Elite seems to be an accurate descriptor

neilly2 · Aug 9, 2004

I've been mulling some time about how exactly to post this thought, but now it is quite clear.

It is obvious that there is an established heirarchy on this board, and the thoughts of a minority, or, for that matter the thoughts of the higher posters take precedence.

I tried to continue the Union/Anti Union thread on a post that is still active. The first three responses slapped me on the wrist for 1) Engaging in a topic that is political and 2) engaging in a topic that is not related to tractors. I of course am a new member that posts infrequently, and I assume I was to be 'brought into line' to learn what TBN is all about.

Today I clicked on post from a much more established poster, who complained about legislating the English language in his state. The thread then went on to essentially rail against immigration and immigrants, and espouse a clearly political point of view. Is this what TBN is all about??

Now don't get me wrong. I don't want this thread removed. In fact, I enjoyed reading it. I enjoy a little edge as opposed to the overplayed nice-ness posts filled with smiley faces. I also am a believer in --

1. If you don't like it don't read it.
2. If you ignore someone they go away--for people concerned with the 'yellers' and 'crammers'
3. If the PC revolution continues we should just check our brains at the door.

My issue is the hypocrisy of what goes on here, and is highlighted by two posts in this very forum.

There is a bit of favoritism, and no matter how many people say 'welcome to TBN' you better get ready to take your place in the back.

I would like people to read both posts and explain the difference.

Don't forget the words of Bob Skurka:

"The last time I checked, this is a tractor forum to discuss tractors, tractoring, and to some degree country life as they relate to tractors."

Bob_Skurka · Aug 9, 2004

I've been taken to the woodshed more times than I can count for little tid bits, but I suppose they were deserved and I hold no grudges for them.

What I think I've seen here is that there are some topics that I may feel very strongly about that are simply not appropriate here (specific discussions on politics and political issues that do not relate to general rural living).

There are numerous posts about rural living (getting along with neighbors, easements, well water, drainage, etc) that fit in some of the general forums perhaps not directly as tractoring issues but certainly as rural life issues.

There are other topics that I may feel strongly about that are mildly related to rural living (such as guns) that crop up in a way that often degenerates into less than desirable topics, but are mildly related to rural life so they are tolerated.

Then there are simply silly topics that have nothing to do with tractoring or rural living, and they are usually tolerated because people see them as harmless silly fun.

There are some topics such as supporting our troops (regardless of what you feel about the war) that perhaps have a place, or perhaps do not, and they either thrive or wilt on their own.

So what I think happened is that your thread on unions is one of those lightning rod issues that evokes great emotion and conflict. I personally feel much the same way you do about the unions, but I don't want to start fights, or even engage in them here unnecessarily. Now if you want to talk about a possible strike at a New Holland/Kubota/JD/etc facility and how that may effect quality, availability, etc then I think you will find that lots of people will weigh in on that and nobody will slap your wrist.

As far asn an established heirarchy, I don't really see it. Some post a lot. Some don't. I look for some people who's opinions I respect and read all their posts. I specifically like the posts by OkeeDon, Harv, WroughtnHarv, Henro, Gatorboy, Cliff Johns, MossRoad and several others. Some of those people post a lot, some far less so. I often agree, I often disagree. I respect all of them because they earned it.

Bird · Aug 9, 2004

( There is a bit of favoritism, and no matter how many people say 'welcome to TBN' you better get ready to take your place in the back. )

No, you certainly don't need to "take your place in the back". I'm sorry you got that impression, but think I can, at least partially, understand why you did. Look at it this way: You and a group of people you've been friends with for years are standing around visiting, and a new guy who just moved into a house down the block, but whom you have not met yet and know nothing about, walks down to join the group. Now you probably want the new guy to be welcome, but until you get to know him, the conversation with him will probably be a little different from that you have with your old friends. In time, if he doesn't leave the neighborhood, he'll become one of the "old friends", but in the meantime, you'll help him anyway you can, try to make him welcome, but will you give the same weight to everything he says as you do to what the others say?

And if you notice the dates, the post you mentioned about the English language was over 2 years ago. If you read the terms of service and FAQ, I think you'll understand what is expected of all members, both new and old. And of course, there are too many posts for the moderators to read every word every day, not to mention the fact that the moderators are human, so we may miss something at times and/or we might even make a mistake sometimes. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

But you are welcome and we're glad to have you in the neighborhood.

Inspector507 · Aug 9, 2004

Bird,
Both those posts originated in '02. And it seems they died there as well until now. If those posts had been STARTED now, maybe they'd have been closed by today. Maybe the rules (enforcement) have tightened a bit because of the number of members/posts, and I agree with it myself. That was probably when we had an "OFF TOPIC" forum which Muhammad eliminated because of the nature of the posts.
I too have had my hand slapped, and rightly deserved. I am a member here, but also a visitor (I don't own the site) and I have to realize that not everything I say or post is appropriate for the thousands of people viewing these pages daily. And if it does not fit in the "mold" of what this website is all about, then it should be deleted, not just closed.
Just my 2 cents worth.....toss back change if ya want /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

edit:
BTW I do have opinions on the ProUnion-NonUnion, but will refrain from posting because it's no way related to tractors or property or rural living /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Chuck52 · Aug 9, 2004

Just how did those old posts get resurrected, and by whom? I saw one of them that I remembered for getting particularly nasty, looked at it, and saw a new, blank, posting, which then disappeared, leaving the last 2-year-old posting. Is someone bored and missing the bad old days?

Chuck

_RaT_ · Aug 9, 2004

Having been around TBN since it's inception and eventually witnessing the need for moderators to help out with the ever increasing work load, I must tell you that I do indeed get my share of posts that are inappropriate. Interestingly, often times I know when I'm posting on the edge. I have found that anytime you are expressing your passion, often times you will find resentment from others who simply don't share it. I have found that posting here has actually helped my ability to be a more constructive debater. Working within the guidelines established here, it is difficult to expose to much passion but it also helps me to better understand how to work with folks. I far prefer this forum over the several other forums where political baggage is pervasive and at the very best, aggrivating to trudge through. I don't like to spend much time on the net. I check it in quick spurts and then get out. I think you will find TBN to at the very least far more congenial then many other internet sites. Those are pervasive. I.E. moveon.org

wroughtn_harv · Aug 9, 2004

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Those were the days weren't they Chuck?

Moderators spending ninety percent of their time deleting and explaining deleting on one off topic forum. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm not one of the old guys. But I am part of the elite.

Let's say this place is like a church if you will. We're here about a common faith. Tractor power let's say.

You wouldn't willingly start a conversation just get a rise out of your fellow parishoners. No matter how important or crossways your topic is you respect where you're at and the people you're with.

Well, most of us anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

hillslider · Aug 9, 2004

I thought the exact same thing...in fact I got to the point that I said in a post that I will never return. I thought there was a group of posters that really did run the show. Come to find out that these people were truly friends not just someone on the other end of the key board. So after getting a pm message from someone I came back and read and learned a lot. I by no means have a feeling that I am actually part of the group yet but relationships do take time. Hang in there and you will soon feel at home. I really do enjoy some of the antics and some of the off beat post that once in awhile get missed by the moderators. But this is a "Tractor chat" and it is nice that it stays.....for the most part.....topics that are tractor related. So......welcome....stick around and kick back with your favorite beverage while participating in TBN.

MossRoad · Aug 9, 2004

Both those posts originated in '02 

As I mentioned in another post, the pro union thread appeared at the top of my list as not read Sunday night, so I read it and replied without looking at the dates. Don't know why it appeared there /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. Anyway, that's how that one came back to life. I shoulda known better. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Chuck52 · Aug 10, 2004

( /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Those were the days weren't they Chuck?

)

Yes indeedee! These days, if I want to get my blood pressure up, I have to argue politics with my friend over lunch. Against all reason, I persist in my quest to convert him to the True Belief, as I was never able to do with my TBN adversaries!
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Chuck