New T&O Forum Policy Announcement

[AA7BQ]

Effective Today, the Talk and Opinions (T&O) forum will be limited to discussions relating to amateur radio. You will also notice that this forum has been renamed "Talk and Opinions - Amateur Radio" to reflect the policy change.

Political discussions, or any non-amateur related discussion will henceforth take place in our new Rag Chew Central (http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=SF;f=17) forum.

Please respect this rule. We are beginning the process of moving existing non-amateur articles from this forum into the new Politically Speaking forum.

-fred AA7BQ

[ky5u]

Great idea! #Your patience with us and our often off beat topics is commendable. #Thanks!

[k9kxq]

Thanks Fred, we needed this.....

kxq http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[n0ov]

Supurb!

[AG3Y]

Fred, just a thought/question. What happens if a thread starts going "off topic" ? You know how some of us get a bit "wierd" in our responses, all in the name of fun, of course! Will the moderators be reigning us in for that kind of mischief? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif Best 73, and thanks for ALL your patience ! Jim AG3Y

[WF7I]

Quote[/b] (N7AAO @ Nov. 10 2004,12:03)]Maybe now we can get a separate forum for the code/no-code debates! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
AAO,

Quote[/b] ]Political discussions, or any non-amateur related discussion will henceforth take place in our new Politically Speaking forum.

I guess that would include code/no-code??

[WF7I]

Fred,

Thank you for making the changes & 73,

Bert

[ai4ep]

good idea !!

[K7JBQ]

The real question is, does this change the policy regarding who gets to post in various forums?

73,
Bill

[W0BLH]

Great job Fred! Now we will not have to wade through the political posts. Thanks!

Andy
BLH

[k6pme]

Hey great. Good idea. I have to say that the discription is appropriate. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Quote[/b] ]Daily, continuous sparring matches. Not limited to amateur radio, but open to both left and right wing discourse.

[W7WV]

Hey, that works for me!

[AB3BK]

Quote[/b] (WF7I @ Nov. 09 2004,13:09)]Quote[/b] (N7AAO @ Nov. 10 2004,12:03)]Maybe now we can get a separate forum for the code/no-code debates! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
AAO,

Quote[/b] ]Political discussions, or any non-amateur related discussion will henceforth take place in our new Politically Speaking forum.

I guess that would include code/no-code??
I think code/no code is an amateur radio topic, isn't it?

Dave

[WF7I]

Quote[/b] (AB3BK @ Nov. 10 2004,14:25)]Quote[/b] (WF7I @ Nov. 09 2004,13:09)]Quote[/b] (N7AAO @ Nov. 10 2004,12:03)]Maybe now we can get a separate forum for the code/no-code debates! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
AAO,

Quote[/b] ]Political discussions, or any non-amateur related discussion will henceforth take place in our new Politically Speaking forum.

I guess that would include code/no-code??
I think code/no code is an amateur radio topic, isn't it?

Dave
...ummm....oh yeah! I guess it is! I'm so used to thinking of it as its own special category, totally apart from normal amateur radio topics.

But if code/no-code is banned on T&O, wouldn't the only place left for it be over on the political board? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[WA2ZDY]

Thank you Fred. As others have said, this is a great idea. Those who want to get involved in the other stuff will still be able to do so while the rest of us who choose not to wallow in the quagmire of the electorate can avoid it easily.

73,

[WF7I]

I see Fred just modified the title of the other group, now including "jokes, recipes and stuff" (recipes is mis-spelled on there, by the way -- not that I can spell either). I think that's a good move as well. It will be nice to have a forum that's strictly for gabbing about the hobby, and keep the misc. stuff somewhere else.

[AB8TM]

That's great, I'm glad you made a separate forum for it instead of barring it entirely! Good job, way to make everyone happy. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[W9AFB]

Yayyyyy! Radio!

[K3STX]

FANTASTIC IDEA!!!!! A FORUM ABOUT HAM RADIO. WHAT A CONCEPT.

It really will be interesting to see who stays and who goes.

paul

[gw4rcm]

As a non American, regular contributor to these forums, I now have a another forum to wind you up in.
WHOOOOOOOPEEE
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Only joking honest

73
RCM

[w5alt]

Just a thought: What does this thread have to do with ham radio?

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Thanks, Fred. That's great move!

73,
Walt, W5ALT

[KB1GYQ]

Threads often change topic... what of them?

Frankly I find the distinction confusing, Q&A vs T&O radio only -- most opinions are either given as a question or an answer. How should we know which of these forums to put something in?

[gw4rcm]

What if there was a topic about a politician, asking a question, regarding a radio subject.which forum would it be classed under

[K7JBQ]

Quote[/b] (gw4rcm @ Nov. 10 2004,17:35)]What if there was a topic about a politician, #asking a question, regarding a radio subject.which forum would it be classed under
Miracles.

73,
Bill

[XV2PS]

Walt,... good one:p

I think it is good. I guess so many "non or new hams" came, had a look at the T&O and got a completely wrong idea about ham..

[k0pvw]

Good Idea, to seperate ham talk and opinions and all other political or otherwise posts.:D

[kd7eze]

Good move Fred, keep up the good work! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[WF7I]

Quote[/b] (K3STX @ Nov. 10 2004,15:23)]It really will be interesting to see who stays and who goes.

paul
My prediction: The "non-ham" group will have about 2 times the amount of participation as the "ham" group. If patterns continue as they have, that is. I notice already that the other group has almost double the amount of live users in it this morning.

[AG3Y]

Quote[/b] (W9NGC @ Nov. 11 2004,01:44)]This is a great move. I only wish it had happened
well before the election.
Well at least it is in place for the NEXT election ! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Great job Fred. I see several of us are asking essentially the same question now about threads whos responses get to be a bit, shall I say "convoluted".

Seriously, what happens if a thread starts out innocently enough, and then goes off on a tangent? Is that going to be up to the moderator to sort out?

I keep thinking about the "Please Ignore" thread. We have been having a great deal of fun with that one, but I would sure hate to see it get moved from one discussion forum to the other as the subject bounced around and around.

Please give us some guidelines. Thanks so much for your GREAT forum. It is a great deal of fun, instruction, and comraderie for a lot of us guys ( and some gals, too! )

73, Jim AG3Y

[WF7I]

I have to say, after just a couple of days I'm really liking this new board. Civility is at an all-time high and the topics are great. Radio! What a concept! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kb9wgx]

Yeaha! I've been waiting for this!

[AB8RU]

I go to another site called Chatterbox, GR8 place to rag chew about ( or say Just about everything just don't need Grandmas cookie recipie ) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[WS2L]

This is definately a long awaited change and a breath of fresh air, Thank you Fred.

[K8SWL]

Radio --- what an interesting topic.

[n0ov]

Quote[/b] (gw4rcm @ Nov. 09 2004,17:15)]As a non American, regular contributor to these forums, I now have a another forum to wind you up in.
WHOOOOOOOPEEE
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Only joking honest

73
RCM
Hey, that's my call! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Just kidding http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ae4fa]

Good decision, Fred! Just visited Ragchew Central.

With the exception of one or two recipe topics, I can do without it.

[n0ov]

Now all is needed is a link on the main page so people post in the rag chew section vs amateur radio talk

[K3STX]

Once again, thanks. I have not once even clicked on that other "Ragchew" (ie. politics, religion, war) forum. This move has renewed my interest in QRZ.com more than I could have anticipated.

paul

[W0LC]

Fred

Ought to call this new topic area "The No Win Argument" section...seems like that is about all that most of the topics end up being. No win situations!


Hi!

Good idea!

[N8CPA]

I think the change is good, but I think the fora are named backwards. Ragchew should be about Amateur Radio, Talk about everything else. Or how about Ragchew and Fatchew [Gesundheit!]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[W3MIV]

Makes one wonder what the fellow in the photo is staring at, doesn't it?

[N5BO]

There should be a law to keep people from wearing that in public.

[AA0CX]

Way to go Fred!

[kg4zar]

Fred it's a fine thing you've done sir. I've been visiting this site off and on for almost two years and have gained no small pleasure from it. Restricting the worthless drivel(i.e. "code vs no-code" and "blue states vs red states") will bring me back more often.

Thanks again!
Larry

[kb2vxa]

Hi Fred and readers,

Looks like Chip and his fan club landed in the soup. (;->)

To quote the (in)famous Timtron WA1H Yell R, "YEALO RADIO!

73 de a relieved Warre KB2VXA

[w4fjf]

Good idea Fred, keep the politics off the ham radio forum. Some of the politburo nuts were really messing up a good forum.
73 fm Fred - W4FJF

[wc5b]

Sounds like a winner.

Thomas
KT8VV

[N6WK]

How about a Forum where we find out Who received warning PM's from the Mods the Month before. Kind of like the FCC enforcement letters every month? You know, What they Did and what the PM message detailed? Might make people think twice before hitting the "ENTER" key.
Also it would show that there was no favoritisim.

Just a Thought.

Gordon
N6WK

[K8YS]

Quote[/b] (N6WK @ April 06 2005,23:07)]How about a Forum where we find out Who received warning PM's from the Mods the Month before. Kind of like the FCC enforcement letters every month? You know, What they Did and what the PM message detailed? Might make people think twice before hitting the "ENTER" key.
Also it would show that there was no favoritisim.

Just a Thought.

Gordon
N6WK
kinda like the Hall of Shame?

[N6WK]

Quote[/b] (K8YS @ April 07 2005,05:23)]kinda like the Hall of Shame?
Yea, That would be a GREAT name for it. I'll bet it could be a wonderful Deterent.

[WF7I]

Speaking of "how comes", why is this topic still "stuck" at the top of this page? Doesn't everyone know by now the purpose of this forum? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[ai4ep]

...as long as folks like you & I keep making posts on this thread, it WILL stay at the top of the page...


next !!

[K7JBQ]

Quote[/b] (N6WK @ April 06 2005,21:07)]How about a Forum where we find out Who received warning PM's from the Mods the Month before. #Kind of like the FCC enforcement letters every month? #You know, What they Did and what the PM message detailed? # #Might make people think twice before hitting the "ENTER" key.
Also it would show that there was no favoritisim.

Just a Thought.

Gordon
N6WK
Gordon,

That would just foul things up. What would be the point of a "public" private message?

Besides, our Operational Tactics Manual comes from The Spanish Inquisition:

"Fear and surprise, surprise and fear. That's how we do it."

73,
Bill

[W2ILP]

The art of modern advertisement is to start with something entirely off topic and end up by selling something that should have been the topic to begin with. How can we sell ham radio to any sane person if we are supposed to start by talking about ham radio and putting it into an obvious topic heading to begin with? I saw a TV ad for some car. It started with a mountain climber pushing a button on an iceberg. I might have missed staying tuned to find out what was being advertised but I thought that the mountain climber might be advertising the Morse Code by keying that button. If other people who aren't interested in buttons turned off the commercial they might have not even know that it was going to advertise a car.
My point is you can't just have a topic that gets to one point.
A porqupine has better odds of sticking someone than a unicorn.
We can all read about Ham Radio in "QST" which is "devoted entirely to Amateur Radio". Let us have topics here that can be devoted to radio amateurs but start by letting them get to that topic from different points of view that can't usually be found in QST because they are off topic. Then a monitor would have to read the entire post to see if was on the topic of ham radio (or not) in the end. This would serve to make the monitor read stuff that most sane hams would not bother reading...just like ice mountain climbers sell cars. A stranger often calls on the telephone. First thing he asks is "How are you?" He doesn't give a darn how I am. He doesn't even know me. If I told him I was on death's door he wouldn't care. He just wants to sell me a chiminy cleaning service, even though I don't have a chiminy. If you want to talk about the topic of radio amateurs you have to talk about something off topic to begin with because most hams know all there is (or all they think there is) to know about ham radio. It takes something off the topic of amateur radio to get them interested in reading anything that is not a one liner about ham radio. I suspect they get that way because they keep their messages short in case the band conditions change. This chat group is not time limited by sun spots or atmospheric changes. In my humble opinion we can afford to have a lot of long off topic posts as long as the last one gets to the ham radio topic and lots of readers and posters are motivated to follow it there because they aren't so sure what it is going to be about. I don't want to only read about the successful hams here either. I want to hear from the ham who built the transmitter that had every stage oscillating but the oscillator.

Enuf sed,
w2ILP

[kc0rkg]

Im glad the topics will be moved and not removed.

Good idea!

73-KC0RKG

[KC0W]

Quote[/b] (WF7I @ April 07 2005,04:17)]Speaking of "how comes", why is this topic still "stuck" at the top of this page? #Doesn't everyone know by now the purpose of this forum? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Going on a few months now.


Tom kcØw

[n0zu]

The you your self FRED
should have not started anything about

k1man
what didthat have to do with
Ham radio

I think every one could have went to the FCC WEB page or the ARRL web page and read it

instead of you tring to rud it in

Teach your self what you preach

or do you have alhimers

[dl7om]

hello:O

[k6bbc]

Okay, but this policy is no longer new. DON’T YA THINK IT’S TIME TO PULL IT DOWN?

BBC

[KC0W]

Eight months & counting!!!!


Tom kcØw

[al2i]

It is a comforting landmark at the top of the page. I might even read it eventually. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ka0gkt]

Bravo!

[KC0W]

The guest who stayed too long.


Tom kcØw

[w5ljm]

I hope that includes discussing model railroads in a T&O Amateur Radio thread already in progress.
73 Fred and take care. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ai4ep]

hee hee hee

as long as one of us keeps makeing a post, the name will change on the right...and the thread will ALWAYS be at the top where it belongs.

But with folks seeing NEW callsigns there every so often, the casual reader will THINK that this is a normal thread and that it is ok to make a post on/in it.

or am I totally wrong ?

ai4ep (Robert)

[al2i]

You are partly right. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[K7JBQ]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ Aug. 22 2005,14:53)]hee hee hee

as long as one of us keeps makeing a post, the name will change on the right...and the thread will ALWAYS be at the top where it belongs.

But with folks seeing NEW callsigns there every so often, the casual reader will THINK #that this is a normal thread and that it is ok to make a post on/in it.

or am I totally wrong ?

ai4ep (Robert)
And we moderators will have to keep on checking, just in case. Thanks, guys.

All's quiet on the western front.

73,
Bill

[dl7om]

Thanks Fred, we needet this ..

[KD8HMO]

...ummm....oh yeah! I guess it is! I'm so used to thinking of it as its own special category, totally apart from normal amateur radio topics.

But if code/no-code is banned on T&O, wouldn't the only place left for it be over on the political board? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

As far as I am concerned, the dropping of the code requirement is a done deal and a non-issue. I see no reason to allow anymore of it or allowing posters to insult other licensed operators because they didnt have to take a test. Maybe with a new forum should come new civility rules, moderators? Just a thought...

[kc4umo]

Good job Fred