JeffNZ
Administrator
Jimmy Morgan
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,761 
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Post by JeffNZ on Nov 6, 2019 5:58:48 GMT
Life is way too short to continue with something you’re not enjoying and having once been passionate about running this forum I now find, after more than six years, it has become somewhat of a chore so, after much soul-searching, I have decided to move on. I know the majority of posters on here are top-notch Gasheads and I hope they will understand but my decision is also partially due to the changing nature of the forum. Originally, the forum was a vibrant one with interesting and articulate posters but they have been slowly replaced, in my humble opinion, by a small number of bitter and immature individuals who use it as their personal soapbox so maybe a new 'owner' can bring a revitalised passion and innovation to reinvigorate it. This does assume someone is willing to step forward and take over the running of the forum and that’s an invite I’m extending here today. If you are interested you will need: - A reasonable understanding of technology
- An understanding of privacy, libel and spam legislative obligations
- A willingness to cover the costs of running the forum (approx. £30 per annum)
- A thick skin to protect yourself from the abuse that comes with the role
Ideally, the new owner would be a current member with a track record of quality postings but I realise it's unlikely there will be a tsunami of applicants so I'll see what responses there are. I will, of course, support the right person who wants to take on this challenge and I’ll provide a reasonable transition period and training/advice. If no one is forthcoming by 20 Nov-19 then the forum will close on 30 Nov-19. I want to give a huge thanks to Irish, Cheshire, Strung Out and Peter Parker for their fantastic support as moderators, without them I think I would have come to this decision long ago. Whether they choose to remain in those roles “under new management” is their decision. If the forum continues I still plan to be an active participant. If you're interested, PM me and we can have a chat. Jeff |
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Teigngas
Steve White
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 272
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Post by Teigngas on Nov 6, 2019 7:22:50 GMT
Just wanted to say that whatever happens, thank you very much. This is the only Rovers forum that I read and participate on due to the relative civility and lack of stupidity on here. I have noticed one or two posts recently aimed at moderators which I think are unfair - you all do a thankless task and you cannot please all of the people all of the time.
For what it`s worth I think you all have moderated the forum with fairness and common sense from what I can see. I have neither the time, technical knowledge and, if I am being honest, enthusiasm to take something like this on.
If gasheads.org goes I will not be on any Rovers related forum or social media which is a shame.
Thanks for the last few years and good luck with whatever you do in the future.
Andy.
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Post by Gregory Stevens on Nov 6, 2019 7:26:21 GMT
Please keep going. I can’t stomach going to the other place.
For what it’s worth, I am probably one of the “soapbox” ones but I always complimented the mods because I think you are like the proverbial ref who lets the game flow.
There is no way I get the time to mod this but I hope someone steps up.
If not, thanks for all you’ve done
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2019 7:42:36 GMT
Dear Jeff,
I am one of the sometimes-too-regular Gas Guzzlers. That's why I closed Shoveler again on 25th October, re-registered and lurked as Leon Trotsky, with which I planned to remain silent for a month until 25th November, to post only one-liners for the next month until Christmas, then to return as an improved Shoveler thereafter.
You have made me return seven weeks early. You're a contributor I enjoy reading, Jeff. You're respected on here. But you're also responsible for the best website for Rovers supporters. Please don't underestimate my gratitude for it. Anyone who wants inane quantity can go to Gas Works on Gas Chat. Anyone who wants mature quality needs Gas Guzzler on BRIFF.
The future of Gas Guzzler is imperative.
I'm really sorry we have wrecked your enjoyment of the Guzzler. But that's what needs to change, not the management of gasheads.org.
Never, ever, give up.
Yours sincerely,
Shoveler Walters
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Post by CabbagePatchBlues on Nov 6, 2019 7:55:32 GMT
That's sad to hear because I don't know you from Adam but you've always come across as a common sensical type of person with a glint in your eye when you've been called upon to moderate. I'm amazed that the forum has lasted this long being as it's had to change identity and become, shall we say, less militant. I thought the FB groups would have put paid to it, but I found myself running back here double quick for what is levelheaded debate with plenty of time to respond compared to that. We all have our off days but generally do a good job of putting it right and never really overstep the mark. If you don't reconsider then thanks for those six years. You've done a great job.
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Post by lostinspace on Nov 6, 2019 7:56:44 GMT
if the end is the case, just a big thanks for your endeavours, and shame on those who have turned it away from you, ,
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Igitur
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 2,294
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Post by Igitur on Nov 6, 2019 8:29:39 GMT
I can not blame JeffNZ, increasingly we have silly primary school level insults, name calling and pointless arguments between two posters or posts quickly going off the topic to BREXIT, politics, religion and even sex, this is a forum purely for our beloved Bristol Rovers.
The site has changed and degenerated, sometimes there are very long gaps between postings and there was a time when it was hailed as much more mature and selective than the other place - no longer so.
Thanks for all your hard work JeffNZ, so far.
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simonj
Archie Stevens
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 818
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Post by simonj on Nov 6, 2019 9:06:30 GMT
Thanks for the hard work Jeff. This site is the one that I respect most. It will be a shame for it to finish. Can understand after 6 years you wish to pass on the mantle. Hopefully somebody with the time and effort you have given will step up. Unfortunately I will be one of the many that prefer to have it done for me, not just through laziness but technical ability. Im too old.
Hope the forum stays alive.
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Angas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,069
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Post by Angas on Nov 6, 2019 9:39:36 GMT
Firstly thank you for setting this forum up all those years ago Jeff. I remember the old one disappearing while I wasn't looking and my relief at finding its replacement so quickly. This is now my only means of keeping tabs on what's going on with Rovers so I do hope someone else steps forward to carry on where you are leaving off. There's not a lot to talk about these days, but I live in hope that at some point in the not too distant future that will change for the better. It would solve a lot of issues I'm sure.
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Post by Gregory Stevens on Nov 6, 2019 10:20:12 GMT
I can not blame JeffNZ, increasingly we have silly primary school level insults, name calling and pointless arguments between two posters or posts quickly going off the topic to BREXIT, politics, religion and even sex, this is a forum purely for our beloved Bristol Rovers. The site has changed and degenerated, sometimes there are very long gaps between postings and there was a time when it was hailed as much more mature and selective than the other place - no longer so. Thanks for all your hard work JeffNZ, so far. If you can’t detour, it’s a pretty crap forum. In fact, it’s the militant people who get autistic about detours which ruin it. I’m pretty much done now. It’s been good knowing all of you, but I’d advice read a newspaper if you don’t like things going off topic. |
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warehamgas
Predictions League
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,590
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Post by warehamgas on Nov 6, 2019 10:30:25 GMT
I can only echo what so many have said, thanks Jeff. Completely understand where you are coming from and I hope you will be able to enjoy the extra time you get. In NZ that shouldn’t be hard. I hope someone steps forward to run it, unfortunately it could never be me with my 17th century approach to technology. I’m sure it must take lots of time to maintain and ensure it works smoothly and I know that if something does work well someone in the background has usually worked very hard to ensure it does.
Forever UTG!
edit: Oh dear. I have just read the AGM thread which I hadn’t joined in with and that gives some context to this. FWIW I understand even more Jeff your decision. You and the mods have always given a light touch to moderating despite what a few have said.
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Igitur
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 2,294
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Post by Igitur on Nov 6, 2019 11:25:52 GMT
I can not blame JeffNZ, increasingly we have silly primary school level insults, name calling and pointless arguments between two posters or posts quickly going off the topic to BREXIT, politics, religion and even sex, this is a forum purely for our beloved Bristol Rovers. The site has changed and degenerated, sometimes there are very long gaps between postings and there was a time when it was hailed as much more mature and selective than the other place - no longer so. Thanks for all your hard work JeffNZ, so far. If you can’t detour, it’s a pretty crap forum. In fact, it’s the militant people who get autistic about detours which ruin it. I’m pretty much done now. It’s been good knowing all of you, but I’d advice read a newspaper if you don’t like things going off topic. I think the main reasons for the 'detours' are there are not enough active participants, a fondness of pedantry and some just want to hijack a post for their own entertainment. It was not long before over-the-top and inappropriate words, I will not get drawn in, so that's all I've got to say about that. |
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warehamgas
Predictions League
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,590
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Post by warehamgas on Nov 6, 2019 11:41:12 GMT
If you can’t detour, it’s a pretty crap forum. In fact, it’s the militant people who get autistic about detours which ruin it. I’m pretty much done now. It’s been good knowing all of you, but I’d advice read a newspaper if you don’t like things going off topic. I think the main reasons for the 'detours' are there are not enough active participants, a fondness of pedantry and some just want to hijack a post for their own entertainment.It was not long before over-the-top and inappropriate words, I will not get drawn in, so that's all I've got to say about that. Pretty good summary Igitur, I suspect others will agree with not wanting to engage with those who enjoy those things. Neither will I, itdrives others away, a great shame, imo. UTG! |
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,361
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Post by kingswood Polak on Nov 6, 2019 11:46:06 GMT
I have learned so much from posting here & would definitely miss it if no one takes up the mantle of the position.
I’d like to say thank you to Jeff for this place being what it is and for helping to make me moderate myself. It’s been a pleasure being on here. I’d hate it if it shuts
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2019 11:49:30 GMT
If you can’t detour, it’s a pretty crap forum. In fact, it’s the militant people who get autistic about detours which ruin it. I’m pretty much done now. It’s been good knowing all of you, but I’d advice read a newspaper if you don’t like things going off topic. I think the main reasons for the 'detours' are there are not enough active participants, a fondness of pedantry and some just want to hijack a post for their own entertainment. It was not long before over-the-top and inappropriate words, I will not get drawn in, so that's all I've got to say about that. That's the conundrum though, isn't it. If there were more active contributors then the 'detours' would be lost in the bigger picture. A while back, I think it was concerning the 2016 referendum, we got talking about that and admin made a decision to leave the thread alone, after a few days those who had an opinion had had their little 'soap box' moment and the thread just dropped by itself. Who was hurt or hugely inconvenienced by that? Apart from Mike threatening people, I don't remember anything actually nasty on here, ever, so I'm kind of with Gregory. |
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vaughan
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 1,237
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Post by vaughan on Nov 6, 2019 11:49:41 GMT
Why don't we just ban people for the quality of their contributions? Sorry, you bored us, goodbye etc.
I am prepared to fork out £30 to keep this perennial "vehicle of fun" alive.
But on 3 conditions:
1. KP has his own section on women that he has loved, with advice and tips via PM
2. People lighten up FFS
3. ITKs are banned if they use the wink emoji
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syg
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 1,070
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Post by syg on Nov 6, 2019 11:54:51 GMT
Thanks for your time and effort.
I've found the level of debate on forums plummeting, the fb appreciation site I left after 1 day, gaschat has descended into to a joke, even one of the mods has become pretty unpleasant. So I've recently reverted to only this site for Info. Hopefully it will continue, if not then I don't feel I have any other forum worth accessing
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harrybuckle
Always look on the bright side
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 5,571
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Post by harrybuckle on Nov 6, 2019 12:05:04 GMT
I think the main reasons for the 'detours' are there are not enough active participants, a fondness of pedantry and some just want to hijack a post for their own entertainment. It was not long before over-the-top and inappropriate words, I will not get drawn in, so that's all I've got to say about that. That's the conundrum though, isn't it. If there were more active contributors then the 'detours' would be lost in the bigger picture. A while back, I think it was concerning the 2016 referendum, we got talking about that and admin made a decision to leave the thread alone, after a few days those who had an opinion had had their little 'soap box' moment and the thread just dropped by itself. Who was hurt or hugely inconvenienced by that? Apart from Mike threatening people, I don't remember anything actually nasty on here, ever, so I'm kind of with Gregory. OMG Bambi you are probably the main reason Jeff has decided to leave. I have not threatened anyone its your infantile behaviour on here. I have asked to meet I don't even know who the hell you are ! to discuss all things Rovers with you but you have hidden behind a screen as a keyboard warrior as the late Geoff Dunford used to call you and others Why not attend our Rovers History Group meeting at the Welly on Weds 11 December 7-9pm I will may/consider buying you a pint. You wont come but the offer is open to you.
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Peter Parker
Global Moderator
Richard Walker
You have been sentenced to DELETION!
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,920
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Post by Peter Parker on Nov 6, 2019 12:28:13 GMT
If you can’t detour, it’s a pretty crap forum. In fact, it’s the militant people who get autistic about detours which ruin it. I’m pretty much done now. It’s been good knowing all of you, but I’d advice read a newspaper if you don’t like things going off topic. I think the main reasons for the 'detours' are there are not enough active participants, a fondness of pedantry and some just want to hijack a post for their own entertainment. It was not long before over-the-top and inappropriate words, I will not get drawn in, so that's all I've got to say about that. Detours aren't really a problem, it's when they skew into certain territories and then that is where the reports come in. The moderators are then damned if they do or don't
Jeff wants to stand down and an offer/opportunity is there for anyone who wants to take it on and shape it in their own image if it were. The new owner can they return a serious stuff section if they so wish
Sprout
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vaughan
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 1,237
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Post by vaughan on Nov 6, 2019 12:53:06 GMT
I know his name 🤫
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