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Silly Title wanted, or not!
ooops! i left an errant "A" in the first choice
(ø) - - - I must have a title. If I get a title my eyes will open & my garden will be blessed. They're fun and I can break your finger for jabbing my ribs too hard, or too often, or too funny, or two times, or today, or tomorrow, or Tuesday, or . . . . .
O - - - Titles? What titles? I haven't noticed them.
O - - - Don't put no bleedin' titles on me. . grrrrrrrrrrrrrr
THE POLL WILL CLOSE
6-27-10
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Wow a 90 day poll! I think management will have an idea before then. I think these three fellows said it best.
Quote:
Originally Posted by morrison
That thread about titles was important to me to read. I am compelled to join into the conversation. Unfortunately my opportunity to speak up disappeared before I knew that the thread had come and gone.
I very much enjoyed the prospect of attaining the next available title. My goal had been to advance relevant conversation at more opportune occasions while having fun with the growth of my own presence on this forum. I am not to be stifled. I don't insult as far as I know and I attempt to be friendly, concise, informative, humorous and relevant.
Certainly, I've posted congrats and hello's and yes to this or no to that as a course of increasing my post count which leads to automatic title advancement. That, to me was a fun game and it contributed to my feeling engaged in this forum. New ownership and new management in my experience rarely permits the existence of a former method of operations. That in itself often leads to a turnover of regulars who see an influx of new visitors and users that see nothing different but stay because there is a continuity present and an apparently familiar banter being cast.
I am resistant to change for change sake. I am slow to embrace the new when it doesn't seem necessary. However, I quickly jump off when the old begins smelling. And here, at XMTS the titles also help cover that moldy oder that comes up in old wool kilts. Just a few thousand more posts and I might one have been far advanced enough to be a "Grand Defender of the Oder of the Kilt" order of the kilt.
The titles were a significant element to my humor here at XMARKSTHESCOT.
If anyone cares to note or even go take a look, you'll find that in one of my earliest posts {6-6-6} I make quite a bit of good sense of the titles passed out to the locals (which I became).
There are numerous other forums in the world that have many people attentions divided. There are few forums in the world that have peoples undivided attention. My attentions go to more than one forum. I'm one of those whose attention is divided amongst this and others. Title at some of the other forums seemed too directed toward identifying the individual rather than just something a bit more fun, whimsical, if you must, such as here at XMTS.
I implore you, ownership and mod staff along with you brothers and sisters to recreate and renew the vigor and interest in the fun aspect here and press to RESTORE the titles to us, the users whom sometimes need to see even a Whimsy or trite recognition, even if it is only a meaningless counter to some.
It meant plenty to me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jock Scot
Surely no one takes these titles seriously? How can they? BUT, they do add to the tongue in cheek and gentle fun that I come to this website for. As a member of this website I was fortunate to be honoured with a special title, now some would say "big deal" and that is their right. Speaking for myself it was rather nice that "some people somewhere" had thought that I had contributed, unwittingly, enough "something" to warrant that gift. You know, getting a pat on the back from people from all over the world whom you had never met and in truth are never likely to, is rather nice and frankly, it meant something to me and it also does add, on occasion, to the fun and humour in no small way. Alright, perhaps its time to start with a clean slate, perhaps its time to streamline things, but let us not take away the opportunity for a wee bit of fun. Let us add to the fun, not take it away. Steve, I know you have a lot on your plate reorganising your, it is yours when all said and done, website, but can I ask you to reconsider the "Title" issue.
Quote:
Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome
This is my first, and perhaps only post concerning the removal and/or restoration of titles. I never really paid much attention to them when we had them, and didn't even notice when they were removed until people started discussing it. So count me in that camp that doesn't really care one way or the other.
But it has occurred to me reading the posts in this and other threads, that people either post to say how much they miss the titles and hope they come back, or they post to say that (like me) they never really paid attention to them so it doesn't really matter.
I have yet to see a post by someone who adamantly feels that they should not come back and have no place in the forum.
I think that fact alone may be telling....
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Where's the 10 foot option? ;-)
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why not have the titles? It does not give any special privelages, or a pension of sorts.. It's just something fun... some people hold the titles more to heart than others, but it's all in fun. Besides "The Grant" has been secretly devising a plan to regain his own special title....lol
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If folks feel the need for titles, I think they should be disappearing titles. They should come and go like the seasons.
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Except some of us earned those titles over the years. Bit hard to be flippant about them for some of us.
Rob
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When it comes down to it, all titles, even those on this site, are mere social courtesies. If they mean a lot to an individual member they can move them down to their signature line, just like French aristocrats do.
Frankly, rather than titles, I'd like to see the members post their actual location (city/state or province/country) as this would go a long way in providing useful advice when someone asks "Where can I..."
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Everyone knows I liked the titles. They were totally useless, didn't mean a lot, and conferred no real status or importance, but they were ours and part of the fun of this place. They were kind of like us!
The only time I actually paid attention was the time posted for the 1000th time. I actually made a post mentioning that it was the 1000th post once realized I was almost there.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peacekeeper83
Besides "The Grant" has been secretly devising a plan to regain his own special title....lol
No I have not!
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Titles don't mean much but they are one of the reasons I keep posting. After five years as a member of this forum, I've almost made 3000 posts and would like to have some recognition for that.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kilted Abuser of Rubber Chickens
No I have not!
There is a way around every rule, if you are smart enough to figure it out. Leave it to Grant.
Well done. Yes that is how I think you should be cooked, well done.
jeff
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I don't have many posts to my credit which may be telling but I thought they were ridiculous and I am not sad to see them gone. Perhaps I would feel different though if I had participated in a ton of posts. Not really sure, but I genuinely like the look and feel of the updated site.
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In order of ascending hierarchy can anyone post a list of the titles and the number of posts required to attain them?
I'm guessing probably not...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown
In order of ascending hierarchy can anyone post a list of the titles and the number of posts required to attain them?
I'm guessing probably not...
Lets see there was:
Kilted Samarai at 100 posts
Kilted Warrior at 500 posts
Kilted Noble at 1000 posts
Grand Defender of the Kilt at 4000.
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Maybe there is a happy medium where those who do not want to see "Kilted Samarai" next to our name can opt out and those who want it can choose to display it. I think they are cheesy but if you like them I don't see why you're not allowed to have them I guess.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thescot
Everyone knows I liked the titles. They were totally useless, didn't mean a lot, and conferred no real status or importance, but they were ours and part of the fun of this place. They were kind of like us!
Bet'cha I can make you shudder!
Substitute the word "Titles" for the word "Grant".
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kilted Abuser of Rubber Chickens
Lets see there was:
Kilted Samarai at 100 posts
Kilted Warrior at 500 posts
Kilted Noble at 1000 posts
Grand Defender of the Kilt at 4000.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha! :rofl:
Bet you weren't expecting that. Mr neither, but Grant is just full of surprises.
Grant is a man worth knowing.
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Quote:
I have yet to see a post by someone who adamantly feels that they should not come back and have no place in the forum.
-- Oh, look! Here is one now...
I will stand for the opposition and voice a strong opinion against titles based solely on the number of posts. No matter how cute the titles chosen, having them numerically based sets up a hierarchy, e.g, "I have a higher number, so I'm a more Grander Exalted Defending type-person than you."
To which I holler: Nonsense, and no you're not. Frequency doesn't always equate to knowledge or helpfulness, and other threads have noted the abundance of "nice picture," "I agree," and similar post padding that doesn't really add much to the discussion.
Steve said it best in the FAQ: "Post Ranks and Special Titles have now become more about separating us instead of bringing us together." and I call on Steve to stand his ground here.
Now to be clear, I am NOT against titles, be they cute, honorary, bestowed, hereditary or purchased at Wal-mart. My sole objection is to basing them upon the number of posts, which is an indicator of nothing at all Scottish or kiltish.
As one compromise for those who must, I would propose that many title advocates create their own and add it to their sig at the bottom of their posts...there are already many clever ones and we could all get a smile from some more.
Additionally, I would particularly favor internal titles, bestowed ON members BY members for services rendered or information provided. (I believe the Dandelion works that way, non?) There are many here whose knowledge and experience I respect highly and would be pleased to advance them as Titled Rabble.
* * *
However, old ways die hard for some and to those that feel they must have a title by their name, I say: Let's keep it relevant to topics and Scottishness and require some (gasp!) personal involvement to advance.
For instance, and these are only examples...a point system. Use the previously cited 4 titles: Kilted Samarai, Kilted Warrior, Kilted Noble, Grand Defender of the Kilt and set the points breaks where you will.
Such a system would be surveyed on joining and updatable by the user on the honor plan. You could increase your points and gain a higher title through your own actions that advance the cause of the kilt, not the cause of the keyboard.
-- Own a kilt? 7 pts Note: Simple...you're a kilt owner, or not. NO points for more than one; that would introduce economic factors as to who could afford what.
-- Worn a kilt this calendar year? 5 pts
-- Ever worn a kilt? 2 pt
-- Provider of authoritative, researched and reliable kilt, tartan, heritage or history information, such as published books, papers, histories etc, OR holding a related position in academe or conservancy? (There are several established authorities on this forum) 5 pts
-- Established and experienced kiltmaker or outfit supplier (sporrans, etc.)? 5 pts
-- Born in Scotland or currently resident there? OR Direct lineal descent within 4 generations (you-parents-grands-great grands) only? 3 pts
-- Ever visited Scotland? 2 pts. for each visit. (English/ Welsh/ Irish members asked to only score for holidays or extended stays, not just popping in for a day or two...)
-- Actively involved in preserving celtic/Scots heritage outside your own home? (You somehow bring or support the heritage to others through playing the music, storytelling, jewellry, visual art, etc. Doesn't have to be on a perfomance level, just sharing it with others. Also membership in a clan society or other group, or even just attending a games event.
Almost anything outside your own house would count.) 1 pt
So, how would you score on this plan?
And more importantly, who would you prefer as the Grand Defender of the Kilt: a kilt owner and perhaps maker who has traveled to the homeland and is a renowned authority on tartans... or somebody with 4000 posts on a web-forum.
If they happen to be the same person, lucky us...but in many cases we know it won't come out that way.
Steve: Stand fast! Many here support your position. Vote NO titles to be based on number of posts.
Peace
JT
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CameronCat
-- Oh, look! Here is one now...
I will stand for the opposition and voice a strong opinion against titles based solely on the number of posts. No matter how cute the titles chosen, having them numerically based sets up a hierarchy, e.g, "I have a higher number, so I'm a more Grander Exalted Defending type-person than you."
To which I holler: Nonsense, and no you're not. Frequency doesn't always equate to knowledge or helpfulness, and other threads have noted the abundance of "nice picture," "I agree," and similar post padding that doesn't really add much to the discussion.
Steve said it best in the FAQ: "Post Ranks and Special Titles have now become more about separating us instead of bringing us together." and I call on Steve to stand his ground here.
Now to be clear, I am NOT against titles, be they cute, honorary, bestowed, hereditary or purchased at Wal-mart. My sole objection is to basing them upon the number of posts, which is an indicator of nothing at all Scottish or kiltish.
And here's another. I will also stand for the opposition and voice a strong opinion against titles based solely on the number of posts. Unfortunately, the poll doesn't contain this option, so I'm voicing my opinion here knowing that my input is probably not going to make me any friends.
Frankly, I'm tired of seeing people have their opinions dismissed during the course of a lively debate not because they failed to make a logical argument, not because they misunderstood a key point in the discussion, not because they presented facts that were in error, but simply because their post count was smaller. And I'm tired of seeing some of the folks doing it going back to edit their posts later to cover their tracks.
This isn't a frequent occurrence, but it doesn't have to be frequent to be damaging to the community. It leaves a lasting impression and it happens regularly enough that I firmly agree that it divides us. It's often hostile towards new members even before we're aware of their stances, knowledge and motives for being here. Some of the people doing it are some of the people voicing support for bringing back the post count driven titles. To those people I say,
"If you've demonstrated that you were going to hold members post counts against them with or without the titles in the past, why should we believe that you would reform and behave any differently if they were brought back now?"
The fact that nudging newcomers in the ribs has revealed one or two of them to be trolls does not justify treating everyone in this manner. While nudging your friends in the ribs and questioning their motives now and then can be fun and/or encourage lively debate, nudging people you've just met in the ribs and questioning their motives the moment they walk in the door is just plain boorish and obnoxious. This is, unfortunately, one of those times when a few of us can cast a bad light on all of us.
Are we not the Ladies and Gentlemen of X Marks the Scot?
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Well I AM Impressed!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kilted Abuser of Rubber Chickens
Lets see there was:
Kilted Samarai at 100 posts
Kilted Warrior at 500 posts
Kilted Noble at 1000 posts
Grand Defender of the Kilt at 4000.
Wow! The title says it all.
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I am hard-pressed to recall a single instance in the 3 years I've been on board that someone has waved their post count over someone else's head. I know of no one here that is so ignorant as to believe that their post count is indicitive of their kilting knowledge.
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Morrison I stand corrected, I thank you. I would bestow upon you the title "Kilted Elder, keeper of archives".
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kilted Abuser of Rubber Chickens
I am hard-pressed to recall a single instance in the 3 years I've been on board that someone has waved their post count over someone else's head. I know of no one here that is so ignorant as to believe that their post count is indicitive of their kilting knowledge.
Morrison I stand corrected, I thank you. I would bestow upon you the title "Kilted Elder, keeper of archives".
I don't know about that!
I'll wager I know a little bit less than anyony else about kilts and other stuff too. I have 749 posts with THIS post and everyone know that at 750 posts I become a non titled Kilted Noble who knows much less than I would if I were training fleas at the market.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kilted Abuser of Rubber Chickens
Morrison I stand corrected, I thank you. I would bestow upon you the title "Kilted Elder, keeper of archives".
Them archives are heavy and weighty and fill a great deal of space. Even thought it appears there is space in there for archives, I'm afraid that that space in my attic is filled with vacuum and guano and others strange things! !
HAY!!
This post is my 750th!
I would have had the title KILTED NOBLE bestowed upon me. Sunufugun:toast:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morrison
I don't know about that!
I'll wager I know a little bit less than anyony else about kilts and other stuff too. I have 749 posts with THIS post and everyone know that at 750 posts I become a non titled Kilted Noble who knows much less than I would if I were training fleas at the market.
With this post I'll be at 4810 and I'm sure that you know as much and probably more about kilts than me, and posibly more about rubber chickens except for the fact that in Canada we have to import them in from China.
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I don't rub 'em.
Just choke 'em. :silenced:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morrison
I don't rub 'em.
Just choke 'em. :silenced:
:tmi:
:lol: :lol:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kilted Abuser of Rubber Chickens
I am hard-pressed to recall a single instance in the 3 years I've been on board that someone has waved their post count over someone else's head. I know of no one here that is so ignorant as to believe that their post count is indicitive of their kilting knowledge
I don't believe I stated that I had seen or experienced someone waving their own post count over another member's head. If I did, that was not my intention.
I believe I stated that I've seen members with lower post counts dismissed over their own count.
There's a difference. I'm not the only one who's been on the receiving end of the latter.
Twice recently someone with a low post count who could have been argued with from a different perspective (and who had left a lot of room for himself to be) was instead shot down simply over his post count. What does that say to others about the character of the general community? We were willing to dismiss people because they were new even before we suspected they might be trolls? I've seen this happen in the past as well with folks who turned out to be productive community members.
These sorts of dividing lines make nice catch 22's. If you come to learn, you're irrelevant until you can prove otherwise with knowledge and experience you may not have. If you try to be friendly, you're trying to pad your relevancy. What's left? To sit down and shut up because someone else has been here longer and everything important has already been discussed?
This is exactly the reason many of the forums I have frequented have post count, post count based titles, etc. turned off.
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Maybe we should go the one step further eh? and take out the join date. Then that would solve everybody's problem as you wouldn't know who was knew or who hasn't been here from the beginning. As for the tone in my post it's extreme sarcasm!
As one of the old farts on this forum, I've been through the changes, I think 6.
Sometimes it's easier to point someone to the search button, guide someone into some easy research. In so doing it's easy to tell who has a wealth of knowledge and the quality of the post.
I never had a title, no probs. I got a kick out of the monikers. Heck it's a forum! Grab a chair, pour a dram or bevy, read, communicate.
As in our true Canadian Game, I'll take a 2 minute penalty and watch the power play.
Geez it's a full moon tonight!
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Just to clarify, when many of us speak of titles, we are not referring to the ones based on poast count but to those bestowed on individuals. Raphael was The Kilted Dragon, I was the Kilted Writer, Grant was the Grand Defender of the Rubber Chicken. Those titles were earned. They were not based upon post counts.
Rob
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Wright
Just to clarify, when many of us speak of titles, we are not referring to the ones based on poast count but to those bestowed on individuals. Raphael was The Kilted Dragon, I was the Kilted Writer, Grant was the Grand Defender of the Rubber Chicken. Those titles were earned. They were not based upon post counts.
Rob
Steve has already stated that those (in some form) will return and for some people they already have. So, discussing them is moot.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady M
Steve has already stated that those (in some form) will return and for some people they already have. So, discussing them is moot.
Respectfully: I don't think any discussion is "moot" until we have an official announcement from Steve that those titles are now restored. I think Rob was right to bring up that distinction between those titles and the "canned" ones that were based on the number of posts.
Regards,
T.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cajunscot
Respectfully: I don't think any discussion is "moot" until we have an official announcement from Steve that those titles are now restored. I think Rob was right to bring up that distinction between those titles and the "canned" ones that were based on the number of posts.
Regards,
T.
If Steve has plans to restore some (if not all) personal titles, discussing those particular titles doesn't do a lot of good as none of us know which titles will return and for whom. We should patiently wait for the process to be finished rather than huff and puff about something that hasn't happened yet. I'm sure Steve has a lot of things on his plate, we need to give him the time. Which leaves me back again, I believe the argument is moot until we hear more information from Steve. At this point, it's all just speculation.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady M
If Steve has plans to restore some (if not all) personal titles, discussing those particular titles doesn't do a lot of good as none of us know which titles will return and for whom. We should patiently wait for the process to be finished rather than huff and puff about something that hasn't happened yet. I'm sure Steve has a lot of things on his plate, we need to give him the time. Which leaves me back again, I believe the argument is moot until we hear more information from Steve. At this point, it's all just speculation.
I find your tone in these last two posts a little dismissive, Lady M. I personally believe (and that and $1.25 will get you a cup of coffee) that Rob was right to distinguish between the canned titles and those that had been given to certain members of the forum by former members of the Mod Squad. I think you're assuming that Rob had an axe to grind. It was really a point of information only. Note that he began his post with the phrase, "Just to clarify...".
I'm sure Steve will reply to this thread and give us an estimated time of when the honourary titles will be returned.
Regards,
Todd
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Wright
Just to clarify, when many of us speak of titles, we are not referring to the ones based on poast count but to those bestowed on individuals. Raphael was The Kilted Dragon, I was the Kilted Writer, Grant was the Grand Defender of the Rubber Chicken. Those titles were earned. They were not based upon post counts.
Rob
Some titles have (re)appeared. cajunscot is "Forum Historian" and Hamish is "The Kilted Legend".
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cajunscot
I find your tone in these last two posts a little dismissive, Lady M. Whilst you may see the discussion as moot, others do not. I personally believe (and that and $1.25 will get you a cup of coffee) that Rob was right to distinguish between the canned titles and those that had been given to certain members of the forum by former members of the Mod Squad. I think you're assuming that Rob had an axe to grind. It was really a point of information only.
I'm sure Steve will reply to this thread and give us an estimated time of when the honourary titles will be returned.
Regards,
Todd
I don't believe suggesting patience is being dismissive.
As a general note, I'd like to request that any further inquiries to my opinions or further discussion be sent via PM.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady M
I don't believe suggesting patience is being dismissive.
As a general note, I'd like to request that any further inquiries to my opinions or further discussion be sent via PM.
Go back and read your initial reply to Rob's post -- all Rob posted was a general clarification. Nowhere did he "huff & puff" about when the titles were going to be returned, as you implied.
T.
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I was just making a comment to clarify for others in earlier posts that not all the titles being discussed were those (the titles) people earned based on post count, hence my emphasis on them being earned. Read into the rest what you will.
Rob
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Them specialty honors are bigger-tongue-in-bigger-cheek up next to the tongue-in-cheek post count titles. They are a direct chide about the (post count) titles themselves from the forum proving itself as not above some hilarity and harmless self deprecating humor.
The little meaningless titles help us to remember to "Not takes our selves too seriously, Lest we be dismissed as zealotous, self important contributors on a truly very important World Wide Web address."
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cajunscot
Go back and read your initial reply to Rob's post -- all Rob posted was a general clarification. Nowhere did he "huff & puff" about when the titles were going to be returned, as you implied.
T.
Just to clarify, I told Rob the discussion was moot, that is all. My "huff and puff" was a reply to you, making a general statement about this thread and other threads like it. At no time did I "imply" something about Rob personally. In fact, his as post was just a clarification and not even an argument, it wouldn't make any sense if I had directed it at him. If he felt that way, then I'm afraid we had a misunderstanding which he and I can clear up ourselves without further stirring of the pot, so to speak.
As I said, please send all inquiries via private message, I'm not interested in arguing over implied tones or semantics. I stated a brief opinion on the matter, an expression that we should all have some patience. It seems to have been taken in a bad light, which is unfortunate however it's just my opinion... Nothing to worry about.
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