Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: norry on November 24, 2009, 02:29:08 pm
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...Hi Guys...
Just sit tight while I get up onto this here Soap Box......Right Here Goes...
Is there not something that can be done about members joining & using the forum using only a few letters or a nickname to identify themselves...Then not showing their Location either...
My mummy told me not to speak to strangers...I think I will have to take heed of what she said...
There should be a minimum amount of honest information that is required to join in...
Right...Thats my Tea ready...I,d better get down off here and sit at the table...
...Best Regards...Norry In Linwood, Paisley, Bonnie Scotland...
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Here Here Norry
I totaly agree.
Daz
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I also agree :-)) I have nothing to hide and I like to see where other members hail from. ;)
Derek. :police:
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As far as I am aware there is no set criteria for what you put on your profile to join Mayhem, I believe the minimum required is name, valid e-mail address and password. This has come up before Martin and the moderators have discussed this, I think it was felt that we could not force members to put information on to their profile and it was purely down to the individual what appeared.
Brian
Chingford, London
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One of the tasks I perform on behalf of Martin and we Moderators is to send every New Member a special "Welcome Message" into their Personal Mail box within 24hrs. of joining.
Included in that message is a reminder about the desirability of adding a location to ones Profile and how to do it. The message is not generated automatically, I attempt to personalise them, as appropriate, so that Mayhem can be seen to be the friendly, welcoming place which it is.
We keep trying!
Roger in France
Moderator
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I think when people ask " where can I get " and they have not filled there Profile in we should go back and say sorry incomplete profile cannot help if enough members do it the message mat get through, and I always sign my name, but as I have a detailed location not my surname..
Peter
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Peter
I think that would make the forum appear unfriendly, which is not what Martin wants. I can appreciate what you are saying, but some people for what ever reason do not like filling in the details. Some people are also very wary of how much personally detail they put into on line forms quite rightly so, for that reason I personally feel we could never force people to do it.
Brian
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If you have a look at the tug forum http://modeltugforum.com/index.php you will notice that not only does everyones profile have where they come from but also their age.
I havent heard of any objections yet.
I am a person with plenty of time on my hands and I do spend a lot of time on the net trying to find things for Mayhem members, but it does bug me to maybe spend an hour trying to find where an item can be obtained, to then be told they live in the States or Oz. <*< >>:-(
You will notice I have my name and where I live on my profile.
It should be mandatory.
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Richard,
That is a valid point of view but it currently runs contrary to the Mayhem ethos of as little compulsion as possible.
Martin and the Moderators are currently thinking about it again.
I have to say that I have no objection to what you propose, personally, but I see the other point of view very clearly and it appears to be a majority view (that does not mean the majority is always right, of course!).
I have been giving thought to the controversy (in the British media today) about storing the DNA of unconvicted people who have been arrested but never charged or convicted. I guess many would say, "I have nothing to fear. Everyone should have their DNA stored". In relation to carrying Identity cards, the sentiment could be the same. However there are well informed and powerful arguments that run to the contrary.
Now, I am not putting Mayhem Profiles at the same degree of importance as the other issues I mention, I am simply saying, "To compel or not is seldom as simple as at first it appears".
Roger in France
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Come on Rog we're not asking for DNA or blood. {-)
Nothing to be ashamed of, unless you are a Pompey supporter. ok2
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...Hi Guys...
Just sit tight while I get up onto this here Soap Box......Right Here Goes...
Is there not something that can be done about members joining & using the forum using only a few letters or a nickname to identify themselves...Then not showing their Location either...
...My mummy told me not to speak to strangers...
There should be a minimum amount of honest information that is required to join in...
Myself, I have a lot to fear, and everything to hide. And when I provide information, it's rarely 'honest'. But then, you might expect that from a dodgy geezer...
I will not be in the least offended if Norry doesn't want to talk to me, but I will comment that Mayhem was not the first forum I considered joining. However, the first forum I went to wanted my name, address and telephone number, which is why I am here...
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My 2p , I think Richard is right (it's an oppinion) i for one would like to know who i am in comminication with on the net , and where in the world they are . It is simply a matter of curtiousness , and if there is a sale, swap or exchange of good's then the last thing you want is to realise that the distance between yourselfs is more than a county maybe a continent .
daz
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Myself, I have a lot to fear, and everything to hide. And when I provide information, it's rarely 'honest'. But then, you might expect that from a dodgy geezer...
I will not be in the least offended if Norry doesn't want to talk to me, but I will comment that Mayhem was not the first forum I considered joining. However, the first forum I went to wanted my name, address and telephone number, which is why I am here...
Cant see a problem with you myself , your location is London , thats good enough for me unless i am calling round for a cuppa :-)) .
daz
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I think (types Andy, from the fifth floor of G1 1RD) that it's an unnecessary intrusion.
If I were asking for help with sourcing components, then it's easy enough to say where I am in the respective post. I don't see why members needs to say where they are if they don't wish to.
Andy
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Part of the 'Welcome message' we send out states:
Members are encouraged to give a brief indication of their location as this often allows Members nearby to help each other and can also assist when recommending clubs or suppliers. Your profile can be readily amended, by adding a location which does not reveal your precise address but serves the purpose outlined above. If you are unsure how to make such an alteration well illustrated instructions are provided in the "Forum News, Updates...." topic or ask any of the Moderators to help you.
I suppose we could include the link Roger, to make it abundantly clear! http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=11159.msg146092#msg146092
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Part of the 'Welcome message' we send out states:
Members are encouraged to give a brief indication of their location as this often allows Members nearby to help each other and can also assist when recommending clubs or suppliers. Your profile can be readily amended, by adding a location which does not reveal your precise address but serves the purpose outlined above. If you are unsure how to make such an alteration well illustrated instructions are provided in the "Forum News, Updates...." topic or ask any of the Moderators to help you.
I suppose we could include the link Roger, to make it abundantly clear!
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=11159.msg146092#msg146092 (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=11159.msg146092#msg146092)
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I think (types Andy, from the fifth floor of G1 1RD) that it's an unnecessary intrusion.
If I were asking for help with sourcing components, then it's easy enough to say where I am in the respective post. I don't see why members needs to say where they are if they don't wish to.
Andy
Why tell us you are in Airdrie, Scotland then.
Good god this is Mayhem not the CIA. Do I really want to be in contact with someone who doesnt want me to know their identity, after all I tell my daughter not to do that when shes on the computer.
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Myself, I have a lot to fear, and everything to hide. And when I provide information, it's rarely 'honest'. But then, you might expect that from a dodgy geezer...
I will not be in the least offended if Norry doesn't want to talk to me, but I will comment that Mayhem was not the first forum I considered joining. However, the first forum I went to wanted my name, address and telephone number, which is why I am here...
Begs the question, do we only need members who join because they want total anonymity ?
It is a family site after all.
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I think it's just a small matter of extending friendship. Unless I ask you to show your bank account details in case I want to borrow a few quid then you have reason to be suspicious. ;D ;D ;D
Derek. :police:
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All this is really rather odd. If I respond to a Mayhem request, but have had no dealings with that person before; I always ask them to send me a PM, either personally or via this website. It should be easy enough to then sort out the wheat from the chaff...but having said that, I find that impoliteness tends to concentrate amongst the "hidden" members. Now and again I feel that I could cheerfully throttle people who I have helped out (after spending a fair amount of time and effort), only to see (or not) said persons just sort of vanish. But then again, those members who "do the right thing" tend not to be those who need much help (except me, now and again). In summary, I'd propose that at least Country and Town should be mandatory....wouldn't solve much, but it would give a sort of inkling. I'm also sure that the Moderators must be aware of the e-mail addresses of members. So a gripe to them about poor behaviour could bring results. The end of my "bit"! BY.
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Begs the question, do we only need members who join because they want total anonymity ?
It is a family site after all.
If I wanted total anonymity, I would not have joined any forum on the net.
I value my privacy, and I also value a friendly atmosphere where suspicion and a desire to control is not the default attitude of administrators. Any meaningful control will be costly in time and resource, cumbersome in use, and will change our relationship with the administrators from kindly providers to enforcing bureaucrats. It might also be taken to mean that the administrators assume legal responsibility for 'filtering' the members. And, most importantly, even meaningful controls can be fairly easily circumvented by those who are intent on doing so. The only people who would be adversely affected by enforced controls (as with the security controls we see elsewhere today) would be the average user.
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I prefer to post under my real identity but I recognise that many people on forums like to have an "alter ego" - just a matter of taste I suppose. I don't like putting too much personal information on the net as it renders you vulnerable which is why I'd never join a site like Facebook. However, as Bryan says, Country and general locality is reasonable as it is a help to other members. It's not much use recommending a supplier of paints in the UK to somebody who lives in New Zealand.
Colin
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However, as Bryan says, Country and general locality is reasonable as it is a help to other members. It's not much use recommending a supplier of paints in the UK to somebody who lives in New Zealand.
Actually, so much trade is done over the net nowadays - I don't really think general locality is important for that. And most of us who are fortunate enough to live away from Western Europe will preface their remarks - " Can anyone recommend a supplier of 7-bladed props in the Gilbert and Ellice islands..."
Country is of use, particularly if you're discussing something like regulations. But there is a big jump between 'it would be useful' and 'it is mandatory and will be enforced'. This is a jump which is being taken by the current administration in the UK, with results which are becoming apparent....
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Its interesting how some of the replies are grouped by age, (or perceived age from information gathered from reading posts) probably the average age is about 60 on this site I would have thought as we seem to have a lot of retired members, and I wonder if this has a bearing on wanting to know who we are talking to.
Peter
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Sometimes it is nice to know where someone comes from, or their age, and I'm quite happy giving that information. However, some people are happier not giving that information out - I'd rather have them on the forum contributing, than have them exclude themselves.
Mind you Tobyker's not my real name - Norry thinks it's a road sign in Newcastle!
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hi all, to be honest I hadnt given it much thought about where a person comes from when you reply to them on a posting here - I know I have Bluebird as my user name but I do always sign with my real name of John - I also put the e - cos there are a lot of John's on this here Forum :-)
I think one of the problems we have we brought upon ourselves. There are a great number of us who are regular users of this Forum and we are known to one another and we do know roughly where they live, due to the amount of times we have been on the Forum - etc - and also Mayhem Bash etc., and shows....
I do know though that I was once speaking to a friend down at the lake and I mentioned the Mayhem Forum to him and his comment was that he thought we are all 'clanish' when I asked how he had come to this conclusion he said that he had seen one or two postings where the person was a newby and never been answered. I find this strange but I wonder if anyone else has come across this. I have never thought of us lot as being clanish - daft aye - fall out with one another yes - throw the toys oota the pram aye - but not clanish....I always think we welcome everyone who comes on the Forum - new or old.
john e
BLUEBIRD
:P
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Sometimes it is nice to know where someone comes from, or their age, and I'm quite happy giving that information. However, some people are happier not giving that information out - I'd rather have them on the forum contributing, than have them exclude themselves.
Mind you Tobyker's not my real name - Norry thinks it's a road sign in Newcastle!
Funny that! I always hear your name in my head that way! It may have something to do with the fact that there's someone on another forum who posts as Tomangler and I've always heard his name in my head as Toe mangler. I know, I'm just strange :-)
On a more serious note, I don't think it matters if people use a nickname but I do think it's useful if a general indication of location is shown on the profile. I compromise as in many things! I signed up with a nickname because I wasn''t sure about this whole forum idea (I'm not anti-social but my other interests are covered by email lists, which, to be honest, I prefer, or newsgroups. Once I'd been around for a few days I started signing with my real Christian name.
Maybe a strongerr hint about location in the welcome note is the answer.
Cheers
Guy
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I agree with Bluebird. no way is this a "clanish" forum.... :-)) :-))
We on modeltugforum.com do ask people to put their locations and age on their profiles, purely from an interest point of view. It is not compulsory, but I am not aware of anyone getting upset by it. The choice is the members. Most do, but it really is up to them.. :-) :-)
Barry (Model Tug Forum Moderator)
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his comment was that he thought we are all 'clanish'
He probably saw Barry's address and said he thought we were all "SPANISH"
but with your hearing .......
Danny - 62 - retiring next month - looking forward to all those "Dulux" days <:( - from Rugby, 30ish miles Easy of Birmingham %) %) :P
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EA Danny what you say my old man {-)
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What exactly is a Dulux day ? {:-{
Is it an OMRA over 60s race day ?
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good lord i thought Danny said Durex day {-) {-) {-)
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Are you allowed to say that on here, John from Geordie Land ?
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I agree with Bluebird. no way is this a "clanish" forum.... :-)) :-))
We on modeltugforum.com do ask people to put their locations and age on their profiles, purely from an interest point of view. It is not compulsory, but I am not aware of anyone getting upset by it. The choice is the members. Most do, but it really is up to them.. :-) :-)
Barry (Model Tug Forum Moderator)
How come yours says you are 25 :}
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good lord i thought Danny said Durex day {-) {-) {-)
Even if I had one, I'd only use it to waterproof my receiver (not my aerial) :embarrassed: {-)
Danny
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How come yours says you are 25 :}
...Cos I am!!!!!!! x2 and a bit.... %% %% %% %% %%
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I do know though that I was once speaking to a friend down at the lake and I mentioned the Mayhem Forum to him and his comment was that he thought we are all 'clanish' when I asked how he had come to this conclusion he said that he had seen one or two postings where the person was a newby and never been answered.
My perception is that new members are usually welcomed to the forum when they make their first posting, particularly if the point is made that is IS their first posting. This is apart from the welcome message that is sent to all new members when their membership is approved. The welcome postings are usually by a moderator who happens to read the post, and many times by other members.
Bluebird, I notice that the person making the comments said he had seen "one or two" postings that had not been answered. When it is considered how many new members are joining the forum, I would have thought that "one or two" was not excessive. However, I do agree that failing to acknowledge a new member's initial posting is unacceptable, and perhaps all of us should be aware of this, and in the future make an effort to welcome new posters on the forum.
Peter.
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I tried to add the location, hope it works!
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...Good Evening Guys...
Christ...What have i started here...
It certainly seems from the amount of replies posted Today that i was not alone in my thinking...
I just think it is much better to know where others are located ...
...Best Regards...Norry...
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I think this is getting interesting - nice to see where all the Mayhemmers come from and try to envisage the places - wonder what Mineral, VA, is like. Just a few miles west of where I am, near King's Lynn in West Norfolk.
Derek.
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Well Derek, Mineral looks a lovely little town, very flat (so you'd feel at home).
Heres a pic of their Community Centre (amazing what you can see on Google Earth O0
Danny
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If it wasn't for this site I would never know where I was, I think the little grey cells have been zapped by inhaling too much steam oil O0
SteamboatPhil
AKA
Phil
AKA
Philys (only when wearing the "Mayhem" wig)
AKA "oy you, ere's your tea"
{-)
London (ish)
England (I think)
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Thanks, Danny. Just had a look at Mineral on Google maps - looks like a very nice district.
(not being nosey - just interested). ;)
Derek.
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That was Mineral VA USA on the shores of Lake Anna :-)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral,_Virginia
Your Mineral looks like nice also!
Brian
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run a poll for a few weeks. location of members compulsory/not compulsory. majority rules. i cant see a lot of members quitting the site if compulsory wins.
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Why tell us you are in Airdrie, Scotland then.
I live in Airdrie. I'm posting from work.
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Personally i dont see a problem with asking for your location , its not like new members are being asked for there full address to be put on a open forum !
As for a earlier post with regard to the site being "clanish" i couldnt disagree more , i havent been on the forum long but i have always had replies to posts and it has on the whole been and i very much hope will continue to be a very good place to gain tips and advice and have a general banter :-))
Regards Andy
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Having been about some time as well I agree it's not clannish some post do get left un answered but I think it can be due to the fact that the same question has been asked so many times that members get fed up, also it can depend on how the question is asked , people using text speak don't seem to fair as well sometimes.
on the wonder about where people are I was a radio Ham G0PAH for a number of years andyou would wonder about who and where you where talking , it was a supprise if you ever met someone, voices can deceive.
peter
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I agree wholeheartedly with Andy Bailey, Apart from an odd occasion when someone has jumped down my throat (probably deservedly) for posting something incorrect >>:-(. I have found Mayhem very friendly and, most certainly, very helpful. :-)) Wouldnt want to be without it now.
Derek.
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That was Mineral VA USA on the shores of Lake Anna :-)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral,_Virginia
Your Mineral looks like nice also!
Brian
Hi Brian - that IS your Mineral %) %) the picture is of the Community Centre on Mineral Avenue (presumably what your taxes paid for?) {-)
Must say, your picture of the lake look even better though. :-))
Cheers
Danny
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Well that isn't fair I've paid for a building I didn't even knew exisited, you can see I usually stay at the lake most of the time. Mineral is just my Post Office and nearest town.
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you can see I usually stay at the lake most of the time.
I don't blame you one bit - in the shed or at the lake (or on here) - sounds good to me :-)) {-) {-)
Cheers
Danny
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run a poll for a few weeks. location of members compulsory/not compulsory. majority rules. i cant see a lot of members quitting the site if compulsory wins.
Well, the reason that I came here was specifically because this site seemed to aim at minimising compulsion and control - treating the members as responsible adults who were capable of interacting with others politely and considerately. Originally I did not have a location set - I considered the arguments for setting one and decided to do so. Others may come to a different conclusion - but what I liked about this forum was that it was their choice.
Also, I didn't think this forum was run as a democracy - I thought it was run as Martin and the moderators wanted it to be. Majority voting is not a cure for all ills - it's capable of being as tyrannical as any dictator..
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it was only a suggestion to be taken on board or not by martin and friends as they see fit. personally i'm not bothered either way.
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A wise tyrant will know what is wanted and what is needed and what doesn't make any difference, and when to just leave it alone.
There is no need for compulsion, but anybody who asks for advice about shops and products without saying where they are will rapidly discover the advantages of saying where they are. It doesn't always help - I also look on a couple of US boards, the assumption by several on there is that the entire world is part of the US in all respects, so having your whereabouts on view does nothing anyway.
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Well said, Malcolm :-))
As has been mentioned before, new members are encouraged in the Welcome Message each receives, to state their location - country and state or county is sufficient - but their is no compulsion to do so. My own personal feeling is that it is good to know where people come from, and merely stating a general location poses no threat. Martin and the moderators have discussed the matter at length, and have decided to maintain the status quo, believing that the statement in the Welcome Message is sufficient.
Peter.