It's November and I'm Thankful for many things........this forum is one......

Some nice sentiments Dave - This is the only forum I frequent. No time for others so if I ever get perturbed with you guys,  guess I'm done for!  :-)

The OGR Forum has greatly increased my enjoyment of the hobby. My thanks to the people who created and manage it and to the participants who keep it civil.

MELGAR

Just recently two forum members went way beyond for me in helping with two separate issues! On this forum you get help and make new friends and it is very comforting to know support is just a text away! 

This was my only contact with the world of O Gauge/Scale and it became the portal through which I've made friends and learned so much.  Thank you all for what you do!

Thanks to this wonderful forum I've been able to enjoy this hobby with new friends I never would have met.  I've had e-mail conversations with people from Australia and Finland through this forum.

I agree with all above, been a great place to railfan as well as enjoy the hobby. And a wonderful refuge from the nasty that takes place on other forums.

Ed

I guess I am lucky, I have never joined any other forum, nor have I looked for other ones. I have learned so much for here there is no reason to go anywhere else. I have made a lot of friends here also as every one is so nice and helping! Thanks OGR fro a great place to learn and enjoy trains with others!

+1 

I too agree that this forum is great. I have had many questions answered and gotten a lot of help with things over the years since joining. I also have gotten to know a lot more people through this forum and lucky enough to meet some of them in person. Over the years since the start of this forum the O gauge staff and moderators have done a good job of keeping it focused. This is the only train forum I head to to read. So a tip of the hat to OGR and the sponsors for this forum possible..............Paul

OGR has the best O gauge train publication and model railroading forum.  It is privately owned so in the context of their business, they have every right to determine what is and isn't appropriate content. Having said that; the information and knowledge presented here far outshines the competition. You can advertise private sale items for free.  All this is why I have been an OGR  supporter and repeat subscriber for many years. Without subscribers and advertisers there can be no forum.

Great topic, AMC Dave!!  This forum is the number one place where I was able to learn about O Gauge after having modeled in smaller scales for decades.  I have developed numerous friendships both locally and over many miles through this Forum.  I am on one other forum which I don't contribute much, and I only go there occasionally.  I am on a few Facebook O gauge groups.  While there are a few Facebook groups that are good, that format isn't as robust as the OGR Forum.  Therefore I don't get as much out of them, nor am able to contribute as much. While any place that has people involved will have problems, my honest opinion is the OGR Magazine staff and Forum moderators do a fantastic job!  Yes, I am very thankful for this Forum, the total OGR staff, the sponsors, and every member on the Forum!!  You guys and gals are the Best!!  

I have to agree with you AMCDave. I too sometimes wonder why things get deleted, but it does keep the forum focused on trains which is why we are here. I also think this is the best forum I have ever been a member of, not that I have been on that many others.

I think the OGR forum moderators know what they are doing, it's their forum (and a very good one) and I respect their decisions. We are all just guests here and IMO, we should always remember that. Even though I am a digital subscriber (and also a print subscriber) I still think of myself as a guest just like everyone else here. 

Almost all forum members, even the most knowledgeable are still willing to learn, seldom do egos get in the way of good learning threads, no matter the topic, or participants. I hope the forum is around for a long time to come and I am too, so I can continue to read and learn here. 

Also, BTW, your engine pic looks great too, and your paint jobs are very nice!

I am on a Ford forum and a RC forum as well..well run like this one. I like to use perspective...where would we be with out them..100% of my concerns with my trains have been addressed here at OGR...how can it get any better

rtr12 posted:

...  We are all just guests here and IMO, we should always remember that. Even though I am a digital subscriber (and also a print subscriber) I still think of myself as a guest just like everyone else here. 

...

To put things in a slightly different perspective, WE are all much more than "just" guests.  WE provide the content, and WE share our knowledge freely, so questions are often answered in record time.  And all of this that WE contribute gives the forum the critical mass needed so folks keep coming back to learn and share -- which in turn makes the forum a commercially viable asset to sell banner ads to sponsors.  Without traffic and the broad "reach", sponsors would leave.

So don't ever think WE are "just" guests.  Rather WE are members of this community, and WE represent the engine that delivers on the forum's real value proposition.  Without the "WE", there would be no forum.  It's really that simple.  The moderation style I can take or leave -- mostly leave (as in tolerate or overlook) -- since it has very little bearing on the quality of the members who choose to stay here.  And in some cases, it's been the primary reason some very talented people have left. Is it frustrating?  Absolutely.  Do I respect it? No.  But in the big picture, it's healthiest to overlook it.  'Cause one thing's for sure... It ain't gonna change.  

Capiche?

David

Yes, I get that too. And I agree it really takes ALL of this and ALL of us for a successful forum. Maybe more like a chicken and egg thing? Without OGR supplying the free forum there would be no place for us to discuss and share all this information that draws more forum members. So OGR does well and we do too, with all the information shared/posted/available here. I have also had posts deleted/modified by the moderators, for no reason that I can see anyway. I do wonder why it was deleted when this happens.

I will also agree that some threads with lots of great information have been deleted when just a few posts could have been removed and the thread locked, leaving all the great information intact as it was. This would be good for possibly drawing more members, IMO. But, honestly, this really does not bother me at all, I think about it for a minute or two and that's about it for me. I go on to the next thread and soon something else catches my interest and it's all forgotten. There is nothing I can do about it anyway, as you say above. IMO, I guess that goes back to 'it's not my forum, I'm just a guest here'. Then we start over with the chicken and egg...

I really do see both sides though and there are good points for each side, IMO.  

One of the best train forum on the net.

No need to register to see posts, cheap digital subscribtion to the magazine, free to sell your own stuff

thank you OGR

Agree with others as posted above. The knowledge base here is amazing and not a week goes by when I don't learn something. The coolest part is I often pick things up just by following "conversations" that I otherwise might not even have an interest in.

So thanks to all who make this the best O gauge resource on the 'Net.

As for moderation issues, I say keep up the good work. It's OGR's forum, OGR's rules.

End of story.

AMCDAVE:

    I am also Thankful for the OGR forum. I too vacated another forum where politics took over the regular subject matter.

   The OGR site is a chance to learn about our hobby and see what others have done. I am happy that it sticks to trains and related subjects and is a place where I can relax.

AMCDAVE:

Thanks for the topic. I'm very thankful for the forum, OGR, and the forum contributors. It has not been a good year for me and I haven't done much with my hobby. Just keeping the contact with the forum keeps me closer to returning to it . I think I come here 3 or 4 times a day just to check out what is going on, sometimes go to the sponsor sites see whats going on there. Before the forum my only brush with the outside world of O Gauge was OGR print copy. I would continue to subscribe, but many months it would never get opened , too much life going on to stop and read.  

PS love those AMCs  Whenever I go to a car show and see a Matador or a Javelin (never seen a Gremlin) I smile..From my Dad's first car ... 58 Rambler American to my 73 Gremlin...

BptBill    

I already blabbed on this topic, but BptBill's reply prompted me to uncover other thoughts deep down in the recesses of a slow mind.  

I participated in the hobby since the late '60s when I bought my first train set until the advent of Internet forums totally alone; only reading magazine articles.  Some of those early forums were good, but not refined.  I too have had a busy year with both parents in the hospital twice, then moving to assisted living, while we still are up-keeping their house.  All the while, my wife and I have still been plodding along as older employees, and caring for her mother and my aunt, also in assisted living now.  The OGR Forum has been a lifeline for me.  Anyone who has seen my mug on a post may have noticed a lot of comments on others' work, planning for my future layout, but not much actual work of my own.  When I get a few minutes, I sit down here and see what the latest is.  Just being here takes my mind off all life's challenges.  The contributors to this Forum are the best; even if I don't agree with a comment, you are still the best.

'58 Rambler American!  My friend fixed up a Rambler with help from his brother-in-law, when we were finishing high school.  I don't recall the year of the Rambler, early '60s I would suppose.  He liked taking me for a spin since I didn't have a car of my own until I got the '69 Ford Galaxy XL.

The OGR Forum is my go to place to get away from life's oppressive side. Bad news be gone here. Lots of great folks and trains. I know all of the staff personally and they are ALL good people. Hey, they've put up with me for a long time.

For the most part I agree, this is an excellent place to visit, learn, and share. 

I am always surprised however by those who say how great something is without a single comparison. How does one know this is a “great” forum without having been a member of any other forum on the same topic, just as how would one know that coffee at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts is better than that served on board a Navy ship, again without ever comparing something against something else making the statement of this forum being the best is only serving to reinforce a belief, not based in any sort of fact.

In train terms, I have one Lionel engine, 90+ MTH, and dozen or so 3rd Rail, but have never run the Lionel engine, so to say MTH and 3rd Rail are superior in any way without ever having tested that against the Lionel is possibly a false statement. Same here. 

CincinnatiWestern posted:

I am always surprised however by those who say how great something is without a single comparison. How does one know this is a “great” forum without having been a member of any other forum on the same topic, just as how would one know that coffee at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts is better than that served on board a Navy ship, again without ever comparing something against something else making the statement of this forum being the best is only serving to reinforce a belief, not based in any sort of fact.

I've read and have been a member of other forums.  For the most part they are all very good.  They all have a good group of people.  Some other forums though have a small group of folks that seem to exist to complain about this forum for one reason or another which IMO sheds a negative light on their forum and not this one.  Matter of fact one forum that I view daily, one reason I won't join is because a few posters still need to complain about this one.  I don't want to be a part of that.  Just be your own place and make it the best it can be.  But yes they all have some very good points and I would encourage folks to view them as all of them provide good information.

Getting back to this forum, why it's so good is solely the amount of participation by members, manufacturers, and staff.  I suppose sometimes the moderation could be a little less as I would wish threads could be surgically trimmed but I understand that cannot always be done.  I read the TOS when I signed up so it is what it is and I won't complain when I get deleted.

I think the OGR staff does a pretty good job based on the shear number of posts, members, personalities, and page views in maintaining a place I like to come to and hang my hat and participate.   My 2 cents for what it's worth.  I expect change.

AMCDave posted:

I have left two forums in the last month and am about to dump another.

Four forums seems a bit much.  What do you do in your spare time?

I like the forum.  It is entertaining, almost fascinating, the psychology of some people.  But I'm most thankful that I just got a clear scan and it looks like I beat cancer.  Had chemo since March.  All gone now.  Been partying like there is no tomorrow for the last two weeks.  When my head clears, now I may get the ambition to lay some track and run some of my nice prewar standard gauge trains.  Looking forward to that,  Cheers,       BK

Alfred E Neuman posted:

AMCDave posted:

I have left two forums in the last month and am about to dump another.

Four forums seems a bit much.  What do you do in your spare time?

Let's see.........

Three Model car forums.......I work in the hobby so work??

One model Sci-Fi model forum

Two real Rail forums

Two real car forums.....AMC and Ford Mustang.

And OGR........but a few of the above are no more....

Bill,

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

Yes, you are MOST thankful!!  I'm glad you will be laying track soon!!!!

AMCDave posted:

Alfred E Neuman posted:

AMCDave posted:

I have left two forums in the last month and am about to dump another.

Four forums seems a bit much.  What do you do in your spare time?

Let's see.........

Three Model car forums.......I work in the hobby so work??

One model Sci-Fi model forum

Two real Rail forums

Two real car forums.....AMC and Ford Mustang.

And OGR........but a few of the above are no more....

 

Yes Dave, they can sure add up when you have varied interests.  Also, working in the hobby, it is advantageous to keep up with what's going on!!  

Great thread AMCDave. Since joining last year I have enjoyed all of the info and photos shared here.

Learned a ton since then too and hope that my small contributions have helped someone else along the way.

Bob

Thank AMCDAVE for posting this topic, this FORUM is a great resource for information and assistance, each of us bring opinions(vast majority are good and helpful not condescending or argumentative) and postings that enhance this hobby.

Thanks to this forum I have found out so much and I'm still learning every day. Also have meet alot of nice people..

William 1 posted:

I like the forum.  It is entertaining, almost fascinating, the psychology of some people.  But I'm most thankful that I just got a clear scan and it looks like I beat cancer.  Had chemo since March.  All gone now.  Been partying like there is no tomorrow for the last two weeks.  When my head clears, now I may get the ambition to lay some track and run some of my nice prewar standard gauge trains.  Looking forward to that,  Cheers,       BK

Way to Go William! Beating Cancer is a Victory not everyone can say! I hope you the best, Those PET Scans suck!

First....thanks Dave for your thoughtfulness in starting this thread!  AND....thanks to EVERYONE for posting their thoughts here concerning this forum. 

I have a few thoughts too that I would like ALL of you to consider..... After being a member on this forum for a couple of years, I too had many of your same feelings as far as why some threads/posts were allowed to stay and others were edited or deleted.  Sometimes I would go back to the TOS to see if something had changed and I would come to the paragraph "Moderation of this forum".  The first sentence would put it all back in perspective...at least for me...  It may not be a bad idea for everyone to read that entire paragraph every once in a while. 

Once I became an employee of OGR and truly understood the day to day workings...the trials and tribulations so to speak...did I REALLY begin to "get it".  The old saying..."don't judge until you have walked in their shoes" brought a lot of my questions and concerns into focus.  I quickly learned that because OGR is comprised of a very small number of people each having a day's worth of work and tasks to accomplish just in order to publish the PRINT magazine.  There is little time left during normal working hours for other demands...like running this forum.  The shear number of members and the posts that they generate requires several moderators to look in throughout the day....ALL DAY....not just working hours.  If the small staff of OGR had to read every single post to make sure all was well in "OGR Forum Land", there would not be enough time to produce the magazine!  So....several of the staff spend a considerable amount of what would normally be thought of free time dealing with the forum...both positive and negative in nature.  To help us, we have a handful of regular members that alert us to posts and threads that may need to be reviewed because we simply can not spend the time reviewing every post that is made on this forum.  Still....we know the process is not perfect and mainly because time is such a precious commodity in producing a magazine and running the largest forum of its kind on the web.  If we determine a thread is made up of a considerable number of comments that are negative, off topic, unrelated to the topic of the thread, in the wrong sub-forum category, or other reasons (remember to read that first sentence I referred to above), then we may edit, move, or delete those posts / threads.  If surgically "fixing" a thread is determined to take too long, the thread may be closed or deleted completely.  With a forum this busy containing so many different personalities, all of this becomes a reality.  When I came aboard the OGR crew, my eyes were opened as to why Rich put that first sentence into the TOS to which I referred above.  

Many of you are members for a variety of reasons....on one side of the spectrum, some of you want to just enjoy the trains and want to have a place to go to learn, make friends, and to help others.  On the other side of the spectrum some of you want to express your concerns about all kinds of things...both on topic and off topic.  Some folks see everything as positive and others see everything as negative....and then we have folks that are somewhere in between.  It takes all kinds to make up a forum such as the OGR Forum!  

It boils down to this.....it takes a lot of effort, both time and money, to provide this forum to the membership.  As a regular member, non-employee, I did not realize this...but now, I have "walked in the shoes" and have "seen the light"....LOL!!  The moderators and staff do their best based on a variety of factors to provide you with a forum that is not like the "wild west".  Are we all going to always agree with one another...well...not likely, but if we will put a measure of consideration for the other side of the story when we make judgements and posts, perhaps we can better understand each other. 

For those of you that feel uncomfortable with the moderation and feel compelled to comment about it,  you have choices.  This forum is privately owned and your membership here was requested by you and granted by the owners.  When you joined, you automatically agreed to the TOS....so it should be of no surprise when the first sentence to which I refer is enacted by a moderator.  It is pretty simple and has nothing to do with "freedom of speech" since I am sure that if I were visiting your "space" and commented that I didn't like the way you did things...you likely would have an answer ready! 

What is in the future for the OGR Forum??  Well...there will be some changes that I think you will like.  The changes I have in mind will broaden the scope of the forum in ways that many of you have suggested.  There will be new opportunities that will be interactive, fun, and interesting....hold on to your hats!! 

In the meantime, all that we ask is that you try to understand that none of us is perfect and we all try to do our best....stay positive as much as possible and make suggestions/comments in constructive ways....I am willing to listen!!

All the Best!

Alan