General Forum Posting Guidelines

[neilly2]

Mike,

You often seem to miss the point I'm trying to make. We had a similar (almost exact) discussion about a year ago. However, in that thread you wanted "Related Topics" posts to not count towards people's post counts because that would make people think they know more about tractors. Now, you start your last post with the grand total of TBN posts as a measure of success. I think deep down you put a lot of stock in post numbers (IMHO). I choose to measure the success of this site by the member growth and quality of discussion.

Now, my point is the same as it was a year ago--people that are not constant posters, or are new, often have their opinions disregarded. My other point is that many times people are oversensitive to disagrement. There is nothing to be afraid of. Now, I'm not talking about slinging insults, I'm talking about disagreeing. If I think you are wrong I will state that.... If I KNOW you are wrong I will state that as well.

My last point is that I (please notice that I said 'I') only post when I have something different or useful to say. That, I feel, is a virture. It has nothing to do with post counts, Mike, you made that leap. There are plenty of people with a ton more useful information than I have and they post it often.

I made a harmless criticism of the site. It doesn't mean I don't like the site, or the people on it, or the monitors. On the contrary, any time I've asked a question I've received either great information or a great attempt to help out. I also try to help out on anything that I know about.

[neilly2]

Mike,

I forgot to mention that I moved to PA this past year, Bucks county to be exact. We're practically neighbors. We'll have to get together and have some tea or something.

I have to figure out how to change my info.

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> You often seem to miss the point I'm trying to make. </font>
On the contrary, I understand exactly the point you're trying to make. You insist that people with a lot of posts 'are given more credence and their advice taken more seriously' than those with a few.

<font color="blue">Now, you start your last post with the grand total of TBN posts as a measure of success. </font>
Measure of success of the site, not as a measure of the wisdom of an individual poster. It was also in response to your assertion that 'Many people have 1000+ posts just because they chime in on every topic or post just to say 'right on'.'

<font color="blue"> I think deep down you put a lot of stock in post numbers (IMHO). </font>
No, I don't, deep down or otherwise.

To conclude, I understand your point and I disagree with it. Responding to

1. A thread started almost 6 months ago.
2. A thread last posted in almost 4 months ago.

to tell a relatively new member (under 100 posts) that their posts will most likely be given no credence and not taken seriously is not only wrong it's not the way to encourage the sharing of ideas.

[BTDT]

I just read this and found it interesting. I am new to posting on site, have been a lurker for a long time. I often wonder how folks think of my posts. I figure that if they don't like them they will just add me to their "do not view list", or whatever it's called. But I go back and look at my threads that I started, then look at how many times it's been viewed, and base my relevance on that as far as to what people think. Sure I try (unsuccessfully at times) to be humorous, but I think that's what makes TBN so popular.

[coasterez]

The ease and unilateralism with which you choose to close threads is tantamount to censorship. If I want Milky toast, I'll go to church or visit a new age website. Open and frank discussions should not subject to closure just because you don't like the tone of what is being written.

[MikePA]

I have no idea what you're talking about.

[Inspector507]

Mike,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it take more than one moderators input before a thread is closed?

[MikePA]

Originally Posted by Inspector507

Mike,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it take more than one moderators input before a thread is closed?

For all but the blatant ones, we generally discuss things before taking action.

[coasterez]

I'm speaking of the thread in the Kioti forum. Perhaps I posted in the wrong place???? But, in general very very few threads should ever be closed.

[MikePA]

Originally Posted by coasterez

But, in general very very few threads should ever be closed.

Very few are closed. Some are temporarily closed to allow people to cool off.