In terms of the posting garbage and politics on here, the problem stems from the inherent issue of Anonymity that comes with the internet. For example, we don't even know if this is really Dick Dorn posting. (Mr. Dorn- I do not mean to question your post. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the type of person you are from men up on the Hill. In addition, I can't thank you enough for the wonderful images you have taken over the years; it provides us younger fans with a glimpse of railroading we never got to see.) I am just making the above observation as an example of the reality on this and other forums. The Internet provides us with the ability to share information like never before; I think we just have to take the good with the bad.

Having said that, I do feel the moderator does a wonderful job of allowing us the freedom to speak our mind and at the same time eliminating the trouble makers. But they never will all go away, try as we might to discourage them. If everyone just stopped responding all together to certain posts, they would go away. Easier said than done though. (and my guess is this thread is going to take a nasty spin, but just ignore it.)

The reality of rail-fanning is that it is similar to all other walks of life - just like there are good and bad lawyers, construction workers, janitors, teachers, etc, there are good and bad railfans. Each of us should just realize that our individual actions affect the perception on all of us in this hobby so many of us love. It's meant to be fun people, not a contest of who knows more or who takes the best pictures! Let's all just try to enjoy the good and ignore the bad.

Happy New Year.

-JS