I tend to be somewhat selective in my postings since I feel that I’m sharing what I know with somebody else and want to make a positive contribution, not just aimless ramblings. That being said, I will admit that some of my postings may not be completely on the mark, and corrections are always appreciated. Also, I appreciate it when my posting can serve as a starting point for a more knowledgable contributor and we all learn something as a result.
The only thing that will usually get my shorts in a wad (how’s that for colorful?) is those folks who seem dead set against admitting that maybe, just maybe, the other side of the argument may just have some merit, as cited by mffisher. There are generally at least two sides to any discussion, and those sides are rarely black and white. You don’t have to agree with me that is the greatest color in the world, but you should be willing to acknowledge that it exists. We then agree to disagree.
Along with what Mookie said, it’s a fine line between attacking my ideas and attacking me. Sometimes that precipitates some “interesting” discourse as well.
Are you sure you are a lawyer?? Endors
Hey, but what about the litigator’s code:
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Admit nothing
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Deny everything.
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Demand proof.
LC
Ed speaks the truth.
I didn’t defect, I’m a POW.
As for the Whataburger thing…that’s just mean…[:p] you had to have jalapeno’s too…
I enjoy reading almost all the folks on this forum.The serious ones for the information they provide, and the numskulls and wackjobs( we all know who they are[}:)]) because they are so funny.
[#ditto] espeefoamer. I read the forums for the info provided. Check the facts before posting something as ‘fact’. Cite references if it’s not your original material.
I’m an observer of railroads and trains etc., not in the business, so I really don’t have strong opinions one way or the other on a lot of stuff (It just is. They changed the paint scheme again. Deal with it.) I do get annoyed when Amtrak doesn’t update the ETA on electronic schedule boards, but that’s not the responsibility of folks on the forum.
My strongest opinions are associated with off-topic subjects so they usually don’t show up here
Thanks…I like your posts too.[:)][8]
I think that your theory is well-said and a good one.
As several others have stated, disagreements help to enrich the forum experience by allowing us to view the opinions and ideas of others. I have been very defensive a couple of times on the forums, (several months ago). By now I have figured out that it is best not to be defensive… so I won’t be!
Good theory!
My goal is to inform and share what I see.the only stupid question is one that isnt asked.
stay safe
Joe
Just to say it again, I hope what I am saying is not being misconstrued as saying we shouldn’t disagree with one another. I don’t think my position and Mokie’s are that far apart. I wish people would disagree more, that is how you learn. I just think people get a little more defensive than they otherwise might because they are use to being experts in this field.
Gabe
Gabe…
Doubt any of the regulars are so self centerd as to consider themselves experts…but there are rivet counters in any profession, or hobby for that matter.
There are a few folks here, Mr Hemphill, Overmod, Mudchicken, who are experts in their chosen fields, but the rest of us are just dedicated.
I have notice that often, when someone’s statement of fact is challenged, they do seem to become defensive, but I would guess thats more of a personality defect than anything else.
You know, for a lawyer, you aint half bad…
Can you come up with a way I can get a Whatabuger to Dan…he’s stuck behind enemy lines, and FedEx said they don’t ship food…
Ed[:D]
Take it as a challenge to re-verify your statement or clarify your points
I agree with you Gabe, and Mookie also. This is a wonderful place to observe group dynamics. Unlike the f2f forums where words may be withheld or choosen more carefully and, defensive posture is exhibited in voice and body language, here a large degree of anonymity is also invloved. Most of us get to know each other only by what we write and how we react to our carefully composed contributions. Diversity is good and even the moot debates teach us about each other and hone our skills. I learn more than just railroad info here. I learn the compassion of good people. Watch guys like KevintheRRman. He is growing and getting better. If he can do it, anyone can! Just kidding Kevin, my friend…buddy. You still have to stay away from my daughters![B)]
No need, it was just done for me![:D]
Now you know how the Railroads feel about us.
Let’s go in a corner and you tell me more about the above statement. I just need a clarification. How do you think they feel about us?
Mook
I’ve talked to some,and you would be shocked to what you’ll hear.
I am still lost - are you talking railroads or railroaders? My $ is on railroaders, which don’t speak for the railroads. And I think a lot of the railroaders have reason to speak rather harshly against some train watchers.
But I also know they are human and most of them will either ignore you or are nice enough to maybe wave. But…they aren’t there to make nice with anyone that happens to wander around the area. That puts them in the spot of being the PR department and if I were them, I wouldn’t want to do it either.
So bottom line, maybe the bad feelings are well-deserved. Maybe we haven’t been 1st class citizens around them.
Mookie
You bet. If a stranger with a camera showed up on the property at my employer, my immediate call would be to Security. Would do the same if this person was on the sidewalk of a public street (and let security sort it out with the local police). This is per our company policy, and it has been that way for years.