I have noticed when swapping between Classic Trains and this forum that the Blog entires have basically dried up. Two of the catagories have had nothing new for over two years. One category has only had one addition this year and the fourth category has had multiple articles this year.
Just sayn’
I’ve often thought you should have a blog, Balt.
Not my cup of tea - I can answer questions that involve the areas in which I have some knowledge, but I am not knowledgeable in ALL the areas of the railroad BUSINESS. In fact I am totally deficient in the ‘business’ and how things are priced and those charges end up being brought down to the bottom line.
My experience is more involved in actual operations.
That doesn’t stop some people.
It amazes me how some hams can “rag chew” for what seems like hours.
Yeah, the blogs should have a “drop off” date. Of course, that would make that whole page a lot smaller.
I’ve tried doing blog-type stuff in the past here, but response was always lackluster at best. Was kind of discouraging (maybe I just suck at writing?). I thought of starting it up again - but I don’t know if it’s worth the effort for it to quickly drop to the bottom of the page with 16 views.
Videos and photos always seem to do better. shrugs.
Enjoy your retirement Fred Frailey, but we sure miss you here.
Yeah, bring back Fred!
Ed
I for one would read it if you did.
zugman:
Never knew you had one…would read it if you did.
Here is another proposal…we all seem to miss those great blogs. The discussions which followed were very educational and entertaining. The blogs and discussions truly were the best part of the Trains website (in my opinion). Years ago before people were either forced away or decided they had enough, there were incredible discussions (often emotional) about the industry…Michael Sol, futuremodal, and Ed (RIP) I am thinking of you.
What if we had a self administered blog on this forum? While most of us (perhaps all of us) are not professional writers, most of us can put a couple of sentences together that make sense about this industry. Many here have experience in the operations of railroads. Others have strong ideas (Greyhound) of how to grow the industry. Others have railfan experiences…etc.
The Men’s group I belong to at our house of faith has a similar situation in which we take turns making presentations and not always religious. Yesterday’s was on nuclear power, presented by a retired nuclear engineer.
Just a thought as I miss Fred’s blogs (and others) and he is probably not coming back.
Ed
Kind of a take on the ol’ Reddit-style AMA (ask me anything)?
Truth is - virtually every thread is some form of a question and threads progression becomes the answers - if anyone wants to take the efforts to read through it and evaluate each of the posts to the thread.
That “String Lining” thread that ran for a few years was sort of a blog for NDG’s reminisces, and had acquired a decent following of forumites. But all good things eventually come to an end.
Of course the subject matter in that thread became quite varied, which is probably one of the reasons it lasted as long as it did.
Threads are ‘conversations’ among the participants in the thread. Despite whatever the title of the thread may be - just like in ‘real life’ conversations go where they go without any necessary requirement to repeat the start of the conversation.
I would opine that the problem with a blog is that it’s going to include opinions. And opinions evoke reactions - sometimes not the best reactions.
We’ve seen what has happened in such threads, which is why certain topics are verboten (and some forum members aren’t with us any more).
That said, it might be possible to have blog-like posts right here on the forum. Some ground rules might be in order, lest things get carried away, and perhaps the word “blog” would need to be part of the title. Maybe responses would be limited - if you want to discuss something in depth, start a new thread.
Just thinkin’ out loud.
Do you mean that you wrote a blog which was hosted elsewhere, and you posted links here?
No, that would be against the rules. Nah, it was just some thoughts I typed out here in blog form. Didn’t really get much attention, so it was kind of a wasted effort.
Have to disagree. As one of the 16 views, I found it interesting, but really had nothing to add.
The way I see it, a blog is like a one way conversation. For example, today I will talk about clouds. When I get done, there’s not much to add other than “I like clouds”. A thread is more along the lines of “Some weather we’ve been havin’. Think it’s gonna rain?”
Fred is retired from the blogs. Those who wish to contact Mr. Frailey can find him on Linkedin.
Blogs have comments sections, right?
I don’t see how making a thoughtful post here, followed by our discussion, is any different.