Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Luap McKeever on January 18, 2024, 05:01:54 PM
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I've received several responses to suggested changes for 2024. One of those would be the creation of an "Off Topic" board. Of course there'd still be some guidelines, but how do you feel about me setting up a section for that?
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my 2 cents. it's the fastest way to get people angry at each other, then not talking to each other and then leaving the board. there are so many other boards that discuss all of topics that people may want to discuss that do not involve Guzzi motorcycles.
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How about combining all the "202* donor" emblems into a 5/10/15....year badge. Kind of like Roman numerals they keep adding up to a better image. Something ;like Guzzi wings for 5 years of donations and something bigger, better for 10 years. Might even motivate people to donate.... Hope I have explained this well enough that you can understand it.
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How about combining all the "202* donor" emblems into a 5/10/15....year badge. Kind of like Roman numerals they keep adding up to a better image. Something ;like Guzzi wings for 5 years of donations and something bigger, better for 10 years. Might even motivate people to donate.... Hope I have explained this well enough that you can understand it.
Good idea except my donation markers got deleted during one of the attacks of a few years ago. I was told they were not recoverable. Nothing to get wrapped around the axel over, I’m grateful for such a fine board.
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I dunno. I've heard this forum being called "Mild Guzzi" by folks on a now defunct forum because of the lack of racy pics, political "Jog-piles" and posts on "why communism is great." I admit I don't mind a wee bit of flavor and good natured banter, but I hate to see WG go the way of that other miserable place. IF the other sector could be well insulated from WG, it might be fun. Could just as easily be a PIA in the making. :rolleyes:
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I did a Either Way vote.
I like the way the main board is overall. But at times it's to constraining.
It used to be that you "could" ask a question about Guzzi, or another brand, or what is the best water heater, dryer, new car or the like. Or how to fix a home appliance. Now it's quite a bit more restrained.
There is a wealth of knowledge here that you can trust. Not many places can be said the same. I do like to be able to ask an OT question, and get a real, not hyped answer from someone who has been there.
So.. If it takes another board to be able to ask an OT question and keep the main board "Guzzi Only". Then so be it.
JMHO,
Tom
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I did a Either Way vote.
I like the way the main board is overall. But at times it's to constraining.
It used to be that you "could" ask a question about Guzzi, or another brand, or what is the best water heater, dryer, new car or the like. Or how to fix a home appliance. Now it's quite a bit more restrained.
There is a wealth of knowledge here that you can trust. Not many places can be said the same. I do like to be able to ask an OT question, and get a real, not hyped answer from someone who has been there.
So.. If it takes another board to be able to ask an OT question and keep the main board "Guzzi Only". Then so be it.
JMHO,
Tom
Moderator message sent MAY 2022
Members of WGC
We have been experiencing an increased number of threads that are completely motorcycle unrelated.
This practice may be acceptable when members are requesting assistance or information from fellow members regardless of content such as help in diagnosing an issue such as an appliance, car, mower, home issue, etc. That is the “campfire” type discussion that the administration has welcomed and encouraged on this forum, even though it seems somewhat contrary to rule #2, which requests motorcycle subject matter only. It’s understood that can produce a boring forum.
However with some of these threads that are started (for the most part), the authors know beforehand they will be controversial and subjective. They most always lead to argumentative and divisive outcomes, as well as a headache for the moderators.
Subject matter such as aliens from other planets, UFO’s, the cost of rising fuel, big foot, laws against loud mufflers, EVs and on and on and most of which have already been posted several times in the recent past, causing issues each time, needs to stop.
In the future if one must start one of these controversial threads be advised they will be short lived. If these threads continue be advised the first post response that is argumentative will result in the entire thread being taken down.
Thanks to the members for your participation and loyalty to WGC Motorcycle Forum.
Dan
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I like the idea. I came to the board for help with my G5. Everyone was so helpful and the forum has become something I check every morning and night. It feels to me that being able to share other aspects of our lives makes us more real.
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I've mentioned it previously but the adds on this forum are the worst of just about any forum (or Web page) on the internet from my experience.
They take up huge amounts of space and even act as a pop up I between selecting threads. I'm using Chrome on PC and Mobile so I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue.
How about a "ad free" experience for paying members, or even an add free tier.....?
And now thta I type this I realise I missed my 2023 donation.... Dang
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I've mentioned it previously but the adds on this forum are the worst of just about any forum (or Web page) on the internet from my experience.
They take up huge amounts of space and even act as a pop up I between selecting threads. I'm using Chrome on PC and Mobile so I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue.
How about a "ad free" experience for paying members, or even an add free tier.....?
And now thta I type this I realise I missed my 2023 donation.... Dang
That’s ok mate..
You can add it to this year’s and it’ll be all square.
So pay up and speak up… :thumb:
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I think an "Off-Topic" thread would be great!
There is a HUGE knowledge base in the participants here. Why not share whatever anyone may be interested in posting or reading?
The moderators and administrators do an amazing job here. I've never seen even a single offensive post at Wild Guzzi.
The rules are obvious. No one other than the reader himself/herself can control whether the reader gets "offended" by something that is posted. Opinions vary, always have, always will.
Parapharasing Smokey the Bear: "Only you can prevent forest fires..... in your brain!"
Millions of other fora exist. So both arguments of:
"We should specialize and the moderators are responsible for protecting me from my feelings!"
and
"If you find something offensive, ignore it, or change the channel!"
are easy arguments to make.
Just my opinion, which really should not influence the moderators much at all. I think the moderators should so whatever makes their lives easier and their interaction with the forum posters more enjoyable. They are volunteers. Our opinions should not cause them grief.
thanks again for your efforts!
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It’s another can-do vs should-do situation.
I would like an off-topic section because I would like to think WG is populated by self-managing accountable & responsible adults who won’t do or post stupid stuff just because they can. It’s a pleasant thought, but not very realistic. So an off-topic section will likely become an example of my favorite sayings that everything one does and says being “an opportunity to demonstrate character.”
Ultimately, everything off-topic (or even on-topic that goes awry) becomes one more thankless task for the admin and mods to resolve. I enjoy WG as is and have no interest in making WG more work for the generous volunteers who do ALL of the work so we can play. They already tolerate enough of our stuff. No need to obligate them to do even more.
There’s already a huge off-topic section. It’s called the rest of the Internet.
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I've mentioned it previously but the adds on this forum are the worst of just about any forum (or Web page) on the internet from my experience.
They take up huge amounts of space and even act as a pop up I between selecting threads. I'm using Chrome on PC and Mobile so I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue.
How about a "ad free" experience for paying members, or even an add free tier.....?
And now thta I type this I realise I missed my 2023 donation.... Dang
A couple things come to mind immediately.
1. Without ads, this board would have died many years ago. Ad revenue makes up the 35% or so that we never meet. We've been barely meeting the yearly goal as is, so the ads are there to keep me from begging for more money the last quarter of every year.
2. Turning off ads for donors is a great idea and I'll put that on my list of things to look into. Right off the top of my head, I don't know if it's possible. But I can for sure ask one of the developers that I use for needs that are covered by any extra funds outside of the regular donations.
Thanks,
Luap
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How about combining all the "202* donor" emblems into a 5/10/15....year badge. Kind of like Roman numerals they keep adding up to a better image. Something ;like Guzzi wings for 5 years of donations and something bigger, better for 10 years. Might even motivate people to donate.... Hope I have explained this well enough that you can understand it.
Great idea. But, it will not work for many reasons.
Luap
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my 2 cents. it's the fastest way to get people angry at each other, then not talking to each other and then leaving the board. there are so many other boards that discuss all of topics that people may want to discuss that do not involve Guzzi motorcycles.
There'd still be common sense adult guidelines. It wouldn't be a "free for all" IF it happens.
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I voted no because it feels like a double edged sword.
Asking for help to fix a mower or chain saw is NGC, but might be interesting.
A separate board would invite postings about politics or other explosive topics, which only makes more work for the moderators.
The moderators do a great job keeping the forum clean and tidy.
To me there are enough side topic posts that make the forum not boring.
It also depends on the boundaries of Off Topic.
Yes, there is a wealth of knowledge among a large sample of people. I would search the internet.
For example, I just got a new oil tank. WildGuzzi would not be my first choice to ask about Roth vs Granby tanks.
However, I know there is a sculptor among us. So I might send a PM.
It's nice to know something about each other, but I wouldn't want to dilute the content of this forum.
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I voted no because it feels like a double edged sword.
Asking for help to fix a mower or chain saw is NGC, but might be interesting.
A separate board would invite postings about politics or other explosive topics, which only makes more work for the moderators.
The moderators do a great job keeping the forum clean and tidy.
To me there are enough side topic posts that make the forum not boring.
It also depends on the boundaries of Off Topic.
Yes, there is a wealth of knowledge among a large sample of people. I would search the internet.
For example, I just got a new oil tank. WildGuzzi would not be my first choice to ask about Roth vs Granby tanks.
However, I know there is a sculptor among us. So I might send a PM.
It's nice to know something about each other, but I wouldn't want to dilute the content of this forum.
IF implemented, politics or other explosive topics would still be a no-go. Those type of things will always be a no-go while I'm involved.
Thanks for your input,
Luap
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An off topic section would be one more headache for moderators moving posts in the wrong section. People still can't stop putting general questions in the bikes and builds sections or for sale posts in the general discussion section. There's already an NGC tag that few people even use. It'll just bog things down more for everyone. Hard no.
-AJ
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Quote from: Luap McKeever on Today at 09:10:00 AM (https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=120270.msg1875067#msg1875067)A couple things come to mind immediately
2. Turning off ads for donors is a great idea and I'll put that on my list of things to look into. Right off the top of my head, I don't know if it's possible. But I can for sure ask one of the developers that I use for needs that are covered by any extra funds outside of the regular donations.
Thanks,
Luap
If I were a new subscriber, not having decided whether to contribute or not, and get bombarded by ads, I might not stick around. ... (but would be hard to resist).
Perhaps there is a way to throttle the ads the longer people use it without paying contributing.
When I first joined I took a few months to realize the value of this forum.
Responses are usually quick and makes this forum engaging. I would try to get people hooked first.
Sounds deceiving, but a free lunch is a myth.
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Not sure what you are asking.
You already have off topic posts mixed in with Guzzi/motorcycle posts. Some use NGC, some don’t.
If you are asking should you have a separate section to discuss religion, guns, politics that’s up to you. There are already adds on the above mentioned that saturate this site.
This is a small post site, 7500 members, but pretty much the same 20 something who actually post.
If you want to increase that number then have a separate off topic section. I believe you’ll have more traffic but it will be from the current members, it’s not going to pull people in who aren’t already members just for an off topic section.
I have many interests and a one stop shop would be nice. I already ignore threads that don’t interest me and I can do the same with off topic. I’m 63 and been around enough that nothing offends me bit still young enough to learn something new.
You can try it and if it turns to shit, delete.
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An off topic section would be one more headache for moderators moving posts in the wrong section. People still can't stop putting general questions in the bikes and builds sections or for sale posts in the general discussion section. There's already an NGC tag that few people even use. It'll just bog things down more for everyone. Hard no.
-AJ
I agree, why make it harder for the moderators?
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I agree, why make it harder for the moderators?
Not the intention. Again, there'd be common sense guidelines and probably only one moderator who is willing to take on the task. Again, IF it's even implemented. I'm just holding up my end of the bargain by visiting this suggestion that I asked for. Nothing is set in stone at this point. Just testing the waters. If implemented and proves useless, I can completely remove it in 1.5 seconds.
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Not sure what you are asking.
You already have off topic posts mixed in with Guzzi/motorcycle posts. Some use NGC, some don’t.
If you are asking should you have a separate section to discuss religion, guns, politics that’s up to you.
Those subjects will never be allowed here in any area.
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I say no. I come here for Guzzi content, not a bunch of other stuff. A separate section would alleviate that issue but the moderators have enough to do already. A separate section would spread their oversight ability thinner but I imagine the issues arising in an off topic area would increase their duties substantially. I already have to bite my tongue, elsewhere, when somebody makes a disparaging untrue comment about my beloved Mopars. :wink:
kk
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There already is the NGC which means "off-topic" is already allowed.
If the rules for the "off-topic" area are the same as the current rules then I don't see the point.
(https://i.ibb.co/DR7Cd05/Capture.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DR7Cd05)
I guess it would eliminate the rule "keep the content motorcycle related". Which could get a lot of us banned for posting in this thread since it is "off topic" related. :wink:
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I remember when the "like" was turned on. Didn't last long because of complaints.
It did make the flow of a thread better because you didn't get a quote with the only additional information a :thumb:
Speaking to quotes, on my computer they show up with a blue background, but you get the entire post. On other forums I am on the quoted post gets shrunk with a link to expand it if you want to. I also get alerts that someone quoted me so I know to check the post and answer them if needed.
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Here's an unduly complicated idea for WG fundraising: Set up an Ebay account, with or without the WG name. Have people donate bikes or bike parts to raffle. Proceeds after shipping and packaging costs go to fund WG. Keep the financial details available for members to see to silence those snivelers who are afraid you might actually make a dollar from your efforts. Have a process in place to put away money for a year or three in advance. One good bike, or a few junkers would keep it going. If it makes too much, you could buy the moderators a set of tires or something. :wink:
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Let's say there is an off topic board. As Laup already mentioned, the usual topics like politics would not be allowed. That's fine with me.
As I have mentioned, I do like to be able to ask a OT question here. Yes, I could go to a message board that is about that topic. But then who's opinion would I know to trust? The one with a million posts or the one with a hundred. The million post could be all useless and incorrect posts, the one with a hundred could all be the correct answer.
If I have a specific question about a product, I would do a web search to get the answer. But if I'm just in the need of general experience with the product and there has to be an easier way than that I found searching, here would be a great place to ask.
JMHO,
Tom
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I was thinking ... you probably want to increase membership and/or keep current members.
Without an official "Off Topic" section, people just put NGC in the subject and ask their question about a lawnmower or new car, etc. Seems to work well.
Is anyone not joining or not staying because there isn't an "Off Topic" section? I would guess not.
And if you add an "Off Topic" section, is that going to increase membership? Keep people from leaving? Again, guessing not.
And if the ratio of "Off Topic" to on topic gets wacky, then you could lose current members. Like say 60% of new post are off topic, or 80%, at some point people might just stop coming to the site.
I think if there was an official "Off Topic" section I would post more. There have been times I was working on some other motorcycle or car and thought "I bet the wildguzzi guys would have some tips/hints on sorting this issue out" ... but I did not post as guys come here for MG content/info (mostly) and might not be interested in how to seal a leak in a KTM plastic gas tank (for example).
So I don't know, I think the current approach with the NGC in the subject and don't do it a lot seems to be working.
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I was noncommittal choosing I can go either way. But When I get a chance to sit down with a coffee or beer,I can choose to look at NGC posts, and do, especially if it’s from a member I know or have met at a rally around the campfire.
For example Fotoguzzis post yesterday about his Cello Banjo, exemplified the breadth of interests of board members, several members chimed in with knowledge about an animal I didn’t know existed. I try to honor the NGC heading if I post something non guzzi and I think for the most part, most members do. I also appreciate the wealth of knowledge and expertise on this board especially when they take the time to share an experience or project, would trip reports be redefined as NGC?
IMO, Another section would just increase the work load/ stress level of our highly paid group of moderators and IT specialists possibly increasing time, costs, and change the existing camp fire culture. Personally I enjoy reading the occasional posts about Boats, Airplanes,Whisky, Food, Guitars…etc and the comments/ conversations those posts
start.
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Not sure what you are asking.
You already have off topic posts mixed in with Guzzi/motorcycle posts. Some use NGC, some don’t.
If you are asking should you have a separate section to discuss religion, guns, politics that’s up to you. There are already adds on the above mentioned that saturate this site.
This is a small post site, 7500 members, but pretty much the same 20 something who actually post.
If you want to increase that number then have a separate off topic section. I believe you’ll have more traffic but it will be from the current members, it’s not going to pull people in who aren’t already members just for an off topic section.
I have many interests and a one stop shop would be nice. I already ignore threads that don’t interest me and I can do the same with off topic. I’m 63 and been around enough that nothing offends me bit still young enough to learn something new.
You can try it and if it turns to shit, delete.
So why did you have to test the water with that last line ?
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So why did you have to test the water with that last line ?
Luap, the quote is the answer to you question.
If my “last line” was a trigger that required a comment, then no, off topic should not be in this sites future.
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In my experience off-topic always led to politics and politics always lead to division. I'm all for garage and non guzzi bike builds but an off-topic section isn't needed for that.
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I enjoy the virtual campfire experience,
but I always thought of it as campfire being held at a Moto-Guzzi gathering with discussions into the night about riding experiences, opinions of past and present bikes, modifications done, hopes and dreams for the future direction of our marquee...
"Keeping the content motorcycle related" seems to have been one of the cornerstones of this sites original intent. How far it may or may not have
drifted only Luap knows.
Personally, I also enjoy hearing about our members "other" creative interests and accomplishments as well, TO A DEGREE.
...Pages of which grass seed to use at what time of the year, best zero turn lawn mower, plumbing questions, etc..
..there are many other forums out there for those things.
Maybe things have drifted enough to warrant an "off topic" area??
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Really appreciating all the opinions here. They're all being heard.
Luap
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I miss the old "campfire at a rally" feel of WG. (shrug) I realize it is considerably more work for the mods though.
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Can I change my vote from "either way" to "No" I am persuaded by the opinions above.
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After careful consideration and discussion of this topic with several individuals, moderators, etc, I've decided that I'm going to not move forward with the Off-Topic board.
This seems to come around every few years and I always tell folks that I'll examine it. So, I've examined it and the need is not there.
Thanks for everyone and their participation. Stay tuned for other suggestions that I've been sent and to see how feasible some of those may be.
Luap
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:thumb:
kk
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After careful consideration and discussion of this topic with several individuals, moderators, etc, I've decided that I'm going to not move forward with the Off-Topic board.
This seems to come around every few years and I always tell folks that I'll examine it. So, I've examined it and the need is not there.
Thanks for everyone and their participation. Stay tuned for other suggestions that I've been sent and to see how feasible some of those may be.
Luap
Some boards I visit have a almost wide open off topic board, and really a lot of the time I hate the place. It can be a free for al that rips the place apart. That being said, Im part of the staff on a board for tractor and outdoor equipment hobbyists, and we have set a strict "no politics" rule. We also are strong on the no bashing, and keep the place PG rated. Everyone in a great while you get the ones that need to push, and sometimes they need to be directed the right way, or to the door, but its really not that hard to keep the place humming. We are one of, if not the biggest garden tractor/mower board on the web so we got to be doing something right. We also see a lot of the membership that enjoy it step up to kind of self police the forum. It really helps us mods running the show. So just to show you that you can keep the content out that works to divide us and make a place people like to hang out in. In the end though, this is your house, and your rules. I think we have a pretty good group here, and im happy with hw its run. Thank you.
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Some boards I visit have a almost wide open off topic board, and really a lot of the time I hate the place. It can be a free for al that rips the place apart. That being said, Im part of the staff on a board for tractor and outdoor equipment hobbyists, and we have set a strict "no politics" rule. We also are strong on the no bashing, and keep the place PG rated. Everyone in a great while you get the ones that need to push, and sometimes they need to be directed the right way, or to the door, but its really not that hard to keep the place humming. We are one of, if not the biggest garden tractor/mower board on the web so we got to be doing something right. We also see a lot of the membership that enjoy it step up to kind of self police the forum. It really helps us mods running the show. So just to show you that you can keep the content out that works to divide us and make a place people like to hang out in. In the end though, this is your house, and your rules. I think we have a pretty good group here, and im happy with hw its run. Thank you.
The board used to be a "campfire" open for all discussions. The restrictions were politics and obscenity. Given personalities at the time, it worked great. But I understand, what's past is past.
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I vote "no" for an off-topic forum.
It will be a shiteshow that will require extra manpower to moderate and will result in member banning.
The internet is full of places to discuss non-motorcycle topics. It's full of "motorcycle forums" which have a majority of posts in their "off topic" sections..
For years I have advised the worst offenders around here to take the off topic stuff to ADVrider.com and their "JoMomma" section. The biggest shiteshow in the motorcycle forum universe.
The campfire rule works well on Wildguzzi and we're only opening a can of worms with an off-topic section.
We don't need an off-topic section. Well, unless that's what we want Wildguzzi to become...
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I find this site to be a great resource and just a interesting place to visit. When I had a Harley I used to visit three different forums. One I left soon after visiting because new guys or those that asked a "stupid" question were ridiculed beyond belief. Another was just ok and I left that one when I sold my Harley. Another, Harley Tech Talk is one that I still visit daily because I "met" a great bunch of guys there. I no longer go to the tech side but visit the social thread daily. We discuss all kinds of things and even bash HD for some of the stupid things the mother ship does. Even when I mention something that MG does right or wrong there is never a disparaging word about MG. One guy keeps saying that he would like to get a V7 and a lot of guys even have other brands in the garage, BMWs seem to be the preferred brand X. Like here, politics, religion etc is prohibited and warnings never have to issued. Nothing different here.
p.s. Can you post a link to your garden tractor site? I haven't looked for one but a good one would be a plus my cast off Craftsman may need some love soon. Runs and runs and runs some more with little care kind of like some Guzzis but will need some looking after at some point. Sorry for the thread drift.
kk
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I didn't finish even though I enjoy the social site on HTT I don't think we should go that route here. HTT has all kinds of tech threads for all models and subjects where off topic talk doesn't happen and no need. But here we allow lite off topic stuff to some degree but no one goes overboard just things that may be of general interest. I don't see much reason to change. We certainly don't need a JoMomma or whatever it is called. I went there once, once was enough. :wink:
kk
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Off-Topic? For topics like a recipe, book club, politics, religion, sex, gardening, tattoos?????? Aren't there plenty of places for people to go for other topics?
Maybe a set of topic categories that are subsets of the general discussion relating to enjoying a Moto Guzzi?
After Market parts
Camping
Tow Vehicle
Trailers
Bike accessories
General bike models ambo , Eldo, t series, Lemans, ........V7, V85, v100
Rallies Wht to bring, where to stay.....