Missed opportunity to speak of TITLES

[ForresterModern]

I always felt good when I ranked up. It was a recognition of real contributions I had made to the forum. In the case of the Welcome, or Hello posts: How many of you stayed here because you were personally welcomed? I know I did, and in that regard I tried to reciprocate by welcoming others here, and growing the user-base, which contributes to the value of the forum, both by encouraging new voices, but also increases the possibility of the advertisers making money, which increases the possibility of the ownership of the site making money. So all of the complaints about welcome posts and them being a bad way to gain a rank do not make sense to me. I really try to contribute here, but there are sooooooo many people who know so much more than me I find it hard to, except in some small ways.

No question that Welcome posts are a strong asset to the newbie here showing the interest of the rabble in having them join the family. If I remember correctly posts in that particular forum section did not count toward your running post totals anyway, so there was no ulterior incentive to post welcomes, but also no disincentive, other than it took a wee bit of your time and a few keyboard strokes (my I am feeling so put out by all this typing----). But as MacLowlife states above it is pretty easy to pick out who has the "chops" so to speak around here when it comes to kilt knowledge and experience, and post counts and ranks (which really had no other purpose than to acknowledge attainment of a certain number of posts) while being no guarantee to a true assessment of a member's knowledge, when combined with the longevity of their membership, and with a brief review of thread posts and threads started available at that persons User CP under statistics, could generally give you a pretty good idea of where that member stood among the crowd, and how valuable and trustworthy their information and opinions might be. As did the banner titles under the names, some of which denoted service to the forum in one capacity or another (moderator, former moderator, etc), or specific utility (forum historian), or special honors granted, admittedly without specific criterion but with general consensus (kilted legend), by the forum officials. They gave some credence to those people's long term involvement and value to the forum, regardless of their rank or number of postings. For me as a newbie they helped me figure out who to listen to and pay credence to and who to cast a skeptical eye toward, but also who to ask specific questions of, and whose answers to best believe. Over time thay have become less important as I developed my own knowledge of who among my fellow xmarkers I could believe in and understand and value thier information and opinions, so right now I don't really care what my particular rank is, but someone new reading this thread might care, and to them it might be helpful. And okay we occasionally get a little lift when we cross a milestone with a recognition congratulatory post in the celebrations thread. But some day, hopefully, if I stick around here long enough, learn a lot more and also contribute back what I have already learned both here and elsewhere, as well as by experience, maybe someone
will think enough of my contributions to honor me with a special title (Honored Kilted Belittler of Grant) or other recognition. I certainly believe that they don't detract from the forum or its friendliness, cost little but a small program adjustment and a few extra electrons moving through the wires, and add some honor and whimsy back to the mix to keep things loose and easy going, while still interesting, informative, and fun to participate.

jeff

[NewGuise]

No question ...

What Jeff said. Apart from the 'Belittler of Grant' bit, as I can claim no special title in that regard.

[ccga3359]

I for one never as a newbie complained about intimidation by either the numbers or titles

Oh my title intimidated you, admit it!

They gave some credence to those people's long term involvement and value to the forum, regardless of their rank or number of postings.

Yes a full faced rubber chicken sporan is suitible for all occasions.

...maybe someone will think enough of my contributions to honor me with a special title (Honored Kilted Belittler of Grant) or other recognition.

How many times do I have to tell you people? Honour is spelt with a "U". Honour, honour, it's not rocket science kilt making! It's one key stroke (unless you are honouring a neighbour down at the harbour).

If I remember correctly (and it`s about the only thing I do) Posts on the New Member forum and Off Topic forum did not add to post count.

[piperdbh]

I'm in favor of restoring the titles, for the reasons very eloquently spelled out in other posts here. When I first joined here, they gave me a sense of whom to listen to and who was as "green" as me. I always read the titles and paid special attention to most of the "seasoned" members.
When I achieved a "rank up", it gave me a little something to look forward to. I even remember trying to think up a special post for my 1,000th and being sort of proud of my "Elderhood."
If it's not too much trouble, I'd appreciate the restoration of the titles.

[morrison]

I feel there is a heartfelt enthusiasm for the institution of the titles accompanying our username/Avatar block. With the probability of more serious conversation taking hold in many instances I believe having a rib available for someone else to poke is a valuable element in our multifaceted complexion of a brother/sisterhood family here a XMTS.

I haven't let on about my personal life here on this forum. Maybe I should be more vocal about my life to all of you here. You'd know that I really am the guy you see in the avatar. I clean up nice and am rather handsome in a heavy collar with shiny buckle. You'd also know that I don't have much of a life. I just bark, mark trees and hydrants, and lurk. ****, that sounds bad doesn't it? OK, I hang out and work on other stuff too. There, that sounds better.

I've met a few of yous ya kno!

So, I am after all a real human with real life and goals. Being a contributor here is fun, even if much of what I add is ultra simple and sometimes does not expand the information pool about kilts. My fun factor is always engaged when I'm here. Anything that adds to the fulfillment of my daily fun quotient is a must have, must do part of my life.


About the titles, they're like some kind of frosting -
When the sugar is taken out of the frosting I stop eating the cake.
Cake is good. It tops off a fine dinner.
So, titles are like a little sweet addon to the fun part of being here at XMTS. The cake is still a cake, but without sprinkles or icing or frosting, etc the cake will not get too many bites. This Forum is like that to me. Who needs dessert? Right?
I do.
XMTS is important. There is a camaraderie, brotherhood, sisterhood, ribs to jab, skirts to hem I MEAN KILTS to lift. I mean valuable topics for sharing in a responsible respectful manner.

In the midst of all the "get well my friend" good talk and the "My kilt question is a . . . ?" questions, answers and familiar banter we can disengage sometimes and cruise thru the posts and find a point for humor and stuff a title up your nose just because it fits. No, not the little title, Your big nose! :butt:

*What's that smell?
You see titles are important. How else can one try to knock another off a high-horse if there are no horses in the parlour? Look out! Don't walk behind that horse.

There you did it. I'm the official "Kilted and stepped in it baron" I hope I get to be a duke or even princess someday!

Even though titles are not relevant at all to any content or context of posts, they sure are fun to toss around, Aren't they?
sniff sniff*. . . . . . . . . . . .Woooof!

[ForresterModern]

How many times do I have to tell you people? Honour is spelt with a "U". Honour, honour, it's not rocket science kilt making! It's one key stroke (unless you are honouring a neighbour down at the harbour).

Grant, my friend, I am frankly surprised and astounded that you even know enough about honor to think you know how to spell it!!!!

But seriously, you know I would never question your HONOUR in any HARBOUR or in any off COLOUR remarks. Just reading from the wrong dictionary---you are, I mean. ;)

[ccga3359]

Grant, my friend, I am frankly surprised and astounded that you even know enough about honor to think you know how to spell it!!!!

But seriously, you know I would never question your HONOUR in any HARBOUR or in any off COLOUR remarks. Just reading from the wrong dictionary---you are, I mean. ;)

As noted before I can spell brain surgery but would you want me performing it with a rusty screw driver? I can spell Honour, it's just not part of the job description here at SOKS.

You know Jeff, I don't really miss my Grand Defender of the Rubber Chicken title but in your case I vote for the return of titles. Just so you can hold that title you want "Honoured Kilted Belittler of Grant". I caused that pesky Panache run to the hills bawling like a little girl. That title will allow me to realign my focus. In fact I'd be honoured. Let the verbal jousting commence.

[Mael Coluim]

I caused that pesky Panache run to the hills bawling like a little girl.

Your have crossed the line, Grant. Surely, Panache will now have to return to defend his HONOUR! Do I hear the sound of hooves . . .

[ccga3359]

Your have crossed the line, Grant. Surely, Panache will now have to return to defend his HONOUR! Do I hear the sound of hooves . . .

I just called him "pesky" did you just call him cloven hoofed? And I crossed the line? I ask you isn't this forum better off without him and his dapper attire, his me-bashing fiction and his subtle reminders when we didn't act quite gentlemanly?

[Mael Coluim]

I just called him "pesky" did you just call him cloven hoofed? And I crossed the line? I ask you isn't this forum better off without him and his dapper attire, his me-bashing fiction and his subtle reminders when we didn't act quite gentlemanly?

Grant, I thought there was something said, like “bawling like a little girl.’’
But I could have been mistaken. As for the clip clop I heard, it was not Panache riding forth on his faithful steed, but my pooch Fiona coming into the study. I must really trim her nails. Yes, Panache was annoying at times, but XMarks being better off, NOT.