How should XMTS grow and improve?

[pastorsteve]

Thanks for that. I'll just use my internal ignore button if it ever gets to that. I figure if you'll listen to my opinion, I can listen to yours.

[JelicoCat]

I to think another subforum is not needed. I use the "new post" button more than any other as I am still new enough to kilt wearing that I take in as much as possible from all the subforums. To many subforms and xmarks community may splinter into subgroups as well. It seems to me that the current set up works well. Sure I have seen heated debates but that is a result of peoples passion for kilts, not the lack of subforums.

[Rex_Tremende]

I fully expect that I am on a few peoples "ignore" lists. That doesn't mean I think they are bad people, or hateful, or anything. If using the feature makes X marks a more enjoyable experience for them, then that's great. It's not gonna *kill* me to be on a couple of peoples "ignore" list.

Some time ago, I learned second-hand (ostensibly) that my posts have made a few people uncomfortable. I really would have hoped if that were true, I would have been put on their ignore list, but that was apparently too much to ask. I've never used it myself, but I do think that if you're not capable of looking away, the ignore function would certainly help.

A couple of pages back, I suggested an ignore thread/forum feature. I tend to not pay attention to who makes what noise, but whole threads are another matter. A bad one is just like a gruesome wreck on my drive down the information superhighway, and I have trouble with rubbernecking.

[off topic]
But anyway, Alan, I think you are giving yourself too much credit for being an irritant. You may have raised a few eyebrows from time to time, but I seriously doubt with all that you've added to our community here that you've sunk to the level of ignorable.

The same goes for you, DWFII. You may be in a different camp than others, but you're nothing if not respectable.
[/off topic]

Regards,
Rex.

[cessna152towser]

Well I don't always see eye to eye with everybody here, but I'm happy to say I have not yet put anyone on "ignore". We may disagree vehemently about some issues but one thing we all have in common is a love of the kilt.

[English Bloke]

Eh up?

I love being a part of X Marks. I'm still new compared to most so please appreciate, I haven't yet grasped the importance of the Sub Forum. I just thought we were a world-wide group of Blokes and Blokess's with a common interest in Kilts.

Unfortunately, up until reading this thread, I hadn't realised that X Marks is a street of many shops rather than the Super-Mall I had taken it for. I was under the impression that when we sign up we get a cart and are free to wander any aisle that takes our fancy, picking up bits here and there as today's needs require. Yesterday it was Utilikilts, today it's the full 8 yards/4 yard box whatever, tomorrow Argylls and hose, next week, who knows?

The feeling I get from this thread is it's appearently all about specialist shopping. You're only allowed into a particular shop if you're going to buy, NO browsing allowed. NO tyre kicking, SERIOUS bidders only, if you want mp3's don't go to the vinyl shop.

I think I prefered my initial, though perhaps naive impression, of it being broader community. Seems majority prefers the 'my niche' option. I think that's a 'less freedom' option but I'm on the train now so I'll go where it goes.

How to fix it?

It's not broken in my opinion. That said, the site does need to reflect the changing needs of the members and the membership has become quite tetchy lately, to the point of unpleasantness. My solution to all this will be to continue to float as I have previously but I will temper my posts and responses in light of what I have seen on this thread.

To anyone I have offended in the past, all be it inadvertantly, I apologise.
To anyone I've offended with this post... I intend to post less. (phew!!)
Anyone who has offended me? I Couldn't care less really, just talk to the haaaand!!

OFF TOPIC: Happy Mothers Day to all the Mums by the way! (UK Mum's day is: Sun 22 March.)

[Highland Logan]

The feeling I get from this thread is it's appearently all about specialist shopping. You're only allowed into a particular shop if you're going to buy, NO browsing allowed. NO tyre kicking, SERIOUS bidders only, if you want mp3's don't go to the vinyl shop.

I think you misunderstand. No one cares what you read, or what sub-forum you may want to post in. You just have to remember where you are before you post.

For example if your in the Traditional Highland Dress sub-forum, and someone is asking a question on proper dress, it's best advised not to chime in with "who cares, ware it any way you please". The poster asked a serious question, and would like a serious answer from those who know. Same is true about the Contemporary & Non-Traditional Kilts. There's no point of a traditionalist ventureing in there and trying to tell people how to dress.

So at the end of the day, read the whole board... just remember where you are when you deside to post.

Frank

[DWFII]

You're only allowed into a particular shop if you're going to buy, NO browsing allowed. NO tyre kicking, SERIOUS bidders only, if you want mp3's don't go to the vinyl shop.

It's a good analogy but, with all due respect, not consistent. What I mean by that is...to use your analogy...anyone can wander into any shop they like, pick up and examine the merchandise, even drag the goods off to the changing room.

Where the vision breaks down, in my opinion, is that it is surely unreasonable to expect to walk into an Orvis shop and start talking about kitchenware. Or to start comparing a Cuisinart to a Hardy perfect. It's a different mind-set isn't it?

Continuing your analogy, if one wants a 14 foot boron spey rod for a 9 weight, it is equally unreasonable to head over to Bromley's, money clenched in hand.

There was a bit of a brouhaha in England the other day about a fellow--a Sri Lankan immigrant-cum-British-citizen shopkeeper (if I remember correctly)--who refused to sell to people who couldn't, or wouldn't speak, English.

Does the shopkeeper have the right to refuse service to someone who can't or won't learn the national language or must he be effectively compelled to learn every language being spoken on the street?

[Jock Scot]

Some one mentioned the idea a while ago and I think it really has merit. How about a "so you are going to visit Scotland/Ireland/UK place"? Particularly as there are due to be more than the normal number of visitors here this year. Phil, Redshank and many "locals" are doing their best to help, but maybe their useful information could be more co-ordinated?

[English Bloke]

... I think you misunderstand...

That wouldn't be the first time!

... So at the end of the day, read the whole board... just remember where you are when you deside to post.

As previously stated, I intend to.

... My solution to all this will be to continue to float as I have previously but I will temper my posts and responses...

[McClef]

I'm not convinced that having sub forums for every state or province is really necessary.