Our younger members

[bctrainfan]

I have noticed from time to time, a small number of people here seem a little overly critical or harsh when responding to posts or comments by some of the younger members. We should be encouraging and nuturing these young ones, as it seems likely that by being on here in the first place, they are pretty good kids. If they are mistaken or you just disagree with something they've said, be a little gentle in educating them or presenting your own point of view. We shouldn't forget that most of us are older and have pretty thick skin, but we were young and over-enthusiastic once, too!

[wisconsincentral34]

Well said!

[AARR]

And take it easy on Pat C, he is an old fart but very immature like a kid

[PAT.C]

Post by AARR on Wed Jan 18, 2012 7:29 am
And take it easy on Pat C, he is an old fart but very immature like a kid



PULL MY FINGER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[12Bridge]

I agree with the OP 100%, They need to be corrected, but not yelled at. You should have seen what went down on trainorders last year with a young modeler, who had some of the best skills I have ever seen, outweighing many older people by far.

On second hand.....
There are ALOT, and I mean ALOT of younger buffs that just have NO clue, and refuse to learn. I personally think these are adding to the slow death of this hobby. Many of which think they know it all just because of a video they seen, or something sombody said. I blame youtube and facebook for this by far, I cant stand to look at the comments any more, because of how outrageous they are. There seems to be alot of this centered around the east coast...must be the water.

I was one of those kids once to, I can dig up posts to show it..

[AARR]

My suggestion is when someone comments rudely to you try to ignore the tone of the message and focus on the content. If there is no constructive suggestion to the rude post just ignore it.

IMO Pat C has the best approach of all, he uses humor.

If the Adminstrator, ~Z~, does not say anything to you just keep on doing what your doing and ingore rude comments. If you need correction ~Z~ will handle it with you.

[MP73point4]

I don't mind the questions from the new/young members. I was there once too. A forum like this does bring all kinds of knowledge and information to one place.
However, I do get impatient sometimes with questions like "Where did the Ann Arbor run?". With all the information available on the internet, and most young members being pretty internet savvy, a Google search of "Ann Arbor Railroad" could probably keep one busy for hours with all kinds of information. Clicking on the links available on this website alone would also yield days worth of browsing and knowledge. Many basic questions could easily be answered this way.
Who knows what one might discover. Give it a try.

[MagnumForce]

I agree with the OP 100%, They need to be corrected, but not yelled at. You should have seen what went down on trainorders last year with a young modeler, who had some of the best skills I have ever seen, outweighing many older people by far.

Like people like were critical of her like constant use of like, like all the time.

Had nothing to do with anything else.

[SD80MAC]

I'll admit I have been harsh on some of our newer younger members here, and for that I apoligize. I was once the same way. Maybe they do ask a lot of questions, but that's how everyone learns.

[MagnumForce]

On second hand.....
There are ALOT, and I mean ALOT of younger buffs that just have NO clue, and refuse to learn. I personally think these are adding to the slow death of this hobby. Many of which think they know it all just because of a video they seen, or something sombody said. I blame youtube and facebook for this by far, I cant stand to look at the comments any more, because of how outrageous they are. There seems to be alot of this centered around the east coast...must be the water.

That I agree with whole heartedly, I also take issue with the trolling and spamming some of them do, seemingly only to get attention. Another thing that concerns me is that young being allowed in a web forum and chat room with Lord knows who and the Parent's don't seem to mind or even have any involvment in. Being on a chat room all evening and night long is not good for a kid IMO.

As for asking questions, I have no issue with that. That being said don't be surprised if I direct them them to google or wikipedia to find the answers themselves.

[GrandTrunkFan]

I know a lot of people will say use Google or something along the lines of that, but sometimes I will still ask because someone may have a personal story or observation relating to my question that has more information than a website could post. Im always learning, we all are. I learn something new every time I get on this site. Theres so much information that should be carried on to the younger generation of railfans out there, we shouldnt scare them away.

[conrail767596]

What I find amazing is that some of the ones being the most harsh aren't much older than the members they're referring to. And some of those don't limit their feelings to this board...right?

[J T]

On second hand.....
There are ALOT, and I mean ALOT of younger buffs that just have NO clue, and refuse to learn. I personally think these are adding to the slow death of this hobby. Many of which think they know it all just because of a video they seen, or something sombody said. I blame youtube and facebook for this by far, I cant stand to look at the comments any more, because of how outrageous they are. There seems to be alot of this centered around the east coast...must be the water.

Railfanning is some serious business.

[hoborich]

However, I do get impatient sometimes with questions like "Where did the Ann Arbor run?". With all the information available on the internet, and most young members being pretty internet savvy, a Google search of "Ann Arbor Railroad" could probably keep one busy for hours with all kinds of information. Clicking on the links available on this website alone would also yield days worth of browsing and knowledge. Many basic questions could easily be answered this way.

If we took your advice, nobody would ever need to post in here, would they.

[JANGAJONGA]

Does anyone know when B34 runs?!?!?!?!

[MagnumForce]

Jack! You are alive!

[StupidFlee​t]

Does anyone know when B34 runs?!?!?!?!

Last week.

[Robert MacDowell]

However, I do get impatient sometimes with questions like "Where did the Ann Arbor run?". With all the information available on the internet, and most young members being pretty internet savvy, a Google search of "Ann Arbor Railroad" could probably keep one busy for hours with all kinds of information. ... Many basic questions could easily be answered this way. ...

I can understand where that can be annoying. Still, I think they are asking for two purposes. The second is to socially connect, and build community by engaging people in discussion.

You could call it trolling I suppose, but that seems harsh to me. They're just trying to make friends. Aren't we all?

[MP73point4]

However, I do get impatient sometimes with questions like "Where did the Ann Arbor run?". With all the information available on the internet, and most young members being pretty internet savvy, a Google search of "Ann Arbor Railroad" could probably keep one busy for hours with all kinds of information. ... Many basic questions could easily be answered this way. ...

I can understand where that can be annoying. Still, I think they are asking for two purposes. The second is to socially connect, and build community by engaging people in discussion.

You could call it trolling I suppose, but that seems harsh to me. They're just trying to make friends. Aren't we all?

I don't disagree. My original comment was aimed at questions regarding the most basic information. There are other aspects to posing questions here as you note such as the social aspect or getting more detailed answers from someone with in depth knowledge of a particular subject.
I agree too with GrandTrunkFan's post noting that there is often first hand knowledge available here that is not available through a Google search. That's one of the things that sparks my interest in reading this board.

[J T]

My original comment was aimed at questions regarding the most basic information.

How are people supposed to know what the most "basic information" is if they are new to the site or railroading in general?