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Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: barrysloateIt's also the degree of O/T that should be considered. Making an observation about Cap Anson's life away from baseball is different than asking if one thinks Barry Bonds takes steroids. At least one relates to the 19th century game, while the other is irrelevant to this board.

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: peter chaoTwo Ideas I really like are one self-policing so that we post O/T only once a month. And if poster doesn't do it then Leon should. Secondly, I like the idea of putting O/T in the message title.'s The whole thing is once there are too many O/T's in the message title, people will think that it's alright for everybody to make more O/T posts. Peter

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: mr. mosesyou and I on same page. I too am reading the posts from page 311 to the present and had some thoughts but when I solicited others to comment on the past five years there was little interest. So be it. We are what we are now and not what we used to be. Recently Tony Soprano remarked that "remember when is the lowest form of conversation".... While I disagree (especially in a forum) YOU tell him that! God while I love being bad; in this thread you can go OT about going OT...... Priceless.

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: ramramramI didn't make through the whole thread so my apologies if this has been mentioned - What about having a separate zone, like the BST, that people can post off topic subjects. Leon can also sweep any threads he considers off topic into this zone. That way you aren't locking any threads, just controling them. If people want to keep up a friendly banter, they can still do that. It is somewhat like the chat room but has the advantage of non-time sensitive responses. Rob M.

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: DanWas I guilty of some picture taboo or was it one of the other Dan's? Peter, of course you think that is a suitable solution. Get the clue man, you are one of the main reasons this O/T thing came up!!!!

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: gregRob, I suggested that earlier in the thread. The best bet for talking memorabilia will be to go to: <a href="http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/</a> Hope to see you there. Greg

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: leonThis really shouldn't be the "best" place to talk memorabilia. I hope it's the best place to talk cards though....A little memorabilia, per the rules, is very cool and I and almost everyone else will enjoy it. I don't really care to start additional places on this forum for talking about other stuff....Nothing personal guys...I think Joann and Gilbert nailed it....as well as many, many others...Thanks to all for keeping this discussion civil. I truly hope the board polices itself....best regards

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: gregThanks for letting me air an opinion, Leon. Memorabilia discussions are always civil and friendly. I can't ever remember an occasion when they aren't. I just don't understand why people aren't interested in the uniform some player is wearing on a card (if in fact it's not an artist's interpretation), or a bat that's on his shoulder, but, hey, who am I to question. I'll keep reading the posts. You'll probably never hear much from me again as there's not a heck of a lot to talk about overpriced and overvalued Red Sox cards (with the exception of a few postcards that I know, but those really aren't true cards, are they....) All the best, and thanks again for hearing me out. Greg

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: leonYou seem like a good guy. I always appreciate your posts....You said: "I just don't understand why people aren't interested in the uniform some player is wearing on a card (if in fact it's not an artist's interpretation), or a bat that's on his shoulder, but, hey, who am I to question." The answer is I/we do like this kind of stuff and are interested. This just isn't "the" place to talk about it (for the most part). Kind of like going to a fried chicken place for a hamburger. I love both but I don't go to KFC and ask for a cheeseburger. That's all....All collecting is fun and memorabilia can be talked about on here in small doses....and the way O/T stuff in much smaller doses.....take care now...

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: AnonymousThanks Leon, You seem like a good guy too. You really should lay off the KFC and the hamburgers though... Trust me, that stuff aint good for you. <G> And I never got to post a pic of my new Royal Rooters WS pin, bummer. Nuf Ced. Have a great day. greg

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: peter chaoLeon, How about this idea, why don't we have about 3 threads on each page and designate them as the O/T threads. If there are fewer than 3 we will feel free to add an O/T. On the other hand if there are more than 3 we'll hold back. And of course, we need a 4th O/T for Barry's Seinfeld jokes. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> Peter

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: JoannPeter, I'm not sure I'm exactly following you in this and some of the other threads about OT. First, there is a difference between an on topic thread that wanders offcourse and a thread that is started purely for the purpose of discussing something off topic. And some of them are way off topic. Boxing? Leon's rules and guidelines have worked well here for a very long time. There are fairly regular "near topic" posts about autographs, post-WWII cards, memorabilia, photos, etc. Less occasionally there are completely OT posts, but they tend to be about major sporting events (usually a Super Bowl thread, a Kentucky Derby thread), etc and are almost always started by people that have been around here since before this was even the board. And once in a blue moon you get things completely non-sports related. I guess I'm not quite sure why you are pushing this. In some ways it seems like you are falling just short of demanding some right to post whatever is on your mind at any given time. Or at least being very persistent. These rules and guidelines have been in place and effective for a long time, and to be honest I don't think they will or should change just because a few newer people have appeared on the scene and would like to have things be different. Group assimilation never works that way. You are a good poster here generally and I enjoy your presence in this forum. But I kind of wish you wouldn't try to take Barry's occasional Seinfeld references and make that an analogy as to why you should be able to post about boxing or basketball or other completely OT items that interest you. Barry has been in this hobby for decades, has contributed here regularly, and the occasional Seinfeld references tend to be one-liners that do not derail a topic. That's different. It just is. Respectfully, because I do think you are a good addition to this board, Joann

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: barrysloateAnd to take it a step further, while we've had a few laughs identifying lines or scenes from Seinfeld, I think I'm getting tired of being the Seinfeld guy. Maybe somebody else would like to wear that crown for awhile.

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: Steve fOkay, but only if I can post youtubees. <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W5OkhYDrZCA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W5OkhYDrZCA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: peter chaoJoanne, Why didn't you tell me this thread was only a facade. That Leon never really intended to make any changes. That would have saved all of us a lot of trouble. Peter

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: E, DanielPeter, the thread as posted by Leon is not a facade - you've merely misread it. Leon is looking for suggestions on how to stop the off topics, and not ideas on how to create a balanced forum allowing a certain number. It may sound that way as Leon and many acknowledge OT's will happen, truth is they are not regarded favourably and hopefully supply only the odd zinger or comic relief - and not a regular discussion point. I really like your breezy posting style and attempts to diffuse cantankerous clashing opinion, but changing the focus of this board is unwarranted. Truth is, if the forum became too chatty the glue that is the cardboard knowledge would quickly disappear and the boardwould become a CU copy. It's the uniqueness of the participants and their hobby knowledge that makes the site what it is. You don't really want to change it, do you? Daniel

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: peter chaoDaniel, I know where your coming from. And all I did was make suggestions, I'm not demanding that Leon do anything. It just seems to me that when people see a lot of O/T posts their natural inclination is to post one of their own. We can reverse that by making O/T posts clearer and stating that it is the policy of this board to avoid O/T posts once we see a certain number on the front page. It is a practical suggestion and I thought that's what Leon wanted. Peter

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: AlanA simple solution would be to create a "Net54 Vintage Baseball MEMORABILIA Forum". Same exact format as this one, but for memorabilia. I know there's a similar one mentioned earlier, but it's not the same look as this one (same logon & password) with the B/S/T area, links, etc,... Alan

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: Dan BrettaI know nothing about how to set these types of forums up, but I would be interested in doing a Net54 memorabilia forum if someone showed me how. At the very least I could moderate it if someone set it up.

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: peter chaoDan, You don't know what your getting yourself into. Notice how Leon started looking like George after moderating this board for a while. Well, after a while you may resemble Kramer. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> Peter

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: JKI think we can reverse this trend by simply not making OT posts that have nothing to do with baseball, and more directly, 19th century baseball. An occasional truly OT post is also fine for regular contributors IMO.

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: Steve Murrayso will you please stop bidding!!!

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: peter chaoBut have people noticed. It is the O/T posts that sometimes get the most attention. Is that good or bad. Peter

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: Lee BehrensPeter, At what point do you realize what this board is here for? VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS It is pretty straight forward, if you want to discuss other subjects find another forum. It has actually been quite nice lately with what I can find as only 3 O/T threads since this was pointed out and was started by you. Can you give it break and go with the main subject? Lee

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: John Kalafarski Yes, I've noticed the threads have returned to dead ball era cards almost exclusively. Not even Goudeys or Delongs or Diamond Stars or Batter Ups. Heaven forbid someone brings up Jackie Robinson cards. Or the great '52 Topps. E93 beaters: that's the ticket. Bloody awful dull.

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: Dave FWondering why if you find pre-war material so dull what the reason is your even here? I'm sure the CU boards you could have a field day talking about Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, and even Felipe Alou.

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: Steve Murraybut then thought better of it. This is from an ebay listing. And you thought I had "Rules". <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> Warning! Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! Items DO NOT come from a smoke free, petless, hermetically sealed home. With respect to eBayers who are living the American Dream with a chicken in every pot, 2 cars in the driveway, 2.5 children in a spacious home, and so on—I am not living that life. The cramped apartment (with no driveway or covered parking in Minnesota) smells like a bar, and has a very fuzzy black and white cat who roams freely (and who once threw up in my shoe). This means items WILL smell of smoke and there will probably be cat hair floating around. In addition, old paper items are sometimes musty (Frankly, I'M allergic and am constantly sneezing). If any of the above is a problem for you, PLEASE do not bid. In response to a recent e-mail from an eBayer who did not bid but felt the need to lambaste me for my warning section and chide me for making her lapse into a coma, I should change the above statement to "Please do not bid, and not bidding without comments is preferable." In addition, if you think you may be overcome by a compulsion to mention unpleasant odors in feedback—or to ask for your money back—then it's a problem for you and you should refrain from bidding. And for those eBayers who have not heeded my warning to refrain from commenting on the smoky odor in feedback and warn other eBayers to read the disclaimer…sigh. Sigh. Sigh. In response to numerous inquiries: No, I am NOT kidding about the above, though you are just as likely to get some of my hair tapped to the package as the cat's hair. You will recognize it because it is long, curly, and thick. Have I mentioned that my essay "Jewish Hair" is going to be published in a literary journal? (Update: The world of lit journals is so slow, I'll be experiencing female pattern balding before I finally see my words on the page. In fact, one piece that was accepted five years ago—yes, five years ago, just came out in print.) In response to another inquiry: No, your item does not include dust bunnies, but I don't know how many ways to say that you're going to get some cat hair and/or my hair. I will, however, endeavor to ship as little hair as possible. I am considering shaving the cat and my head before my warning section grows to book length. Sigh. In response to three recent incidents: A couple of ladies have nicely suggested that I put the smoking warning first because they get all excited but then can't bid. Another nice lady bought from me and then saw the warning. Listen peeps, I'll always, always, always refund your money if you are not satisfied—whatever the reason for your dissatisfaction—but I gotta say that I'm getting a little frustrated. I think I'll write an essay about eBay, which would definitely includes the lines, "If I ever found myself describing an item as 'shabby chic' or 'cottage chic' or, God help me 'chippy'—I'd make an appointment for deprogramming. I will also NOT inform you that something is 'collectible.' I think we're all smart enough to know what we collect and what we don't. And finally, I will not list items week after week and year after year that say I am selling my 'ex-husband's baseball collection.'" I have resisted writing this next paragraph for a long time, and I'm sighing heavily now as I type: For the foreigners: I love you, I have lived among you in various countries over my lifetime and no, I will not ship out of the U.S. at the moment because it is a time consuming hassle and eBay is not my "real" job—if it were, I'd be living in a tent and stealing food out of my cat's mouth. Sending me argumentative e-mail or telling me that, "Other sellers ship outside the U.S." is not going to change my mind. I'm sorry. Have your American pals bid for you and I'll be happy to send it to them. While we're on the subject of shipping, my shipping costs are extremely reasonable and always listed. I use First Class mail when it's 12 oz. or under, flat rate envelopes for over 12 oz., and flat rate boxes for my heavy lots—and I almost ALWAYS COMBINE SHIPPING for items ending within a week of each other. Please refrain from sending me e-mails that ask me to ship things by pony express, (or whatever new/better/different way that you want me to send items) or e-mails that ask, "Why is shipping so much more [$8.10] on this lot, when it's only $4.05 on the other???" Not only do I resent the extra question marks, which imply I'm trying to rip people off, (or am stupid) but if said bidder had read the description, said bidder would not have had to send me this charming little question. Ok, ok, the description is long and one might be forgiven for missing pertinent information, but I'm holding my ground on what the extra question marks imply. The polite way to question shipping charges that seem so extreme that you're sure the seller has his/her head in a dark place is to say, "I'm wondering if the shipping charge of $10.00 for the 2 postcards you have listed is correct." Sadly, it probably is right and the seller is getting around eBay fees by charging an absurd amount for shipping. Personally, I just suck it up and pay eBay's fees rather than stick it to the unwitting, unconscious, or untried bidder. Regarding tactics employed by eBayers that do not work on me: Repeatedly asking me to list something RIGHT NOW that I've said I don't have RIGHT NOW, doesn't work. DEMANDING that I do X, Y, or Z also does not work. While I am extremely accommodating and almost always say, "Yes" to requests, demands are just…strange. (And while I don't want to turn away business, I'm not the only seller on eBay.) Last time I looked, I was not an indentured servant. Packing: I pack items to withstand a nuclear holocaust. I often use odd packing material. I've been known to use dresses (always cute ones), batik wall hangings, holiday hand towels (always in excellent condition). Don't worry, I WILL NOT use a disposable diaper (used or unused) which was how somebody sent me an item once—at least it was unused and had cartoon characters on it for that added bit of class. P.S. Thanks for all the "fan mail" about my warning (and also the "reward/mercy" bids—a few people have told me that they bid on my item just because they liked my warning essay). Between eBay and my deadly dull day job (tech writing) I'm not getting any of my own writing done and must use my creative writing skills in my listings. I did finally get the blog going a few months ago with links to stuff of mine that's been published so if you're interested: 12/31 update: Had to remove the link to my blog from my listings. Someone actually turned me in and I had a listing canceled. Man, what a spoilsport. Cat update: Eddie-Small-Devil Kitty caught wind of my threat to shave him and has taken to glaring at me with a malevolent eye. Not only that, he's taken to crouching by my head when I'm sleeping and yowling in my ear. Cat update 2: Worse than the evil eye: one night last month, I awoke to find Eddie staring at me. In his mouth, a dangling live mouse—which he then dropped in the bed with me as a little token of his love. Cat update 3: I've gotten a ton of e-mail asking what happened after Eddie deposited the mouse next to me, so here's the rest of the story. When I saw the furry little rodent inches from my face, I sighed, sat up, and sighed some more. While trying to figure out what to do, dear Eddie picked up the mouse, jumped off the bed, and ran out of the room. When I got to the living room, he was batting it around, looking slightly bored. The mouse took refuge in my backpack, which fired Eddie up again. Eddie nosed around but the mouse was hiding under the pile 'o stuff I carry around with me. I waited for the mouse to come out, picked it up with a towel, and took it outside. Poor little guy wasn't in the best shape and may have gone to the happy hunting grounds in the sky where the mice are cat-sized and the cats are mouse-sized. Cat update 4: I went to Albuquerque to buy a loft in the old 1938 Albuquerque High School building and had to leave poor little Ed alone in the apartment for two days—for the first time in the ten years of his life. He is now completely traumatized and follows me everywhere. My next worry is him yowling all the way to Alb. in the car. My worry after that is him falling off the 2nd floor of my new loft (no wall, just a railing).

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: John Kalafarski Hi Dave, I like the way the board is. I would miss the discussions about the pennant race, Bond's not really breaking the record, the hand painted cards of Monty Sheldon, and so many other mostly baseball related things we've discussed. If the focus becomes reduced to pre-war, I would ask what war? To me, a Yogi Berra '50 Bowman is not only beautiful, but vintage. People need to look up the word vintage in the dictionary. The '50 Drakes are great cards, but we can't talk about them here. If the board is reduced to pre 1945, I will be left to wonder, like Robert Frost, "what to make of a diminished thing."

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: Lee BehrensIn case you missed the header about what this board is about: Hello to all visitors! This is a moderated forum for the discussion of primarily Pre-WWII baseball cards and related topics. If you are posting for the first time, please read our list of Forum Rules on our "Rules" page before proceeding. The forum will be moderated mainly to keep its focus. You can directly contact the moderator here if you have any questions or comments. Enjoy! I think it tells all, why can't people confirm and want to change it? Lee

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: leonThis board has not been reduced to Pre-WWII it has always been this way. It's the way our founding fathers had it and it's the focus of this board currently. There are many other places to talk about other stuff. With that being said I don't think we've ever said anything much about an occasional 1950's card or two (at least when there's not an abundance of off topics going at the same time).... It's off topic and ok regards

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: AlanMaybe there's enough interest for a network54 post-war thru 1960 or 1970 or whatever board <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: Dave FAlan..your right..maybe there is enough interest...there is probably enough interest for 80's junk too...but certainly Leon and Brian shouldn't be responsible for creating all this...and catering to that crowd. the memorabilia forum was great..but it was a related subject...anything else..just isnt..IMO.

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: mr. mosesI saw that auction. It was it believe an auction for everything he owned and as he listed every item it came up on one of my searches. Pisch in my pants funny and I was surprised it didn't end up on youtube or whatever-maybe Jay leno.....

Too many off topics again....suggestions?

Posted By: Ken McMillanHow about 20 lashes with a wet noodle for going off topic. Or maybe the off topicee should walk a cardboard plank off a cardboard pirate ship....Suggestions Ken