What I need to know about the CB1100...

[lackskill_imp]

Well, there's a lot of hash getting slung here now!

Funny thing is, I have never started a controversial thread. I did not call anyone a name. I did not insult anyone. I wonder how many folks responding to this thread checked to see just what "controversy" or offensive behaviour I was actually guilty of! A quick search of my posts and threads will show that they're about as milque-toast as one could hope for, quite civil, and generally informative if not helpful.

But yes, as one poster above pointed out in a rather humorous graphic, I did -- per Guth's request -- post a thread about what I needed to know about the CB1100, as a fishing expedition. And the feeding frenzy was on, encouraged by Guth's calling me a "know-it-all", and I quote: "You've made it clear that in your mind, you're a know-it-all when it comes to the CB1100."

Guys, take a look at my posts. See if I've slandered anyone or used any kind of malicious sarcasm. I have not.

My comment that threads have been "shut down" was not to say that they were "locked" but to indicated that just when things start to get lively (not ugly or mean-spirited), it seems that a preemptive strike takes place by the heavy hand of the moderators, and in my view, that's been premature on many occasions.

I say again: the CB1100 is a very simple motorcycle. Yes, beginning riders will find it a good place to start learning about motorcycle design and maintenance. As a long-time rider, it offers no challenge to me along those lines. Does this make me a know-it-all? Of course not, and I've never suggested I know it all. I made a statement about the simplicity of the CB1100, ironically something that endears it to many riders, myself included.

A quick scan of the membership and content of this site shows that less than three dozen people are generating the vast majority of the content. If there are in fact about 1000 members, this is a bit unbalanced and would indicated a large number of lurkers or inactive users. That would suggest, from a marketing research perspective, that the vast majority of registered users are either reluctant to post or have abandoned the site altogether.

This brings me to my point; a very tightly-controlled discussion group such as this is not really a "forum" at all, but more of a private community. If the object is to expand the roster, the overly tight moderation seems counterproductive, since the retro-bike phenomenon is catching on; note Yamaha's new SR400, for example.

If the object is to have a tightly-controlled, more exclusive group of individuals, then that's something altogether different.

Managing an internet forum is no easy task. The people that do manage them are volunteers who enjoy both the topic and the members. If either of those ingredients are lost, so is the interest.

I don't claim to have extensive experience, but from what experience I do have, these places are much easier and more enjoyable to run if the conversations stay civil. As soon as opposing emotional perspectives are introduced, civility finds the door.

By curbing potential heated emotional debates early on, they're ensuring that the initial (which are usually the longest tenured and most active) user base recognizes that kind of behavior won't be tolerated here. For the most part, those initial users will both help enforce this rationale and set an example for the people that join after.

I tend to think of these places as the owner's house, or in some other cases, maybe their place of business. I wouldn't walk into their home or place of business and try to have conversations that the owner doesn't want, especially after I've been asked not to have them. I AM free to have that conversation, but as a rational and respectful adult, I'd take it elsewhere. I haven't been here long, but I've yet to see anyone be intentionally disrespectful.

Considering this place doesn't have a lot of vested stakeholders, isn't for profit as far as I can tell, and at the end of the day, belongs to Guth, however he chooses to run it is the correct way. None of us has to agree with him, but we do have to respect his decisions. Which, by the way, I think he does a pretty good job of staying rational and logical about as well. Case in point being this thread and the fact that his decision making can be debated in his house.

I'd like this place to stick around because I do have some things I'd like to learn while I'm here. You should stick around as well. You never know, you might just pick something up along the way.