New CR4 Members - A Silent Majority?

Well, I guess that makes sense.

I'm naive enough to believe spammerism has run most of it's nasty course.

It is so odd, difficult to believe... I checked articles about forum spammers, phone spammers, newsgroup spam... and it seems to be all about money.

No we get about 10 spams a night, and usually a bit more on weekends...it has its ups and downs, but that is the average for the last several years...SE the SK

Those are spambots.....not real people....

You are probably right but a spammer is a spammer whether it is alive or not. Still annoying.

How inapropriate would it be to require new members to pass a test with general qustions from 1st year engineering, before registering? I believe about 10 multiple option questions would greatly increase the content quality in this forum.

A second test with grammar for those who want to post would be even better. Difference between their and they're should be in all of them.

This way people could have fun learning from the tests and posting related facts once they have passed them, just like when we were young!

It would be fun to try to guess who wrote which questions

that would definitely change what has been an open forum

that's actually a pretty good idea.

I edited this to add...

And until they graduate from 10 posts under themselves, they shall be referred to as 'plebes'.

I like classical references.

How about "pollywogs"?

SILENCE

the term to be used are plebes... ^{or tadpoles}.....

I don't know that we would be rid of the slimy mess, but I believe it could reduce substantially the spam entries. I'm throwing you a GA as well.

Been so long since I joined I cannot remember: do you currently need to correctly identify a CAPTCHA (or similar) challenge to join CR4?

The spambots get smarter every year, pretty soon we won't be able to tell the difference at all....

Yeah, I've run across some CAPTCHAs that I can't figure out! We could be losing our edge over AI, and we're doing it to ourselves, like lemmings racing to the cliff edge. Does this make any sense?

GA from me too.

I really hate Captcha ("Let's see,... is the post that the road sign is attached to considered part of the sign...?" arrgh! "...oh damn, now there are more signs to click on..."). But as part of a one-time sign up process, that's a good idea.

Always I before e and sometimes y. (Real lesson)

I got an A in learning incorrect rules.

So long as school sucks you're gonna have to let me stay.

Ah, the supreme, and for many people solitary, spelling rule.

So many exceptions to this english spelling rule it's hardly worth learning.

..and on the one day I was paying attention!?

Aloud together class- "I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they"

Was it a lesson or for the chuckle?

The height of the weight?

...with a veiled rein...

The rule is

I before E except after C when the sound is ee

(except for Neil and seize and derivatives))

Weird

I'm not sure if that makes sense, but it doesn't.

I hope it's not retrospective, I might not pass.

"I hope it's not retrospective, I might not pass."

Sure you don't mean retroactive?

Even as a non-engineer myself, I would go along with the first part. There is no point in engaging with the community if one does not have a glimmering of what it is all about. However, I would urge tolerance of poor grammar. Many would-be participants do not have American English as their native tongue.

<...Many would-be participants do not have American English as their native tongue...>

Guilty!

I would flunk!

JPool is probably right about the spam. Another reason could be the newbies "getting the lay of the land".

JPool is right -- most of those new members are spammers who post once or twice and are then denied permission to post. We (the CR4 admin team) have talked about ways to cut down on spammers without discouraging genuine new members. Changing much of anything would require programming support, though, and our programming team is already spread as thin as graphene.

A new metaphor: as thin as graphene. I like it!

I still and forever believe that anonymous posting should not be allowed.

It mostly just allows trolling with no way to identify the trolls. Yes, I get that it is an anonymous forum, but you could at least track the jerks by their forum name.

I also don't buy the argument that bosses may identify posters and retaliate.

If you have something to say, stand up and ID yourself.

Our benevolent and magnanamous sponsor has to follow the rules:

Wikipedia tells us more about Anonymous Posting

So, for the time being, the AP feature appears to be here to stay.

I have sent a missive to Sue M. Bigtime, the litigious bulldog in high heels that LynDoor Freedom keeps on retainer, asking her to get ahold of some pantlegs in Washington and get this obvious abuse of the First Amendment reviewed.

I'm glad to see that my retirement has not dampened your zeal for protecting Truth, Justice and the American Way! Ever Vigilant LynDoor™ Top Dog that you are!

PS I'm having the little yacht refitted for more speed. It was a snug fit in the 100 foot dry dock, but Capt. Juan put it in without a scratch. I've given the crew the month off.

From the referenced article:

"Slashdot discourages anonymous posting by displaying "Anonymous Coward" as the author of each anonymous post."

Sounds like a great idea to me.

They used to do that here.

I think that's how Anonymous Hero got the idea for his name. I don't think he's posted for ages: anyone know how he is?

We also had a member called "Anonymous Coward": posted 9 times.

I smell eagle poop...........

If the mods delete the post I replied too, then please delete my reply. It doesn't fit well when it now replies to a different post. So please delete #67

... I've read so many great quotes by Anonymous..

-Anonymous

Your third paragraph is unacceptably naive. Perhaps not a frequent issue, but definitely a possibility. I personally have been identified by a supervisor, fortunately with no ill consequences.

I agree.

Yes, I have recently posted for the first time. Yes, I have been quiet and watching. Fear not. Though not vocal, I am interested. I am engaged. It's really not very easy to waltz into an established party, tap on shoulders, and gather the attention of the regulars. Never mind gaining their respect...everyone knows that is earned.

You've got a good thing going here CR4,...dry as it is at times, keep it up and engaged I will remain....so long as I am welcome! :)

E

I am in the same situation as Larry, however i find CR4 interesting and will keep reading the threads

Aside from spamming I do not see why the active members could worry about the silent majority. Those like me, whose mother language is not English, who are interested in proposed threads and enjoy the discussions about them, do not harm the site at all.

Hello Alexvs. I don't think there is any concern about members who just want to read threads and have nothing to add, there is no harm in that.

I think the O.P.'s question was why were there so many new members with no posts at all and it was answered with they are spammers. The spammers / spambots far out number the new members that wish to read and stay quiet.

I hope you continue to enjoy CR4 and please feel free to add to a discussion when you see fit.

JPool, thanks for your gracious response.

Alexvs, the CR4 management welcomes anyone who wants to participate, whether they prefer to read and not comment or to comment a lot. Reading CR4 is probably a good way to practice English and learn some technical terminology.

When I joined in 2008, from memory we needed to become a "member" to be able to access the machinery and other services on the site.

I was interested in the electronic assembly devices, injection moulding, materials drying, compressors and such and the forum was a side interest.

I think the distribution of commentators vs silent members is a reflection on us in general. At work we all know the people who will sit in the background and listen rather than be forthcoming and at the other end of the spectrum we have people who will comment on virtually everything. There is no right or wrong as everyone has a role to play. When we start dictating one must do X,Y and Z to be part of our gang things usually go sour.

I also follow another forum (not engineering related) where you have to sign up before you can even see the threads let alone reply meaning there is no anonymous posting.

I have made a few posts and more mistakes in my post. I also 'try' to remain silent. Many times others have made the same suggestion I was going to, so why repeat what they said?

I enjoy reading the posts, as time allows. For example, I love reading about the keel issues and solutions on one member's boat. I have never owned a boat, and don't plan to, but the discussion was interesting because it was different to me. I don't like it when politics intrudes, but I do respect the members for their knowledge and experience, in spite of any political views.

Most here in the forum have reinforced my thoughts and ideas on engineering issues and common sense issues. It helps me to realize that I am not crazy when the 'documented engineers' open their mouths. I will always believe they need to take a few 101 courses.

As for proper English, well, I usta could but i ain't a gonna no more. Seriously though, I used to have 'friends' that laughed when I tried to speak their language. That will shut someone up faster than anything. Correct them, don't condescend them.

Spammers' computers and connections should be drawn and quartered, however.

I do not post often except when I feel a post may really help someone. I am here to learn from others and be entertained. I am not an engineer, but a technician. I solve problems, not create them(ha,ha). If I am not sure of a solution or it has already been stated by someone else I keep quiet. Hopefully some of what I read here will come in useful to me in the future. I find this forum interesting and I read it almost every day. I consider this part of my ongoing education.

It appears that my first thought is at least partially correct. There is a lot of information in this forum and a lot of people join to learn. I post some, but more often than not, I just read through to see if there is anything new to learn, and,,, hopefully I will never stop(learning that is). If I feel I can contribute, I do so.

We've had several newer members chime in here. It's a pleasure to see you all, and a pleasure to see that you aren't some of the anticipated spammers.

As already stated, don't hesitate to make a comment on something. You never know what it may spark within a thread.

Uh oh. The spam bot detector just zapped you with 5 OTs.

When we make suggestions for changes we'd like to see implemented, as BIS reminded us, changes require massive amounts of programming time and we ride for free.

I think this is the best technical site in existence. I've looked at some others, but, this is home!

Must be a psychology class studying what happens to a bunch of nerds who spend their time anonymously bouncing off each other. (I hear James Stewart is banned again.)

I thought it was quiet around here.

Being a "standard" name only means that you've got thick enough skin to take a few hits and come back for more. Getting old, and this forum, ain't for sissies. Most members are over 50 and some over 80. Sure, we have youngsters too, even some students, but if they just don't ask for the answer straight away and ask for help, the forum will bend over backwards to help them, and you.

Finally, I have always adhered to the philosophy that the cold hard truth, no matter how painful it may be, is far better than being told a lie to spare our feelings.

Just keep coming back with something to say and before you know it you'll just be one of the old curmudgeons, like me. ^{(If that doesn't scare him away, nothing will)}

ADMIN: Deleted Post

Vulgar/Rude/Improper Behavior: This post was deleted because it did not adhere to the behavioral policies of the site. Please review Section 14 of the CR4 Site FAQ and the Rules of Conduct.

Damn! Can I get that report form in a booklet. I could use a case a day around my place. LoL

Sorry, it appears to be vulgar, unsavory or rude in someone's opinion. It's available online.

Actually saved it for later use. Not here, I guess.

ROFL Sounds like someone didn't like the mirror.

If you don't like the reflection, blame and break the mirror.

KB0RAE,

I just went back and reviewed ever post you have put up. That one good feature about this forum. You have the ability to check the history of every poster who does not post anonymously. (One reason I detest anonymous posts)

With the exception of the one rude remark by Phoenix 911 when you complained about spam, I saw nothing I would call bashing.

I'm guilty of some REAL bashing and I can tell you that you have NOT been bashed.

Come on back, you'll be fine.

I admit, I can now confess I avoided making comments or asking questions on account of one so mentioned, however, I do recall a stint of time without such one. The forum became a bit stale and much less entertaining across several topics. I do recall several members admitting concern for such one during the absence as well. It was almost a disruption to the CR4 space time continuum without the iconic lyndoor repertoire. It was definitely weird as others attempted to fill the void.

Thanks!

I just recently stumbled on comments made by forum members when it was thought that I had met an untimely demise and would never return. It was just a voluntary sabbatical.

Some comments were very kind, thank you, and many were very "interesting."

(cantankerous old bitty indeed!)

I'm sure you have been called worse (probably on this forum).

If the truth hurts, maybe it should.

If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

I know I have been called worse, ask me how much sleep I have lost over it.

Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

As you know, it's a two way street. Have at it.

Am I the only one that knows you are just a big pussy cat? That your bark is worse than your bite?

Maybe I have thicker skin than others, maybe it's because I am from Detroit.

You have made some comments to me in the past (mostly political), I hit back and we always ended it on a civil note.

I would never let a cantankerous old bitty get me down.

"Not very friendly water for the novice" you say, indeed it can be. To try to reinforce something here, any "novices" and even frequent users should make sure, when posing a question/problem to solve, to give enough detail in the initial post so that reasonable thoughts and/or answers can be given. An OP may think they have given enough detail, but then,, they already know the "complete" problem. Everyone knows what happens when you ASS/U/ME.

I hope you didn't take offence to what I said. I do respect Lyn as do I respect you.

You and Lyn are part of what makes CR4 so interesting, along with so many others. When we loose a Lyn, Andrew Westman, Tcmtech, Anonymous Hero, or anybody, it changes the balance and what CR4 is about.

JE, you have become part of what makes CR4 enjoyable for me, you and everybody else that is a regular on here keep me coming back.

There has to be a balance, some of us are on the dark side, some of us are on the light side. I try to get along with everybody, whether they want to get along or not.

Please continue to post whatever you want, I for one enjoy reading your comments along with everyone else's.

Thanks JP. I enjoy what you bring as well. You are a good ambassador for CR4. Much more so than I could ever could be.

The list of people missing? Yeah... It gets to me, but just a bit. It certainly does bring down the CR4 and discourage growth when we loose good members. I'm not going to speculate, but who's next?

I do realize that you're coated with some kind of second hand poly-ceramic-molecular lubricant so the friction from the continual locking of horns and jumping on every petty faux pas (around here) doesn't affect you in the least.

But all of the negative energy does add up.. Like many, I don't always come here with engineering on my mind, and I do find all of the random discussion that pops up interesting. Things we don't think much about can become somewhat familiar and so on.. next thing you know you have a new interest or a nugget of good knowledge.

Keel on a boat? No I don't have one either, but I too enjoy sitting here and figuring out the issue (even if not contributing) just like the next guy.

It's quite remarkable to be a fly on the wall for that which interest you and we're all lucky to be able share this space together. The amount of ire may have gone down(or is it lost members), but I've seen a lot of potentially good conversations from new posters that have been needlessly shut down or lynterupted for "safely reasons" (or less).

...I just want a conversation about high voltage switch gear or whatever? What's so hard about that? The "bashing" going on by many is like what's coming out of Hollywood. It's mostly garbage and quite amateur in content.

Anyway. thanks for the kindness

Anonymous me? must have hit a button.

Thank You Lyn

Like many others here, I have been a member for a long time. I read posts here almost every day and if I find I have something constructive to add I will post, but most of the time the regular members here have already stated it far better than I could.

Indeed, it's the early bird thing. No point opining when the matter has already been covered by others. But nice to have your opinion confirmed once in awhile.

I like to think of it as voting, when stating opinions here it's nice to see several people post the same opinion, it reinforces the point....also the same thing posted from a different perspective, with perhaps an added detail or two, gives a deeper understanding of the subject at hand and perhaps some added clarification....a lot of the information we discuss here is complicated and subject to different circumstances applied can be confusing to anybody...a lot of times threads will start out in one direction and completely do a 180° as more information comes out, but even that is a learning experience...peripheral information adds depth of knowledge...Sometimes someone has stated exactly what I was going to say, so I just give them a GA and move on...So just because you think the question has been answered you can still contribute, even if it's just to agree...

Good to see you finally aboard the Good Ship CR4.

This forum is a paragon, capturing the essence of the phrase "Greater than the sum of the parts".

That's synergy. We syn a lot. It's positively synful.

I think 'silent majority' is pretty common in internet forums (and not counting spambots). It's nice to see some of the less chatty folks posting on this thread and feeling welcome enough to do so. The reasons for not posting (or not much) are mostly the same as I've seen commented in other forums. Language barrier is a very common reason.

I am one I come to read the post.