XS Content Please!

bluebikerblan · Posted: September 8, 2009, 5:27 pm Post subject: XS Content Please!

I see that the forum now offers the opportunity to buy a rank or status rating and that the membership is clearly being solicited to donate for those reasons. My probably solitary opinion is that doing so is unwise and will prove to be counter productive. sad to say

Before withdrawing from participation....I do have a question which I suppose will become little more than a rhetorical one......

How much would have to be raised to purchase the cancellation of the the "Shout It Out" column and the offensive, in your face, non-XS uses to which it's being put"? Secondarily, might there be a purchase price for the establishment of an "XS Content Rule" for posting? I do hereby pledge $100 via USPD money order payable to Russo/Gerald Scott for the reward fund for the realization of so doing... each. If I need have a categorical designation applied to this position, please call it PO'd member Warmest personal regards to all! But:

I do not ride a motorcycle for political purposes and I didn't come to this
forum for political enlightenment nor argument. Moreover... the idea of buying a flag of designated status within a public forum to be both gauche and personally offensive.

Blue/Rex Blanchard

Retiredgentleman · Posted: September 8, 2009, 8:22 pm Post subject: Re: XS Content Please!

bluebikerblan;
I have to agree with what your saying blue. This used to be a really good forum for XS related topics. Its become contaminated with political and non-political bickering and verbal abuse.

Yes, those rankings by dollar amount donations is strange to say the least, especially when one does not know where the money is going.

I expect I won't be posting here very much in the future.

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

For the record:

I posted this shout --
jimmythetrucker: 06-Jun-2009 10:27:02
You guys obviously think you're going to run me off the boards. It ain't gonna happen. What's gonna happen is you're going to ruin the shout column. I an't goin' nowhere, cuz the things you say don't matter to me. I only shoot back when I see a chance to have a little fun. So there it is. It's your choice.

One of my antagonists posted this shout --
5twins: 10-Jun-2009 21:26:25
let's put this in the proper perspective if we can. Your posts in the main body are usually giving wrong info. You confuse more people than you help....... this "Shout" colunm means nothing as far as the rest of the site is concerned. I'll ask you again JiMmy, does your bike even run? Are you any help to the new guys here? Have you ever posted some good "how to"s about anything? I think not

Read both shouts carefully. Be sure to place the blame where it'll do the most good. One side of the argument is concerned about the health of the site. The other side simply doesn't give a sh*t.

650skull · Support Staff Joined: Jul 19, 2007 Posts: 1186

This has been a great site and the main posters with technical aptitude have made it what it is. Thanks to jayal, xsjohn RG, 5twins, pamcopete and mike, (for keeping us updated on his parts), and of course RUSSO for setting this site up and to all who have asked and answered the questions that related to my problems and the ones yet to arrive
I made a bad post in one of the threads due to tiredness, (stayed up most of one night setting up the Vault), I was wrong and apologized. That led to a string of abuse and the administrator did nothing to curb the situation. Unfortunately it is months between administrative input that has let this situation get out of control.

I am at a cross road as to my continued association with this site and to be honest my leaving is not going to affect the help the people above contribute, but if we start to loose the RG's off this site then it will be rendered next to useless.

Barbara · Posted: September 8, 2009, 11:55 pm Post subject: Re: XS Content Please!

Hi Guys,

I hang out on a couple of sites, and try to participate when I can contribute something or can gain knowledge. I appreciate each and every post that is XS-related, even when the range a bit far afield.

What I don't like is a fight for the sake of fighting. Jimmy asked us to read the two posts and decide. I've decided.

Years ago I read an article in a Cycle World about some so-called "Outlaw" bikers planning to hijack the "Jack Pine Enduro". It seems that when the first of them got there, apparently everyone not actually racing was either working with an VERY large wrench, or seemed very interested in lengths of wood remarkably resembling clubs. End of problem.

Now. We can't use large wrenches or clubs, but it would be a damned shame in my opinion to let one--or several--people disrupt a very, very neat and informative site. If we need rules--call them "guidelines" if you prefer, then so be it. We are a microcosm of society at large, and society has a certain number of people needing--well, guidelines. But please, don't let the site go down the tubes---all that will accomplish will be to give the ego strokes so necessary to disruptive people.

I am a moderator on a couple of sites. We've banned people for specific periods, and even permanently, and the result generally is a nicer, more social and informative site. No one likes to ban anyone, and they shouldn't like it---but now and then after a couple of warnings, it is necessary if the good folks are going to stick around.

About titles and contributions---maybe not the best thought-out plan, but sometimes it is necessary to ask for money. Simple, really. I don't care what the title is, nor how much is involved, but one can't really expect a free ride forever----even our revered XS's need an infusion of cash now and then, and we do it gladly.

I like this site, and will neither jump ship, nor will I ignore disruptive postings. I won't engage the person trying to garner unwarranted attention, but will communicate with those who can pull the plug on the problem.

Apologies for the long post. I care about this site, and think it's worth talking about.

1ironhead · Posted: September 9, 2009, 3:46 am Post subject: Re: XS Content Please!

I would hate to see "old timers",or should I say "seasoned XS vetrans" go anywhere.I must say that I find myself a little more at home on another forum that is not XS exclusive,but political content is ,so far as I've seen,0(zero).This was,however, the first forum I joined when becoming interested in the XS.Here is where I started looking for my first XS.Here is where I learned the difference between a standard and a special.Here is where I learned that I can build my own rectifier and the list goes on and on.RG I hope you will reconsider not posting as much.As far as the politics is concerned,it was here when I got here.I find it offensive at times,comical at others.When I find it offensive,Ieither try to adjust my attitude,reminding myself who was here first or I simply try to look at it as free entertainment.
As far as contribution titles,now that I remember a little clearer,I was probably not listed as a supporter be cause I did not SUBSCRIBE (I did not want a contribution to come out of my paypal AUTOMATICALLY).This sort of thing has gotten me in trouble in the past and I now try to stay on top of $ things.If lack of recognition is what that costs me,so be it.I am not bitter and I will get such recognition by this post.I will continue to suppport in the future as long as I get what I need here and I hope that doesn't go away.I apologize too for the long winded post.

jayel · Posted: September 9, 2009, 6:45 am Post subject: Re: XS Content Please!

if you don't like it you are not required to read it, and yes it does get silly some times

IAmGrowler · Posted: September 9, 2009, 8:07 am Post subject: Re: XS Content Please!

Personally, I think the "shout" column should be removed altogether.

I'm pledging from this moment on to make generous use of the 'close' tab at the top left corner of the "shout" column -- Out of sight, out of mind.

As for those of us (myself included) who feel the need to vent their (my) spleen politically -- Download a Usenet reader, get a Usenet account and explore the alt.politics.---- hierarchy.

Usenet clients ---> tinyurl.com/nykedw

Usenet providers ---> tinyurl.com/19h3

alt.politics.- - - hierarchy ---> tinyurl.com/lb23s6

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

A real solution to the problem of politics on the boards is simple. You only need to do three things:

1) Add a forum called "Politics." Go away and leave that forum alone. Treat it like a garbage dump: People go there to unload their garbage. Those who have no garbage to unload should not go in there. If you don't want your day ruined or if you don't want stains on your clothes, then don't go in there.

2) Enact a rule that says "No politics outside the political forum." Make it a "three strikes and you're out" kind of thing. Break the rule once, you get a private warning. Break the rule twice, you get a public warning. Break the rule three times, you're off the boards permanently.

3) Set up the software so that posts on political threads (being off-topic, as they are) don't add to member's post counts. That is: if you post one entry in the xs650 forums, you have a post count of "1" and if you post 2,000 entries in the political forum, you have a post count of "0".

My own post tally would be much lower if political posts didn't count. My guess is that the man who presently has a post count of almost 6,000 would have a post count of something less than 4,000 if political screeds didn't count. And if you think running up the post count doesn't factor as a motive for some of the posts you're crying about, my guess is that you're a naif.

Teebs · Full Member Joined: Aug 26, 2008 Posts: 255

OR, an even simpler solution; you and John could choose to ignore one another. 80% of problem solved. lol

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

That's a real constructive suggestion, there, Teebs. Anybody could tell by your face in the photo that you're a real peacemaker.

jscribner · Full Member Joined: Aug 20, 2009 Posts: 11

Barbara wrote:

Hi Guys,

I hang out on a couple of sites, and try to participate when I can contribute something or can gain knowledge. I appreciate each and every post that is XS-related, even when the range a bit far afield.

What I don't like is a fight for the sake of fighting. Jimmy asked us to read the two posts and decide. I've decided.

Years ago I read an article in a Cycle World about some so-called "Outlaw" bikers planning to hijack the "Jack Pine Enduro". It seems that when the first of them got there, apparently everyone not actually racing was either working with an VERY large wrench, or seemed very interested in lengths of wood remarkably resembling clubs. End of problem.

Now. We can't use large wrenches or clubs, but it would be a damned shame in my opinion to let one--or several--people disrupt a very, very neat and informative site. If we need rules--call them "guidelines" if you prefer, then so be it. We are a microcosm of society at large, and society has a certain number of people needing--well, guidelines. But please, don't let the site go down the tubes---all that will accomplish will be to give the ego strokes so necessary to disruptive people.

I am a moderator on a couple of sites. We've banned people for specific periods, and even permanently, and the result generally is a nicer, more social and informative site. No one likes to ban anyone, and they shouldn't like it---but now and then after a couple of warnings, it is necessary if the good folks are going to stick around.

About titles and contributions---maybe not the best thought-out plan, but sometimes it is necessary to ask for money. Simple, really. I don't care what the title is, nor how much is involved, but one can't really expect a free ride forever----even our revered XS's need an infusion of cash now and then, and we do it gladly.

I like this site, and will neither jump ship, nor will I ignore disruptive postings. I won't engage the person trying to garner unwarranted attention, but will communicate with those who can pull the plug on the problem.

Apologies for the long post. I care about this site, and think it's worth talking about.

Wise woman. I admire that.
John Scribner

acetek · Full Member Joined: Feb 24, 2008 Posts: 68 Location: PNW

.Russo..Who is the moderator of this forum??? if none why not ...With the power to ban ''' How about an ignore function .

Teebs · Full Member Joined: Aug 26, 2008 Posts: 255

jimmythetrucker wrote:

That's a real constructive suggestion, there, Teebs. Anybody could tell by your face in the photo that you're a real peacemaker.

lol, you noticed that, huh?

650rider · WebMaster Joined: Feb 09, 2005 Posts: 431

My input:

Adding features like ignore or post count based on content are not so easily added to the code base. So I don’t think that will happen this year.

Banning board members because they post something political is never going to happen. However I agree that that content should be limited to the “I’m Just Saying You Know” section and the long winded political stuff should stay out of the Shout Box.

This board section “I’m Just Saying You Know” has no moderator and probably never will. It’s a section for members just cut loose. The section description is “A general forum for conversation about whatever you want” it was never meant as a XS only section.

I have managed forums with 40K users and boards like this one with 5k or so. The only two reasons I have banned anyone is posting porn images and continued personal attacks on another member.

Thing is no matter where I go in life now and then I run into someone that I can’t seem to get along. I’ll bet there are folks in the world that don’t like me, why I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’m a butthead now and then too.

The hardest thing I’ve learned running forum boards is knowing when NOT to post a comment. I have learned to live and let live.

--------------------------------------------------------------

About posting badges or flags on a users profile when they have sent in financial support or other types of badges when they spend time managing section of the site is very common on forum sites.

If it’s really offensive to to a member please contact me at 828-423-0023 and we can talk a bit and work together to maybe find something different to do. I’m in EST (-5 GMT.) please don’t call after 9pm

I hate to see anyone leave the site because they have issues with how it’s managed. I’m a XS lover, a full time student, and am working to start two small businesses after being laid off last year. Cut me a bit of slack I’m doing my best with what I’ve got.

RUSSO

650rider · WebMaster Joined: Feb 09, 2005 Posts: 431

BTW Teebs said a mouthful !

"ignore one another. 80% of problem solved"

Get it mouthful... his avatar image... mouthful... never mind its funny to me.

Joseph · Full Member Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 767 Location: NY

Quote::

jimmythetrucker wrote:
That's a real constructive suggestion, there, Teebs. Anybody could tell by your face in the photo that you're a real peacemaker.

Quote::

lol, you noticed that, huh?

At least we got a laugh out of all this crap.

Barbara · Posted: September 10, 2009, 9:40 am Post subject: Re: XS Content Please!

RUSSO wrote:

BTW Teebs said a mouthful !

"ignore one another. 80% of problem solved"

Get it mouthful... his avatar image... mouthful... never mind its funny to me.

Hi Guys,

Operative word being "ignore". I couldn't agree more---it takes only the attitude of a child and an unwarranted ego to insist on having the last word. It takes an adult with a bit of self-confidence to simply roll their eyes and ignore (there it is again) the ramblings.

Oh yeah, and Joseph, you gotta post again quickly---look at your post count! Laughing

Thanks for having the commitment to post a phone number, RUSSO. I don't know that I would have the courage to do that.....

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

Barbara wrote:

Hi Guys,

Operative word being "ignore". I couldn't agree more---it takes only the attitude of a child and an unwarranted ego to insist on having the last word. It takes an adult with a bit of self-confidence to simply roll their eyes and ignore (there it is again) the ramblings.

So, Barbara, is that why you decided to slip a last word in here? Looks to me like your lack of self-confidence is showing. If you'd take your own advice, the thing for you to do now is roll your eyes and STFU. The rest of us can then pretend you're really an adult who doesn't post mealy-mouthed cheap shots but couches her insults in good, plain English.

yamaman · Posted: September 10, 2009, 10:51 am Post subject: Re: XS Content Please!

!

!

Barbara · Posted: September 10, 2009, 10:51 am Post subject: Re: XS Content Please!

I just won a bet with myself...... Very Happy

650skull · Support Staff Joined: Jul 19, 2007 Posts: 1186

Quote::

.Who is the moderator of this forum??? if none why not ...With the power to ban ''' How about an ignore function .

The vault is off limits for posting into by the members so when the Vault was set up, the vault keepers ended up as moderators on all of the other forums for access purposes only. When it was set up we were told we did not have the power to censure or alter the ongoing threads in any way.

Quote::

Operative word being "ignore". I couldn't agree more---it takes only the attitude of a child and an unwarranted ego to insist on having the last word. It takes an adult with a bit of self-confidence to simply roll their eyes and ignore (there it is again) the ramblings.

This is good piece of advice and insight Barbra................ At some stage we all get into a brain fart situation, (not me. yea right never Laughing

) and need some one with a clear head to cool things down

jscribner · Full Member Joined: Aug 20, 2009 Posts: 11

I am going to speak my piece, and then fall back into the ranks of the lurkers. I have spent about 2 years as a member of Bobbertalk.com. I know the site owner and one of the moderators personally. Men of high integrity. Some of you here who know them know what I mean. There is a very low tolerance of name-calling, yelling at each other, and if a male member ever told a female member to "STFU", I'm pretty sure he would be censured, if not banned altogether. Offenders of the rules are quietly counseled behind the scenes the first time. Followed by a public scolding. If you continue to act like juveniles, the thread is locked. If you persist, you are banned. That site is, well, a class act. I am appalled by the character bashing, foul language, and general misbehaviors I see here, especially lately. Members who obviously love their XS650's have voiced their opinions and been body-slammed. I posted a thread regarding the death of a fellow rider whom I believe was a member here. I quietly asked for a moratorium of this kind of behavior in his honor. Guess what? The character bashing and name-calling escalated, and only a couple of people even responded to the thread. As Drooling-Bloodhound stated, Ric was such a fan of Bobbertalk, his wife came there to announce his passing in her grief. There is a reason for that loyalty. A lot of you here have missed that point completely. I'm sorry I came here as a member. I've seen my share of internet trolls over the years, and you have a number of them here. I will not post here again, and you can flame me as much as you want. I just don't care to be part of this dog-and-pony act anymore. To the members here who have contributed so much to my knowledge base about my old motorcycle, I say "Thank-you". To the rest of you, I say, "Shame on you!".
John Scribner

Joseph · Full Member Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 767 Location: NY

Amen
Barbra I'm sure you have enough class and spirituality to take this all with a grain of salt and don't need anyone to "come to your rescue".
I appreciate the way you and others speak you mind make a point and maintain integrity you are not like school in the summer.
I want to rant but I'll just ask this , guys(and gals) with helpful knowledge keep helping please Smile

? I know the site isn't going anywhere, for me I am just going to skip over some posts and posters.

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650