Beagle,

Someone pointed me in the direction of this forum, and I must say I was impressed by the posts - especially those such as the Chinook crash. Much good comment expressed, and lively and clarifying debate ensued.

I have to say that recently I have become, like you, somewhat disillusioned by some of the comment, so much so that I disregard an increasing number of posts for just the reason that you have so eliquently stated.

I, too, have tried to !!!!!-can some posts because of the content, by encouraging us to ignore. However, moderating may not be practical. The airline posts require staff numbers to join, which supposedly keeps out those not involved. Can't see how we could do the same without intimate knowledge of the personal numbering system of military forces world-wide.

Besides, I welcome comment from differing walks of life; some I hope we have collectively helped with advice in starting their military careers. Other threads contain amusing reminiscences about times recent and distant past.

No, moderation by Capt Pprune is not the answer. What we should try and do is to discipline ourselves not to post repies to the threads which are obviously !!!!!-stirring or abusive. If we collectively ignore these threads they will naturally die.

Reasonable idea? Comment?

I don't think that BEagle was proposing that we have a Moderator. Indeed, I believe that his point of view was that we ought to self-moderate.

Much more satisfactory than resorting to a Prefect System!

:)

Hear ,Hear. Gets my vote Beagle, You up for nomination for the post?

Thanks to all those who've contributed to this thread.

Better self-moderation than some form of MoDeration!!

CharlieLuncher - actually, I am quite partial to Bitburger Pils!

ArtField - sorry about the coffee cup. Give me a clue?

....and let's have the grace to welcome friendly visitors to the Military Aircrew Forum, not alienate them!!

Tick, VG, get's my vote

BEagle
Back about 15 years, when you were in charge of the washing up bowl and the rest of the germ ridden coffee bar at the sign of the lion. Can't Bear to think of it.Rgds

Refreshing to read a coherent and articulate thread. Can I suggest that the contributors thus far add the odd additional post over the coming weeks so that these sentiments retain a deservedly high profile.

How refreshing! I've been a registered user of PPRuNe since Nov 98 under several guises, and for the most part have read with interest. However, of late, the blatent and obnoxious comments by some have spoilt a wonderful community where all aircrew brethren and other interested parties can exchange honest and interesting views and opinions.

I for one agree that self regulation or moderation is the key. A good example is still one of the best ways to motivate those around you. A key attribute of an effective leader is the ability to inspire others. Many of us are supposed to be leaders, so lets show some restraint and inspire those with misguided tendancies to be more careful or considerate with their posts.

May the Force be with us all!

Good point Beagle. Many posts have done military aviation a pretty serious disservice. Right now, if I were a budding young aviator (or aviatrix) the incessant slagging and whinging on a few threads (flying pay, retention, Good morning CAS etc)would make me avoid HM Forces (especially RAF) like the plague and head straight for the airlines instead - thereby only exarcebating pilot shortage, overstretch etc.

I'm all in favour of banter (particularly concerning RAF......) but there has to be a limit.

Time for a bit of self-respect perhaps?

[This message has been edited by almirante6 (edited 19 February 2001).]

Hurrah! Having 'lurked' for the past week (post retention thread vitriol), some proof that this forum isn't just for spleen venting!

Well I don't think I'm going to jump on this particular backslapping bandwagon. Not that I don't agree with you all to some extent but I detect the presence of a Jackboot here.

Do you really think by trying to take everything bad out of something you are left with everything good? Some Greek (or was he German) geezer went on about this at length but I can't remember exactly what it was he said or else I'd repeat it verbatim.

PPRuNe (and in particular Mil Pilots)COULD do without some of the more derisory threads but I would NEVER try to police it. Nope, warts and all I say and remember, it IS a public forum, YOU have the choice of whether you log on or not.

ArtField - Yes, I do remember vaguely remember adopting a rather fundamental 'final solution' to the coffee bar problem! Still not quite sure of your ID - one of the TTF originals?? More clues and a new coffee cup will be on its way to you!!

Sorry IT FAFF bloody thing!! not used to Technology!

[This message has been edited by Ramp Monkey (edited 19 February 2001).]

WHAT A LOAD OF TOSH!!

Only joking. I agree with much of what's been said, though if it wasn't for the occasional voice of dissent or mischievous $hit stirrer this could become a pretty dull forum.

I am, it seems, the route of much trouble in this forum, for it was I who started the RAFP thread (bad idea!!!!) As a student hoping to join the forces (yes, another one) I was mearly interested to find out peoples opinions on the RAFP. Found some useful stuff and even got some private (no in that way!!!) e-mail's which were very helpful.

However it gets quite anoying when every time I log onto the computer I've got 20+ new messages, all of which are cr@p! I too am begining to get bored of the pointless slagin on here!

Lots of useful info on other threads though, so I hope nothing changes to PPRUNE. Its been an invaluable resource to me!

I doubt the intention, if any, is to "take the bad, leave the good" rather it encourages less of the inane, immature, and downright abusive.I think many contibutors may feel the need to improve having read the comments in this thread.

As to the "this is a pilots forum" type comment, I am not one but I bludged rides in over thirty different types in my 26 years,(and still do) and can honestly say I never met one with whom I wouldn't fly again. That qualifies me to read, listen, enjoy, and occasionally contribute, albeit as as an interested observer.Without the likes of me, some of you will begin to believe your own bull!!!!!

Can only agree with Samuel. Jimnich, neither I nor any other contributors would I believe advocate removing the discussion of those matters that really raise the bile. For they are by their very emotive nature the things we should as, to quote Captain Kirk

"allegedly better educated and more disciplined people"

be able to discuss in a reasoned manner.

Warts and all is indeed a reasonable starting point and attitude for this forum, however I've yet to come across a wart that consists of inane and immature abuse.

Yes it is the Internet and yes that projects all the preconceived ideas of anonymity and free speech into this forum. But we are in the main Military Pilots who through training but more importantly inbred loyalty to one another should be careful how freely we degenerate that which we all stand for.

Stay Frosty. http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/s/owen/fett.gif

Even the journos would support some self-moderation in some areas. Anger over pay and conditions is natural, but in recent months Prune seems to have had too little apart from retention/pay based threads. And I say that with a great deal of sympathy for all who feel (quite rightly) that they're being shafted.

Perhaps a retired RAF chap who knows what is going on, but unlikely to be subject to any pressurisation from any sources whould be the suitable person to moderate such a forum as we have here. Hopefully it would make some of my comtemporaries starting their RAF career, and others further on, learn exactly what banter is and what is acceptable to be written in the public domain as opposed to said in the bar in virtual privacy.

almirante6: I hope you realise that there is a great deal of truth in your post, as it is giving a poor picture of the military to wannabes, who I know have been thoroughly discouraged by what has been written here. Not that I advocate people not speaking up when something is wrong, nothing in this world is perfect, but without prior knowledge, it would appear that the RAF is in a complete shambles. More balanced posts than spur of the moment reactions to others views is the answer to self-moderation if that is the way ahead.

In principle I agree with Beages. Where I have grave reservations is the issue of moderation. We all know from reading the posts who the idiots are, and while I accept that Joe Public can't always differentiate between the wind-up merchants and the aircrew, those of us who contribute to the lively band of hooligans that is the Mil pilots forum do, and that is really all that counts. I do not advocate a closed forum, too many people would be excluded from this excellent resource (thinking of hopefuls..hate the term wannabe..retired, interested non-serving etc) and that would be impossible to police.

What should be added here is a general comment about arguments on this forum. There are a number of emotive issues up for discussion such as women on the front line. While many of us disagree, some of the posts are degenrating into a personality slagging. I would ask that if you want to disagree with me or anyone else, by all means do so, one sided arguments are boring; however, this is not a licence to rip a person's character to pieces.

I have not read the RAFP thread, but it seems that from the comments written here that the line between banter and insult has been crossed. How about posting some collectively agreed guidelines about what is and is not acceptable on the forum. We could then approach Danny if it is felt that a poster is not adhereing to those guidelines so that a "Yellow Card" can be issued. Failure to ajdust attitude could then lead to a request for permanent disbarring from this forum. That gives us the position of being unmoderated, but if Danny (and you agree) a means to regulate how this forum is used.

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The path of my life is strewn with cowpats from the Devil's own Satanic HERD!