So what do you all think? Should I get rid of it. Some members say it is a distration and only encourages people to post to get into Top Ten.

I just looked at it as seasoned, experienced XLforum members...it hasn't fazed me...I guess I was raised to respect our "elders"...maybe it's 'cause it seems most of us Sporty folks are so competetive that's prompting this...anyway, my vote is it isn't a factor...I'm sure if you were giving something to the "most post" person there might be a problem, but for now I feel this has to be the best, most well behaved forum I've ever seen! I've really been impressed with how well your minimal rules have been respected...and that's been validated by our new members that mention that fact...I'll be curious to see what posts you get on this, but you can put me down as "A Happy Camper"!

It doesn't matter to me
I've been a member of several forums over the years and in my experience there are always a certain number of those that seem more interested in their post count than the subject at hand. I don't really care how many posts you have. I'm more interested in what you have to say. In fact, it usually seems that those with the most to say really haven't said much at all.

don't care....I'm not here for the back slappin......

hopefully some people will get something outa what I have ta say...

I have noticed a bit of post whorein lately tho from a few members....I don't think the number makes much difference, I would hope that those askin the questions are intelligent enough to pick when it's a sensible answer or just someone tryin to get their count up...

If someone feels the need to whore then we'll pull 'em into line when it gets too far...


That's it from me just doin some more whorin to get my count up ......now I just gotta start deletin posts of all those who are gettin close ;)

I don't care..... ;)
You could always put that section behind a link ... just for the ones that check every day if they have more postings ..... :D :D :D

I don't care!! :D

I like Danielle's idea of putting it behind a link, like the Old Forum!!!

You could use that area for Picture's of our Bike's like in the Old Forum!! :clap

well my opinion of post counts is , its a fun little compatition and as sporty riders we love to compete , do I over post , ya could be ,do I post just to have a high number , no I don't
I like to have fun and bantering back and forth with the good people on this forum is a great way to kill some time during the nonriding days
I would post just as much with or with out the top ten count , if you have something in mind to fill in the space then by all means go for it , after all its your baby



awww bullshmit , of corse it matters , I'm number two la la la la la la :clap :clap :clap
oops thats my evil side but I got him under control now :D

well I've said my point of veiw so now I'm gonna get back to posting

I agree with TXSPORTY, put the random pictures back from the gallery and put the Top Ten in a link. I don't hardly look at it anyway.

Agreed! Sounds like a great idea...

I'm baffled by it all! Put me on the don't care point of view. It's a pretty subjective argument! What may be one persons worthless post, others may find worthwhile. I suppose I'm feeling some guilt, as to headlining a thread "Worthless Posts", in my reaching 1,000 posts. That's when this issue arose. I can't help but feel part of the problem, or regarded as part of the problem, or just plain, the problem. It's been emphasised, I'm not the problem, however, my posts are probably 50/50 Sporty driven, errrrrrrrrrrr 60/40 , 40 on the Sporty side. OK, 30 on the Sporty side! 20???

To a great extent, our individual postings on Message Boards reveal our personalities, but in a hampered manner. As just readers, we are without the benefit of a posters facial expression or the inflection in their voice. It isn't so much as what we say, but more so, our intent, as to how we wish our communication to be received. Daily, face to face, we make statements to one another in "jest," that can be construed as an insult or rudeness. It isn't received negatively, due to the fact we have the benefit of personally knowing the person to be direct and playful. We have the advantage of observing the speakers grimacing and body lanquage. We're better able to determine if they were sincere or serious in their rude or insulting comment.

In real life, all of our personalities can be a lighting rod to others. Some decide to like us! Some decide not to like us! Some decide to hate our guts! These opinions are formed from those standing in front of us and using much more criteria for their opinion. The Message Board gives us nothing but the written word to form an opinion.

I feel the Message Board culture requires me to be even more forgiving, in forming opinions about the personalities I'm trying to read. My first assumption is this person wants to be accepted. If the writers agenda is to score post numbers, well, so be it. What a difficult effort, and stunning stupidity, to be driven to such a goal. I love the knowledge members share with us, but I also love the sillyness! I have to say, I'm entertained if some crazy, pokes his head in, and says something incredibly stupid! The "culture" provides for "gang up" posting to straightening out a member who has gone astray. Of course, Mr. Bert holds the ultimate noose. He can always hang a bad poster by "the neck until dead".

With all respect to those who are troubled and in all honesty, I have to say, to me, this is a non-issue. Our post numbers are on every page we stare at, below each members avatar.

Billy

It doesn't matter to me
I've been a member of several forums over the years and in my experience there are always a certain number of those that seem more interested in their post count than the subject at hand. I don't really care how many posts you have. I'm more interested in what you have to say. In fact, it usually seems that those with the most to say really haven't said much at all.
What he said :laugh Why would anyone be offended or upset about post numbers...........who cares.........if they matter to ya they are there, if not don't look at em! cool I got another number :D

hey billysuperposterwithover1000poststohisname, I donn't think this is over your making 1000 as I have congraduated others for hitting the K mark before and nothing was brought up at those times

as of resent a number of threads have bean highjacked and seamingly senseless dribble has run rampit , I myself am guilty of this as are a few others and this can look like post padding when its really just a bit of jokularity

thread highjacking is rampit on all forums its just the way the human mind wanders , these threads are like a barroom conversation everyone has something to bring forth and its sometimes quite chaotic

so your ok billywhoworriestoomuch

WOW flathead................that was actually well put :laugh :laugh "a bit of jokularity "...... I like I like :laugh :laugh

ya, sometimes my brain farts out something significant other times i'm just post padding :smiliesig

Im not padding

My post count

Am I.Really what differance does it make, as long as folks keep things in the proper place, which over all they seem to do. When you go to the real important topics, moter & elec, conversions etc etc ( don't limit that) I sea very little thread hijacking or wasted posts, Most everyone is actualy at least trying to help. If they do get out of line Thats also why we have moderators to keep us in line and tell us that we are off base if not completely wrong. Stevo did this a while back on an octane thread, He wasn't rude nasty or overbearing Just got us back on track with the right info.

Oh ya forgot to add I thought the pics were way cool, that would be better with a link to top 10

I don't give a hoot whether the post count shows or not. Look folks, the purpose of a forum is to share thoughts, ideas, ask questions, get answers, and just damn well to become friends. If a few folks get recognized for the number of posts they made, so be it, whether it's shown up front or not, I care less.

Over the past few months I've been a member, I've met through posts a number of riders with some interests similar to mine and some dissimilar to mine. Through every post though, I've found courtesy, respect, and the openness that makes this forum heads above others I've visited. Very, very few posts ever make a demeaning or offensive comment toward someone. Some folks have an open door if ever they decide to ride through Dallas, some do not. And for those that do, in all likelihood, if possible, I'll join them on the continuation of their ride. But this is life in general kids, we select those with whom we wish to be associated in many different ways.

We have areas to sound off if we want; we have Bert and the moderators to police it, and if and when someone crosses the line, that person no doubt is told about it. Look, if a post gets hijacked, it gets so for a reason. Most often the question has been answered to the fullest extent possible, and in many instances, if you go back and look at where the highjack took place, the original poster has already thanked folks for their advice before the hijack took place. The hijack occurs becuase some answer or comment triggered another trane of thought. Look, I'm 56, and from here on out each day is a blessing. Having some fun along the way is great. Some of y'all younguns need to lighten up.

Also folks, take a cruise down the membership list. It doesn't take a brainstorn to recognize that some members never post, but glean a wealth of information. Some post only so often, and then only when he/she wants the answer to a question. It isn't hard to pick these to groups out; they get help but give back little or nothing in return. Then look at those who post regularly; the folks who ask questions and give advice, the ones who post for comment and insight, whether it be political, sexual, newsworthy, or just plain to be friendly. They're the ones who not only keep this site going, but in many instances, and I've said this before, pay for the privilage to do so. Make this site paid only, and see how many stay around!

My four cents:)

I think it should go away when you have time to create some more relavant content. I don't really like seeing the post counts all that much, regardless of whatever bone or illusions that RC has up his arse (Damn I stooped into the gutter, maybe you should have a top flamers box, I have 1 flame now wooo hooo, maybe someday I'll catch up to RC...hmmm does that count as two?). If anyone out there really cares about post counts you can get that information from the "member list" page, by sorting on post counts.

I may be wrong but I figure that it is just a builtin to VBPortal that you would eventually replace with something better someday when you get the time. I like TxSporty's idea of getting random images back. I'd also like to see the upcoming events and the shout box that we had in the old site. These were all real nice aspects of the old site.

Everybody should realise that adding features is a whole lot harder than taking things away, and enabling features that come prebuilt into the software is an easy way to get content quickly with out a lot of effort.

Bert did a great job at getting this new software installed, configured and running in a very short time. I think everyone is very thankfull for that and we all look forward to where the site will migrate to in the future.

Edit: I also have to agree with Flathead, a lot of joking around has gone into some of the threads lately. I don't think it has anything to do with post counts, I think it's just due to the shoutbox and chat room missing in the new forum. In the old forum alot of this friendly banter occured in the shoutbox and before that in the chat room. I personally feel that those two areas of the old forum helped me get on a very friendly footing with some of the forum members. Having a few good friends here that I can talk with about my bike and other non biking issues is part of what brings me back here so frequently.

Gary

http://brawl-hall.com/gallery/data20/media/5/diethreaddie.jpg


I have the side bar turned off any ways so it dont matter

http://brawl-hall.com/gallery/data20/media/5/diethreaddie.jpg
I have the side bar turned off any ways so it dont matterHw do you turn that off?

Gary

Hw do you turn that off?

Gary
Under quick links

K...I haven't really read EVERY post in this thread but I did read most of them...I'm just sitting here wondering...
who gives a shit?

Just my opinion...I'm sure that I'll be told that it's wrong...oh well...

K...I haven't really read EVERY post in this thread but I did read most of them...I'm just sitting here wondering...
who gives a shit?

Just my opinion...I'm sure that I'll be told that it's wrong...oh well...
:clap to the point!

K...I haven't really read EVERY post in this thread but I did read most of them...I'm just sitting here wondering...
who gives a shit?

Just my opinion...I'm sure that I'll be told that it's wrong...oh well...
yep :clap :clap :clap

Ole has a darn good point there :tour

Oh darn... was this was just an unconscious attempt to boost my post count?

Gary

Ole.....
touche'

does this count as a post??????

I think sometime tomorrow or this weekend I will remove the Top Poster block. If anyone is interested in it there are ways to get to it and I'm sure those that are interested in it will find it.

I also want to point out the I created The XL Forum so that the Sportster riders of the world could have a place to talk about more than just Sportsters.

I want to tell you how The XL Forum came into being.

***DISCLAIMER - The comments below are not a down on The XL-List

All of us, at one time or the other, have probably been subscribed to the XL List - The father of all Sportster Lists.

We all know that the XL List is mainly only for Sporster content and it is great that way. We also know that there are a few people on there that totally disregard the XL List content rule and that many of the emails that you get you never read becuase you are just not interested.

Well, one day, a little over a year ago, someone (I do not remember who it was) wrote on The XL-List that they would prefer a forum style place to discuss Sportsters, a place where they could read what they were interested in and ignore what they were not interested in. I was thinking the same thing and was amazed that I could not find a Sportster Forum on the Internet (other than Yahoo and MSN groups, of which there are some great ones). The XL-List is full of awesome Sportster info but I wanted more involvement with Sportster enthusiasts. I wanted to see their faces, their bikes, I wanted to know when their birthday was, I wanted to see their Christmas or Holiday lights, I wanted to know more about where they came from.

At this time I was running a forum for my High School Class of 1983 20th reunion and after reading that message I thought to myself, "Hey....I could do that!!!" So I did and here we are going stronger than ever after a year and three months. We were up to 3800+ members before I put up the new site. On Alexa.com we are rated as the 413,000 most popular website on the Internet (which is pretty good when you consider how many websites there are). You can see the stats here: http://www.alexa.com/data/details/?url=xlforum.net

My idea for The XL Forum was to have a one stop website where you can find any and all info that you need for your Sportster. A place where you can also discuss non-Sportster related topics.

I think we (all of us) have done a pretty good job of doing that. I say we alot because I did not do this alone. All of you are the webmasters here. I just keep it up and design the structure. God knows I have not 1% of the Sportster knowledge that many of you here have, people like Stevo, Flathead, Crim, Shu, Frapper, the list could go on and on (does that make me a 1 percenter!!!). But I know a how to admin a server and with the help of Ingemar and Raysheen we keep this place running.

We have got great people like Gronk (Phil), Gary, Collinsb that make us laugh.

We have also got people like MissyD and Willprevale with their strong opinions that sometimes get our blood boiling but we still enjoy their company!!!

We have all the great Texans, and if everyone in Texas is as hospitable as the ones here then Texas must be a great place to live.

We have got people like Cypher and thunderpaw that are ALWAYS the first to welcome new members.

We have the crazy Ozzies!!!

And of course we have all our European and Canadian brothers and sisters that keep us Americans straight when we get a little too big for our britches.

We even have few brothers from south of the border that don't talk much but when they do contribute a lot.

And all the other members. I could not list all of you that have contributed so much to the making of this great virtual Sportster community. (please do not feel slighted if I did not mention you by name)

So this is what WE have created. I great place for all of us that have only ONE thing in common, our enthusiasm for Sportsters, to come together and share our passions for our bike(s) and our passions for other things in our lives.

So I just want all of you to know that I would like this to be a place where you can discuss just about everything...but please do it the proper place on in the forum. I have not seen very many WORTHLESS posts, maybe one or two.

The only posts that I would consider worthless are ones that promote hatred, racism, bigotry, intolerance of another persons religion and if they are found here they will not and the person that posted them will not stay around here long. And personal attacks against other members is also not welcome.

So if you want to post that you are gonna be a father for the first time...then post it.

If you are happy that you finally made the 1000 post mark....then post about.

If you want to show off the new gun you bought...then post it.

If you do not like the way the government is working..then post it.

If your car is make strange noises when you put it in gear...then post it.

If your wife or husband does not like you Sportster..then post it.

If you are tired of people calling your Sportster a girls bike...then post it.

If you want to know if Syn is better than mineral oil...then post it.

Just please post in the proper place and show others the same respect that you would like to receive.

And BTW....I have the MOST posts!!!! NA-NA----NA-NA-----NA :p

:xlrocks

Bert said it! I believe it! That settles it!

I guess that means I can't tell all those people you mentioned, what I really think of them?

I'M JUST KIDDING!
I'T'S A BAD JOKE!

3 cheers for Bert


here ! here !:cheers

here ! here !:cheers

here ! here !:cheers

For he's a golly good fellow, which nobody can deny !

http://brawl-hall.com/gallery/data20/media/5/postwhore.jpg


:laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :p :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh

:smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :smiliesig :dancesmil :dancesmil :dancesmil :dancesmil :dancesmil :dancesmil :dancesmil :dancesmil :headb

i vote for "don't really care"

if your a post whore who really cares
if you have 10 posts or over 1000 and got something to add, do it.

i respect content no matter if in 1, 2 or 10 posts
its the person i first take note of, not there post count.

cheers
crackers

Don't care about the top ten list either. Hell, I'm only half way or so to #10. I tend to ramble and joke around too, but like someone said this is a fun place to hang and chat. I like to read the posts and if I have a comment or two I will post. If I just want to make a joke , I'll post that too. If I can learn or teach someone something I feel good about it and vice versa. Any way I like the place and a top ten list is no biggy. I like the idea of the random bike pics on the side as long as mine is first. :wonderlan

Bert said

And BTW....I have the MOST posts!!!! NA-NA----NA-NA-----NA




Yeah BUT I've got a life.......nya nya nya





Ya doin good Bert....so are we all.....colective back slappin ......

I am for putting it behind a link also and no ti doesnt bother me if you leave it seeing as I dont think I wil be on there before...ever..LOL : :frownthre

MY VOTE..................................It don't bother me.

I don't think anybody cares because we already know who knows something and who comments on things they don't know. Maybe you should list them by content instead of posts. I could post crap all night and get on the list but that is not the purpose of the forum.. I guess I am not lonely enough yet. Thanks to the guys who really know your stuff. crim, stevo shu etc.

Damn You Bert!!!

The Ending of your last post made me spit Beer all over my Computer!!! :frownthre


You da Man!!! :clap :clap

Hey, didn't mean to interrupt anything here guys... just wanted to shoot in my two cents...

I think the post count should probably go. If all you're looking to do is build up your posts, you need to be on a different forum.

All this stems from some belief that the more posts you have, the smarter you are. Or you're saltier than some other guys...whatever... It's all BS.

Like Billy said, you don't really know someone entirely without meeting them face-to-face. However, you can get a little idea of who you're dealing with by reading their posts. Some people are full of shit, and you can tell it after you read enough of their posts...it doesn't matter what their post count is- it doesn't make them any smarter.

Likewise, their are other guys (and girls) that don't have lots of posts, but you can tell that they're not morons either- the post count doesn't matter.

That's why I don't feel like it needs to be on the forum. Rant over... :wonderlan

Bert said it! I believe it! That settles it!

As usual, Billy has the last word. With that I'm removing my negative posts Thanks again Billy.

PS: Gary really is a good guy. He caught me on a bad day.

We have also got people like MissyD and Willprevale with their strong opinions

Guilty as charged. :soap

Put it in a link; randomly display one of our bikes instead. It is cool to receive public recognition. Seeing your own bike up front occasionally is good.

Bert,
Thanks for your great attitude towards running your (our) site. I don't write a lot of posts, but I sure enjoy learning about my bike. I also enjoy the interesting personalities that come out through these posts.

Put it in a link; randomly display one of our bikes instead. It is cool to receive public recognition. Seeing your own bike up front occasionally is good.

You have a very interesting website Ironmike! I have to admit, you lost me on the Hi Tech assighnments! I think I would have been one of your problem students.
Billy

Guilty as charged. :soap

Absolutely not! The message boards place us on public display. Compared to all who read, those who actually post are few. Most people are fearful to offer up their opinions openly, at the risk of being challenged. When you post your opinion, it is respected much by others who post. I know the instant I click "submit", some one or two will not like my post. However, we're not posting for the few! Actually, we're not posting for the many! We post our opinions because we believe others need to know what we think is right or true. All any of us have to offer on a message board is our opinion about stuff.

I believe XLforum members are online for two reasons: 1. We want to contribute to whatever level we can, and 2. we want to feel our contribution is meaningful. You score an "A"! Your bike knowledge is apparent and your wit is keen. However, in the area of strong opinion, I'm thinking I might have you beat!

Billy I'mokyourokwereallok

I've found over the years that it takes ALL kinds of people to make the world go 'round, and I've readily accepted that fact...the ol' addage, "You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people ALL of the time" has been proven over and over. We've got such a diverse group of people on this forum that it's mind boggling! I'm a newbie here, but I've just been amazed that when a variety of people from different backgrounds and countries with a common passion (our Sportsters) can get along (98% of the time anyway), it makes me wonder how the world would be if we could find some common ground for all the peoples to use as a starting point so we can all sit back and relax for a few years instead of being so tense! I know I've posted some controversial threads to kind of stir the pot, but I think what I was really after was to see if there are any other folks out there that believe as I do...and I've been really surprised that unless Sportster owners have certain similarities, we as a group think pretty much alike, have SOME morals, and have a fairly much live and let live attitude! And after Sharkdoctor did his stats, we're looking at almost a 50 year span of life between the youngest and oldest Sporty owner...I'd say that's pretty commendable that almost three generations can co-exist here without flaming each other to death, don't you agree? Bert, I don't know how you did it, but with your creation of this site, along with basically four basic rules, this forum should be rated the best as far as any motorycycle forum in existence! All I know is I'm glad I found it, I feel fortunate to have communicated with all of you, and I hope this site can continue for a long time! So everyone continue to post, and feel comfortable doing so, because besides most of us being very accepting, there appears to be some checks and balances with the moderators and Bert watching over us! In summation, I'd ride with any of you anytime! Happy Holidays! Mike

I posted a post to ses how many posts i have
HUH :p

I heard my name called somewhere ..... :D :D :D

OK just another posting more!!!! :shhhh

Well said PlanB

I mentioned this in the Mod only area that we get ot talk about all you lot ;)

As moderators we are finding that we don't have to do much other than typos lately.....

That is a GREAT sign, as it shows that the tone that was set in the early stages ahs cemented itself into part of this site and apart froma few glitches (and I've been chipped for some of my avatars from the big guy himself, yes, none of us are beyond reproach, but I'm a biker at the end of the day NOT a school teacher and I WILL be a BAD boy,,,,, I can't help it.)

I moderate on a few other forums and I think I'm fortunate to say that the ones I moderate on are far more civilised than the others that I frequent and just post on....


OK time out ..some clown just went past at 11.40PM at night on an HD with drag pipes that woulda been tested at 120 DB PLUS...it's these sort of idiots that stuff it up for the rest of us...PILOCKS..... enough rant back to my other rant



Ahh yes as I said we're doin well here guys..... it should be held up as an example of how to be civil.... did a BIKER just say that???????? wash my mouth out with soap

don't care....I'm not here for the back slappin......

hopefully some people will get something outa what I have ta say...

I have noticed a bit of post whorein lately tho from a few members....I don't think the number makes much difference, I would hope that those askin the questions are intelligent enough to pick when it's a sensible answer or just someone tryin to get their count up...

If someone feels the need to whore then we'll pull 'em into line when it gets too far...


That's it from me just doin some more whorin to get my count up ......now I just gotta start deletin posts of all those who are gettin close ;)


I agree with Stevo here....hate to see this turn into a postin' circus.....that would suck....

yeah Chuck

I'm on another site and a young lady joined and went to over 400 !!!!!!!!! posts in less than a week...

Let's just say quite a few of us got the sh*ts with her within the first fortnight.......

actually nearly everyone did and the site owner told her to pull her head in.




At the end of the day I have quite a few posts myself BUT I've been here since the begining and provided I don't piss Bert off too much I'd like to think I'll be here for a while yet.

I would hope that MOST (not all, we have to relax sometimes) of my posts are informative and relavant....I try for no reward other than trying to help....

but you can all send beer if you feel the need :) :cheers

There's a Top Ten Posting List?

It only takes about 10 minutes of reading on this forum to figure out who the Post-Whores are. They are usually the ones who start the meaningless threads, or start a thread without using the SEARCH function first. Hence all the "Loud Pipes" threads, or the plethora of "RUB" threads.

A large post count does not equal reputable XL knowledge and information. Individual members can make up their own minds who is full of shit and who actually contributes something meaningful.

So I say pull it if it makes managing the forum a little easier for you.

once again, this was originally posted back in 2004. most of the post whores were weeded out years ago






except me of coarse :smoke

I say get rid of it. It's pretty obvious who are the biggest post whores here.

I never really noticed it anyway...But I say:
Bert...Keep it.... Your the #1 poster anyways...

Didn't know there was such a thing. Now that I know, I still don't have the slightest ideas how to view it.

once again, this was originally posted back in 2004. most of the post whores were weeded out years ago






except me of coarse :smoke

They missed more than you Flatty!

I kinda sneaked under the radar too!

Doesnt matter to me, Hell most of those high posters would drop dead of old age before I ever made it that high.