Michael,
I think i can say that we know each other (online) for some time now. You've moderated me couple of times (most of wich was deserved).

What i'm trying to say here, i agree with Paul (paulevans76) on the off-topic thing & how most of us here know what might interrest others, altho it's off-topic.
It's the only thing that i would like to see less moderated, to allow certain deviations from Isuzu related chat in the Talk section (i mean other talk forums here have discussions on GOD & don't get locked).
I'm not suggesting you allow that much off-topic thing, but at least leave it alone if it's connected to off-road.

Otherwise i love this place & realy like the way you (& the rest of moderators) do what you have to, to keep it clean & running.

Ow. I don't know if that's good or bad. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> (I understood)

To MLClark and all the other moderators, I think you do a good job. I've PM'd Michael in the past and let him know. Heck, I think I'm about 3/4 of his workload....I've noticed that when I post in a thread, the chance of it going locked increases 25% per posting incident. The last thread I posted 4 times...and it disappeared.

I am guilty as others--there are times where clarification on posts should be done off-line....and I've asked on-forum, and like-wise had my intent questioned on-forum. When I'm asked...I reply on-forum often because it's easier and might clarify for a group...and because we all have the desire to be heard and understood. Bad mojo. I will resolve to be more off-forum kind of guy....because it's the right thing to do.

I also fall into the "Mike-Work" (pun on "Make-work") trap where I think my opinion also needs to be heard. Often, it doesn't. "Am I really adding to the conversation, or am I just adding lines because I'm bored" is a question I--and others--should ask ourselves more often. As this post shows, I can go on a while as well, when often a short note would be better. And people might read the whole thing, too, instead of skipping out.

I will admit enjoying some watching ballistic threads because unlike pirate, here it's a ticking time bomb that will disappear. "Countdown to Locdown in 5....4.....3....2....1.....Locked!" But those ballistic threads are work for you guys, and not fun.

Though verily my name was used in vain....those were some good questions above.

This site is civil and under control. Excellent source of info, both general, like MPG questions, and specific (timing belts,etc) You're fine here......... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> Just let Randii out more often <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

I will flatly state that there is no other more comprehensive Isuzu (and some rogue Hondas <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />) information source that I have ever found, in any format. The ability to share and plumb information in this place is astounding and useful on a consistent basis. I place the reason for that on the diverse experiences and understanding of our members as well in the careful nudging and shaping that is done by the moderators. I don't mind telling someone new to use the search feature, but I'll typically only do that in conjunction with some starter info that they can use to make it more effective, and that is typically the type of response that I see from the moderators of these boards.

For my personal interest, I'm not particularly interested in seeing much non-Isuzu-related content on the board. I use this as a source for information, inspiration, and window-shopping/drool-producing in regards to my truck. Some particular exceptions are the occasional thread which involve a major impact on the life of a fellow board member. Because that person and I share at least a single bond, I am concerned enough to know about a birth, accident, or other incident which made a marked difference in their world. I'm not particularly interested in a general discussion on separate topics. If I have a particular topic I want to discuss with someone, I'll PM them or find a different forum. I'm not trying to be harsh, just define what value I take out of these boards.

I am very appreciative of the work and effort that our moderators and administrators put into keeping this resource functional and as close to streamlined as it can get with such a broad range of people and personalities involved. The fact that they do it all on a volunteer basis is all that much more a testament to their enjoyment and involvement with this common affliction of Isuzuitis we share. I imagine most will join me in a heart round of virtual applause for the work they do.

Personally I'd like to be able to hear more from our moderators in terms of sharing in threads, but I think that they are somewhat hamstrung by their very position. How difficult is it for those of us who are not in such a position to sometimes take what is intended as suggestion or advice just at face value if it has a green name attached to it rather than a standard black one? With the extra weight of that title, I think that the responses can carry more of a potential charge for the recipient, and can seem harsher that way. Sometimes folks come across as gruff or curt, but it's easier to get raised hackles if it's coming from a moderator. Michael, I know you've been considered so by some in the past, but for me it flows off. From what I've seen of you, you're like a tap with a flyswatter, while my younger brother is like a backhand with a coal scoop, so I brush by and move on (I hope you take no offense). I also see the responses and attitudes in these forums as commendably calm and reasonable in most cases, not just in our moderators, but in all the members who make this place what it is.

I am very happy with the balance and understanding that seems to prevail in these forums. As Paul said, once you get the feel for how things flow, it's easy and normal. We're usually very decent to new people with the same old questions, and address them agreeably. As such, I think most of us work as mini-moderators out of that same love of our trucks and their development. We all make this place what it is, and what it is makes me come back, so I'm not interested in much change.

For my money, Michael it does you and your fellow moderators credit for putting this question in place and providing an opportunity for feedback that is so readily noticeable, as we'll forget the individual contacts sometimes. I enjoy what is here, what you and those before you have created, and hope that I can share some small bit in its continuance.

Way too long now,

James
(no I haven't let Smiley log on through my computer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> J/K bud)

Good job guys. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Mostly I just read stuff, and I have been to several other boards... about 4-wheeling and I like to come back to this one because of the lack of crap. I think it's just a waste of time to go around talkin' smack (humor is good though) and you guys do a great job keeping that to an absolute minimum. So again... good job and keep up the good work. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

the way this place is run now is awesome. i recently had a thread of mine moved from talk to tech...no big deal, sometimes the line is a blur. answers to questions can occasionally be on the condescending side, and i'll readily admit to asking some dumb- <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> questions, but there's always a logical basis to it, a "big picture" that i'm trying to put together (after all, isn't "dissecting minutia" what building your rig is all about? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />)
this is by far the single greatest site on the 'net for keeping our junk rolling, and good moderation maintains the focus. when i want to discuss supply-side vs. robin hood economics, i'll turn off the 'puter and take my girlfriend to starbucks.
so basically, thanks for the great work and keep up the focus...with a few more smilies. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Phil

This is an official æSmiley PostÆ --- Accept no substitutes! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/coolg.gif" alt="" />


Michael,

I promise that there will be no æGauntlet ThrowingÆ tonight. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> àActually, I commend the fact that you chose to start this threadà It is further proof of your personal commitment and dedication to the Isuzu Online Community, and a bona fide testament to what sets this forum apart from so many others out there. --- And although I tend to agree (for the most part) with the replies that have ensued, I want you to know that your efforts here are greatly appreciated.

Sure, from time-to-time, some your replies bear all of the subtle characteristics of an anvil to the head, but æSo what?Æ --- As has been said already, after the 10,000th time of answering the exact same question, IÆm quite sure there is not a single person among us who would type the same accommodating or in-depth response as the first time. --- Shoot, ôUse the search featureö is a mantra that IÆve chanted at a newcomer a few times myself.

As for the Talk vs. Tech thread relocationsà Yes, now and again, I have wondered why one thread was moved, while another virtually identical one remainedà But then again, IÆm the sort of person who frequently questions the logic thatÆs used in choosing some of the people who enter the Witness Protection Program. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

This will be my 2245th post at 4x4 WireàThe point being: I have posted roughly 10 times as often at 4x4 Wire, than at my own Isuzu site (Where, by the way, I am one of the Moderators)à

Obviously, yÆall are doing something right!


My best advice is this: Take a deep breath, pop the top on a beer, and <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> donÆt be so damned hard on yourselfà And hey, if that doesnÆt work, then tell Randii that youÆre not going to moderate another blasted thing until you get a raise. --- I mean surely-to-gawd he can spare another one of those 4x4 Wire stickers; AM I RIGHT? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />


Cheers! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Smiley

Ok a couple things:
The site is great as it is.No off topic stuff should be
allowed,if I want to B.S. with someone I'll call them,
E-mail them or talk to them in person.There are sites to
chit chat at <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> this doesn't need to be another.
I've been Moderated before <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> and during those times
after we have discussed it the problem was fixed/delt with.

I have a ? on the cross posting deal---most of use here
on the wire,wheel with people from other parts of the wire.
How can we notify the other boards that there is a trailride
thread started?
After my last hand slapping I have to admit I was pissed.
I realized why i was so mad,It seemed I was breaking the rules as understood by someone else;so I went looking for
rules <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> were are they at?If they are right in front of me please just slap me,and make them bigger,and
located here not 3 or 4 pages back at the beginning of the wire <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Well I think you all are doing a good job and I agree that
at times some answer's are snappy-er than others. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Thankyou for keeping the Isuzu board all Isuuuzzuuu <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Doug

No time to respond in full right now, but lemme pitch one thing in: 4x4Wire does not use or create adware... if anyone is getting pop-ups while browsing 4x4Wire, you are probably browsing elsewhere simultaneously or are 'invected' with spyware (if the latter, look to programs like AdAware or Spybot Search & Destroy to clean up).

More tomorrow, but briefly: I like the knowledge and personalities of the site and have a hard time separating this chicken-and-the-egg issue out from the moderation. The result, regardless, is IMHO the best Isuzu resource on the 'net!

Randii

I suppose being a moderator is a bit like being a mid-level supervisor - you get it coming and going <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> so after a while, it gets to be tedious and therefore no longer fun.

But, alas, it is a very important job, especially in this type of environment which must accommodate a literal 'global' membership.

Keep the faith <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I've been here awhile and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon, well, unless I get a hair and get banned <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/oink.gif" alt="" /> .

As already mentioned, there's other places to Chit Chat on non-'Zu issues so I feel it's a bit more prudent to keep this board focused on the ISUZU world of offroading.

Keep this in mind. The tide is continuing to push ISUZU out of the North American market. This board will grow (even more) in importance over time as the machines age and we have to become more creative in keeping the rigs running to support the hobby/sport we enjoy.

One suggestion I have, which may or may not help, is to create sub-level categories for the most frequently talked-about topics such as:

Tires.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

Engines....... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

Suspension.......... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

I would think this would help consolidate relevant information in one place as well...........then, maybe not <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Cheers,