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Steve Frazier
04-06-2007, 11:13 PM
OK Guys, I've been paying attention to what you are saying. I'm referring to the discussion on condensing and sticking threads so that pertinent information is readily available. At the moment I'm opposed to doing this and I'll explain why.

Heavy Equipment Forums is already divided into sections according to machine type and several other topics. Some have told me we have far too many forums in place as it is. I'm not sure I want to start a new forum for important stuff, or even stick threads that some think are important. Eventually we'd end up with a full page of stuck threads in the forums and new members would have to get past these to see current discussions.

If I'm understanding the request correctly, some would like to see these threads reposted with the playful banter or unrelated posts sifted out of them. To tell you the truth guys, if there is a need to sort out pertinent posts in a thread then I think that indicates we have a different problem. We've been very relaxed in allowing you guys to post just about anything you want as long as it is not in poor taste, but if you are finding that to be a problem then perhaps an effort should be made to keep the threads more on topic.

I'm pleased with the camaraderie that has developed here and the willingness to help each other, this was my intention when I put the Board together. I've been known to throw a jab out at you guys now and then myself, I enjoy the chuckle we all get from it. It seems though that it might be becoming excessive from what I've read in the other thread. When putting the Board together, I made the TGIF forum a place for the members to BS, talk about anything and everything that comes to mind and blow off some steam.

I don't want the Board to become sterile, but perhaps we can try to cut back on some of the horseplay in the tech type forums so that to have "information only" threads, it's not necessary to edit them. I'm not looking to prevent you from enjoying yourselves here, but the original intent for the Forums was to discuss heavy equipment.

Deas Plant has been kind enough to submit some journals to me and has offered them to be published here. At the moment, I'm pretty tied up preparing for my annual donation to Uncle Sam plus gearing up for the start in my revenue generating business, landscaping. After I read through the journals, I'll get with my tech on the best way to make the available to you. My thoughts are having them set aside on their own pages with a link posted on the Board to them. Feel free to drop me a line with a reminder if you don't see this happen within a month.

One of the reasons for the stickies that was mentioned is some difficulty in searching a subject. In particular was a search on a D11 mentioned. vBulletin sets the parameters of the search, I don't believe I can change it to allow searches under 3 letters. If a search on "dozer" yields too many results, you can go into "Advanced Search" to narrow down the number. What was it you wanted to read again about the D11? Try searching that word instead. Do you recall what member made the post you are interested in, or the time period it was made? You can put those items in the search engine too to help reduce the number of results. You can select the forum the post was made in as well. You can usually narrow down the results to a handful when using the "Advanced Search" feature, just get creative in your terms.

I'm not closed minded on this topic and am willing to listen to suggestions. I can't guarantee that I'll be able to implement all the suggestions, but your opinions are important.

I had a vision in mind when I created this Board and would like to stay on course with that, I'll do what I can to accomodate your desires and still keep the Forums the kind of place like that attracted you all here in the first place.


Fire away!

Squizzy246B
04-06-2007, 11:53 PM
Thanks for taking the time to have a look at it Steve and posting here. As one of the proponents of a Sticky of the best threads....and a proponent of some Tom Foolery...I'm sure you will steer things in the right direction. I'll try and reduce some of the clown act, but like you, I'd be opposed to trimming the threads.

On the internet we are to a large degree "Faceless". So long as people run with the rule of "don't say it on the forum if you wouldn't say it to their face" then personalities can emerge, some characters take form and we become a little less "Faceless".

Thanks again:my2c

Jeff D.
04-06-2007, 11:57 PM
Steve, my opinion is leave it as is. For me, I can sift through the post and get to the information even if there is horseplay and off topic stuff included.

My opinion may be what it is because of my "Always joking around" personality, and because I've been around the forum long enough to go through most posts already, regardless of the subject. I can resteer a thread I started back too the original subject, when I've needed/wanted too.

I like the friendships that have been made in the forum because of all the light banter.

I could understand why newer members, or those who like things cut and dry, would prefer a change, but for myself, I'm perfectly happy with it as is.

jmac
04-07-2007, 12:07 AM
I do think that the tech stuff is important and should be a main focus. I also would say that if you remove the fun stuff that has become an important part of this forum the forum will loose it's appeal. Getting a good laugh about Squizzy's pink dress, Jeff's ability to hit grade stakes, or god forbid any of the other threads that have made me laugh is a mistake. Look at the membership grow, Steve this thing is working no fixing needed. Even all the posts back and fourth with FordLT900 was interesting and entertaining even if he was at odds with a lot of members. Keep it fun and more interesting than TV and you have a winner.:drinkup :usa

Steve Frazier
04-07-2007, 12:12 AM
Thanks guys!

I may have misunderstood some of what was requested. Squizzy sent me a note to clarify that what he was speaking of was a "Best of" forum with links to especially informative threads. I think I can come up with something like that and will keep you posted.

I did however want you to know that I'm not ignoring the comments made, it's taken me a couple days to gather my thoughts and put a reply together here.

Lashlander
04-07-2007, 12:22 AM
Yes sir boss!:usa Just don't hit us no more!

Okay, I thought about it and you can hit a few of these guys.:D

Squizzy246B
04-07-2007, 12:31 AM
and its a pink HardHat...I'm getting one for Christmas...the grader drivers wear frocks:rolleyes: .....Oh..I'm sorry...just couldn't let that one slip:o

jmac
04-07-2007, 08:55 AM
Sorry Squizzy for the mix up. I like that hard hat! Ya know it shows your feminin side. The woman think you are sensitive don't they?

wrenchbender
04-07-2007, 09:11 AM
Well I'm faily new around here but I like it the way it is. Kinda reminds of sitting around the local country store as a kid. There was some real buisness going on and a lot of fun as well. With this being said I hope you'll leave it as is, but it's your call Steve and I'll respect your wishes on this matter whatever you decide.

Grader4me
04-07-2007, 09:22 AM
and its a pink HardHat...I'm getting one for Christmas...the grader drivers wear frocks:rolleyes: .....Oh..I'm sorry...just couldn't let that one slip:o

Get over it!:lmao I like it as is as well. Some joking around, but when it is time to get serious everyone steps up to the plate and hashes it out. Even if members agree to disagree, a lot of good informative and useful information comes of it.:)

digger242j
04-07-2007, 10:03 AM
...but when it is time to get serious everyone steps up to the plate and hashes it out. Even if members agree to disagree, a lot of good informative and useful information comes of it.

I agree with that, and there are certainly examples of threads that show it. The recent discussion about unions come directly to mind.

I know that what concerns Steve is that the credibility of the entire site could be degraded to someone who sees the playing around and figures that that's all we're about, and stops searching for the real answers, that we all know are here.

(On edit: I put that in red, because I think it's really important to understand. Steve's vision is of an extremely high quality site--the fun we have is the icing on the cake.)

I sincerely believe that to be the truth--the answers are here, because I think we've got some really sharp minds here, both at work and at play. (And, I think we're being joined by more every day.) If the question hasn't been answered yet, it's a pretty safe bet that all you need to do is ask, and you'll get more than a handful of informed opinions.

I also believe that if someone starts a thread, with a serious issue, and it starts to get away, all it would take is for the original poster, or anyone else with a genuine interest, to ask that we please return to the topic, and it would happen--that's because I believe we also respect each other. And that is something that sets this board far above many that are out there...

CM1995
04-07-2007, 07:56 PM
Well I'm faily new around here but I like it the way it is. Kinda reminds of sitting around the local country store as a kid. There was some real buisness going on and a lot of fun as well. With this being said I hope you'll leave it as is, but it's your call Steve and I'll respect your wishes on this matter whatever you decide.

Well said and I feel the same way. Sometimes I like to joke around and be a smart aleck but it's just a way to blow off steam from the day to day pressure you get from being in the construction business. I have loved heavy equipment ever since I was old enough to know what it was - in the blood as they say. I really enjoy reading the forums and learning about different people and industries. Sometimes I laugh until my sides hurt and other times - although very few- I get mader than a hornet. But this is exactly what make this site so addictive. I feel fortunate to be apart of this community and I would not change a thing.