... it really wouldn't kill this place to have an "Off Topic/Misc/Odd n' Ends" forum for like-minded people to talk about something other than trains. Heaven forbid people here talk about anything other than trains, even though they've made friends and contacts here (which has created a great sense of community) and, wonder of wonders, might want to have a conversation outside of the O-gauge box. The genius behind it is that, from a business perspective, it keeps the sponsors ads front and center, rather than forcing members to go elsewhere, away from the sponsors who pay good money to advertise their products and services here. It's a real bummer that I have to leave this place and head over to one of my shooting-sports forums to participate in fun, non-specific discussions. I like this place better, and the people here are awesome. Yes, there would be arguments/disagreements/ all sorts of unsavory "grown up" stuff, but we're all big boys here for the most part, and you can still limit access, language, topics, and participation for those that step over the line. I think it would be a lot of fun, and it would keep more people tuned in right here. We always lament whats going to happen to the "next generation" of model train enthusiasts - we'll I'm one of them and these types of things are pretty much status quo on every other forum I visit. I know there's an overwhelming desire/need to keep this place clean, but that can still be accomplished with effective moderation and account control. I see a lot of worthy topics and good, clean conversations get flushed and that's too bad.
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