BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I don't know if I'm posting in the "proper" forum and I don't know how long this will be allowed to stay up...so many other threads are dissapearing lately with no explanation. If you want to skip all my crappola, just skip to the last paragraph, I have a request.

Anyway, I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm not satisfied with the dismissive, condescending "half answers" we've gotten.

I think several of us, myself included, may have pushed a little harder than we should have on these issues but, unfortunately the Mods won't even acknowledge the more serious ones.

And I'm starting to feel very conflicted - and sad - to be seriously thinking about leaving something that's been an important part of my life the last several years.

I'm also feeling guilty about some fine people who are staying on to make the best of it regardless of all this, and now want me and others to stay on too, to avoid doing harm to the Board.

Fortunately Miz Betty, Beezer the Wonderdog and I are going camping for 4 days over Thanksgiving. There will be NO COMPUTERS...only Turkey, adult beverages, a new Speed Triple, a good woman and a goofy dog. So I should be able to sort things out and either come back with a clearer, happier mind or just move on, looking for same.

I really envy the guys who don't, can't...or won't see the problems we have here. Life would be easier right now for sure. Maybe I'm just taking all this too seriously. Hell, it's just a stupid Internet board...right? No.

My request:
Assuming this will be zapped soon by the mods and assuming this might be our last chance, anyone who thinks they might like to make contact with me again please make note of my contact info, below. I have some of your info captured but not many.
I'll at least be back long enough to say AMF...

Dave Howe
909 Simmon Dr.
Keller, TX 76248
817 379 5527
[email protected]

Quote from Above: "I really envy the guys who don't, can't...or won't see the problems we have here. Life would be easier right now for sure. Maybe I'm just taking all this too seriously. Hell, it's just a stupid Internet board...right? No. "

Dave,

I don't, can't or won't see problems on an Internet board that is voluntary, not business or home related, and small enough in scope to barely register in a brain cell when I am away from it. I sorta think that's a bit of hyperbole in your post above. This is an effort by Doug, as a hobby. He gets to do it anyway he likes. We are invited to attend and participate and abide by the rules of the house. How can that lead to problems?

It isn't democracy in action. It isn't a member owned site. It's a one man show with voluntary participation, donations, and assistance as desired.

I don't mean to start an argument, but your reference to those of us who really don't care about some members' complaints got me started.

Stay safe and well. Enjoy this holiday and ride, ride, ride.

Well Mike, I guess you are one of the guys I "envy", one that this situation doesn't bother.

Maybe it doesn't take more than one brain cell's worth of your attention but it does mine, and a lot of other guys here who care...a lot about the board and especially it's members.

I've heard the "it's Doug's football so we must play by his rules or go home" bit before. You've told us that before, as have others. Doug tells us that a lot.

I guess it must be true.

But some of us prefer sort of a dynamic community football with *very few* "rules" that change & morph & fit the changing interests of the constituency. One that the players have a say in what the game really is. That will probably never exist here, and therein lies the rub.

Some guys, like you I guess, just want a place to check drain plug torque specs and spin the occassional yarn with no real "buy-in" or involvement. A place you don't need/want to "care about" a lot. And that's fine too of course. Sounds like you've found a home...I'm envious. In a way.

Hyperbole? Take it that way if you like. All I know is it's coming from my heart.

My thoughts are more aligned with MikeCam on this. In the grand scheme of my life, I value and treasure this community, but I have a lot of higher priority things going on. I am trying to make a blended family work, with four very different kids. One of the kids has some mental health issues. My wife is expecting our fifth child. I have a great church I belong to. I have friends and relatives. I have a job. I ride my bike.

These all take time and energy.

I just am not that bothered if the rules of an internet forum seem vague and ambiguous. I have more important issues to deal with.

Overall, Doug has run this site very well and it is fair. There are some great people on here.

Darth, I dont really see your point, I'm not even sure I got the question. But anyway, here is my reply.

I set up the rules, not to spread my power or show everyone whos boss. Trust me, the LAST thing I want to do here is management. I layed down the rules because a seclect few are clueless about how to behave and that just makes it hell for the rest of us. Unfortunately, most of the burden lies on me as I am the go-to man for all things disruptive.

I find simple solutions to annoying problems, and if you dont like it then dont post here. I dont feel that what I am asking people to do is extraordinary or even that it requires a lot of effort.

What the hell are we all talking about?! Just post correctly, respect eachother and all the problems go away. I'm really having a hard time figuring out what eeryone's problem is lately. Are we so immature that we cant hold rational and friendly conversation anymore?

I think not. we've done it for the last four years.

Dave, just for the record, not all 'mods' are aligned regarding point of view of the censorship, whatever you want to call it. I for one, don't understand what the big deal is regarding all the hub-bub being made out of Dallara's Honda post, I don't find it offensive, I liked it. As for inappropriate posts (naked ladies on bikes, etc) I guess if you have children that may be accidently exposed by looking over parents shoulders, whatever, then it's better to not post it publicly. I personally don't care, my kids have seen much worse exposure on the Internet, and they don't make a habit of looking over my shoulder when I'm on the Internet, just as I don't look over their shoulder when they're on. C'est la vie. But, it's Doug's site, and I respect his wishes to run it the way he wants.

As for me, I've had times that I've felt honked off for one reason or another; when that happens I just retreat for a while and come back to the site later. Usually things have calmed down, people have long forgotten the 'issues' that were pissing them off to begin with. Shine it on!

I attribute most of this to winter motorcycle blues. Seems like when we're in the midst of riding season, people are in better moods. In either case, I wish y'all the best.. I've really enjoyed meeting many of the board members at various rides and 'beakster bashs'. And, like I've said before anytime your in southwest virginia, give me a call. Your always welcome here and riding in these mountains is great!

Mark

Darth, I dont really see your point, I'm not even sure I got the question. But anyway, here is my reply.

Thanks for the answer that followed that quote but I really didn't ask a question in this thread, just expressed some feelings and offered my personal contact info.

And I understand your response to what you thought I asked.

But...please, PLEASE Doug - answer the question I *did* ask in my last post in the Honda race bike thread, now in this section.

It's a serious question, I'd appreciate hearing your answer.
Thanks,

Sorry, I am not Doug, but here is my take:


This is the main section for the R1150R website. Only R1150R (or at least i.e.-R1150R- motorycle-based) topics should go in here.

to-mat-o vs. to-mot-o?

I'll take some "Off-topic" Eye Candy ASAP. I need new PC wallpaper.
The guy standing in front of the diner with that incredible vintage bike is starting to look like my uncle...

My only reply to any of this is "I know we cant just run amuck
and I know that some pics were getting out of hand but all that said
the censoring seemed a wee but lop sided as of late"

My 2 centavos

Well I can understand why some folks are annoyed at the moment. There is a ton of change happening all at once driven by a variety of factors. And change is a problem for all people (that is my professional experience as an organizational change consultant speaking there!). So we are working through the valley of despair that comes with all change.

When we migrated to the new board we went through a similar curve. There was some initial mod intervention about posting in the right sections. Things seemed to settle down, but over time the R1150R section came to be a repository for anything motorcycle related. Personally I have no problem with that but apparently something has changed that has motivated some to restore the purity of the R1150R section. I guess in my simplistic mind, "bad habits" were allowed to develop and now for some reason we are trying to undo "bad habits". Learning curve #1.

In parallel with this development, along came some interesting threads that involved topics and the use of images that some people have questioned. This has resulted in the movement of some threads and in some cases outright deletion. It also led to some additional guidelines on how to go about posting material that might be construed as offensive by some. Learning curve #2.

In response to this some very legitimate questions were asked by paying members who help to sustain this board. And getting appropriate communication to flow has been problematic. There is no doubt in my mind that this is Doug's board and that he gives of his free time and his own income to nurture this specific motorcycle community. But by the same token, in accepting payment to offset costs, a mutual obligation has been established. And defining the nature and extent of this mutual obligation is an ongoing process. Learning curve #3.

What we are witnessing on the board over the past while is the online equivalent of a living breathing relationship. There are times when the relationship is good. There are times when the relationship is rocky. And just like with our spouses, families and friends, we enjoy the good times and hopefully work through the rocky times. I would hope that divorce is a last resort, and not a first resort.

My perspective anyway....[/b]

I dont really mind "motorcycle-related stuff" in the r1150r section, as long as it somehow can relate to the r1150r - a new helmet specificially has nothing to do with the R, but it is related because most people wear a helmet while riding.

The main problem is with the totally non-related posts that have nothing to do with either motorcycling or the r1150r.

Gord wrote: Learning curve #3.

Geez, Gord, learning AND curves! Two things I'm weak at. But practicing all the time, don't cha know.

You raise some interesting thoughts about group dynamics. It does seem like multiple issues are getting blended here. Like bike/non-bike/non-R1150R; and pictures appropriateness, where and how to post. Then, of course there is moving/erasing/communicating about moderator roles.

I think we are prone to taking snippets of information (real or perceived) about group 1 and applying it to group 2, or 3. Too confusing for my limited mental powers.

I can sense real frustration. But that is also a sign that the board is of real value - I know it is to me. So I plan to just rock along for a while and see how things shake out. Hope to see you all soon and often.

Perhaps it is time to turn off the monitor and take a step outside for some fresh air

This is an Internet forum... yeesh.

Yep wrote:Perhaps it is time to turn off the monitor and take a step outside for some fresh air

This is an Internet forum... yeesh.

Dave - you're right. But different things stir different passions in people.

this is just my opinion but ..you guys need to ride more and 'chat' less, that way you'll have better stuff to chat about .and to think some of you will be out for the winter j'ees what kind of crap will you be posting then , either way im with doug [ keep the posts were they belong

JEEEEEEZZZZ....what is the big problem here? I honestly don't get what the problem is! It feels like when I was taking my kids on vacation and they were fighting in the back seat over nothing. What frigging difference does it make if your post got moved to the off topic section? It's still here. The section R1150R sounds pretty clear to me, and the post in question was about a different motorcycle. We're splitting hairs here guys and it just ain't worth it. I enjoy Darth's posts and it won't bother me a bit to click on the off topic section to see if there are any new posts there. If someone is too lazy to check several sections for new messages, they don't deserve to be on the list...hell, they don't deserve a great bike like the r1150r.

Now, both of you shut up and get back to the really good posts that I've come to love and appreciate!

Happy Thanksgiving, All!

OK - I tried to resist but it ain't happening.

I am not offended by the images but can understand why it might be awkward for some. I like the 1150R stuff but don't have a problem with something that is not exactly 1150R stuff. I don't mind moving from the '1150R' to the 'Off Topic' to the 'Great Rides' to the ..... Heck - I look forward to it. I understand rules and can live within them. Am I wishy washy - nope, just easy.

This is a great site and I'm a newbie that is in the process of being a paying member. I'm not a gearhead and there are several on this site that are REALLY knowledgeable. I hope I can add something to the posts but I certainly soak in more than I leave.

Bottom line - it's going to have it's rocky points and everyone can work thru them. I value everything I read - even if someone does not ride with a helmet and I think they should. I learn from it and hopefully, everyone is gaining something from each other. We are all enthusiasts and we all share an interest in the 1150r. None of us probably have only had an 1150r and I would bet that most (if not all) had/have something besides a BMW.

Have some turkey, relax, give thanks, and don't give up. For those celebrating Thanksgiving ... Gobble Gobble. For those not celebrating Thanksgiving ... Gobble Gobble

king biscuit wrote:JEEEEEEZZZZ....what is the big problem here? I honestly don't get what the problem is! It feels like when I was taking my kids on vacation and they were fighting in the back seat over nothing. What frigging difference does it make if your post got moved to the off topic section? It's still here. The section R1150R sounds pretty clear to me, and the post in question was about a different motorcycle. We're splitting hairs here guys and it just ain't worth it. I enjoy Darth's posts and it won't bother me a bit to click on the off topic section to see if there are any new posts there. If someone is too lazy to check several sections for new messages, they don't deserve to be on the list...hell, they don't deserve a great bike like the r1150r.

Now, both of you shut up and get back to the really good posts that I've come to love and appreciate!

HERE HERE!! That rather neatly summarizes much of my feelings onthis whole debate. I usually go through the main section, off topic, great and group rides and BST and go by the subject lines looking for things that interest ME, leaving the rest unexplored.

No I dont have kids and do agree with the more adult posts having a NWS warning.

Yes, this is Doug's site and I am grateful for all that he does for it. It has been an invaluable resource for info and entertainment, especially this time of the year where all I can do with my bike is buy her presents and think lovingly of all the good riding days past. but as a donating member, I feel like a stockholder of this site and need to speak my mind.

No, I dont get the big fargin deal over whether one topic goes here or there.

No, I dont like the idea of topics being so strictly enforced. As admin and moderators, if Doug and etal feel something is misplaced, its their perogative to move it. I didnt read all of Dallara's Honda post as GP racing is not a passion of mine but what I read seemed well written and informative. Is bandwith the issue as others have mentioned?? If thats the real sore spot I wish someone would just say so. Im sure those many large detailed pics going back and forth so many times ate up some MBs. But is it really necessary to threaten banishment?? It seems to me that most of the frequent posters have at one time or another have posted something on their R1 or SV650 for track days, or the new HD being considered, the debate over a Norton vs Triumph, etc.....Our common link is of course the R1150 but certainly we all have diverse interests that may intersect. As a community why cant we explore them with some tolerance?

I think I went over my 2c limit there but...

Craig

I love all the posts here. It's a forum full of intelligent and considered opinions.

If you read what the R1150R Forum is for, it says

This is the main section for the R1150R website. Only R1150R (or at least motorycle-based) topics should go in here.

Well, to my mind, motorcycle-based topics include stuff about Hondas and my son's bike test and whatever. But I don't mind, I'll keep the R1150R forum for BMW stuff only and post on other topics in the OT section - or Patrick's Playhouse if I want to be contentious.

I also feel that we should view these forums as an essential resource, not just for our mutual passion for motorcycles but also to off-load when we have other issues that trouble or concern us. Sharing over the internet is of more value and benefit than many realise.

Also, if you belong to a bike club, when you stop off for a beer or a coffee, do we all talk about bikes and bikes alone? No, of course we don't.

But I see the need to keep everything in some semblance of order.

Just my view. And, FWIW, I love Darth's posts as well.

J