Where are we going?

[ginzokid]

When I started this group a few miles ago, we were a small yet comfortable group of friends who were sick and tired of the crud that was going on in the other group at that time. We had a mission I thought to stick together and learn from each other the ins and outs of model railroading. Along the way, we came to know each other in a more personal way and became involved in each others personal lives. We have been through deaths, medical problems and divorces. We have held each others hands so to speak as a family. Then came the "outsiders". Some became family members too and some did not and have left our fold. I'm to blame here since I let go of the reigns. Doug has been more lenient than I was and let in new blood to see how they would fit. He mostly emails me to get my opinion and then does what he thinks best. No problem there. We have gained a few very helpful and endearing members as a result. However, we are now at a cross roads that is partially my fault. The discussions have turned away from model railroading for the most part and have become just open season on any topic. Sure, I'm to blame again. Look at the activity in the "political" thread. I never should have opened that can of worms, but in my naivete, I thought we could have some fun posting jokes and poking fun at the politicians who generally make idiots out of them selves. But we went another way. I'll admit that I stoke the fire at times since I'm so hot blooded, but there are some subjects that just gall me! Enough. Notice how when someone posts a real question how we all jump in to help? Point as illustration: Gene's newest question about turnouts. It's early, but there is a lot of help posted already. This is what the group is supposed to be about; what I had intended it to be. Can we somehow get back to that feeling? Right now I don't want to post anything about my personal problems like we used to do. I'm not comfortable with the response I might get. Frankly, I don't feel like the "family" we used to be. Does anybody else feel the same way, or is it just me? The Founding Father and Princess the Wonder Dog B-) & :x

[beastranger]

To ALL I am sorry that it has taken awhile to respond and to let you all know what my thoughts are. First of all I am going to step down as leader (and moderator). I have been thinking of doing this long before any of THIS came up. I just don't have it in me to regulate people. So as soon as Pete clicks that button, he will be the leader. The PI thread was a bit of an eye opener for me. I saw some pretty ugly things in that thread and yes some from me as well, which suprised me even more. Quite frankly, racism against anyone makes me want to puke. As US citizens we all have the same rights by law, which makes me disagree with special interest groups looking to be recognized for special privlages. I don't like the way things are going in this country any more than anyone else. Especialy since it's a very real possibilty that I will be forced to sell my home due to rising taxes and the cost of living. As far as the membership of the group go's, the way things are set up now, the only real way to see if someone will fit in is to let them in. In the past all someone had to do to remain a member was to participate. It would probably surprise some of you to know just how many I did reject for membership. Most of these were sellers just looking to bolster their sales. There isn't much of a screening process except reading feedback and gut feeling. Perhaps we should be by invitation only? For the fist time we have had two members banned for participating. One of them just seemed interested in computers and provided some good info for some but thats about it. The other to me was trying to fit in, he also probably had more qualifications than a lot of us but some of us didn't care for him. He even tried to rejoin not knowing why he was banned. I will apologize to the group for my tirade against Pete. WE have been together long enough that I feel this group is OUR group. When Pete mentioned that he wasn't happy with the way "MY" group was going, I lost it and felt like nothing more than a puppet. This is what happens when there is a lack of communication about how things are supposed to be run. I was more than a little upset to hear that e-mails were flying around to straighten things out here, unfortunatly none of them came to me, the supposed leader of the group. In the future I would like to see the group as whole take a more active part in the governing of the group through polls and OPEN comminication. Am I too lienant, yes I suppose I am, perhaps that comes from raising 3 daughters by myself. In any case, I do apoloigize to ALL the members for hurting the group. As of right now, I step down as leader and moderator and hopefully can remain just a member. Doug

[g-pa1]

Doug, Your presence in this group is a worthy one. I am glad you are staying. I also understand your explanation of what happened. Sometimes we all get a litle too passionate about something and in the end its friendship and common interests that bind and bond people. Keep on 'training' us. Gene

[ginzokid]

Reluctantly I'll click the button as you say Doug. Now I have a suggestion for the group in general. I think we should delete this thread. No poll. Let's just express our wishes here, unless you want or need a poll. Also, if there are members who feel that I should not be the leader, we can have an election again. It's up to you guys. I have some other ideas about the group's organization that I will post later since this thread my go bye-bye. And one final thought. In my email to Doug that said I was upset with the way my group was going, I must not have made it clear that I meant my group in the sense that this is my model railroad home and the only contact I have with fellow model railroaders. It was "MY" group when I started it almost two years ago and it is still my group since it is my only group even though it is "Our Group". I do not mean that I think of myself as the owner, dictator or demigod of this group. I just don't want to be anywhere else. It's not about me. It's about the direction we take as a group. I hope this clears it all up for everyone. Pete