For the good of the Forum

[1926CredenzaOwner]

I would also like to add that when you feel the need to scold members for actions on the forum, maybe starting a thread to do so isn't the best idea. Matters such as these can easily be handled through private messages.

[1923VictorFan]

A good hunt is always fun and this site even has members that lay silently in wait, ready to pounce at the first sign of vulnerability. In a pinch even typos and spelling errors are reason enough to launch an attack. Of course there is also a handfull of enormous egos & control freaks that use the website as their personal battlefield on which they compete amongst themselves to prove their superior knowledge at the expense of tact and civility.

Last but not least are the rest of the websites majority of members & even guests. They are the folks who simply enjoy their vintage machines and records and have no alterior motives for being here. Sometimes they dare to ask "rookie" questions or confess their lack of experience. Some of them just watch from the cheap seats to avoid putting a target on their backs by actually participating in discussions or voicing their opinions. I've had that target on my back a few times and I can tell you...it's NOT pleasant.

We all have different reasons for being members of this forum and I think THAT may be the reason for the repeated waves of mean spirited attacks. People who are truly interested in learning from, sharing with, and helping their fellow members do not attack, belittle and insult them. So...why are you here?

[JohnM]

Yes, but gently correcting rookie mistakes or correcting other mistakes so that rookies do not repeat them certainly shouldn't be construed as an attack or belittling. Sometimes one must take the leap and GENTLY make the correction regardless of the slings and arrows one must endure from those who think that one's motivation is ego or superiority or whatever, when the true motivation is to simply set the record straight.

[phonogfp]

I'm not a rookie, but nevertheless have been corrected here on several occasions - and for which I am grateful. I continue to learn about antique phonographs on this forum, and as one good turn deserves another, I attempt, on occasion, to share knowledge with others. I try to do that with diplomacy and tact. On the other hand, I hope that all of us - myself included - appreciate being politely enlightened when others share knowledge with us. I think it all boils down to simply being polite.

I'm also a big fan of PMs unless the topic is historical accuracy which needs public correction.

That there are a few misanthropes and know-it-alls among us is a given. We're all human beings and subject to human frailties and foibles, and a group of hundreds of collectors will certainly have its share (maybe even more than its share! ). But I'm confident that if we all do our best to be polite and try to forgive our brethren who occasionally fail in that endeavor, we'll be fine, and this forum will continue to function as the resource it has become.

Best wishes to all forum members for a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year!

George P.

[gramophone78]

Dang George, I can't find a way to correct you on this.... . However, I must say..... happy holidays to you and a very happy New Year!!!!!.

[1923VictorFan]

I couldn't agree more with Phonogfp and JohnM and I think everyone else would agree as well. I think that most readers of my earlier post recognize that I'm not criticising tactful, well intentioned corrections. I too have learned much by having my errors corrected here by members who have already forgotton more than I will ever know. In fact...I have a question to ask right now but I'll put it into a separate thread.

[Uncle Vanya]

I would also like to add that when you feel the need to scold members for actions on the forum, maybe starting a thread to do so isn't the best idea. Matters such as these can easily be handled through private messages.

You make an excellent point.

One that we might ALL consider.

[bob27556]

No question is a dumb question. I originally joined the OTVMMB to ask questions and learn after purchasing my first machine in 2002. Being extremely busy I don't have the time I'd like to devote to the hobby and still depend heavily on learning from the membership here on The Talking Machine Forum. Its truly a shame what happened to the OTVMMB. So much information lost but the rapid growth of this forum is building a wonderful database to learn from. Let's be careful to protect it.

We must also keep in mind that we have members from around the world here and what might be phrased in such a way as to be insulting to say, an American, might have been phrased in a manner perfectly acceptable to a Brit.

What I really like is when I see someone new to the hobby ask questions and see the flood of information thats given to them. That happens far more often than conflict!

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season,

Bob

[Henry]

What Bob said. Happy Holidays to all, and the best for 2012!

Henry