OT: Use your "OT's", please...

[Don Ro]

Hey fellow riders, help us out here a bit.
In the spirit of forum netiquette, and for those of us who care about such silly matters, please place "OT" at the beginning of your OT threads.
OT = Off Topic = for any topic that is not R1100S tech-related.
Yadda, yadda, yadda...you get the idea, eh?
.
Thanks 'n ride safely, all.

.
ps OT: The colloquialism "Yadda, yadda, yadda..." can be traced back with certainty to the controversial comedian Lenny Bruce in the early 1960s.

[pwillikers]

Yadda, yadda Warden!

[Steve Carlton]

According to Roger Albert, "OT" threads will be deleted unless they are at least "keeping things semi on topic."

So, maybe we need to preface such threads "SOT"?

[acidburn]

And i thought OT meant Over the Top, doh.

[JerryTreeXprt]

By the strict definition of needing to contain 1100S tech material, that leaves 14 of 35 posts off topic, with another 3 that are considered fairly marginal. Personally, I figured that if it's MC related, most would be interested. Mosst of the time it's pretty easy to figure what's in the thread unless it's a one or two non-descriptive subject such as WOW! - neat stuff.
Where can I get the Miss Manners book on 'netiquette'?...I'm afraid of the answer to this one
1 Chicagoland Motorcycle Show Feb 12 Rollcall list-may be on topic if someone rides their S to the show
2 The PowerCup K1200R ( 1 2 3 )- nothing R or S
3 OT: How many motorcyclists...- properly labeled
4 Recommendations for bike videos? - may work since the video will probably be shot from the
5 It's winter...videos - there is a BMW on one of 'em-repaired
6 Something to get ya through the cold and ice- may work if the end user is watching while sitting on the S or if it was typed on a laptop while sitting on or looking at the S-repaired to comply
7 Best tires for slick conditions - may work if the tires are really for the S-repaired to comply
8 Other 1200S 'F' model spotted (1 2 3 )-1100S, not 1200S please
9 OT: Use your "OT's", please... - properly labeled
10 heard on NPR...sortive OT- labeled, but according to Netty Netiquette (Ann Landers other sister), the OT should be placed conspicuously in the front of the topic so as to not cause confusion
11 for Steve McQueen fans...- only if he's doin' it on the 1100S
12 DC moto show 2005...pics - May work since there may either be a 1100S or a picture of one at the show...#1 applies as well
13 Jeffy?????- Ya gotta mention the S
14 Kryptonite Lock exchange- would work if it's a disc lock used specifically on the S

Marginally on topic:
1 I can't believe I'm thinking of trading ( 1 2 3 )...- really more about the Guzzi, no S tech involved at all
2 "Breakfast Run" ride report...- I suppose it could fit since it was done on the S, nothing tech though
3 Landslide Ride-oCal Report - May work if you mention that your S got dirty and ask a question about cleaning it

Yeah, it's winter and we're not riding and we're bored. I guess it's time for the oil, ABS, my bike's better...er, well, my 1100S is better because of my technical innovations thread. Can someone get started on that?

[Steve Carlton]

Roger's words on the issue- "The guideline is to put motorcycle topics here, especially S related and technical, and other topics elsewhere."

I think anything generically motorcycle related is valid, since it can apply to an S. Something regarding a different motorcycle usually seems to be of interest here, although some seem touchy about K bikes.

It seems by definition "OT" is not longer tolerated, as Roger is deleting threads that don't fit the guideline above.

I think this is sad, as I think of many here as "internet friends," and sometimes want to share OT subjects that others might enjoy, such as the excellent Ken Burns documentary on Jack Johnson. If you look at the denizens of the Off Topic forum, it's almost 100% strangers.

I can appreciate Pelican's concern for not wanting provocative photos and such appearing on a tech forum. I've seen them here before and thought it was okay; must have missed the memo to cool it.

[ckcarr]

I agree with Don Ro. Its commonly being applied now on other forums I belong to. As are posts being deleted. I think a lot of the moderators are tired of the "If anything goes, then anything goes" mindset.

Originally posted by Steve Carlton
I can appreciate Pelican's concern for not wanting provocative photos and such appearing on a tech forum. I've seen them here before and thought it was okay; must have missed the memo to cool it.

OK, well here it is... and in fact, this is how Roger came to be moderator. Through election, because he would be primarily "hands off" and work within Waynes guidelines.

"Hey, I got some complaints about soft-core porn on this R1100S section of the board. It seems that Steve Fox has been AWOL for the past six months? Not sure where he went to.

Anyways, this forum is not vital to our core business, so if there is any trouble on it (like porn, or violent threats, etc.), it's going to be shut down. The forum is a courtesy and doesn't really do much for Pelican except use bandwidth.

However, I am a firm supporter of forums like these, and would like to see it continue. However, I think that we need a new moderator.

Any suggestions?

-Wayne"
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or more...(edited a little)

"I got a flood of emails this morning.

We need a new moderator. Any time that I spend on this BS is time away from the areas of the site that make money.

The guys here are right, I am operating this as a courtesy, and I leave it alone except when there's trouble (like there was this morning).

This site is to be operated on a PG-13 guideline. Anyone who doesn't want to adhere to that will have their access removed. If the problems continue, then the R1100S BBS will be turned off.

I would hope that the people who don't want to see this resource disappear would be kind enough to 'police' themselves and alert the moderator as to problems on the site. Hence, we need a new moderator...

-Wayne"

If you wanted you can do a search under Wayne and read the whole thread, which seemed very similar to what is happening now - certain members getting their feathers ruffled over their definitions of "censorship" or "porn" or "whatever. Although it was a couple years ago, seems it just builds up from time to time.

And yes, if you do a Google search there are all kinds of "internet etiquette" out there.

[shannonnunley]

I think we should ban that shannonnunley guy... he doesn't even have an S. What can he possibly contribute?

Motion?

[roger albert]

Jerry,

I don't think I've been strict at all. Judge for yourself.
Were any of the things you mentioned in your list deleted?
The answer is of course, NO. Sometimes things that have NO link to motorcycling at all do. Please be courteous to folks that don't have high speed access, due to being on the road, in remote offices, or maybe just living in the sticks or being cheap
Within the context set out by our hosts, this board is ran very very loosely. Having some sort of Moto content is hardly an infringement. Boxing and gerbil-sports belong elsewhere.

Thanks to ckcarr for posting the above and saving me the trouble.

Steve wrote:
> I think anything generically motorcycle related is valid, since it can apply to an S. Something regarding a different motorcycle usually seems to be of interest here, although some seem touchy about K bikes.

I agree, we're pretty flexible on that, as you can see from Jerry's list of undeleted topics. Sometimes K12S stuff is moved, since there is a forum for that now, but none are deleted.

[JerryTreeXprt]

Roger, I guess I don't post here enough for people to realize that you can't take me too seriously. My post was not meant to imply that my 'feathers are ruffled over censorship or porn', although I think my post unintentionally ruffled feathers. It's winter and there's no time to ride so I sit in front of the computer blabbing with other riders who are doing the same. My post is just pointing out that I think, as you said, threads don't necessarily need to be 1100S tech specific, but should indeed have some moto content. If anyone here took offense to my post, sit back and relax, it wasn't meant to be taken negatively, but more as a bit of a laugh. I never claimed infringement, just pointing out a silly scenario if the original post is to be taken to the letter. As I look back on it, I think that I have too much time on my hands in the evening.
I'll buy a virtual beer for anyone who has taken me too seriously, or if I see you in person, I'll get you a real one (by real I mean no Bud or Coors

Now, just to be certain, we can post moto stuff and nothing else, but preferably 1100S tech? There is no such thing as OT? If you need to use OT, post it somewhere else or email it?

BTW, how did I miss the Gerbil sports one?...anyone got a link?

[AudreyB]

"The guideline is to put motorcycle topics here, especially S related and technical, and other topics elsewhere."

Hello forum members,

My name is Audrey, and this is my first post to this forum. I have been a frequent visitor here for many years, almost from the very beginning. I purchased a used 1998/9 'S' in 1999 and I, as do many others, still get great value out of this technical forum.

I registered just a few days ago because I wanted to share a point with the members of this forum.

Recently, some photos of a girl, clad in garment items representing the UPS delivery uniform, were posted. I received several emails about that. Most were from registered members. The general consideration was about the possibility of someone at UPS Corporate contacting Tom Gould and/or Wayne Dempsey, the owners of Pelican Parts, regarding those photos on this forum. Now, whether UPS would be concerned or not is not the issue here. The issue is how valued is this forum and its massive archives. Are we willing to risk losing it for a few yucks? Wayne has stated that he will pull the plug if he hears one more complaint. Please wake up and realize how fragile this situation is. This is a motorcycle technical forum, not a place to be used as a source of daily entertainment to alleviate boredom and loneliness and/or to act out one's pathologies. As members have stated here before, there are many other avenues for that.

When we registered, here is what we agreed to:

"By clicking the Agree button, you warrant that you will not post any messages that are obscene, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, threatening, or otherwise violative of any laws."

As ckcarr has intimated, this forum has been extremely loose considering the manner in which many other forums are moderated. Roger Albert has several other obligations, and he has stated that he can't be here to monitor everyone all the time. Therefore, much of it is left to us to 'police' (parent) ourselves; the least we can do as payment for the gift that is this forum. So let us all be on the same page. We can play different instruments, but let us be reading the same sheet music.

Thank you and best regards,

Audrey

[shannonnunley]

Originally posted by AudreyB

Recently, some photos of a girl, clad in garment items representing the UPS delivery uniform, were posted. I received several emails about that. Most were from registered members. The general consideration was about the possibility of someone at UPS Corporate contacting Tom Gould and/or Wayne Dempsey, the owners of Pelican Parts, regarding those photos on this forum.

Technically, those photos aren't "on this forum." They occupy separate web space. It was a linked image and nothing more. If they were to take issue, they would need to take it up with the people who are in fact hosting that image.

Not trying to stir anything up with you or anyone else, just want to make sure that everyone understands the difference.

Also, that image was PG-13. Off topic, but not "obscene, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, threatening, or otherwise violative of any laws" by any stretch of the imagination.

[pdonnell]

Recently, some photos of a girl, clad in garment items representing the UPS delivery uniform, were posted. I received several emails about that.
.
.
Riiiiigggggghhhhhhhttttttttttt......

[Doogie Howser]

Originally posted by AudreyB
Hello forum members,

My name is Audrey, and this is my first post to this forum. I have been a frequent visitor here for many years, almost from the very beginning.



We can play different instruments, but let us be reading the same sheet music.

Thank you and best regards,

Audrey

Are you playing an instrument?

If you are going to lurk and not contribute, do you think your first post should really be a criticism?

[ckcarr]

I'm not intimating anything. Nor do I think there is imminent threat of the board being shut down by Wayne. That was a two year old posting - which simply lays down the general rules. I only reposted it because its there, Wayne's board, and someone asked in a general way about it.

Most people here have good common sense with what they post. But ocassionally things seem to veer off course and the reminders are brought back to the forefront.

What I have noticed on this and other forums is that the rules do change, as the boards become more sophisticated and evolve over time. Some are very strict - and will delete anything not directly related to the topic, others don't seem to like the boards to serve as chat rooms or dating services. This one seems to have a good overall balance between technical information and some conversation and camaraderie.

[WINTER1100S]

Originally posted by Doogie Howser
Are you playing an instrument?

If you are going to lurk and not contribute, do you think your first post should really be a criticism?

In a PG-13. Off topic, but not "obscene, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, threatening, or otherwise violative of any laws" kind of way...Welcome AudreyB!

Hearnoevil, Seenoevil, Speaknoevil.

[Steve Carlton]

So Roger, what do we label as OT? Do we just preface moto-related, but not specifically R1100S threads as OT, like the items in Jerry's list?

Jerry, I took no offense to your post; thought it was funny. This place would be slow and boring with strictly S related threads. I'll buy the first round of beer!

[johnty288]

Uh, could someone re-post the UPS girl so I can decide for myself how to classify this?

[johnty288]

Would Nunnley's posts be considered OT?

[johnty288]

Anyone else wondering what she has behind all them beersteins?