new forum?

[plj850]

Gentlemen...

This really isn't the place to be trading personal insults with one another.

It's not helpful and it's certainly not constructive.

Any further posts which contain such remarks will be deleted.

I can only agree with L.A.B's comments the personal insults and bitching is only relativeley new to the forum. I have seen stuff posted that is being directed at other members and is totally uncalled for. By all means post replies with relevant comments where you disagree with someones posts and by all means point out errors in what a forum member has posted( L.A.B has corrected me at least twice but owning a Commando is a learning process and there are guys on this forum who know a great deal and I am happy to be corrected and hence learn.)
As far as a seperate forum for 'business' members and 'non-business members' why? When an individual rebuilds an engine and sells the bike they may have taken short cuts as well so if a 'business' member posts covering a rebuild anyone is free to comment and engage in discussion as to the pro's and con's of the rebuild.

Cheers Paul

[RennieK]

Also Paul is listed as a proprietorship which is just a common citizen with a tax number (so the government can tax you more)

[dave M]

It seems that everyone is skirting around the real issue that provoked this debate and so I, reluctantly, will be the first one to give a full explanation of my own position. I am one of the people who took objection and mailed the site administrators regarding Grandpaul's 'Greatest Bike in The World' post. I took objection on a number of grounds; the first being what amounted to a hijacking of a popular thread, with a topic that was completely unrelated. The second objection was that this was posted on the 'Norton Commando Motorcycles' page, despite having no Norton Commando content whatsoever and the third, and strongest, objection was that if one followed the link, there was little in the way of any bona fide content, as purported, and instead one was led to a sub-page of Paul's own business site - This gave the impression of self-promotion by stealth.

I generally enjoy Paul's postings and he has made many valid contributions to the site. I'm sure his intentions were good and that he simply let his enthusiasm run amok on this occasion. I probably should have P.M.'d him at the time, but I don't really want to be a self-appointed arbiter of standards on a site where I am a guest and simply enjoying my hobby.

I don't think the site needs to change, I think we, the members, need to be more vigilant.

If all of us adopt the mantra "Think twice, write once" there will probably be fewer misunderstandings.

[grandpaul]

I'm really appreciative of ALL the comments and just want to say:

A) Yes, I was over-exuberant with the new contest. Recall, the contest on this site was my idea (although based on a suggestion by Cookie)

B) My post for the contest should have been in the "Other" folder.

C) I still like the idea of one section JUST for member's major ongoing project threads.

D) Sorry for the hassle

E) Thanx for the forum!

(Whatever Jerry decides on this issue is fine with me)

[gregmac]

If it would mean that anyone in a related business can't give helpfull advice on this forum then I would say ''no new forum''.
Grandpaul is always the first to welcome a new member, often the first to give advice and has submitted great projects including ''bike of the year''. If I have to keep checking another forum to see what he is up to I probably wouldn't bother. Would it also mean that others with a financial interest in Nortons can't let us Know they have parts available or this is the way we do it in the business? If it only means advertising their wares I might change my mind but as it stands ''no new forum''.
Greg

[rvich]

Do I think that an area for businesses to hang out their banners is a good idea? Yes, and I would support those businesses as much as possible. Do I want to see those businesses excluded from posting in the general forum? No.

People who make money from any enterprise also put a lot into gaining their education. When those same people share that experience freely with those of us who lack the same exerience it is to benefit of the community. (Read the threads on crankcase breathers if you don't think so) This is not to say that some of the hobbyists here are not on par with the "pros". But I strongly feel we would all lose if we chose to exlude. Next you have to decide if there is a problem with a racer who has sponsors. Then you need to decide if a person who works at the parts counter fits in. Next it will be some welder who repairs frames, or some guy who paints your tanks. It wont end, cuz we all have to make a living doing something and some of it will bleed into our posts. (I hope) I agree with a previous comment that we just need to be more vigilant. We also need to be a bit foregiving. Even those of us who share a common language don't always express ourselves in and elegant or proper manner.
I for one have mixed my work and my hobbies my entire life. Half the time I can't even tell which I am working on.

Russ

[Chris]

Hi

This website is one of the most richly diverse, most enjoyable sites to visit & read. I believe its because people can ask & post any question without being worried about being ridiculed. No superior behaviour or nasty replys , its facinating to see how other contries view a Commando,ie cant just buy the part what else can I fit. I love peoples builds especially specials but the basics & how too information is first class.
Leave it as it is but put a big logo ie supplier with the avitar.
all the best Chris

[swooshdave]

Hi

I believe its because people can ask & post any question without being worried about being ridiculed. No superior behaviour or nasty replys

Thankfully that is rare. But unfortunately it does happen.

Jerry, can we close this poll and leave the forum the way it is now? The people have spoken and wish this from our benevolent dictator.

[Jerry Doe]

Hello All,

I think you fixed this yourselves. I see no need for another forum. Just make sure you all post in the right place. Only thing that is going to change is a donation button will appear. Donations will help cover the costs of web hosting etc.

I am taking this thread out of sticky mode---Ride safe, be happy, cheers

Jerry

[pbmw]

I'm a shop owner. I'm also on a number of other forums. I don't normally promote my business, but if I can offer a service to someone that needs it, I will. I don't really see an issue with it.

[swooshdave]

Hello All,

I think you fixed this yourselves. I see no need for another forum. Just make sure you all post in the right place. Only thing that is going to change is a donation button will appear. Donations will help cover the costs of web hosting etc.

I am taking this thread out of sticky mode---Ride safe, be happy, cheers

Jerry

This may sound weird but I actually wouldn't seeing ads on the forum.

[grandpaul]

This may sound weird but I actually wouldn't seeing ads on the forum.

...actually wouldn't LIKE seeing ads...

or

...actually wouldn't MIND seeing ads

???

You left out the key word!

[swooshdave]

This may sound weird but I actually wouldn't seeing ads on the forum.

...actually wouldn't LIKE seeing ads...

or

...actually wouldn't MIND seeing ads

???

You left out the key word!

I'm a man of mystery.