[Johnno]

So here we go, a great example of a forum admin. locking a thread that was having a decent conversation about power bases. After reading the entire thread, I have not seen any bad behaviour, swearing, bullying etc., yet the thread has been locked..

What has happened to our freedom and free speech? I do think this type of moderation will never be implemented on these forums.

I post the link to the thread on another forum that has been locked as evidence of over moderation and basically removal of free speech. I hope this type of moderation does not become a go-to on these forums.

It is sad to see this behaviour nowadays, we are all here to advance this hobby and industry yet we have some people (generalised term, not anyone specific) who are willing to kill it, for what? their own inflated egos? Can't tolerate being wrong? Have closed minds to others thoughts and responses?    

Which powerbase C7042 APB or C8435 ARC PRO?    

[woodcote]

Sometimes admins and moderators need to step in to protect their forum. That's understandable if you think of the time, energy and commitment that is always involved in setting up and running an enthusiasts' forum. There's also the emotional investment too - a site and discussion forum can rightly be seen as the admins' baby. Of course they will protect it and members should respect that.

It's also worth remembering that these sites are here to promote our hobby and should reflect the diverse range of interests and opinions within the slot car racing world. Problems arise when opinions are presented as facts and those arguing their opinions will not accept any other point of view and arguments become personal and aggressive. That can only damage the hobby.

I always have in the back of my mind this wise saying by the owner of a slot car discussion forum in North America...

Brand Bashing - Some seem to take it upon themselves to bash certain brands of cars or track over others. This, in my opinion, is the single most detrimental activity this hobby has seen in recent years. Newcomers see this infighting and shy away, thinking that nothing they buy will be either good enough, or accepted by others. This board was created to get away from this sort of thing, and I WILL NOT allow it. Discussions as to what we like or dislike is one thing, all out bashing another. Just because you like or dislike something does not mean that anyone else does or should feel the same way.

This new forum was started without a long list of rules. Members have - so far - shared fabulous content about their passions for the hobby as well as viewing, liking and positively commenting on posts that aren't in their usual area of interest. I really like that about SlotRacer Online and is why I am spending more time here than on other forums. Long may it continue

[Anthony B]

I sincerely agree with what you say Andy, but also thank Johnno for bringing up this very very tricky subject.

We sometimes take ownership of what we like. believe in and own, too personally. I know I do sometimes  

But I agree whole heartedly with the American Forum stance.


I hope we can do the same.

[Scuderia_Turini]

Having reviewed the locked thread referred to, it appears to me that the reason for locking is the aspect of personal criticism that usually escalates rapidly. "Flaming" kills Forums as it dissuades people from commenting so its good to see possible situations being nipped before they get serious. 

Leo

[Johnno]

I sincerely agree with what you say Andy, but also thank Johnno for bringing up this very very tricky subject.

We sometimes take ownership of what we like. believe in and own, too personally. I know I do sometimes  

But I agree whole heartedly with the American Forum stance.


I hope we can do the same.

I feel safe enough in this forum where I can say what I said in my OP as I know this forum is so different in many ways, this forum is much more relaxed, much more friendly, much more open, much more respectful of each other and hope this continues, I thank all involved in setting up this forum.

I understand that not all of us will get along, we all will have different opinions on topics, that doesn't mean we have to become complete d_icks about things and start name calling, throwing derogatory comments at others, locking threads etc.

We all need to remember that typed words portray no emotions. This is why we all need to be careful how we type comments, we need to read the posts two or three time, we need to have 100% open minds in this regard. 

I make use of emojis to display the emotions behind what I have typed, to at least try and inject some kind of human visual aid that displays me being happy, confused, angry, etc.

We all must take ownership of what we type after-all we did the typing. I too, at times, take things too personal and the wrong, words come out, I would say that every post I have typed has always been edited post posting, as when I re-read it, things sound like personal attacks when there was no intent for that and to correct spelling mistakes. 

Even moderators need moderating.... 

With every person making the proper considerations, we, and this forum, will have smooth slotting, so for now, tomorrow and beyond, keep it in the slot.

J

[GregK]

A quick whose Who ...

One poster has a Holier than Thou approach ..........

One has a grudge because of a hand-throttle .........

One has an even bigger grudge about digital systems in general .........

One is a teacher ........... and they are always rite ........

But none of the above is me ....................  


Answers on the back of a £5 to me here in my Ivory Tower

[Anthony B]

Greg - however on here we are all enthusiasts,, each with opinions, so long as they are not barbs

The point is - others who were enjoying it - now cannot.

And - anyone just looking in - will look at that and think - not gonna get involved if this is the twaddle that goes on.

Is it ANY wonder manufacturers avoid the forums? We need to avoid this drama here.

[Mr Modifier]

I agree with that approach.  The Forums help people transition from interested owners wanting to better understand their toys to enthusiastic slotters.  Then the Forums help the enthusiasts access oodles of helpful information.

The big problem is that there are some individuals who you simply cannot have a calm debate with.  I have encountered a few of these and all you can do is walk away.  However that can leave some imbalanced threads but that is the way of the online world.

[dvd3500]

The big problem is that there are some individuals who you simply cannot have a calm debate with. 

Not just when it comes to slot racing  ... pretty much anything from politics to how to recycle trash immediately explodes these days...

[Fluff]

And the conspiracy about the moon landings !!