MTJ usage.

[E7]

Take a look at the "members" listing and take note of how many people have signed up and not posted at all or maybe one time. This is over a long period of years. I don't understand that. I didn't do any kind of "study", but I'm guessing, they who signed up and didn't post, likely outnumber those of us that do.

There is definitely a great disparity in what and when we like, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I obviously can't speak for anyone else, but I've learned and seen many new things here. Do I like or am I interested in them all? No, but that doesn't necessarily mean it was a waste of time.

The thread drift thing is a multi-headed monster. Sometimes the drift is interesting and sometimes it just derails a good discussion. Another problem is, If the change of topic is good, sometimes it gets "lost" under a non-related thread title. My opinion has always been, if you have an idea that is that wonderful, put it out there in a thread of it's own. I'm not saying I'm not guilty of the same doing thing, but I think drift is more detrimental than good. Sorry Roger!

[rogruth]

Take a look at the "members" listing and take note of how many people have signed up and not posted at all or maybe one time. This is over a long period of years. I don't understand that. I didn't do any kind of "study", but I'm guessing, they who signed up and didn't post, likely outnumber those of us that do.

I'm going to try to put my answers like this. Remember I am NOT good at this stuff.
I went through those lists several years ago and even figured percentages and agree with you.
At one time I encouraged new members to post. Didn't seem to work.

There is definitely a great disparity in what and when we like, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I obviously can't speak for anyone else, but I've learned and seen many new things here. Do I like or am I interested in them all? No, but that doesn't necessarily mean it was a waste of time.

I try to read everything on MTJ. Some is interesting some is not.

The thread drift thing is a multi-headed monster. Sometimes the drift is interesting and sometimes it just derails a good discussion. Another problem is, If the change of topic is good, sometimes it gets "lost" under a non-related thread title. My opinion has always been, if you have an idea that is that wonderful, put it out there in a thread of it's own. I'm not saying I'm not guilty of the same doing thing, but I think drift is more detrimental than good. Sorry Roger!

You may find it odd that I agree with you. I do believe that, with the exception of a formal debate, thread drift is normal in conversations.
I also think that this is one of the unique things that draws some to MTJ. However it also may chase some away.

[rogruth]

Well that didn't work very well.
I hope you can figure it out.

[E7]

Roger,

Let's just say it's a double edged sword!

[Roy]

Take a look at the "members" listing and take note of how many people have signed up and not posted at all or maybe one time. This is over a long period of years. I don't understand that. I didn't do any kind of "study", but I'm guessing, they who signed up and didn't post, likely outnumber those of us that do.

All the bulletin boards I've been on are like that. Those that don't post are referred to as lurkers, and they do outnumber posters.

The thread drift thing is a multi-headed monster. Sometimes the drift is interesting and sometimes it just derails a good discussion. Another problem is, If the change of topic is good, sometimes it gets "lost" under a non-related thread title. My opinion has always been, if you have an idea that is that wonderful, put it out there in a thread of it's own. I'm not saying I'm not guilty of the same doing thing, but I think drift is more detrimental than good.

Freedom requires common sense. We recently had a thread started, that was just a simple question about someone's signature line. I tracked down the answer, and replied. I also added another quote, that the first reminded me of. No harm, no foul, since the entire original purpose of the thread had already been satisfied.

On the other hand, there are some threads that can last indefinitely. Even they can survive some thread drift, but folks need to apply some judgement, lest the drifting just plain kills the thread.

[E7]

On the other hand, there are some threads that can last indefinitely. Even they can survive some thread drift, but folks need to apply some judgement, lest the drifting just plain kills the thread.

Sometimes that might be a mercy killing!

[NJPiney]

I've posted very few times since joining, and not in a long time, although I do monitor this and other forums at least once a week or so. I just haven't seen threads that I felt interested enough in to post in. Mostly it has been lack of train content relevant to me and partly simple lack of activity. Also, I have a small uncomplicated conventional layout and most of my early questions and problems have already been addressed, so I've had little reason to start new threads. I originally joined here after one-too-many moderating actions I did not agree with over at OGR, and the small handful of members there who grated on my nerves. But that being said, there is no denying the greater level of activity and number of members there. If I had a question, the pool of informed modelers over there is simply larger and I would likely post there first, or perhaps in addition to here. This forum has has given me the impression of a small group of nice-enough guys chewing the fat around the pickle barrel at the general store .

[MurphOnMillerAve]

... This forum has has given me the impression of a small group of nice-enough guys chewing the fat around the pickle barrel at the general store .

That's what keeps me coming back, which includes some very interesting personalities present and active.
Murph

[Rufus T. Firefly]

... This forum has has given me the impression of a small group of nice-enough guys chewing the fat around the pickle barrel at the general store .

That's what keeps me coming back, which includes some very interesting personalities present and active.
Murph

I'm here for the pickles!

[robert.]

I could use the barrel when your done.

[robert.]

I could use the barrel when your done.

[robert.]

I could use the barrel when your done.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I could use the barrel when your done.

The barrel is the best part of the deal and will also very nicely augment my wardrobe during next year's recession.

[rogruth]

NJ,
It would be nice to hear from you again in the near future.
I am a 3 rail modeler but find a lot of interesting stuff in the 2 rail section.
Most of those guys will even answer questions from a 3 railer.

[robert.]

I could use the barrel when your done.

The barrel is the best part of the deal and will also very nicely augment my wardrobe during next year's recession.

Pickle juice is very useful. Don’t discredit it in that deal