Silly Title wanted, or not!

[morrison]

Since I'm being. . . . . .

I strongly disagree with the statment in our FAQ page that says;
"Post Ranks and Special Titles have now become more about separating us instead of bringing us together." . . . . .

I too strongly detest that particular new language in the FAQ.

In expanding my disagreement with;
Post Ranks and Special Titles have now become more about separating us instead of bringing us together.

I've never felt any separation amongst the membership in XMTS either as a NEWBIE, or anytime since, until the statement inserted into the FAQ and the ensuing dialogue on these forums.

The abrupt deletion of titles from the membership came apparently unilaterally from ownership and without discussion amongst those of us members who most enjoy them. I read that the staff saw the change coming. I've no problem with an authority enacting rules and stipulations governing usage of owned property when it is right to do so. I've something to say about authoritarian enactment of rules and stipulations when it is not known what precipitated the enactment that seems clearly arbitrary.

I have some reservation concerning the use of the language "Post Ranks."
Post count totals are simply counters. They do NOT imply, bestow, award, gift, grant, allude to, or in many more ways refer to "rank nor title." The use of the phrase "post rank" allows inference of separation. Rank as far I understand it is particularly applicable to one ahead of, or one before or after another.

Titles are fun here in XMTS. They don't imply rank and any inference of ownership of title or authority is utterly ridiculous. That was a good laugh. The sudden deletion of the titles removed from me an elemental point in my contributory attitude and posture for humor and predilection of jocularity.
:crap:

The following is the first ten definitions for rank found on <dictionary.com>

1. a number of persons forming a separate class in a social hierarchy or in any graded body.
2. a social or official position or standing, as in the armed forces: the rank of captain.
3. high position or station in the social or some similar scale: a woman of rank.
4. a class in any scale of comparison.
5. relative position or standing: a writer of the first rank.
6. a row, line, or series of things or persons: orchestra players arranged in ranks.
7. ranks,
- a. the members of an armed service apart from its officers; enlisted personnel.
- b. military enlisted personnel as a group.
8. Usually, ranks. the general body of any party, society, or organization apart from the officers or leaders.
9. orderly arrangement; array.
10. a line of persons, esp. soldiers, standing abreast in close-order formation (distinguished from file).

If you look up title (type it in, press search) you'll get a very long page of definitions.

[GDub]

Ditto what Zardoz wrote, except I like the post counts too.

[Mael Coluim]

Ditto what Zardoz wrote, except I like the post counts too.

Ditto on what GDub wrote.

I really was mystified on the reason stated why Titles and Ranks were taken away. I wonder if there is another reason. Perhaps it is a way to lessen the rate of growth of number of posts so the ‘band width’ doesn't expand as fast slowing the increase in hosting costs? Granted I am no web master knowing the technicalities and costs associated with hosting such a forum. But it is a thought that keeps coming back to me. If this is not really a possible factor, I know I will soon be corrected!

It was too bad when it was announced some upcoming changes were forthcoming to enhance the forum more specifics were shared or at least done in stages with members being informed of the changes. There was too much change done to fast for some of us old timers.

[CameronCat]

Right.
I was away for a day, in which time things seem to have cooled a bit. I was also the victim of a very well-planned, professional level April Fool prank which took a bit of sorting.

The reason the Scots fight among themselves so much is that they are always guaranteed a worthy opponent.

To reply:

>> Zardoz has clarified a previous post, saying, "I liked, and am in favor of returning, the auto-generated post count titles like 'Kilted Warrior', 'Kilted Elder', etc. I also like, and am in favor of the honorific or 'vanity' titles, either as descriptive or humorous references to certain members and their contribution."

Obviously, this no longer sums my position. With respect, I disagree with the first part, but support the second part.

>> Referring to how honorary titles were assigned, i.e, by the Mods, TattooBradley noted: "And if you completely read it it should also be clear thta this was ALWAYS the case, even before the removal."

I did note that and ask that it continue, being based solely on merit or contribution to the group.

>> Additionally, TB also said: "Just for clarification, I personally see removing the canned (post count based titles) as a good thing. I, however, see removing of the honorary titles (those given by the moderators and owner at the time) as a very bad thing.

Words from a moderator, which should carry some weight. I have no view on the "good or badness" of removing the honorary titles but hope only that the method of assignment does not change when they return.

-> I believe we have all made our points and are now clear on where everyone stands. At this point I officially withdraw from this thread and will not reply further to title and rank matters. Non-thread matters follow.

******************************
>> Many noted apparent flaws in the "member counter" or whatever does that. That probably needs to be sorted at a level above our pay-grades; I just used the numbers as I found them. But clicking around I did find that I had once been credited with being on-line here at 2:30 a.m. Never happened--is the board running on GMT or universal time?

>> @Canuck: "I'm not sure how serious I should take you. For one, you haven't bothered to fill out your profile. and two, your join date is the 10th of this month. Which implies you don't know how this forum was run previously, or if you were lurking you decided at that time not to participate.
I am pleased that you are exploring other threads. A lot has happened on this forum over the past 6 years...

Take me as you will, but please do it with care. You infer way too much where there is only one fact in hand, an incomplete profile which implies nothing by its presence (or absence).

Perhaps I didn't know the profile was there, or chose not to complete it, or felt the profile questions brought nothing to the kilt and heritage discussions, or am concerned about Internet security, or any of a number of other reasons. Since you appear to be clocking my posts, I direct you to my first in the Newbie section and various others from which you may draw more accurate inferences.

However, you also won't find me on "SpaceFace" , "MyBook," or Twitter (aptly named for its users.) From that, you may correctly infer that I am, like others here, a bit of a curmudgeon.

At the risk of accusing you of newbie-bashing (which I'm not), please rest assured that this is not my first haggis-hunt. I lurked here for at least two years and learned a lot. I also learned who the main players are and who to trust.

I have moderated a similar forum on an unrelated professional topic and am very aware of how this and other forums operate, both physically and politically. As well, I am a member of other Scots and heritage groups, both on-line and on-ground.

As you say, a lot went on here for six years. Too true, and recently when I saw that some of it had stopped happening, I decided to join. However, it was not until after I joined that I found the list was under new management, which accounted most of the changes. Did I join strictly because titles were gone? No, but I noticed it along with some other things.

My participation in this thread was prompted by a poster saying he had seen no opposition to proposals on which the poll was based. Kind'a seemed like bait in the water since I held a firm opinion.

Since this thread is probably winding down, I respectfully ask Canuck to continue via PMs if so desired.

Otherwise, thanks for the craic!


Peace
JT

[ccga3359]

The poll has been hovering around the 75% mark in favour of the return of titles. Rather than seeing a discussion going back and forth with no effrt to push it forward perhaps we should put it to bed. Let's allow Steve do as he wishes with the poll results.

[ForresterModern]

First, I agree with Zardoz and GDub ( we flat cappers have to stick together )--post-up ranking titles--yes, vanity titles--yes, and I for one don't mind the post counts--it is afterall only one additional factor in how one assesses the value of what a member says in his/her posts, but more information is better than less so leave it. It is pretty small and unobtrusive.

I cannot believe I am saying this, however, that I agree with Grant (aka Kilted Abuser of Rubber Chickens) that we have pretty much beaten this subject into the ground from a discussion standpoint, and that the poll goes on for the predetermined time for those who wish to continue to vote.

Let us all give it a rest and discuss something fun-----like rubber chicken sporrans or something.

jeff

[auld argonian]

Frankly, I just got to be a "Grand Defender of the Kilt"...not like I was going to have that printed on my business cards but it was sorta nice.

And I always had hoped for some kind of honorary distinction like "Kilted Urban Smartass" or "Kilted Cynic" but that always seemed unlikely. I assumed that some of those honoraries were legitimate, thoughtful assignments but that several of them were "in jokes", so I understood the new management clearing the slate....a new broom and all that...

The post determined titles...? I doubt that anybody who was starting out here would give any extra credence to the posters with those titles since the titles themselves just sound tongue-in-cheek...I mean, Kilted Samurai...what's that all about? Also anybody asking a legitimate question is going to get several answers (at least) so they ought to be able to separate the bear $#!+ from the buckwheat pretty well and anybody who's full of it, whether they have a gazillion posts or not. is going to be sussed out relatively quickly.

I'm going to miss being a Grand Defender...but I can see the logic in hitting the reset button here. As to the folks who are claiming that it's more democratic this way...okay...I don't think that the post determined titles were supposed to establish some kind of hierarchy but if it makes you feel better...enjoy.

Best

AA

[ccga3359]

AA, after having the pleasure of reading your posts all these years you will always be a Grand Defender of the Kilt as well as a Grand Defender of the Kilt Blowing Up Because of the Legendary Chigago Wind.

[Canuck]

, I respectfully ask Canuck to continue via PMs if so desired.

Otherwise, thanks for the craic!


Peace
JT

No need Sir, From this post you have articulated your views clearly, I have the information I require. I'm pleased that I have given you the opportunity to enjoy yourself.
You also have the avenue of PM's if you desire to do so.
With respect
Cheers
Robert

[Rob Wright]

Some like the post ranks they get for posting and use them as an incentive to post. My incentive is every ten posts I make, I change my avatar. I'm sure many of the forum appreciate that diligence on my part

Rob