Rail forums decline

[ohle]

What is going on with internet rail forums?
I see much lower traffic (posts) on rail discussion sites, particularly railfan sites.

I like this railfan site and some others, but it's disheartening not to see any reactions to one's discussion or photo posts.
And even more disappointing to see lack of overall posts and photos.

 

[808Beachbum]

Well, that is somewhat of an understatement. Truly sad. I hope the various RR forum owners have a succession plan that at least preserves all the great info well into the future. I've uploaded dozens of unique images, as well as stories of my families RR past on several different sites. Nearly all seem to have fewer and fewer participants, even sporadically.

 

[bnsf971]

My theory is there is a correlation between the railroads' PR efforts, rules, laws, and insurance liability that prevent a lot of contact between the railroads and the public. People tend to be interested in what they see and interact with frequently, and since most railroads are now "out of sight, out of mind" unless there is a major derailment and toxic spill, people don't think about them. And don't bother participating in forums to talk about things they are barely allowed near.

 

[808Beachbum]

My theory is there is a correlation between the railroads' PR efforts, rules, laws, and insurance liability that prevent a lot of contact between the railroads and the public. People tend to be interested in what they see and interact with frequently, and since most railroads are now "out of sight, out of mind" unless there is a major derailment and toxic spill, people don't think about them. And don't bother participating in forums to talk about things they are barely allowed near.

That, and the fact that today's kids, AND far too many "adults", are far too interested in their screens to take time to learn about a great era of history. How did we ever survive, sitting up in a Domeliner, traveling across the prairie and over the mountains, without a smartphone, or music through headphones?

 

[maryelizabeth]

That, and the fact that today's kids, AND far too many "adults", are far too interested in their screens to take time to learn about a great era of history. How did we ever survive, sitting up in a Domeliner, traveling across the prairie and over the mountains, without a smartphone, or music through headphones?

What a shame that your statement about being too interested in their screens has replaced reality is so true. Not many people "talk" anymore. I miss that!

 

[bnsf971]

I could go on and on about the dumbifying of the entire world, and especially the United States, but if we are here on this forum and viewing this thread, we already know about it. I really don't have any answers, all we can do is participate as we can, and hope somebody looks up from their phone before it's too late.

 

[CPKirkie]

My theory is there is a correlation between the railroads' PR efforts, rules, laws, and insurance liability that prevent a lot of contact between the railroads and the public. People tend to be interested in what they see and interact with frequently, and since most railroads are now "out of sight, out of mind" unless there is a major derailment and toxic spill, people don't think about them. And don't bother participating in forums to talk about things they are barely allowed near.

Less that than there's a general decline in internet forums. I think a lot of the communication that once was here has gone to social media channels. There are several rail-related Facebook groups that I post to and read on a regular basis. Also, I post a fair amount of rail content on Instagram.

 

[808Beachbum]

Less that than there's a general decline in internet forums. I think a lot of the communication that once was here has gone to social media channels. There are several rail-related Facebook groups that I post to and read on a regular basis. Also, I post a fair amount of rail content on Instagram.

I guess I am just really old school. I can't stand the randomness of the info that bombards you on those type of social media sites. Far too much time can be wasted far to easily, scrolling through to find nuggets. I much prefer the logical organization of forums like this. It is easy to see the recent thread topics and newest posts to those topics. I am probably on three dozen forums, which I check at different intervals...some multiple times daily, others, only weekly or monthly.

I had FB years ago when it was first a thing, but hated it! I could care less what your friends are yakking about or seeing pics of their meals! I've never been on IG or others, although I did finally cave this year and get an X account as an additional source for up to the minute news. I "follow" a very few sources of my choice, and almost NEVER view the "For You" random drek.

 

[Buff52]

I just registered here like 10 minutes ago. I am a member of a few forums with this forum format and love them. First thing i noticed as i posted my introduction thread was another member’s introduction post that had 0 response’s since March?
Then i picked this thread as my first to respond to.
Well with the 5 posters here on this thread let’s look on the bright side. There are at least 5 of us now!

 

[Buff52]

I will probably check here everyday and most likely respond to a few post i find interesting. Hopefully it might encourage more activity.
I agree FB is hard for me because it seems you are searching for through a lot of crap to find as @808Beachbum stated “to find a nugget”.
We just had friends with a 8 year old daughter and she was on her phone or ipad 90% of the time.
Talking to her friends and playing mindless games.
I see it as creating monsters. Scary times.

 

[maryelizabeth]

I will probably check here everyday and most likely respond to a few post i find interesting. Hopefully it might encourage more activity.
I agree FB is hard for me because it seems you are searching for through a lot of crap to find as @808Beachbum stated “to find a nugget”.
We just had friends with a 8 year old daughter and she was on her phone or ipad 90% of the time.
Talking to her friends and playing mindless games.
I see it as creating monsters. Scary times.

I like this forum and hope it stays active. My grandfather worked on a train in Farmerville, Louisiana in the mail car - shows my age! Must be where I got my love of trains!

 

[maryelizabeth]

I like this forum and hope it stays active. My grandfather worked on a train in Farmerville, Louisiana in the mail car - shows my age! Must be where I got my love of trains!

 

[maryelizabeth]

I received an email regarding the UP Big Boy 4014 getting ready for its tour for the 250th anniversary of the US! The schedule will be forthcoming. Sure hope I can get a glimpse of it.

 

[Buff52]

I think i know what you are talking about. Certainly gonna look for the video on YouTube.
I doubt it will come near me but one can only hope.
Post the schedule as soon as you can.

 

[808Beachbum]

Keep up to date on the schedule here. There is also a "tracking" page on the site that will show you physical location as it is moving through the country. Viewing the Big Boy while in motion on its journey is something to behold...there just is nothing else like it. The rhythmic movement of the side rods, the sight of the smoke plume, the sounds of the machinery, the whistle...it is a glorious sight, and a definite "must see" for youngsters!

If your only opportunity is at a stationary display, it is still very worth it to be able to appreciate the scale of this mechanical wonder!

 

[maryelizabeth]

Keep up to date on the schedule here. There is also a "tracking" page on the site that will show you physical location as it is moving through the country. Viewing the Big Boy while in motion on its journey is something to behold...there just is nothing else like it. The rhythmic movement of the side rods, the sight of the smoke plume, the sounds of the machinery, the whistle...it is a glorious sight, and a definite "must see" for youngsters!

If your only opportunity is at a stationary display, it is still very worth it to be able to appreciate the scale of this mechanical wonder!

Thanks for the wonderful information! We were going to see it a few years ago but my husband got covid!!