM number?
__________________
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
#24
Super Modest
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 23,466
Bikes: Trek Emonda, Giant Propel, Colnago V3, Co-Motion Supremo, ICE VTX WC
Mentioned: 107 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10963 Post(s)
Liked 4,620 Times
in
2,123 Posts
Like somebody mentioned, forums are ever-changing and diverse. We can't always be serious and shouldn't be. As for people being nasty, this forum is genteel; visit some of the other forums!
__________________
Keep the chain tight!
#25
I need more cowbell.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 8,182
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Sirrus Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
__________________
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay