Internet Friends

When someone is having a bad day I usually post this photo that a former co-worker passed on to me:

Oh, the stories I could tell on this guy...

Human interaction over the Internet, like many other things about us, is remarkable. We have acquaintances whom, in some ways, we know quite well, but only by their nom-de-trains or a small photo. As for me, that is not sufficient. I would someday like to meet those with whom I converse here - and in some cases, I have. Can't help it. Just human...

MELGAR

Rob Leese posted:

When someone is having a bad day I usually post this photo that a former co-worker passed on to me:

Oh, the stories I could tell on this guy...

Hmmm... I would say that there caboose had an unrailment.

Andre

One of the great things about the Forum is that it gives us a chance to interact with people from different geographic areas. And for us really lucky ones, to connect with them twice a year at York. That way you get to know people and make friends.

Gerry

For someone like me, who has spent the majority of the last 40 years working 70-80+ hour weeks, the transition from a "lone wolf" hobbiest (1980-2000) to a social hobby (2000 and beyond), has been remarkable. Wow! Think of it? Friends from all over the country, that you talk to all the time, and see, on average,  twice a year! Who would have thought that in the 80s?

For me, turning this hobby into a social experience, has likely kept me from experiencing the "burnout" that is pervasive in my profession. It's nice just to be myself, and not my "professional  self".

Lastly, as many of you know, Tom (Gilly) and I are charter members of the River City 3 Railers.....this has opened us up to many local "new friends" that we formerly did not even know existed.

Peter

You're spot on Tom. I've only been on the Forum for a few years but have gotten to know many great guys and gals through our love of model (toy) trains. We do form friendships even over long distances, and even if we've never met the person or even heard their voices. I agree with Mel that when the opportunities arise where we can meet face to face it's a good thing. I guess in the old days they would call us pen pals.
Seems that there has been a fair bit of sad news lately for some of the more prominent names that pop up in the Topics window but it is an unfortunate part of life that we all deal with in our own ways.

Enjoy your whiskey.....

Bob

I friend sent me these videos the other day. If you think you're having a bad day just watch these and have a laugh.

I'm also on a gun forum. A few weeks ago a member went in for complex heart surgery. After not hearing anything for 4 days after the operation, a bunch of us were "pacing the waiting room floor". Finally on day 6 we found that everything was OK.

I don't care if anyone notices my "passing", but it was known, I'd hope the response was not "good!". 

Since my joining here I have met a few and have started following a bunch. It started for me on Facebook, that is internet friendships. I've made some good friends there but haven't met mostly because of long distances. I would say that if it wasn't for Facebook, I'd never have made my way over here.

This place is far different than Facebook in that here its all about trains. Facebook has so many different things going on that it is very blurry to see what's going on unless you try and focus on very few things(unless you have tons of interests that tie you down).

It is distressing to know so few and see when some great forum members have passed away. It becomes difficult to try and imagine who the person was until others post their condolences and you begin to get an idea.

I can't wait to meet more folks when I am able to attend the next York(October hopefully in the fall as not able this April again) and get into a rhythm of attending regularly like so many others have been able to do.

I'd say if it wasn't for Peter(Putnam Division), I'd not know anyone at all. Gonna have to meet all of you then with Peter giving introductions like he did last October.

Dave.....that is very kind of you to say.....looking forward to seeing  you again in October....

Peter

There's so many bad thing about social media, it's nice when there's a positive aspect as well.  The model train forums are a bright spot in my Internet travels.   Yes, I am looking forward to York to see friends old and new.

I am not a fan of Facebook, but am a long-time OGR Forum participant, since 2001. This forum has always been a great convening place to share ideas and information about our great hobby. Like many here, I have dabbled in multiple gauges over the decades, and at one point, my forum handle was Multi Gauge Art, then having run standard, G, including live steam, and O simultaneously. Currently, I only run standard and LGB, having sold all my O gauge. My first venture onto the forum occurred shortly after I purchased my Lionel JLC gray Challenger. Little did I know what that purchase would lead to! HA! But it has been a wild ride and great fun, with a lot of comraderie along the way, thanks to this forum.  ☺