Is It Just Me............?

[mwph]

I'd like to make a few points,

1.) The original post in this thread was aimed at bad advice, not bad or "BS" threads.
2.) The pool being "diluted" is a double edged sword. Sea Ray recently recognized CSR as being of value to both the brand and its owners. I doubt this would have happened if CSR only carried 100 members.
3.) I have surely learned more that I have contributed & I hope that I have not given bad advice. That being said, I will take some of the comments into consideration in the future.

I guess I am somewhat suprised at some of the comments in this thread, even though they don't address the original post. I am guilty of over posting, (yet here I go again). I assure you my activity is born out of my eagarness to learn & participate, not to boost my post count. Who cares about that anyway?

In closing, It is up to the reader to open which threads he or she wants to read. It is a different story though if a reader gets bad advice.

 

[mistercomputerman]

By the way; where's Gary?

His wife told him not to come here and play with us anymore. I think she told him to go work at the Quickie-Mart...

 

[Alex F]

....As for the "Tiki Bar" these posts are really a bother? I looked back and we seem to average 1-2 posts per day and most seem to have a fairly short life span and wouldn't cause a valuable thread to be "berried and bottomed out due to the high activity on the BS threads"......

Mike, the answer is simple, the stats are way off due to the fact that very often people don't follow the proper format and just start the BS threads under the "General" or in other totally irrelevant section. So, it's not as simple as "let's analyze the tiki-bar section and we'll see if whoever is complaining has a case".

..... The problem with ranking posts is who gets to be the 'IT" that decides what is and is not a "BS" post? .....

This would be Jim and Admins team. Just like with anything else, they define a rule they go by and enforce it.

....What is becoming clear is the forum users have a philosophical divide over what is the proper use of this forum. On one hand there is a group that just wants boating related posts, minimal social content, when they check here for information or to help someone. On the other is a group that enjoys each other, sharing fun, all while waiting to help the next newbie, to them this is a from of interaction like Facebook....

This is very simplified form defining the members, however, IMO the problem is that the format of the site either doesn't support it or needs to be tuned to avoid conflicts of interest. Using your example, the social group is affected when a thread you're looking for was dropped to the bottom due to other threads.

I think it's best to draw a conclusion and outline the primary points of this thread. Correct me if I'm wrong guys but the way I see it is, let's use it as a reminder to the following:

1.

...Perhaps it is time to once again point out the fact that if you haven't got a clue and don't know what the hell you are talking about, it is perfectly ok (and even preferable) to "sit one out". Somebody who does have a clue will help out sooner or later. Remember, we are in a position to provide quality information to new boaters, other not so experienced Sea Ray owners, and even experienced owners who just get stumped occasionally. It doesn't help anyone and could, in fact, end up costing someone a ton of unnecessary $ when we post WAG's (wild a$$ guesses)....

2. It is in everyone's best interest to keep the site as informative as possible without irrelevant and unnecessary content.

 

[MonacoMike]

Mike, the answer is simple, the stats are way off due to the fact that very often people don't follow the proper format and just start the BS threads under the "General" or in other totally irrelevant section. So, it's not as simple as "let's analyze the tiki-bar section and we'll see if whoever is complaining has a case".

Well let's look at real data. Here are the thread titles for the last 24 hours, What threads do you want to do away with? Ill even highlight the non-boating related red. I found 4. How many did you find?



FYI: My default is 40 posts per page not the usual 10

Wanted: Dash switch panel for a 98 Sundancer 270. Started by flying247‎, 02-19-2012 09:37 PM
Hi Five Prop from Alpha One Started by mrcoolgli‎, 03-18-2012 03:54 AM
Corinthian or Snap in Carpet Started by Kreole Kid‎, 03-19-2012 05:47 PM
Long Island Sound light house to be auctioned. Started by dmcb‎, Yesterday 08:48 PM
Poll: The Peyton Manning Saga and Poll. Started by MonacoMike‎, 02-08-2012 01:10 PM 2 Pages •
Circumnavigating Lake Superior Started by boltman‎, 09-12-2011 12:48 PM
Is It Just Me............? Started by fwebster‎, 03-19-2012 05:31 PM 2 Pages •
Big Oopps.. How do you fix hole drilled through bottom of the boat? Started by Pyrojodge‎, 02-17-2012
Stove question Started by Xplicitlnck‎, Yesterday 06:00 PM
Inflatable cleaner Started by scubanderson‎, 03-19-2012 08:08 PM
460 DA Owners Thread Started by Russ Calasant‎, 02-04-2012 02:32 PM 4 Pages •
new to Cruising Near New Buffalo Started by The W.A.V.E.‎, Yesterday 11:53 AM
Navionics PC App - crashing and other problems Started by jff‎, 03-18-2012 08:02 PM
Larry, Todd and Alex - Thank you!! Started by Russ Calasant‎, 03-19-2012 11:40 PM
1989 Vintage 34 ft Sundancer has battery charger issues. Anyone able to troubleshoot?
Late 90's 270 Sundancer Thread Started by nigel‎, 03-07-2007 12:01 PM 2 Pages •
Official 380 Thread Started by Pseudomind‎, 09-14-2008 06:52 PM 12 Pages •
Lowrance TH-FLW-P19 and Airmar/Simrad B60 Started by psubill78‎, 03-15-2012 11:36 PM
1989 340 DA Refit... Take a look Started by Pyrojodge‎, 11-04-2011 11:02 PM 3 Pages •
Compression check guidelines Started by hd2002hd‎, 02-21-2012 07:35 PM
Post a mug shot of yourself. Started by Summer Fun II‎, 02-15-2012 11:17 AM 2 Pages •
2" to 2 5/16" ball Started by dvx216‎, 03-19-2012 04:41 PM
Cabin Air Filters??? Started by Pyrojodge‎, Yesterday 08:05 PM
Trim/Tilt problem on 4.3's Started by Half Off‎, 11-03-2011 01:22 PM
First day on the water, 2012!! (March, none the less) PHOTOs included!! Started by sfergson727‎, 03-18-2012 07:06 PM
Wellcraft... Started by Lucky's‎, 03-15-2012 09:52 PM
Do you have a special spot? Started by Pyrojodge‎, 03-19-2012 05:14 PM
Safe trip Summer fun (Wayne) Started by Pyrojodge‎, 03-13-2012 03:04 PM 2 Pages •
87 300 Sedan Bridge Project Started by Overpowered‎, 02-13-2012 11:01 AM 2 Pages •
Troubleshooting a drain on the battery Started by Phlorida‎, 02-05-2012 04:49 PM
Low Fuel Pressure Reading Started by ardeprint‎, 08-09-2011 06:39 PM
Sticky: Posting Images - "How To" Started by CSR_Admin‎, 10-03-2006 10:43 PM 2 Pages •
Official 280 Sundancer Thread Started by gredmer‎, 06-26-2008 07:59 PM 68 Pages •
East TN Fiberglass repair suggestions Started by John_Gault‎, 03-11-2012 08:53 AM
Good restuarants, florida keys area. Started by kybishop‎, 03-05-2012 09:00 PM
1st Fishing Report of 2012 - Saginaw Bay Started by Getaway‎, 03-19-2012 07:41 PM
AC Breakers tripping - ideas? Started by andyr‎, 03-18-2012 09:28 PM
Official Cummins QSC-500 Thread Started by Hampton‎, 11-16-2011 03:22 PM 2 Pages •
Auto Pilot Remote Started by dcharna‎, 03-18-2012 07:04 PM
Sea Ray SSS 1993 63 ft Started by rszarka‎, 03-19-2011 12:04 PM 30 Pages •
Light Polishers Started by northern‎, 03-19-2012 11:36 PM
300 Sundancer questions. Started by Bridog‎, 10-05-2006 05:36 PM 21 Pages •
Transom mounted grill side tables Started by Nehalennia‎, 03-13-2012 08:24 PM
installing new head (where do I get the water?) Started by andy k‎, Yesterday 01:40 PM
Lowrance 3500 faulty guage or tranducer? Started by Mark RSA2AU‎, Yesterday 03:43 AM
Smelly hot water Started by WarrenG‎, 03-19-2012 04:39 PM
Burning Your Socks on the Eqinox! A Mariner's Tradition! Started by AKBASSKING‎, Yesterday 10:47 AM
New post to the "Cruises" section on Cruising Northwest Started by funtide‎, 03-18-2012 09:36 PM
Cruising Northwest Started by funtide‎, 03-14-2012 12:34 PM
Building a swim platform Started by 390x‎, 12-29-2011 11:39 PM 3 Pages •
Unidentified wires!! Started by chandalen‎, 02-22-2012 08:46 PM
OK so I bought this new iPad today... Started by Steve S‎, 03-16-2012 07:58 PM
Sliding cabin door repair in progress - 1997 240 Sundancer - Step by step Started by FiremistSLK‎, 03-17-2012 07:13 PM
Speaker Cutout - Make it bigger? Started by Trucky‎, 03-19-2012 09:36 AM
How can I connect an Ipod to a 2005 Suburban? Started by MonacoMike‎, 03-19-2012 02:43 PM
Weight of 1980's Monaco 21 Started by Jamesinuk‎, Yesterday 07:40 AM
Stainless Steel Manifold Hi-Tek Past Experience and recommendations? Started by N369RM‎, 03-13-2012 05:38 AM
Adding a TV on (almost mine) 1999 290 - best approach? Started by Covedog‎, 03-19-2012 03:42 PM
FINALLY found an 84' 255 AJ to buy! Started by 270win‎, 01-14-2012 10:23 PM 2 Pages •
Mid-90's 270 Sundancer Thread Started by Dave M.‎, 11-24-2006 10:31 PM 4 Pages •
Splash Day Started by hack4alivin‎, Yesterday 09:00 AM
Remote Trim Switch Installation Started by Trucky‎, 03-16-2012 10:53 AM
New carpet Started by stephens013‎, 03-19-2012 01:45 PM
Distance between lift bunks for 340? Started by BritLady‎, Yesterday 12:14 AM
Losing water in holding tank.... help Started by Cant Wait‎, 03-19-2012 10:07 AM
Poll: Boat name poll Started by JustJeff017‎, 03-19-2012 02:35 PM
Salon Door Removal Started by RobnBern‎, Yesterday 06:31 AM
white merc Started by dvx216‎, 03-19-2012 04:22 PM
Barnegat Bay and Toms River area marinas and cruising grounds - need

 

[MonacoMike]

This would be Jim and Admins team. Just like with anything else, they define a rule they go by and enforce it.

This is very simplified form defining the members, however, IMO the problem is that the format of the site either doesn't support it or needs to be tuned to avoid conflicts of interest. Using your example, the social group is affected when a thread you're looking for was dropped to the bottom due to other threads.

I think it's best to draw a conclusion and outline the primary points of this thread. Correct me if I'm wrong guys but the way I see it is, let's use it as a reminder to the following:

It is in everyone's best interest to keep the site as informative as possible without irrelevant and unnecessary content.

Jim and the Admins team did speak: "The Tiki Bar Shoot the bull with fellow CSR members, non boating discussion. No political posts!" "Holding Tank The holding pen for off-topic and political posts. Let out your steam here."

They put these thread areas in but do not want them used?

My example may be simplified but it is true. There are a differences of opinion here on this issue. Others may think that the "Hole In The Water Club" is a fine way to meet and socialize with other boaters and where is the rule that it isn't?

I will affirm again: I completely agree with Franks original point.

MM

 

[Woody]

Franks comments of 'sitting one out' I think are correct. Unfortunately I think a lot of the poor/bad advice is offered with the best intentions by people who don't even know that what they're saying is crappola. In other words they don't know enough to 'sit one out'. In the end if they are corrected by the more knowledgeable without to much bloodshed everyone will be ahead.

I do think a lot of the threads are started in the wrong forums which clutters thing up a bit. You want to know about the best restaurants or lay out a gps route between locations in FL, then put it in the regional section instead of general.

 

[CJ Martin]

His wife told him not to come here and play with us anymore. I think she told him to go work at the Quickie-Mart...

I'm sensing another infraction is in your future...

 

[Capt. Rusty Higgins]

His words are right….so I will sit this one out, other than to say I wish you all could get on the bus and come see me. We would talk boats, company, people and waterways all while climbing in and around new boats. That’s facts and fun all in one. Whenever I visit this site I learn something, but just like the guys on TV these days trying to tell me what I need to know, I do not believe everything they say either, and one of them will be my next President.

What it would do for me to see a big ‘ole bus, pull up here with CSR on the side and filled with you folks. This winter is almost over but to avoid the winter downtime next year, let’s plan to come see Rusty as a group and really blow the socks off this company by having mass owners come and visit with the builders for a day or two. A great opportunity for club members to meet in person too, all on common ground, Sea Ray! I will even beg “fwebster” to come and be the tour guide, as he knows the place better than I do.

Cool idea? Why….because his words are right.

Rusty

Post script… I too want to talk boats but my company does more than just build boats and that is why you own one.

 

[Mike Blake]

I'm in!!!!! When&where????:smt038

 

[MonacoMike]

Franks comments of 'sitting one out' I think are correct. Unfortunately I think a lot of the poor/bad advice is offered with the best intentions by people who don't even know that what they're saying is crappola. In other words they don't know enough to 'sit one out'. In the end if they are corrected by the more knowledgeable without to much bloodshed everyone will be ahead.

I do think a lot of the threads are started in the wrong forums which clutters thing up a bit. You want to know about the best restaurants or lay out a gps route between locations in FL, then put it in the regional section instead of general.

I agree Woody, people come here get help and and so much want to give back and feel a part of something they value they may lose sight of what their limitations are.

MM

 

[320Bob]

If this site was nothing but "how to" I would have been a member for that past 2+ years. It's about boating and that means mechanical and social. This site has been both a source of information and enjoyment because of the critical mass of knowledge that exists here. I've gotten into it on occasion with an unnamed member who has infinitely more knowledge than I about boating and mechanicals but on a couple of issues was giving just poor advice. Frank W has a point that people should not post bad solutions and he has the best track record on the forum for correct advice in my opinion but there are others with almost his wealth of knowledge that are not always correct. Many times it is these disagreements that yield better solutions that all can benefit from. Another point is only a fraction of the members are able to boat year round so the rest of us are just suffering from the winter layup blues and don't have a lot to post about boating until we splash in the next month or so.

If you don't like political, social or sports related threads, just ignore them. As others have pointed out how difficult is it to scan new posts every day or so and read just the ones that are of interest. As a boater of only three years I have learn a tremendous amount here and am grateful to be a member. I am also waiting with great anticipation to Scott's next trombone recitial!:smt038:smt038

 

[fwebster]

Well, I guess I am simple minded, but The Tiki Bar and other non-boating sections were installed for a reason. You clowns....and you know who you are....have no business, whatsoever, posting humorous and misleading replies in general boating threads when the poster asks for help or advice. I don't care how big a target the original poster puts on his forehead with his question, there will be inexperienced boaters out there who may take your response as a viable fix for a problem.

We get this 75%/25% mix on real boating vs. amusement threads about this time every year, and I understand that. I just bear with it and hope you guys have the good sense to keep the garbage out of the boating topics where somebody may have a boating question they need an answer for.

 

[rcknecht]

I'm in! Rusty's post was the best thing to come out of this thread... I appreciate the advise, given... I also appreciate fun and social side of CSR... My goal is to lean more, and make more friends... So far so good... Meeting Rusty and Frank W would be the high light of lest "off season" for me...

His words are right….so I will sit this one out, other than to say I wish you all could get on the bus and come see me. We would talk boats, company, people and waterways all while climbing in and around new boats. That’s facts and fun all in one. Whenever I visit this site I learn something, but just like the guys on TV these days trying to tell me what I need to know, I do not believe everything they say either, and one of them will be my next President.

What it would do for me to see a big ‘ole bus, pull up here with CSR on the side and filled with you folks. This winter is almost over but to avoid the winter downtime next year, let’s plan to come see Rusty as a group and really blow the socks off this company by having mass owners come and visit with the builders for a day or two. A great opportunity for club members to meet in person too, all on common ground, Sea Ray! I will even beg “fwebster” to come and be the tour guide, as he knows the place better than I do.

Cool idea? Why….because his words are right.

Rusty

Post script… I too want to talk boats but my company does more than just build boats and that is why you own one.

 

[2texoma]

Well, I guess I am simple minded, but The Tiki Bar and other non-boating sections were installed for a reason. You clowns....and you know who you are....have no business, whatsoever, posting humorous and misleading replies in general boating threads when the poster asks for help or advice. I don't care how big a target the original poster puts on his forehead with his question, there will be inexperienced boaters out there who may take your response as a viable fix for a problem.

We get this 75%/25% mix on real boating vs. amusement threads about this time every year, and I understand that. I just bear with it and hope you guys have the good sense to keep the garbage out of the boating topics where somebody may have a boating question they need an answer for.

You make several good points Frank and I believe you are to be commended for showing extra consur for all our safty and boating pleasures. In the majoritie's opinion,I am likewise guilty talking shooting sports and hunting. To faurther your consurn I offer. We all agree that in thier haste many often fail to read an intire thread before commenting and making themselves look bad. Even worse outcome is when without understanding the thread,they later recall it being suggested patching holes in the bottom with carriage bolts then passing the information to another without the same tounge in cheek as origionaly intended. The answer may be for someone to step forward and diplomaticly point out that while the advise is good for a chuckle,let's be sure it's just that,humor and nothing to do with creditable advise.
Keep up the good work Frank,you are apreciated even if it doesn't seem like it at times.
BTW, If time alows please read my post in General Discussion titled"To be or not to be,,,,?"

 

[MasterFab]

Rusty, that's the finest idea I've heard in a while. If we can make this happen next year, I'm in. But, do we all have to pile into a bus? I mean, CSR members should at least arrive in limousines, don't you think? And I'm not sure Frank would want to spend that much time in a bus, at his advanced age of 107.

Dale

 

[OldSkool]

So what are we talking about here. Bad advice or wrong thread placement? Bad advice has no business on any thread and social stuff should be relegated to the Tiki Bar. As Frank has said many don't know they are giving bad advice then are offended when they are corrected by someone who may actually know what he's talking about.
I recently posted on how to do a compression test. I was countered by another poster and I conceded to his method. I have used my/manufactures method for years but not wanting to get into a pissing contest over the issue I conceded to avoid confusion to the original poster asking for help. I do believe the person that countered me had a valid point so why not concede and let the original poster get on with his repair?
I am happy that the Tiki Bar exists for us who wish to stay connected with other members who are not just looking for help. I always viewed this as a social site about the Sea Ray boating family. I can get info from SRO site all day long but that’s not all I’m looking for. I want to be a part of the bigger picture of boating. Having fun and improving my boating experience.

 

[fwebster]

So what are we talking about here. Bad advice or wrong thread placement? Bad advice has no business on any thread and social stuff should be relegated to the Tiki Bar. As Frank has said many don't know they are giving bad advice then are offended when they are corrected by someone who may actually know what he's talking about.



I started this thread so I'll respond...........I was initially talking about bad and incorrect answers being posted to questions and suggested that it is ok to "sit one out" if you were guessing or had no clue. Then someone expanded the discussion to include humorous responses, and that happens to be another of my hot buttons. I have a sense of humor and do enjoy the discourse between members on CSR. What I don't find humorous in the least is the attempt to make a joke out of nearly every thread by the comedians in the group, many times at the expense of the OP, and many times by giving answers that can be misconstrued by newer owners who are less experienced and who may not realize that they are reacting to someone's feeble attempt at humor.




and for you Dale, I'm going to give you a pass on that old comment ....this time. Just remember that old is a state of mind, not a chronological score card, and I'm not old yet. But, you are probably right about the bus ride............

 

[OldSkool]

So what are we talking about here. Bad advice or wrong thread placement? Bad advice has no business on any thread and social stuff should be relegated to the Tiki Bar. As Frank has said many don't know they are giving bad advice then are offended when they are corrected by someone who may actually know what he's talking about.




I started this thread so I'll respond...........I was initially talking about bad and incorrect answers being posted to questions and suggested that it is ok to "sit one out" if you were guessing or had no clue. Then someone expanded the discussion to include humorous responses, and that happens to be another of my hot buttons. I have a sense of humor and do enjoy the discourse between members on CSR. What I don't find humorous in the least is the attempt to make a joke out of nearly every thread by the comedians in the group, many times at the expense of the OP, and many times by giving answers that can be misconstrued by newer owners who are less experienced and who may not realize that they are reacting to someone's feeble attempt at humor.




and for you Dale, I'm going to give you a pass on that old comment ....this time. Just remember that old is a state of mind, not a chronological score card, and I'm not old yet. But, you are probably right about the bus ride............

Frank, your point is well taken. It does seem like a thread can't go more than two pages deep before it goes south anymore. Either hate mail or jokesters take over, myself included on the jokester comments sometimes. It would be nice to see a thread stay on track from time to time. I'll refrain from comments that are off topic if the thread it not posted in the Tiki Bar.
Thanks for your contibution to the site. Many of you have made it a great resource for us novice boaters.

 

[moparlvr4406]

Jim and the Admins team did speak: "The Tiki Bar Shoot the bull with fellow CSR members, non boating discussion. No political posts!" "Holding Tank The holding pen for off-topic and political posts. Let out your steam here."

They put these thread areas in but do not want them used?

My example may be simplified but it is true. There are a differences of opinion here on this issue. Others may think that the "Hole In The Water Club" is a fine way to meet and socialize with other boaters and where is the rule that it isn't?

I will affirm again: I completely agree with Franks original point.

MM

this is probably off the ORIGINAL topic but addressing other issues in the thread

let's face it guys..the internet is a social place..people like to talk with other people with similar interests
even if it about other topics. the boating hobby is our bond here. I don't get into sports much and try to stay out of politics
and religion discussions. The Hole In the Water was created as a social thread where 90%+ is still boating related
and does act as a "magnet" to draw some off subject posts...but that's ok with me as the OP
if you want to see a true BS thread .....here is my masterpiece

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1038648

485 pages..nearly 200k veiws and hasn't been off the front page in 2+ years
BUT...it is there for a reason...to keep people out of trouble.

my point to this post is ..why can't we be informative AND social :huh:

 

[Trucky]

1. I have gained immense knowledge through this forum.
2. That knowledge has empowered me to tackle several projects I previously thought were beyond my skills.
3. I read these forums a LOT, even ones that may not directly relate to me, my boat, or what I'm interested in.
4. I often use the internet to leverage my pea brain.
5. I greatly appreciate the solid and very helpful responses to every question I've been brave enough to ask.
6. I do fear the public smackdown for asking a dumb question or giving a bad response so I carefully choose my words before hitting Submit.
7. I've been a Sea Ray owner for less than a year, a boater most of my life, and very glad I found this forum.
8. My mind sees the funny side of most things and I sometimes can't help but say what I think.
9. I enjoy the Tiki posts often as much as the nitty gritty nuts and bolts serious stuff.
10. I think anything more than 10 points is likely way too much.