Keep it nice boys, and if you can't, keep it to yourself.

[rktmanfj]

Sadly this is already occurring.  It only takes a few "strong personality" types asserting their "right to be heard" on a forum like this to make a lot of people decide to not "listen" anymore.   

Although the intent may be well and trying to make sure people only get good info -- it's counter productive if fewer people drop in here to get any info at all. 

Exactly.

Some people just decide it's not worth it to contribute anymore.

[Flynt]

Sorry Copper, It was a joke. I thought the humour was obvious, depends on the bias of the reader I guess.

Nope not obvious to me and I only pulled the most glaring jab from your original post I guess I have never read any of your posts as being humorous or jovial so hopefully you can understand my confusion so as already recommended by others next time you are joking use some emoticons so we can all stop trying to figure you out

I've found Noel to be quite the prick as well (documented here, but you'll need to find it), so please take this in the best possible way (you too Noel).  He's contributed some good stuff, but generally comes across as awash in his own bullshit.  Take that for what it is and he's not so bad.  He's got a valid perspective and isn't an idiot, although he's an abrasive bloke at times for sure.

He's acknowledged my discomfort for our interactions and uses disclaimers when asserting his opinion (thanks Noel!).  I've stepped off the soapbox and watched his contributions.  On balance you get nice ride reports, some decent mechanical advice at times, some complete BS, and other stuff to generally take offense at if that's what you're after...  or you can swim by the hook.  I've come to appreciate what I like and let other stuff go by.

Speaking of which...  done here.

Frank

[fj johnnie]

 Must agree with Frank. Noel has tried to rope me with his crap too. I chose not to reply. It isn't worth it.

[ribbert]

You don't need Rhino Skin, the only people that can cause genuine hurt are the ones you love and or trust. The rest is noise. I simply chose to not respond to the hateful provocateurs, after all, they want to see if they can push your buttons and make you respond. Let the hate roll off like water off a duck's back and focus on the interesting posts... But keep the banter and shit stirring up, we need the entertainment....

Well put Mark, and I would add "respect" ( to love and trust)

I for the most part do not respond to those posts either, but isn't ignoring them a form of endorsement that it's OK to sling off personally at other members?

There again, from today's posts, no one seems to have a problem with it. If that's the case, so be it. My biggest mistake appears to have been thinking others would find it offensive too.


Noel

[ribbert]

I've found Noel to be quite the prick as well........but generally comes across as awash in his own bullshit.  

Frank

Don't hold back Frank.

It was probably unintentional, but your opening line made me laugh, "Noel, you're a prick.... in the best possible way" It was the first thing I read over breakfast.

Frank, I've always had the greatest respect for you and Dan Filetti as thinkers, regardless of your criticisms, the respect remained, that is of course unless "prick" has the same connotation over there as it does here. in which case, forget it. (joke)

BTW, have you ever held rank in the services?

Noel

[ribbert]

Must agree with Frank. Noel has tried to rope me with his crap too. I chose not to reply. It isn't worth it.

Below is a verbatim extract from a PM I sent a couple of days back pointing out the destructive and divisive effect these posts have on the forum.


These "personal opinion pieces" go in cycles. One guy says something, someone always adds to it, a few others suddenly find courage in numbers and join in, next thing the new guy who has no idea what's going on jumps on the wagon, people start saying things they will regret, sides are taken, it gets personal and so on. Then there's the PM's......

There is also a couple of serial pests that never miss an opportunity to add to someone's comments and that's where the rot sets in.

Almost a script for what happened isn't it? (except the serial pest is MIA)



"Last drinks gentlemen" anyone else want to have a go before consigning this cancerous thread to the garbage, this is your last chance. C'mon, get it off your chest.
No need to talk about me like I'm not in the room either as everyone seems to be doing.

It has often been commented on that even the most protracted and heated technical discussions here have always been conducted with respect between parties and without resorting to discrediting participants.
IMO, the only fallouts come from members using the public forum to personally attack other members, misunderstood humour and, as Gareth so rightly pointed out, misinterpretation of harmless posts where the reader is not reading what the writer wrote. Benefit of the doubt should be applied where doubt exists, and that unfortunately relies on the readers perception of the writer.

As far as the suggestion people won't post, don't read, won't participate or whatever, because of "this" whatever "this" is, I don't buy it. 99% of the time the forum just rolls along like any other forum made up of 4000 different people.

To me the solution is simple, if people stopped slinging off at other members, there would be no disharmony.

Perhaps I should just do a David Raforth?

Anyway, that's the last word from me on this subject.

Prick

[Steve_in_Florida]

Yeah!

Just wait until we're all at a RALLY together!   

NOTHING beats wrenching, riding and drinking together in person! ( You think you hate me NOW?)

We're not up to CraigsList standards, yet.  ( http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/5042513639.html or http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/nyc/5121878956.html )

Love you. Mean it. Don't make me PROVE it.

Steve

[novaraptor]

Don't make me stop this car and come back there!! Seriously, I look on this forum as one big family. Nearly always fun, sometimes squabbles, usually good support, interesting siblings, and, in the crunch time, someone is always ready to go the extra mile, or kilometer, to aid, defend, help one of our own. Anytime there is more than person in a conversation there will be some misunderstanding or difference of opinion at some point. But mostly we do get on.. Carry on, gentlemen, carry on.

[Klavdy]

Must agree with Frank. Noel has tried to rope me with his crap too. I chose not to reply. It isn't worth it.

Better than him trying to rape you with his crop I guess.

[fj johnnie]

 Good one Klavdy. Bwaaa haaaa haaaa.