General vs' Off-Topic

[FujimiLover]

Hello there. I've been reading a couple of threads here and there and I'm getting a little annoyed. I found some funny, some entertaining, and some out right, dare I say childish?

As Harry said in a previous "off-topic" thread, you guy's seem to be going back and forth on wanting off-topic, or not. Here's what I think.

We have a category called "General". General should be for anything related to THIS HOBBY and nothing else. I know, I'm guilty of starting threads that don't relate but at this point we don't have anywhere else to post such subjects.

General should only be related to building model cars and trucks. Since this is mostly a MODEL CAR ONLINE FORUM, it should be strictly car-truck related. General can be things like tutorials, photo galleries, how-to's, references, link's related to the hobby, magazines related to the hobby, anything related to THIS HOBBY.

I think we need an OFF-TOPIC thread for anything that does NOT FIT in GENERAL category. This way, nobody can complain, bicker, argue, make-fun of or whatever anything that is not model-car related as it's "off-topic".

As I said, even I'm guilty of posting threads under general such as Jokes, playlists, name that tune, name that movie, computer issues, ebay issues, whatever!

If I was a moderator, which I'm not, I'd start an off-topic category and move EVERYTHING not model car-truck related into that category.

If you do not like somebody's posted topic, don't be rude about it, just be quiet about it. Why reply to a topic you think is stupid? We've all heard the phrase, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".

I think any model's that are built that are NOT car-truck related should be posted under an "off-topic models" category so that people who are interested in posting model airplanes, boats, bikes, whatever can have a place to post them. That way, we don't really leave anybody out, but we can keep the car-truck basis of our forum clean and orderly.

The "General" section of this forum is getting way out of hand and it needs to be cleaned up. So, should we have another vote about having an "Off-Topic" category so we can discuss anything under the sun? I love this forum and I love all you guy's, but we need to put this forum back to it's basic routes if you know what I mean.

Replies are welcome, but keep it civilized!

Edited November 3, 2009 by FujimiLover

[Nick Winter]

Hello there. I've been reading a couple of threads here and there and I'm getting a little annoyed. I found some funny, some entertaining, and some out right, dare I say childish?

As Harry said in a previous "off-topic" thread, you guy's seem to be going back and forth on wanting off-topic, or not. Here's what I think.

We have a category called "General". General should be for anything general related to THIS HOBBY and nothing else. I know, I'm guilty of starting threads that don't relate but at this point we don't have anywhere else to post such subjects.

General should only be related to model-building wether or not it be cars and trucks. Since this is mostly a MODEL CAR ONLINE FORUM, it should be strictly car-truck related. General can be things like tutorials, photo galleries, how-to's, references, link's related to the hobby, magazines related to the hobby, anything related to THIS HOBBY.

I think we need an OFF-TOPIC thread for anything that does NOT FIT in GENERAL category. This way, nobody can complain, bicker, argue, make-fun of or whatever anything that is not model-car related as it's "off-topic".

As I said, even I'm guilty of posting threads under general such as Jokes, playlists, name that tune, name that movie, computer issues, ebay issues, whatever!

If I was a moderator, which I'm not, I'd start an off-topic category and move EVERYTHING not model car-truck related into that category.

If you do not like somebody's posted topic, don't be rude about it, just be quiet about it. Why reply to a topic you think is stupid? We've all heard the phrase, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".

I think any model's that are built that are NOT car-truck related should be posted under an "off-topic models" category so that people who are interested in posting model airplanes, boats, bikes, whatever can have a place to post them. That way, we don't really leave anybody out, but we can keep the car-truck basis of our forum clean and orderly.

The "General" section of this forum is getting way out of hand and it needs to be cleaned up. So, should we have another vote about having an "Off-Topic" category so we can discuss anything under the sun? I love this forum and I love all you guy's, but we need to put this forum back to it's basic routes if you know what I mean.

Replies are welcome, but keep it civilized!

Marc I have 1 thing to say, what about posts that are related to 1:1 cars, trucks, motorcycle, anything that's a vehicle?

[FujimiLover]

I think anything that is 1:1 scale can stay right where it is. Cars, Trucks, etc'.

Edited November 3, 2009 by FujimiLover

[FujimiLover]

Should "off-topic" have it's own categories? Or anything goes under one section?

[RodBurNeR]

I can imagine how tired Harry is of this non-stop problem. I appologize in advance. I just have to say what I think the problem is and I have tried to "explain" this and offer my assistance.

The REAL problem here is the majority of members check the "General" section FIRST. They , like myself just KNOW there is going to be some off topic drama and yes it's entertaining because so many people air their laundry....it's addicting to check and see what moronic stuff is posted.

Sorry ,but I feel that's what the problem is. We need to do away with access to this opportunity. If you don't have the chance to make posts that are not acceptable or just plain off topic....then the problem is gone!

I say the only solution is to take the opportunity away and change a few things to make it more enjoyable and add some simple structure to keep everyone on topic. Unless this is done.....this will never stop.

No disrespect to Gregg or Harry, but if you don't listen to these words....you will continue to deal with this problem, stressing yourselves out handling the SOS everyday and not concentrating on what's more important.

[FujimiLover]

Here's how I see it,

Think of an "off-topic" section as a lounge to hang out while our paint's and glue's dry!

Edited November 3, 2009 by FujimiLover

[Lownslow]

i say if their is a re-vote comments have to be posted by every voter. you could make off topic as Jarius said in another post a selected forum where you have to ask to be allowed in there in accordance to rules and can be ousted for violations thats a great idea.

[Lownslow]

i say if their is a re-vote comments have to be posted by every voter. you could make off topic as Jarius said in another post a selected forum where you have to ask to be allowed in there in accordance to rules and can be ousted for violations thats a great idea.

[Ben]

I think that having a dedicated area for off topic posts is a good idea.

A dedicated area for 1:1 vehicle reference would be a good idea as well, the "Truck Models" area has one.

I come to this forum to view, ask and learn things model car and model truck related.

I just don't understand why there are so many on this forum that seem to thrive on jumping in and making a negative comment on someones spelling, punctuation or the topic of the post!

I see things that, to me are not "on topic" and if i'm not interested in reading it, I hit the back button and go look at something else! Why is that so hard for some of these members to do?

There are people on here from all walks of life and nobody has the right to judge or critisize them just because something that they type isn't up to their "standards".

It's getting to where I am too concerned to post anything for fear of accidently misspelling a word or my punctuation is not perfect or, heaven forbid, my post may be a little off topic!

All I can say is some people need to realize that when it all comes down to it, we are all here because of some plastic parts that we put together to replicate things, that's it!

Oh, and I just tried to use the spell check and get a message stating that "iespell" is not detected. I clicked "ok" to go to the download page and nothing happened?

[FujimiLover]

If there are no off-topic sections of this forum, there should THEN be stricter rules in the general area to help keep it clean and model-car/truck hobby related.

[RodBurNeR]

Food for thought.....

If you have an "off topic" section dedicated to the issue.....don't you think people will take advantage of that and post things that are even worse? General already is kind of an off topic area, but more for "modeling talk". Then you have the rant and rave section which is also off topic, but should be all about "modeling woes and kudos".....then you have Where's waldo and that's off topic too....there are no lines....no fences...do you see what I am saying? I am not trying to bash anyone or the forum, I just think that it's a GREAT forum and would be even better if we could consolidate some of the sections and eleviate all of the problems.

In case anyone has not noticed, these threads keep getting locked and more keep getting made....so obviously there is no rest.

[Nova-ss]

I understand what has been said.I don't look at off-topic for Drama.lord knows I have enouch.I look there cause it is first and cause there are some model related subjects that I want to know about.I think that 1/1 goes hand in hand with our hobby here.I would like to see a place for motorcycles to....I have and still build them,but mostly I build trucks.if there is room there should be a place for both off topic and general discussions.I don't like no bad language or crude jokes or putting other model builders down.the subjects we build are art.....just because we mite not care of the subject or think it is not good,that is are opinion.the builder gets to look at it the way he or she thinks......that is art.....in my opinion.Thank ya,Chris

[FujimiLover]

Another good point.

Nova, "General" should be the place your talking about for model related subjects that you want to know about. But sadly it seems that "General" is an off-topic hang-out.

Edited November 3, 2009 by FujimiLover

[JamesW]

Marc I have 1 thing to say, what about posts that are related to 1:1 cars, trucks, motorcycle, anything that's a vehicle?

We have a 1:1 reference thread for that.

[george 53]

Guys, Harry ALREADY said HOW IT IS!!! If YOU guys wanna keep bringin this stuff up, YOU YOURSELVES will be the only ones to blame. Yeesh how clearer does he have to get? You guys must get a kick outta messin with him! He's already said what he'll do to off topic threads and I personally hope he does! You guys must REALLY have a problem understanding the rules! I hope HE DOES WHAT HE SAID an start deleting ALL this stupid stuff. For your own sakes JUST REREAD THE RULES!!!! Yeesh, just accept that fact an it'll make this a MUCH happier place!!! If this upset ANYONE thats just tuff, BUT THEMS THE RULES!!! ACCEPT THEM!!!!

[RodBurNeR]

Guys, Harry ALREADY said HOW IT IS!!! If YOU guys wanna keep bringin this stuff up, YOU YOURSELVES will be the only ones to blame. Yeesh how clearer does he have to get? You guys must get a kick outta messin with him! He's already said what he'll do to off topic threads and I personally hope he does! You guys must REALLY have a problem understanding the rules! I hope HE DOES WHAT HE SAID an start deleting ALL this stupid stuff. For your own sakes JUST REREAD THE RULES!!!! Yeesh, just accept that fact an it'll make this a MUCH happier place!!! If this upset ANYONE thats just tuff, BUT THEMS THE RULES!!! ACCEPT THEM!!!!

You just added to it by replying and by your post it looks like you are upset.....but I'm not. As for me, I am not wasting anymore time on this subject.

[James Flowers]

All this B.S. started because of the whiners over off topic subjects. These whiners can't accept the fact that all they have to do is ignore off topic subjects!! I really don't understand why it is such a bother to these people. It's very simple IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT,DON'T READ IT!!! NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO CLICK ON A SUBJECT THAT IS OFF TOPIC!!! Finally,if you don't like the forum,leave!! The rest of us will be better off without you!! If you truly like this forum,then conduct yourself accordingly and stop harrassing Harry every time someone posts a subject that is off topic. This forum used to be really laid back and friendly. Now it's being ruined by a bunch of whiny @$$e$! Grow up or take your toys to another sandbox!

You are right. The same few just can not resist looking at these post and keep their nose out out. I think they are call busy bodies. They mind every ones but theirs. I see some of them say use your ignore option. Why not use theirs? Because their nose hurts that's why. OFF TOPIC post have been here ever since I have been a member.

[RodBurNeR]

I guess I am a whiner. I guess I just don't like this forum. Puh-lease! Check my signature. Stating simple facts on how to SOLVE the problem is NOT whining. I suggest you take them CAPS and your ego to another "sandbox" if you don't like people speaking their minds about how disrespectful it is to treat the MODEL CARS forum as a place to spew your horse hockey when the majority come here for "plastic model cars".... In regards to my posts....I have done nothing but defend this forum and people are flipping out because we are fighting to keep this place's integrity UP and not down due to a bunch of horse hockey!

Take a breath....read what is being said instead of blowing up at the wind!

Sorry, but you start telling me what to do like that....I will speak up. I have shown everyone respect here, so I do expect the same in return.

[Lownslow]

Yeah, let's just remove all the restrictions, and cater to the desperate needs of the "Off Topic Gang".....Pretty soon we'll have cursing, porn, religious preaching, political debates, drug and alcohol discussions, and all sorts of other garbage and smut floating around....{Just what we want our younger builders that visit here to stumble onto, right?....Nothing like a little afternoon porn and some heavy cursing to go along with your automotive modeling tips of the day}

which is why said it requires moderator approval to view i doubt itll get that bad people here seem to have a hold of themselves. a disclaimer with a 30 day ban punishment on the second offense will discourage said events.

[Ben]

I wanted to address this since I'm one of those that complains about grammar issues.

Ok, first things first, it makes me no difference to me if we have an off topic section or not. If we do, great, if we don't, great. It also doesn't bother me if there are some off topic threads in the general section. I have contributed to some, (& even started a few myself), but if we don't have that option, I'm cool.

Now, about the spelling & grammar issues. I know we all make spelling errors & mistakes in grammar, that doesn't even bother me. I simply adjust the error mentally as I'm reading the post & go on. We're all human & all prone to making mistakes. It's not a matter of occasional mis-spelled words, (BTW, one of the words I frequently spell wrong when typing is "spell". I seem to want to type it as "speel", so that's something I have to proofread everytime I type! ), it's a refusal to communicate, (via the written word), in a logical & readable manner.

It does bother me when someone doesn't make the effort to post a comment in a coherent fashion, & posts something that is virtually impossible to read or comprehend. I have honestly wondered if some of the incoherent posts like that I've read here over the past three years, (& from more than one poster, I'm not singling out any one person), were written by someone that had gotten drunk, & then attempted to type something. Garbled, incoherent, unreadable posts are annoying. If you want to communicate with people, you need to develop basic communication skills, especially when writing.

I'm not speaking of those members for whom English isn't their primary language. Heck, I have less trouble reading & understanding their posts than I do those that do speak English, but don't make the effort to write something that can be understood & comprehended.

If you want to be understood or to get your point across, write & communicate in a manner that can easily be read. It's that simple.

BTW Ben, I can't answer as to the spell check feature here, since I don't use it. I use dictionary.com & "Preview Post" to proofread my posts, & I still make spelling errors!!

Hey Mark, I understand what your saying and believe me, i've dealt with many forums over the years where certain people will make posts that have certain words mis-spelled (I thought I had typed that incorrectly! LOL) over and over and it does get very annoying but I just look at it in the same respect as when i'm looking at someone's built model. If I have issues with it, I simply don't say anything as I don't want to offend that person.

I actually feel sorry for them as I feel everyone is viewing them as illiterate.

I'm one of those "hey, can't we all just get along and be buddies that have a common interest" kind of guy.

I just try to steer clear clear of anything negative and give lots of praise to others no matter the situation.

If it's something beyond my control and I see there nothing good coming from a situation, I simply hit the back button and let sleeping dogs lie.

I just want to be happy and build models!

[FujimiLover]

General should be cleaned up of all non-hobby related topics. Stricter rules should be listed, applied, and followed.

Off-topic should not be allowed. It works in some forums I belong too, but apparently it does not here.

Please lock thread and delete after 24 hours. Thank you......................

Edited November 3, 2009 by FujimiLover

[von Zipper]

I treat this forum (and others) like a gas station, Some times I get $5.00 worth just to get me down the road and other times I fill the tank. I only go to the gas station when I want or need some thing. When I drive up to the gas station and see a bunch of clowns loitering around I tend to go some where else.

If we need friends to talk about other stuff than Model Cars maybe we could go to a restaurant and buy a stranger a cup of coffee and tell them our views on life....or even better-get them to buy us a cup of coffee and listen to our views.

Cecil