Tigg,
Your post is thoughtful, well-conceived, (certainly well-intended), and each point you make is absolutely valid.
I can't agree more that each one of us is entitled to their opinion, and has a right to express that opinion as long as they remain within the boundaries of good taste set by The Boss. (Glider)
So, we have a conundrum!
On the one hand, it is wrong for me, or anybody else, to say a thread is a "waste of time", if the O.P. was simply expressing their opinion.
But, that is a double-edged sword, isn't it, Tigg?
I, and everybody else, has an EQUAL right to express the opinion that any given thread is lame, has been previously beaten into the ground, and is, in my opinion, (or that of anyone else's), a "waste of time".
You can't say that one person has the right to express their opinion but another doesn't, or that invalidates your entire argument, which, by the way, I happen to agree with, when all is said and done!
Now, all that said, NO ONE, including yours truly, should ever make another on this forum feel stupid for expressing their opinion. That just makes such a person look small in my eyes, and yes, I am including again, yours truly.
So if I have done that, my opinion about this or any other thread notwithstanding, I am deeply regretful about that and offer my apologies with the utmost sincerity.
Now, on another point you made, about any possible "hierarchy" here other than The Mods. (Sounds like a band from the "British Invasion" era of the 60's, doesn't it?)
That's another good point, and I'd like to address it, because in my opinion, and think about this before you respond, YES, I think there IS a "hierarchy" among the members themselves. Is that a "bad" thing? As long as it doesn't result in the kind of abuses you mentioned, no, I don't think it is.
Here's why.
First, let's get the dynamics of this "hierarchy" defined.
The usual connotation of a hierarchy brings to mind a group, like our members, divided into sub-groups, with one particular sub-group held in higher regard or perhaps with more "POWER" of some kind than another sub-group.
Let's not pretend we live in a perfect world where everyone is equal.
In EVERY society, (and HDTimeline is certainly a society of it's own, with a government, leaders, laws, and many other components of a typical society.), there are groups that wield more influence than others within that society.
How and why does that happen, and is it "right"?
Well, again, that depends on how it's demonstrated.
NO ONE, even a Mod, is allowed to abuse another member here, at least not without repercussions, and I think Glider has shown us that time and time again. So, our society does indeed have expectations of fair treatment, and I think we get it, as long as we obey the laws set forth within this society.
But do some members have more influence than others?
Again, lets be real here!
OF COURSE, and that is as it SHOULD be!
Should a member who has only posted 4 times, and each of those posts only demanding help for a problem with his bike, and no return assistance or even engaging conversation with other members have the same influence as say, BigLew, who has hundreds of posts and has been happily involved in many, many scenarios where he was both seriously assisting someone in need of technical advise or at other times engaged in interesting and entertaining conversation? Likewise Steve, same points? I could bring up several more examples, but I'm sure you get my point.
The reality is we have some members who just come on, and without so much as introducing themselves, launch right into an "I need this, and I need that" conversation, without contributing ANYTHING, either financially or within the forum through advice or active conversation, and just think this is a free tech well, that they can dip into without ever giving back.
Then, there are the members who I just mentioned, and many more like them, who have contributed almost EVERY DAY in so many ways that, YES, they have a higher place in whatever "hierarchy" we have here, and rightfully so!
Just like the society we live in, where active participation in the community, either through financial contributions or volunteer help, (or sometimes both), raises your stature in the community, so does that same participation and contribution here!
That's the reality, and frankly, i wouldn't have it any other way.
Guys, your thoughts?
I WAS one of the newbies whose first post was to scream for help,I just never left!
