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Steve said in another thread that when upholstery threads start being posted, folks will gravitate towards them and not the other.  I kind of suspect that is true but don't know for sure.

Be that as it may, during my time as a moderator on a forum for people with back and spinal issues, we had multiple forums: necks, backs, fibro-myalgsia (sp?), chronic pain, surgery, spiritual, tobacco addiction, etc.  We also had a forum that was described as a place to come and share a cup of coffee and talk about current events.  The admin may not want to set it up.  I don't know how difficult this software is to do such a thing. 

I don't think it would be a bad thing to have such a forum added but then the problem becomes deciding what should and should not be moved to that forum.  Someone may get their panties in a wad because their topic was moved and they feel that it was pertinent to upholstery. 

I think that it has been purposely set up very simplistically because it doesn't take a lot of moderating.  Moderating truly is a thankless job, take it from one who has worn those shoes.

Of the top current top 12 topics (not counting the two stickies, 7 are germain and 5 are not.  This thread was already being discussed in the Tune Up thread, so it could easily be 8 to 4 (topic 13 is also germaine to upholstery).  My take is that it's not as dire as being made out.  Of course, that's just my opinion.

Virginia

Gene, we have always had non upholstery talk (since I started posting that is).  Folks have posted pictures of dogs they found homes for, talk of dogs and pictures of their dog or dogs, pictures or videos of grandkids, holiday get togethers, well wishes for a family member recovering from an ailment, requests for postcards for a grandchild's class project, my busted knee and contractor from h*ll.  In my opinion, those threads are the glue that binds us as it makes us humans.  I think one or two other posters said that as well.  I know it was what took people off the pedestals I had them on and made me see that they were no different from anyone else, just had a ton of experience under their belts.  Just my opinion though. 

I will also say that I've never seen any post neglected for the bs.  I tend to defer to you long termers on a lot of threads because I don't feel as confident.  There have been a couple of threads that I knew that I had the knowledge and jumped in with my $0.02 worth.  I honestly don't think that people would leave over a little koffee klatzing.  Someone did mention in either this or the Tune-Up thread that perhaps a new forum could be started for those wishing to socialize a little before going to work.  I would whole heartedly support that suggestion.

Virginia

Also should have added that there are quite a few very knowledgeable posters on this site.  When you find your way over here as a very green newbie, it can be very intimidating to even ask a question.  You may or may not even know the correct terminology for the method you are trying to use and you are supposed to ask these people who sound like gods of the upholstery world a question.  I, for sure, felt like Dorothy when she went to see the Great and Powerful Oz the first time.

I'm not saying you should change your posting methods or standards, I'm just offering a possible explanation of why it seems like so many new posters blurt out a question and then depart to parts unknown never to be heard from again. 

Contrary to Dorothy, my experience was that after I stammered and stuttered and figured out some of the correct terminology, most people were very friendly and, in my opinion, genuinely want you to succeed.  That was one of the reasons that I hung around here.  This is a great support system but it may not be readily apparent to a new poster.

Virginia

Insightful post for a newbie !  Keep at it  :)

SA

Why thank you sir!  Appreciate your feedback!

Virginia

PS.  It's awfully early on a Sunday.  Yet here sit you, myself and Paul.  I was going to sleep in today.  Sleep is highly overrated though.

Virginia..... when Bernie and Trump go at it I'm glad you're here for me to taunt  :o
SA

Thanks Paul!

And they say that you can't go home again!

Virginia

Virginia..... when Bernie and Trump go at it I'm glad you're here for me to taunt  :o
SA

Steve, I'm shocked you would say such a thing!!!  LOL

I hope that your prophesy is correct.

Virginia

I'm guessing that this place is what is known as "self-moderating" but don't know for sure.  I know the admin are displayed in a different color from the rest of us pukes and that is the only difference I've ever seen.

Right before I had my back fused, I was a volunteer moderator on a board for people with spinal issues.  Man, never again.  Someone was always upset.  Their thread had been hi-jacked or was not being given enough attention (responses) or whatever.  I always felt that had a lot to do with the fact that 99% of the people posting were in severe pain (just injured, needed surgery, recovering from surgery, failed surgery).  If you have a successful outcome, you reclaim your life and go about your business again.

To a point, some of that is true here (longevity of users).  A lot of folks come by to get a problem resolved, tips on how to start an upholstery business, etc.  They get the help they need and, hopefully, are off running a very successful upholstery business.  I felt like I had found my niche here.  Liked that there didn't seem to be a lot of drama.  I also recognized that I was likely to have more questions.  Time passed and I made a couple of friends along the way so I stayed, felt comfortable enough to post about things not 100% upholstery related.  I think that is something all "lifers" are guilty of.

Virginia

Love it!  Is it, as it sounds, a desk that sits on your lap or are there legs still to be attached?  How old is that sucker?

Virginia

Hi All!

I was encouraged by a friend to not let one person ruin, what to me, has been a great forum.  I've learned more than I can ever begin to tell you from some very knowledgeable people and I hope that I've been able to pass along a little of what I've learned along the way.

Keith's remarks just caught me at a bad time and I decided if he felt that way, everybody did.  I was told that wasn't true.  So, here I am.

I normally have pretty thick skin but his remarks, a broken knee and dealing with the limited mobility that causes and all the contractor issues, it was, as they say, the straw that broke the camel's back.

I don't read a lot of threads because I know that what is being discussed is not anything I am ever going to attempt.  Perhaps Keith should try that with mine.

Virginia