Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

David: In the end, everyone has a place to hang their hat. I don't think you'll find many people here wanting to give an opinion about other sites, it is simply not the mission here.....this site exists to discuss Rickenbacker instruments, their details and their history.

Most if not all of these sites, over time, take on their own 'personalities'....nevertheless it is simply counter-productive to pass judgement on how other sites are perceived. They are what they are, and people think whatever they want. On we go.

I think we all pretty much agree with your sentiments, David.
I for one am not much of a forum fanatic, excepting this one & the RIC site, so I only know about the goings on at other sites from what members here post, & it's usually not a pretty picture.
As John says, to each his own, so everyone finds his/her own level in the end.
I like it here just fine, it's the right combination of information & atmosphere that make this forum what it is.

I used to be active at Beatgear, but I am no longer. I have to say, though, that what soured me on Beatgear is just a slightly more annoying example of I've seen with quite a few online "communities": a few "insiders" who have latitude to say whatever they want (accompanied by doting "disciple" sorts who are constantly sucking up to them), a few hot-button issues that the insiders and disciples are constantly posting about, and a few saner people who are genuinely concerned about what the forum is supposed to be "about" (most/many of who haven't figured out that what the forum is really "about" isn't the purported subject matter at all).

We don't have any of that sort of thing going here at all, of course.

I think Lawton just said it best. Forums usually just plain suck, and I certainly mean every word of that.

These two Ric forums are exceptions, and I'm still surprised by this. And delighted.

Just a point about forum structure and possibly software... The thing that ticks me at BGC and other forums like it are the rankings where the more you post, the more sage you are supposed to be. Since when did saying "Me too!" constitute wisdom? It is nice to know some people post 1000 times in a year at a particular place but at BGC they celebrate the "attainment of BCG Fellow" as if it is academic tenure! Once you are a fellow, you are included in the conversation. Otherwise, you are just a footnote. Bizarre if you ask me... but what do I know?

Interesting point, Doug. When you go around to most of the sites, there does seem to be somewhat of a hierarchy according to the amount of posts one makes....I can see where this would be thought of by a 'newbie' in a negative way.....Even here at the RRF there have been instances where newcomers have felt ignored, and that isn't the impression we should be giving.

There is one site in particular that a total post count is available, but only if you look at an individual's profile.

Just read that whole thread, way to keep swingin, Lefty! (& Paul)...

Man, I found it exhausting and depressing. And with the black background and whacky moving avatars I felt like I was in a room full of 14-year-olds. Sometimes when threads get so nitpicky, it's like watching someone gnaw their own arm off, and just as pleasant.

Thanks Lefty, you have it exactly right.

As I tired to suggest in the last thread, perhaps poorly, all forums run into conflict at one point or another and I don't think it is a particularly good idea to be critical of others. We have enough going on here.