For your consideration... - Montana Owners Club

stiles watson · 12-19-2007, 09:59 AM

Here I go again. Probably going to make somebody mad, so I am sorry if I do.

The MOC is a great informational forum. I have learned a great deal and continue to learn from each of you. Here is my problem. Threads get redirected into chat room type milieus. I am guilty of doing it too. I think when we do this the thread looses its value and becomes confusing, especially to new members.

What would it be like if each of us where to just start a new thread rather that change the direction of someone else's thread, question, or issue? If we want to chat, we can post on "Sitting around the campfire".

Keeping threads on topic would seem to me to be more helpful to all of us. Of course, it is very possible I am just more easily confused or bored by this than the rest.

One small example may illustrate. I have a Ford. Suppose someone opens a thread about some question concerning a Dodge and I jump in and start extolling the virtues of Fords. I have redirected the thread and not helped to answer the poster's question.

I don't run this Forum nor do I want to do so. Nor am I taking aim at any particular member(s). I just pose this topic for your consideration.

padredw · 12-19-2007, 10:06 AM

Stiles, your's is a most appropriate and valuable suggestion. The Montana Forum is far better than most in this regard, but there are times when it happens here. I have recently joined another RV "Brand" forum and find myself often disappointed when I expect an update or addition to a topic of interest to me and find that "personal chatter" has taken over.

TheCoachPotatoes · 12-19-2007, 10:35 AM

Stiles, you are correct and I think we all have been guilty. I know when it has happened to me, I have been annoyed by it so I can imagine others have as well. It's not so bad when the topic is old and the original questions have been answered. What is bad, is when the person doesn't get his question or subject even recognized before someone makes a comment totally off the subject and then others follow suit, leaving the original poster in the dust.

Karl · 12-19-2007, 10:54 AM

BRAVO!

Very articulately stated! I for another have been guilty of this, and your reminder to all of us is timely and appropriate.

Thanks!

bncinwv · 12-19-2007, 10:55 AM

I agree Stiles, and I know I am guilty as well, I guess we all need a New Years resolution to stay on topic within the threads, myself included.
Bingo

Waynem · 12-19-2007, 12:27 PM

When I do it, please throw up a flag that says "OFF TOPIC," because I have been guilty before also.

rogue · 12-19-2007, 02:33 PM

Stiles, most timely and appropiate. I too have probably bebn guilty. Will try to keep on topic. Thanks for posting this.

mail2us · 12-19-2007, 03:30 PM

I agree Stiles and in the short time I've been a part of this forum, I have found myself "off thread" or the author's original focus.

I personally will focus more on subject/thread before I offer a response. I'm certain the author will be appreciative.

Sitting around the Campfire is good too!

Tks for the reminder. Dennis

sreigle · 12-19-2007, 05:23 PM

I'm probably one of the more guilty parties at this. It's a very easy thing to do, especially in a forum where so many of us have forged personal friendships. It's very easy for a written thought to trigger other thougts and it's convenient to just post the thought or question right now and right here. If anyone can come up with a practical and palatible solution, I'm all for it.

stiles watson · 12-19-2007, 06:03 PM

I am certainly not wanting to stifle the making of friendships or structuring us out of cordiality. One example of a great series of posts is the whole episode of Countrygirl getting out of Michigan. There was a lot of good natured kidding and jousting back and forth and it was great fun.

I am more concerned about one of us taking a post away from its intended quest for information and taking it over to air our own agenda. If anyone has an agenda, just create a post that airs that topic. If I realize that I have something to say about a topic, but it will lead it off in a tangent, I can simply create a parallel topic related to that issue, but that will seek different information or expound on my agenda.

ggranch · 12-20-2007, 03:40 AM

Guilty occasionally. Will try to do better. Oh, by the way........... Bob

dennisl · 12-20-2007, 07:23 AM

Since we are talking about Dodges and Fords, I just happen to have a Chevy--------. Sorry, couldn't resist.

Anyway, I think you are right on target. I have also been a victim of a "hijacked" post, and it can be frustrating. Thanks for the suggestion.

HughM · 12-20-2007, 07:31 AM

You are right on target. Correct me if I'm not.
Thanks
Hugh

Jerzy54 · 12-20-2007, 09:29 AM

Stiles,100% agreed, we are all guilty of redirecting the topics. I think we could add specific topics regarding either Dodge,Ford or Chevy.
I think that sharing our experiences, problems and solutions is gold mine of informations. This way we are more educated consumers and this
give us advantage when dealing with sells or service people in case of a problem.

DarMar · 12-20-2007, 11:03 AM

Couldn't agree more BUT what might be the solution??? Regular reminders such as your recent posts will work for now!!! I actually like the idea of a flag that says "OFF TOPIC" and maybe the post moved to the Chat Area.

Mrs. CountryGuy · 12-20-2007, 11:58 AM

DarMar

Great idea on the flags, but who will be doing those??

We have to remember that this forum is monitored by VOLUNTEER moderators, etc.

Do, we really want to ask them to increase their work load??

Dealing with volunteers on a regular basis, I can tell you they are ALL overworked, & UNDER thanked. I have seen any number of them crash and burn, cause they give away their souls. And getting new people to replace them is sooooo hard it is unbelieveable.

I think the entire idea is pretty good, over all, I just hope that we don't scare off any of our shy and/or new posters. Some MOCers (like ole mouthy Carole) are not afraid to post. Other MOCer's are self professed lurkers. They enjoy reading, and do so frequently, but they are NOT gonna post. Then there is the "inbetweeners". They post, not a lot, but some, but are nervous when they do so and are as skitish as a new born colt. We don't want to discourage their participation.

Good that we can discuss it tho, isn't it great???

Now, I will go take my verbose self away!

Montana Sky · 12-20-2007, 12:05 PM

I guess I am the odd man out on this one, but I personally like the form the way it is. If we need to start "monitoring" or "flagging" members for a post that might be considered by some as "off topic", then we will lose what little bit we have left of how the MOC used to be. I remember back when I joined it was more of a family round table discussion from folks who enjoyed one another's thoughts, ideas, discussions, topics, and friendship, which all stems from the same passion...Our Montana's. But if rules, guidelines, and monitoring are becoming the normal on the MOC, I guess we will probably lose what little core membership we have left. Just my own thoughts and opinion.

adelmoll · 12-20-2007, 12:42 PM

Dave,(Montana Sky) I am with you on this one... And you put in writing my thoughts exactly, you just put it in a much nicer way than I could.... Thanks.

Helen

DarMar · 12-20-2007, 12:58 PM

Wait! Nobody is talking about muzzling anyone or ruining the family atmosphere we have here. The problem is when someone posts wanting information about a problem they are having with their Dodge truck and by the end of the thread we are talking about the latest snowfall to hit northern texas. Well to me that just isn't right and as said before the poster of the thread gets left out in the cold! I have wandered off topic in the past as well and just the fact that Stiles has posted this thread for discussion is enough to remind myself to stay on topic, for now, but like many others I soon forget!!! Oh yes and just because we can have this discussion, that is GREAT!!!

stiles watson · 12-20-2007, 05:52 PM

The trouble is, Montana Sky, it is not like it use to be when I joined in 2004 in my opinion. There was more attention to staying on topic and less hijacking than I see now. By-the-way, I did not suggest monitoring. I suggested self-control and courtesy. I don't want the job of forum police and don't know anyone that does. This was posted to offer food for thought, nothing more.

When did there get to be a "core" whose membership is more valid than others. This forum is for all Montana owners to come and go as they see the benefit. I guarantee that I will not continue reading or posting here if there comes a time when I can't find the value.

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