Profile Blues...

[astraltrader]

I wasn`t sure whether to put this thread in here or in the "Everything else" section but after due consideration I have opted for the "New Members" berth.
Anyway in the relatively short time that I have been a member of this fine Forum I have noticed that very few members seem to have filled in any details about themselves in their profile. This thread is not in anyway meant to be a complaint but hopefully a chance to discuss why this seems to be the case. In order to get a bit of a picture about the person I am communicating with I have on many occaisions clicked on their name and profile only to find in most cases that nothing has been entered, which I will confess I have found a little disappointing. Do any of you have opinions on this or why this is? Am I the only person who ever looks? Possibly I am being a bit naive but are there any reasons why providing a bit of a background about oneself would be anything other than a useful and positive aid to future communication? Can any of you honestly say you have never been remotely interested in knowing a bit about the person you are communicating with? Surely it cant be down to apathy and not being bothered as it only takes at most a couple of minutes to enter a few facts...
I can only see the positive benefits that providing a few brief background notes can bring.
Finally I seek the opinions of KC along with the other senior moderators to either support me in encouraging all members to provide these few useful background notes, including a request to new members - or to basically say - "shut up Astral - just because you have passed your sub- exam with this VERY post - it is more trouble than it`s worth!"

[astraltrader]

Since I posted this a little earlier - I decided to check one by one the 50 most prolific posters on here and have been pleasantly surprised that slightly more of you do seem to have filled out profiles than I initially thought. Nevertheless at least half haven`t so my questions still stand, including a request for the most senior here to air their views on the subject...

[herakles]

I for one regard your post as being very useful. I would prefer to know something about a member to get a clearer idea of whom I am talking to.

Yet a member's reticence is understandable. We all know the dangers of giving too much information out about ourselves on the net. Things like email address can be shockingly abused.

Were this a forum discussing risky, even illegal matters, then anonymity would be essential. But it's not, is it!

One thing I feel would be very useful to know. That is the experience a member has in the Senior service. I feel decidedly uneasy making threads not knowing this. Maybe I am addressing my comments to a person with years of experience at sea, a man who could teach me about the topic far more than I could. Or instead a member has little more naval experience than having a relative.

I don't want to be seen to be talking down to someone who has huge experience.

As far as I am concerned, and I have stated this regularly in my posts, my experience is all Army. My contact with the sea was getting sick in DUKW's and many years spent mucking around in small boats on weekends. Which is no doubt why I have a passion for the days of the navy when in sail.

Members can see at a glance that I live in Thailand from my posts. Yet I often have no idea where another member lives. The Australians I can pick by what they say! Because of course I am one of them.

I would like to second your suggestion that all members at least place some information in their profile.

[romft1945]

I totally agree we should know more about our members but I think it is a bit nieve to think they will complete there profile when a considerable number do not even post a thread anyone any idea how we can get them to.There must be a wealth of knowledge out there that these unposted members hold, ROM:p

[herakles]

Good point rom. Quite a few blow in to get free information about a relative and are never seen again. This is a function of the forum. And a worthwhile one.

I guess we can only hope that if they browse, and the keyword is "if", they will see 2 things:

that this is a happy forum

that the threads posted are interesting enough to encourage them to contribute.

The next stage is even harder: to encourage members to post new threads.

I think this last issue is getting easier. Members shouldn't think that only if you have 30 years of sea-going experience, are you allowed to post something.

[cissystar650]

I Have to say that on joining, and posting, I never realised that there was a place for a profile, so I am guilty of not filling mine out! *Goes and does it now*

[The Sailor]

Oh no, Astral passed his exams and is now trying to act like an officer.
Have we created a Frankenstein?

But good post Terry. You are right. But some people are very private and always keep things back.
Most members don't even know there is a profile area to fill in of course. Some of the older members are still learning how to use the format and even Windows itself.
Harder for them are the mysteries of adding photos and gifs.
I think that your post will be read by all and those that haven't done anything and want to will now fill in a few blanks.

If anyone wants help please send your favourite member a PM.

Hey, why didn't I get any?

[romft1945]

There you go my flower that was not hard a mad lady guitar player well enough said,I take it a member of your family made you have a passion for us mad sailors, LOL, ROM:)

[cissystar650]

There you go my flower that was not hard a mad lady guitar player well enough said,I take it a member of your family made you have a passion for us mad sailors, LOL, ROM:)

Not just any old guitar player...a Bass guitar player!

Passion? Wossat then?? :D

[romft1945]

Bass guitar is that the one that looks like a fish?:eek:

[astraltrader]

Thanks to all who have come back with support on this so far. I had started to type a reply first to Herks points, then when Rom and Cissy and Sailor posted their views as I was doing this I decided to wait until everybody else aired their views first. I like to think that all the moderators senior and regular posters will at least comment on this - even if only to say they would rather not. Time will tell.

[kc]

Hi Terry,

I think you are waiting for me to comment on this? I agree, in an ideal world it would be nice if everyone knew who they were speaking to and a bit of background, but realistically, it's just not going to happen on any forum. The answers above have pretty much covered everything I can say; some people prefer privacy or just don't give any information out at any time on the net, no matter how trivial the circumstances. For the record I have added a small amount to my own profile, but I prefer to take as much of an observer's standpoint as possible, my expertise and knowledge not being in the field of naval history. However I am keen to learn (and contribute where I can) and have been webmastering the evolution of these sites for about 5 years now so I would hope I have picked up a fair amount in that time.

I will look at the welcome email we send out to new registrants and see if I can stress the profile part a bit more - it probably does need to be edited to come into line with how the forum is now as opposed to how it was when we started in July.

Thanks for bringing this up. :)

[The Sailor]

I'd like to ask if that is you in the avatar pic Kc and when was it taken?

[kc]

Sailor,

No, the picture was taken from one of our websites, and is actually a photo of Field Marshal Earl Roberts of Kandahar, VC, KG, KP.

No other reason other than it looked like a suitable authority figure to stick on as my avatar when I was (hurriedly) setting up the site.

[herakles]

An excellent choice Kc. You do give the impression of one of great importance!

What an interesting person Roberts was. And such a great soldier.

If this was an Army forum, I would make a post on him.

[The Sailor]

Er right Kc, thanks. It is just that I envisaged you looking like that.

[kc]

I did get the joke Sailor, and I'm almost as bald as he was, but I don't think the 'tache would suit me.

[astraltrader]

Thanks KC - It is good to see that you will support members being encouraged to fill out profiles. Of course one will never get everyone to do this but the more who do, the more the forum and members will benefit.
Although you are right in that some people might worry about security - that need not come into it as real names, addresses and e-mail addresses are not at all essential when filling out their profiles. I personally cant see that filling out say Sex/Country of residence and Naval interests could in anyway risk security. It is a great suggestion to put a bit of encouragement about this into your welcome email

[BB60]

I didn't put a whole lot of info in mine as, at first, I didn't really think y'all would care too much about a Septic's minutiae. Best I can tell, I am the only one lurking about here.

[astraltrader]

To round off this thread I had a quick flick through the profiles of the 30 most prolific posters and was both cheered and encouraged to find that no less than 25 have now filled out at least a brief profile. That has got to be an excellent example to set. In addition another two have not yet seen this thread so the percentage might rise even higher! From the comments I have received both here and by pm many can see the obvious advantages for members to list a few brief comments about their interests. The only suggestion I have received as to why a few might not want to, is as you can read here because of security reasons, but none of the few who have yet to fill out one have said anything at all. I feel sure that if all that was entered in the profile was what sort of ship or ships that person was interested in then that could not be an issue. Herk made a very good suggestion for members to mention if they have a service background - which of course on a forum like this would be very useful indeed.
I only brought this subject up because I felt that it would be good for the forum and for those who will join in the future. As a far higher % have already done so than I thought likely, then that objective has been achieved.
Thanks to everyone who have given support to making use of profiles.

[herakles]

Your intervention was most appropriate Terry and I'm glad you had so much success. I must say that your detective work is impressive!

If you can gain so much information with good intent, what might a nasty achieve?

I'm toying with the idea of making a new thread in the shore leave thingie which would allow members to tell us all a little more about themselves. As a follow on from my suggestion of having some idea of a member's service record.

Batstiger for instance has shown he has no problems doing this. And I congratulate him on doing it. But I feel that's typical of the good man that he is.

I say toying as this could be interpreted as interfering and going too far.

Perhaps other members might like to express an opinion on his idea.

[astraltrader]

I think the idea that you and Bob have discussed can only be of benefit, Herk.
From my own point of view I am 55 and therefore too young to have experienced national service. I would welcome knowing if the person I am communicating with has ever served in the forces - not just for interests sake but also to give them the extra respect I feel they are due...

[jonti]

I agree with there should be more information in member profiles. The point which amazes me is how few members seem to have had any Naval service of any kind, but they have an intense interest and knowledge in all things "pusser". jonti in OZ

[Batstiger]

Hi Everybody! A most interesting thread.
I plead "Guilty" to not filling in the profile section, but, if anyone were interested in anything about me they only have to ask!

Bob.

[Maritime Michael Ian]

I'll put my three pennorth in.... if members click on my name my short info slot appears, and I agree with Astraltrader that it is nice to know to whom one is corresponding!

For the record I am mainly Merchant Navy...but shore based, in that I worked for P&O's Managing Agents in Melborne from 1954 to 1962, then with Sitmar Line for five years, Chandris Lines for 5 years (in Melbourne) and Ulysses Line for 3 years in London, all this prior to becoming a Local Govt. Officer! However whilst at P&O I was amember of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve for two years, and also fulfilled my National Service committment in Australia (got an official Oz Govt Nat Svce Medal a couple of years ago). So I have a keen interest in Merchant and Royal Navies ( including RN, RAN, RCN, RNZ), so much so that at the age of 67 years I undertook a Masters Degree in Maritime History at Exeter University, graduating last January.

Ian

[herakles]

Very interesting Ian. I now know just where you are coming from. It will make it easier for me now to reply to things you say here.

Just as an aside, what was your topic for your Master's degree?

[astraltrader]

Bob - It was really nice to get your point of view on this as well. My thinking on what you say is purely that as one of the minority on here with actual naval service as well of course as for instance the fascinating involvement you had with the classic film "Battle of the River Plate" - then they are something special that other members should be made aware of in profile - just in case they should miss some of your posts!
Ian - to have topped off your incredible life with an MA in Maritime History at 67 is nothing short of astounding!
You both deserve the appropriate respect from all members...

[jonti]

Hi Bob. Thank you for the invitation to question you on your past but you have to realize that I , as an AB recently demoted from Subbie, am hardly in a position to question 2 1/2 rings! Old habits run deep. jonti in OZ

[astraltrader]

This post is NOT directed at members who saw this thread when it first appeared nearly 4 months ago but to all those who have joined since then!

Since I have been a member of this fine Forum I have noticed that some members do not seem to have filled in any details about themselves in their profile. This thread is not in anyway meant to be a complaint but a case of me stating why it is a good idea. In order to get a bit of a picture about the person I am communicating with I have on many occasions clicked on their name and profile only to find in some cases that nothing has been entered, which I will confess I have found a little disappointing. Possibly I am being a bit naive but are there any reasons why providing a bit of a background about oneself would be anything other than a useful and positive aid to future communication? Can any of you honestly say you have never been remotely interested in knowing a bit about the person you are communicating with? Surely it cant be down to apathy and not being bothered as it only takes at most a couple of minutes to enter a few facts...
I can only see the positive benefits that providing a few brief background notes can bring. There is no need to provide any information that can affect your security - just your area of interest here!

[vivian]

Re "Profile Blues": Oops, I'm already in trouble (smile). Sorry Terry, for some reason I completely missed the Profile section when I joined.
best regards,
Vivian

[blackshuck]

I have filled in my profile I hope this helps, now you know where I am !!!

[Eggs-11]

I have filled in my profile I hope this helps, now you know where I am !!!

Terry, have also up dated my profile hope this helps
regards mark.
:)

[astraltrader]

Vivian, Blackshuck and Eggs-11 - many thanks for helping with this. There was no question of you having done anything wrong but simply a case of trying to get the most out of the forum for everybody...
Thank you again for your help over this. I hope this acts as a catylist for any other member who has yet to fill out his profile to do so!

[herakles]

I agree. It's certainly a help if at least some of the profile is made.

Especially the location of the member. Being an international forum it's more than useful to know where the member resides.

[astraltrader]

Absolutely, although the most useful thing IMO is to list ones particular interests in the wide field of Naval history. The advantages of this are obvious. It is strange indeed when I often notice members looking up another members profile when they haven`t filled out their own!

[Aboukir]

Well AstralTrader, a noted point and (guilty) have indeed recified but just to put my slant on this thread, I tend not to take to much notice in the past because (having checked this forum) some of the impressive qualification posted in members profile could inhibit others from posting their "four penneth" rather, bowing to a presumed greater knowledge. With a level playing field we each should be free to post, ask, query or inform.
Never the less a solid point, well presented and provoking much comment.
Aboukir

[herakles]

Well AstralTrader, a noted point and (guilty) have indeed recified but just to put my slant on this thread, I tend not to take to much notice in the past because (having checked this forum) some of the impressive qualification posted in members profile could inhibit others from posting their "four penneth" rather, bowing to a presumed greater knowledge. With a level playing field we each should be free to post, ask, query or inform.
Never the less a solid point, well presented and provoking much comment.
Aboukir

Your point is valid. It could seem to be daunting.

My experience here is that some members tend to have one narrow area of expertise and are like the rest of us with everything else.

There are many people here with little to no expert knowledge at all. So don't be put off.

[Donald Maciver]

Apologies to All,

As a new member I was not aware of this facility. Still overwhelmed by the amount of information and knowledge that can be gained from this forum and trying to take it all in, I seem to have overlooked the small print.

My basic reason for becoming a member was to pick the brains of those more knowlegable than myself on matters Naval, and perhaps learn a bit more about members of my family who served. It never occured to me that anyone would be interested in any contribution I might make, having no service experience but a genuine interest.

I can see the point of knowing something about whom one is communicating with, after all, one would not get familiar with total strangers on the street. As members of this forum we do share one thing in common, an interest in the subject matter and to that extent, forgive the pun, we are in the same boat.

I shall rectify this omission promptly....Donald

[John Odom]

A timely reminder. I've filled mine in, and will answer questions if asked.

[astraltrader]

Thank you Donald for adding your views about the benefits of filling in ones profile.

Although many of the more established posters here in the forum have done this, I do wish that a greater number of our more recent members would take the couple of minutes needed to fill out a few details about their background and particular areas of interest within the world of Warship and Naval matters.

As can be seen by reading through this thread, there are many ways in which this can be of benefit and no reason at all why it might not be a good idea!

I do ask that any member reading this who has not filled out their profile to set a positive example and take the couple of minutes needed to fill it out.

Thank you again Donald for highlighting this subject...:)

[doug.birch]

I agree it is easier to answer someone, if you know the person,s background.
For we get a lot of data on this forum and its nice to know where it comes from. Doug.Birch.

[astraltrader]

Thank you for your comments Doug, which I wholeheartedly agree with.

I wish that more of our recent members would take the couple of minutes needed to fill out brief profile notes.

There was a time earlier on in the life of the forum when over 80% of our members had filled out their profiles. Unfortunately the figure now has dropped considerably.

Hopefully members reading this who haven`t yet filled out their profile will now do so.:)

[SCRG1970]

Okay Terry you have shamed me into it!!!!

AND you are right it took less than a coule of minutes so I can now say to ALL you laggards get on with it!!!

Regards

gerry

[Blaydon]

I agree wholeheartedly I too like to know to whom I am speaking and their level of knowledge it helps to put a response in terms that are understandable to that person. As for security issues no one has to say if they are currently serving and their name need not be pubic knowledge so it is easy enough to fill out a profile without breaching security.

[astraltrader]

Thanks Gerry - much appreciated.

Good point Kevin I am glad that you brought this up. There is absolutely no need whatsoever to mention any details that could affect your security. Therefore there is absolutely nothing to lose by filling out a brief profile of your interests,etc and possibly a lot to gain!!

[stokes49er]

A very junior rate here, but I fully agree that it is good to know something of the background of participants. I check profiles often, and am disappointed to see 'N/A' .

[astraltrader]

Me too my friend. thank you.

[mike mayer]

It seems a bit late in the day but just say i'm in it wasn't painful if you have an interest you can find people to share it with.
Mike Mayer.

[MartinH-K]

I have FINALLY filled in mine. Personally, I find the space available too small. Those who just want to state the basics have plenty of room for that but those of us who are a little more 'verbose' can barely get in anything.
My dad served in the navy for 37 years and had many a ship go down beneath him including the Repulse. My uncle also served in the RN. Me? I joined the RAF and became an Air Traffic Controller so, if I have an area of 'expertise', it's probably there. Since I left back in 1976, I've done many things and would probably bore tha pants off people if I got started so I tend to give out personal info on a 'need to know' basis- if I'm chatting with someone and it seems reasonable at the time, I'll share, otherwise, no. By the way Herakles... "Members can see at a glance that I live in Thailand from my posts." Have you had any occasion to try the pasties out there? My sister owns the factory that makes them.

[MartinH-K]

Just a bit of additional info... I spent nealy three years in the British Seaman's Boy's Home in Brixham, Devon from 1967. :(

[astraltrader]

Thanks for helping Mike and Martin.

Any more converts out there?!

[mike mayer]

I have FINALLY filled in mine. Personally, I find the space available too small. Those who just want to state the basics have plenty of room for that but those of us who are a little more 'verbose' can barely get in anything.
My dad served in the navy for 37 years and had many a ship go down beneath him including the Repulse. My uncle also served in the RN. Me? I joined the RAF and became an Air Traffic Controller so, if I have an area of 'expertise', it's probably there. Since I left back in 1976, I've done many things and would probably bore tha pants off people if I got started so I tend to give out personal info on a 'need to know' basis- if I'm chatting with someone and it seems reasonable at the time, I'll share, otherwise, no. By the way Herakles... "Members can see at a glance that I live in Thailand from my posts." Have you had any occasion to try the pasties out there? My sister owns the factory that makes them.

They want be Franks Oggies then !! St Levens Gate, Devonport
Mike;)

[billbuntintosser]

I have been a member for a very short while and when I first came on the site and registered I was not aware of there being any place to insert my details (may not have looked very hard) but have recently filled in some details.
One of MY reasons for joining sites such as this is to try and find some of my old oppos. This is very difficult with the way the site is set up. My mate Andy Collins may be a member under the name "A Pussers mop" or something equally absurd.

Bill

[astraltrader]

Bill - that is partly why we have now introduced a section to the profile detailing what ships members have served on - if ex-navy of course.
If every member filled out their profile fully then all one would have to do is to go to the top of the page - click on members list and then look down the relevant column.

[sumochipmonk]

Astraltrader thanks for jogging the memory I have just up-dated my profile which I meant to do after I joined.

[astraltrader]

A pleasure my friend [it is Terry by the way]

[Don Boyer]

I find the posting blues is the same in a lot of places. I belong to several forums and all have those who are open and friendly with information, and those who are not. I belong to the US Navy Nuclear Weapons Association, and this was a very small and as you can imagine tight group of individuals during the Cold War. Even among the Keepers of the Dragon there are the reluctant ones who don't provide and email address or any other information.

To each his own. I don't mind being fairly liberal with my personal information in naval history forums because it pays off (eventually) in new contacts and new friends who love their ships like I do. You can check my profile...the only comment I got when I first posted was that I must be the only member not wearing a shirt in my photograph. Frankly, I hadn't even thought of it. I live in Hawaii within 500 feet of the beach, and the average temperature is about 83 degrees. I only wear shirts at work and church...however, to avoid scaring anyone I have changed to a more work-oriented photo which may still scare old maids and young children.

[Derek Dicker]

Good Mng Terry/Moderators.
I too find it a little frustrating that I am unable to obtain knowledge about the people that I may be communicating with. Had a bit of brain storm today.
Yesterday taking advantage of the late summer weather here in Devon, My wife and I went for a long walk along our local waterway, taking photographs along the way. If perhaps members of the forum do not wish to give away any personal information, how about taking some photographs of where they are living, bearing in mind that we have members from all parts of the globe.

Have added a few from my Home city of Exeter in the west country, starting with our historic quayside along the river ending up in my favorite hostlery for a well deserved pint.

What do you think



Derek (Bunts)

[astraltrader]

Great pictures of Exeter, Derek.

I really cant understand why any member would begin to worry about giving away any personal information - as they do not need to!!

With their profile all they really have to do is list the area of ships/navy that they are most interested in and give a rough idea of where they hail from. For example SW England or Scotland would hardly give anything away!!

Whilst your pictures are most delightful I dont think that a member with a reluctance to divulge any personal information would jump at posting pictures from the town they live in!

[Derek Dicker]

Hi Terry, thought I might have got a bit of a response.


Derek (Bunts)

[qprdave]

Good pictures, Derek. Thanks

Devon. A nice part of the country

[astraltrader]

You did Derek - we liked the pictures my friend!!!:)

[Bee]

Lovely pictures of the scenic area you live in Derek....I think you have a good idea there re: posting pictures of our local areas.
I'll have to dig out some of mine and hopefully others will do the same. :)
Thanks for posting them.

Regards to you and your better half.

Bee
p.s. Love the white swans, ours, of course, are black here in Australia. Although I was only 3 when we left England I still have a faint memory of feeding the white swans...still makes me feel nostalgic seeing them.

[astraltrader]

I too think it might prove to be an interesting idea for a new thread.:)

[Derek Dicker]

Hi Bee, we too have black swans, they have lived on a small stream just down the road from Exeter at a place called Dawlish, next time Im down there will try to get some photographs for you.

Derek (Bunts)

[Jackaroo]

Nice part of the world Derek :)

[Derek Dicker]

Tks for comment Jackaroo, look out for more


Derek (Bunts)

[harry.gibbon]

Re post #63 & #64 ... You will have seen that I have already got mine going in the name of The North Wests own DREAM... so it is not only a good idea for a new Thread/Forum, but it could even run in the style of the Obituaries Forum; where each one stands alone thus enabling subsequent additions to be made to each members' particular area (just as I have been doing recently).

Perhaps its a variation to think about

Little h

[astraltrader]

Personally as I have said if anybody wishes to start a thread for this type of picture in Shore Leave then that is fine - but there is no question of having a seperate section for them with individual threads for each submission - neither is there any point in creating seperate threads just for different areas.
Since Derek kindly posted his pictures of Exeter here there has been no follow up with other submissions.

Whilst we have gone out of our way to allow the posting of "non-naval" pictures in Shore Leave and Everything Else - it has to be borne in mind that we are after all a Warship and Naval forum and we do not have infinite resources for the hosting of pictures. Priority therefore has to go to naval pictures.

[Guz rating]

Hi Terry is "Buckfast Abbey"in Exeter? I went there once but I can't remember.

Alan.:confused:

[astraltrader]

Nope Alan it is probably 25 miles away.

[Ednamay]

Hi, Derek,

I looked in vain for the Double Locks Inn on the Canal in Exeter, Down towards Countess Weir!! Also, the house they moved bodily up the hill when they started creating the ship museum in Exeter!! Perhaps you could show us some of those old ships?

Incidentally, the black swans at Dawlish were a gift to Winston Churchill from the people of Oz; they used to be a bit temperamental and would chase the ducks away, especially if someone was throwing bread on the water!

Edna

[astraltrader]

Hi Edna here are pictures of the Double Locks Inn both as it was in 1920 and as it is today.
Next the house that moved - I show in fact photograph of her actually being moved as well as a small picture of what it looks like today - however this has nothing to do with the relatively recent Maritime Ships museum which alas was closed due to a myopic lack of funding from the city council...

I do have an excellent selection of old postcards and photographs of both places but do not at present have them scanned into my computer, so I apologise for the relatively small images I have shown here.

[Ednamay]

Terry

Thanks very much for the pics, have not seen these places for many years!!

I lived in Exeter for 8 years when I worked in Devon; used to visit the Double Locks, and watched the house being moved uphill. We had to notify the police when we married at St. Olaf's Church so as not to cause traffic problems on Fore Street Hill! (Hope you don't mind all the personal...)

Ednamay

[astraltrader]

I never realised that you lived in Exeter!

I have a really good collection of over 2,500 postcards/photos of old Exeter many of them very rare. If there are ever any pictures/photos of Exeter you would like to see just drop me a PM with your email a/d and I will gladly send them to you. For example I have around half a dozen really good photographs of the house actually being moved. :)

[Ednamay]

Have posted a p.m., but if you have a picture of St. Olaf's church on Fore Street Hill I should love to see it, but I don't expect you have anything of the Rectory round the back? My wedding photographs were taken there.

Ednamay

[astraltrader]

Ednamay - I will go through all my cards tomorrow for something on St Olaves Church which I feel sure I do have and also look to see if I have anything on the rectory.

I have not received a PM though! :confused::confused:

[astraltrader]

Hi Edna - I have replied to your PM.

Here is picture of St Olaves Church for you.

[Derek Dicker]

Hi Terry, I think Ive worked it out, this is the mint on the left hand side of fore street hill on the way up during the days of trams.

Derek (bunts)

[stanley]

New recruit SIR, permission to come aboard, am the very latest new boy, I joined May 1950 left SEPT 62, I had a very good time on all my drafts as listed and hope I can find some old shipmates, Indefatigable May/Oct 50, training, Sheffield till Aug 53,Morecambe Bay Mar 54/Mar55,Chatham QAs course,Surprise Malta Aug 56/Feb59,Whale island QA"2(Q) 60,H/K Tamar 62,
SEPT demob. like alot of you most of memorabillia has been lost, Iam sure some one can fill details. Time to go off watch and wait for the mail.
regards STAN

[Francis Stanley]

Welcome Stan
Is that first or last name :)

[Stan.J]

There are two of us now. !!?
Cheers Stan.

[qprdave]

Good to see another dabtoe joining us.

Dave

[Bee]

Hi Stanley Stan,
Welcome to the forum...I'm sure that you'll find lots of help here with any searches. Enjoy.
I can see that things may start to get a bit confusing (namewise) though....and not a Bruce in sight:D (Monty Python reference)
Regards,
Bee

[Ednamay]

Hi Terry, I think Ive worked it out, this is the mint on the left hand side of fore street hill on the way up during the days of trams.

Derek (bunts)

Hi Derek
Yes, the Mint Methodist Church was next door to St. Olaves Church - we had permission to park cars in their car park when I got married, so as not to disrupt the traffic on Fore Street Hill !!

Edna

[Ednamay]

Hi Terry, I think Ive worked it out, this is the mint on the left hand side of fore street hill on the way up during the days of trams.

Derek (bunts)

Hi Derek
Yes, the Mint Methodist Church was next door to St. Olaves Church - we had permission to park cars in their car park when I got married, so as not to disrupt the traffic on Fore Street Hill !!

Edna

Sorry, my computer is going all temperamental !!!

[astraltrader]

Sorry Derek - only just noticed your reply!

Edna is quite right regarding the location.

[harry.gibbon]

PROFILES

In my relatively short time as a member of the Forum a number of ideas/suggestions have been offered to help members get an idea to and with whom they are in communication.

May I suggest that when a Forum member has amassed 50 posts then an information marker is notified to him/her inviting said member to complete their profile.

Should this notification be ignored a block be placed on the member posting any further contributions until their profile is completed.

Little h

[qprdave]

I agree that something should be done, Harry

Whilst we have to respect other's privacy, I don't think that they are giving away too many Personal or State secrets by letting us know what ships they served on. If they were fortunate enough to have been in the RN, that is.

Many come to this forum for information and pictures and due to the vast knowledge and picture collections that this forum can provide, get what they want. It wouldn't be too much to ask if they gave a bit. We are not asking for their Credit Card details (that would be nice!!!) just a little about themselves.

[ivorthediver]

Sounds like a sensible idea to me , but what do I know:confused:

[harry.gibbon]

Further to my post #298 PROFILES;

The benchmark of 50 posts may at first look a tad arbitrary, but it's based on the idea that having made 50 posts the member has all the chances of tarrying a bit and even staying around a while.

Kc will have the statistics, but the contributing members with 50 posts and over, clearly fall into the above mentioned category. They are not just on for a quick information check.

My own profile is basic but at least folk know my background and 'where I am coming from'.

Little h

[ian999]

only spotted the profile area on 3rdto 4th visit..have added

ian999:).

[sundodger]

I filled out my profile when I joined how ever I thought I would show some pictures of the part of the Isle of Man where I live, It some what remote as it used to be a Royal Airforce Training Station during the war the airfield and camp was built in the early 1930's, and the local pub was the officers mess anyway I hope you enjoy them,

Regards to all

Sundodger

[astraltrader]

Ian and sundodger thanks for filling out your profiles.

It only takes a couple of minutes at the most and is greatly appreciated by the majority of our members who have filled out theirs.

As a forum we ask very little from our members but filling out a profile is one way to show your appreciation of the friendly spirit we have here...

[Guz rating]

I think that is a great idea Harry, I have formed the habit of looking at peoples profiles if I don't know them. I will answer their question if I can, and ask them to fill in their profile. If they don't I ignore them. I have noticed some people who have been on the forum for some time judging from their rank. And still don't fill it in they are either ultra private, or have something to hide. What ever the case I for one would rather not communicate with them.:mad:

Alan

[astraltrader]

Alan - I dont think it has even anything to do with wishing to be ultra-private, as all we ask for in filling out a profile is to list areas of interest and if ex-navy which ships they have served on - hardly a risk to security.

As you all will know I have always believed strongly in the benefit to all of us in filling out our profiles. It is noticable that the majority of our established members have done so.

I really wish that the others would take the couple of minutes maximum that it would take to complete their profiles but if they cant be bothered to I am not sure that stopping them posting is the right way to go!

[alanbenn]

I really don't see why this is such a big issue, if people want to fill in their profile ...great, we learn a bit more about their past and what they like or maybe dislike.

But to stop them posting is ridiculous, ignoring them is just as bad.

Do we ignore our work colleagues just because they won't tell us what they like or dislike or give us a run down on their past??

People are here to either find info about a relatives service, or like us all they have a passion for Royal Navy ships etc. Many offer some valuable info that we may not know despite our years of service.

Encourage people to fill in their profiles yes, but ban them if they don't???
:(:(

Regards
Alan

[astraltrader]

I agree Alan it is an obvious non-starter.

However like the others who proposed this I can understand their frustration at members who cannot be bothered to take the minute or so needed to do this.

Whilst I would not go as far as to ignore those who dont - I do accord a greater respect for those who have done so.

Understanding what specific area of interest a member has listed as well as an idea of ships served on if applicable can only help improve all round communication in the forum.

Kc took the trouble to create a column for ex-navy members to list their ships as a direct response to requests made. Yet there are still a few members who have not filled out theirs despite having mentioned the ships in the forum

I actually PMd one member who had done this and asked if he could transfer this information to his profile and I got a reply asking if it was compulsory!!

Anyway as I have previously said all we can do is ask for profiles to be completed in the name of greater communication.

[qprdave]

I, for one, want to know who I am talking to (e-x RN or not.). As most will know by now, there are many terms used exclusively by the RN, be it professional or slang.

In response to a question that we have knowledge about, it's good to know if the questioner has any knowledge whatsoever. It normally ends up with a further question to explain something that we have written.

[harry.gibbon]

Mods Terry and Alan,

As you would expect, I don't think that putting a block on posting is either ridiculous or an obvious non-starter... because if the member has had a substantive taste for the Forum over 50 unhindered postings ... then the invite to complete a profile is more a carrot than a stick.

In life it is the easy option to decline to pursue something different rather than experiment with, or indeed introduce change.

But for experimenting (often trial and error) the RN for example would not have some of the modern equipment of today; even to the extent where the Comms branch as we knew it has been rendered obsolete.

Perhaps Kc will give his opinion

Little h

[astraltrader]

Mods Terry and Alan,

As you would expect, I don't think that putting a block on posting is either ridiculous or an obvious non-starter... because if the member has had a substantive taste for the Forum over 50 unhindered postings ... then the invite to complete a profile is more a carrot than a stick.

In life it is the easy option to decline to pursue something different rather than experiment with, or indeed introduce change.

But for experimenting (often trial and error) the RN for example would not have some of the modern equipment of today; even to the extent where the Comms branch as we knew it has been rendered obsolete.

Perhaps Kc will give his opinion

Little h


Harry how can you say the invite is more of a carrot than a stick when you suggest putting a block on further posts should they not comply!!!

I have long been an advocate of members filling out their profiles from the first moment I joined the forum. I even started a thread about it - Profile Blues and with due respect I dont need a lecture about how it is easier to pursue something different than it is to introduce change!

You came up with a suggestion which I thought I made clear that although I shared your frustration with members who had not filled out their profiles - there was no chance that a blocking of their posts should they not do so would ever be adopted here.

Alan said the same thing.

Neither would Kc agree to such a move.

[alanbenn]

Dave, has brought up a valid point in that it does help in knowing if someone has a similar knowledge of things when replying to questions, but again this is down to people filling in profiles and as I have said this should be encouraged, but like most ex-matelots being asked to do something may work, being told to do something usually gets a negative response.

Maybe it's just the job I do, but in the great scheme of things I think we're becoming a bit petty about the subject.

However, if I may offer a suggestion, why not make the profile section part of the registration process...or something similar.
Such as...were you in the Royal Navy, Army, Air Force etc.
If, yes....what branch?

However, this has to be optional otherwise can be construed as infrigement....( PC again I'm afraid)

Regards
Alan

[Dreadnought]

I have been following, with interest, the discussions regarding completion of “Profiles” and can see both sides of the argument for completing or not completing.

Well, I decided to complete mine this evening and due to the limitations of the text fields ended up disappointed as the result does really give a comprehensive enough picture of myself or my reasons for having a passion for the sea, and in particular, the naval history of this country.

So you will forgive me now if I elaborate on some of my profile details so that for those who like to know who they are talking to, they can have the fuller version.

I was born and bred in Southampton; well Woolston actually, and lived around ships for all of the early part of my life. I remember as a child that every male family member I ever came into contact with seemed to be either connected with the Royal Navy or ships in some form or other.

I did not join the Royal Navy, having pursued a career in electronic engineering after gaining an HNC in the subject. After briefly working for the Medical Research Council however, I successfully applied to the British Antarctic Survey for a continuous two year service at the most southerly British scientific base Halley Bay in Antarctica. I sailed there in 1974 via North America (Baltimore) and then down the coast of South America calling at Montevideo and Punta Arenas, before South Georgia, Falkland Islands and finally down the Antarctic Peninsular to the Filchner Ice Shelf in the Weddell Sea. I was an Ionospheriscist, which sounded very grand at the time, which entailed monitoring of the Ionosphere. Shall not bore with any more detail than that ..!! Upon returning from that most enjoyable period of my life, I enjoyed a successful career in high technology electronics manufacturing, reaching Director level, and finally my own company designing and manufacturing outside broadcast vehicles for the BBC and others. Through a variety of twists and turns I became an independent Business Consultant and remain engaged doing that toady. I have always carried some guilt about not joining the Royal Navy, being the first male in my family line not to do so since 1734 …!! I have tried to ease my guilt slightly in a small way by becoming Secretary of the local Sea Cadets here in Stratford. I strongly believe in the benefits and opportunities that the Cadets can provide for young people and my eldest Daughter having joined, went on to join the RNR (HMS Forward).

My interests are pretty much catered for on this Forum. I collect postcards and photographs (like many here), specifically RN submarines and ships (1900-1939), Cunard/White Star Liners, Southampton Docks, and associated subjects. I have (again like a lot of you all here) quite an extensive shipping library. I am a bit of an Admiral Lord Nelson anorak, and really anything to do with our great naval heritage presses my buttons ..!! I enjoy anything engineering – fan of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. I am in the middle of building a 1:250 POF model of Titanic, and HMS Victory is next on the cards. I am a photoshop geek and enjoy photograph restoration.

Right enough about me. The next part of the profile regarding ‘Ships’ did not give me enough room to include specific ships I am interested in and why. Brief career resume of family members as follows to illustrate:

Father
HMS Argonaut (RN 1943-46). Then Customs Officer (Southampton) until retirement

Grandfather
HMS Volage, Australia, Enchantress, Gibraltar, Centurion, Prince of Wales, Hindustan, Amethyst.
(RN 1899 -1919) P.O. Gunner 1st Class. Then Customs Officer (Southampton) until retirement

Great Uncle
HMS Inflexible, Ramilles, Royal Oak, Active, Australia.
(RN 1896-1907) P.O. Gunner 1st Class (RAN 1907-1944) Lieutenant Commander

Great Grandfather
HMS Rapid (400 ton Brig), HMY Osborne
(RN 1847-1864)
Chief Coastguard, Isle of Wight 1879-1891
Chief Coastguard, Woolston (Southampton) 1891-1896)

I have countless Great Uncles and other members of my bloodline who also served …. Haven’t got round to them yet …!! Another time ………


Some of this information, and further detail is included in some my threads and posts, but I am not going to apologise for any repetition. You wanted a profile … well here you are …!!

But seriously, I hope this gives a better picture of me and why I enjoy so much being part of this Forum. I expect I am so very similar to many others here. That’s why the Forum works, and gives so much pleasure to us all.

Maybe Terry there is a case for a new thread 'Profiles' where members, if they so wish, can elaborate on their own truncated profiles. I would certainly love to know the history of some of our esteemed members and their familes experiences and exploits.

[qprdave]

Thank you Clive for a very comprehensive profile. Much appreciated.

Although you weren't in the RN, I can see by your family connections that you must have some Navy and salt flowing through those veins of yours.

Well done and thank you again

Dave

[harry.gibbon]

I was wondering where I had seen something similar to this before...

However, if I may offer a suggestion, why not make the profile section part of the registration process...or something similar.
Such as...were you in the Royal Navy, Army, Air Force etc.
If, yes....what branch?
oh yes.....

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showpost.php?p=55453&postcount=72

I now wonder just which suggestion would be most likely to get approval??

Little h

[astraltrader]

We have gone around in circles over this.

The suggestion that was put forward involved in effect making a member fill out a profile. It was this aspect that was unacceptable.

Clive - the ships section in the profile was designed for ex-navy members to list ships they had served on.
Secondly can I move your expanded profile to the Profile Blues thread so members will be able to read about it without getting muddled up with this section which is for things members would like to see in the forum?

[alanbenn]

Harry, your suggestion was that registration is not complete if a member does not fill in the profile, so my suggestion is NOT the same as yours at all.

Again I've made my views, you don't like them so lets all attack Alan, seems like your favourite pastime........

Not going to argue over this, more important things in life.

Alan

[astraltrader]

I do agree with Alan that the original suggestion has been answered.

[harry.gibbon]

Oh well there we are then guys ... the circle isn't squared ... I can take solace at having submitted another suggestion on this thread knowing it was one of "the things I would like to see".

Little h

[Dreadnought]

We have gone around in circles over this.

The suggestion that was put forward involved in effect making a member fill out a profile. It was this aspect that was unacceptable.

Clive - the ships section in the profile was designed for ex-navy members to list ships they had served on.

Secondly can I move your expanded profile to the Profile Blues thread so members will be able to read about it without getting muddled up with this section which is for things members would like to see in the forum?

No problem Terry ... see my PM

[kc]

Perhaps Kc will give his opinion

I am often required to join forums to access a nugget of information or share a single point about something. I rarely return to such forums. Admittedly these are usually tech forums which are different to our forum, but the argument still holds.

I would never expect to be forced to fill out a detailed profile just to continue posting on a forum. If I regularly participated in a forum, I would probably fill out a profile anyway, especially if it was a subject I was particularly interested in.

Members have to jump through enough hoops just to partake in the forum at all thanks to the threat of spam posts, and to put yet another hurdle in the way of members would be counterproductive at best.

[astraltrader]

Thanks Kc - I would not normally answer on your behalf but in this case I knew you would never countenance making a member fill out his forum!

[emason]

Regarding filling in profiles. I agree that members should be encouraged to do so. I have a suggestion, which I don't think has been made before, if it has I apologise to the originator.

It is that a member is not promoted until they do. Whereupon, they then receive their due rank. They could receive reminders every so often, say every five posts.

I think this is more of a carrot than a stick.

[harry.gibbon]

Emason,

Your Post #324 I concede sir, better suggestion than mine was;

Definitely more carrot than stick, more chances to present reminders.

I hope it has a chance of introduction.

Little h

[Bee]

Hello again,
I just thought I'd bring this request back to the surface....as it probably needs airing every so often...

Could all members who have not yet filled out their profiles PLEASE take the minute or so it would take to do this, just out of common courtesy to all the members who have filled theirs and who get frustrated when they look at a members profile only to find that they havent completed one.

All that needs to be done is to jot down the rough area of their Naval interests, etc.

To do this is so simple.

Just click on CP on the top left of this page [Control Panel]
Then click on Edit Profile - three down from the top.

It is that easy and quick to do and the potential benefits are enormous.

Many thanks.
__________________
Best wishes,
Terry/Exeter. UK
Hope you didn't mind me reposting an earlier post of yours, Terry.

The sentiment remains the same though...and I have noticed that there are some very good posters on the forum who, for whatever reason...(maybe it has just been accidentally overlooked) still haven't completed a profile and some absolute newcomers...who (to their credit) have.

Maybe there could be a section where forum members indicate that they've noticed the profile section but have chosen not to fill it in....then (at least the Moderators will know that it hasn't just been not noticed.) and then we'll leave it at that. I mean - there might be some very valid reasons not to post a profile...e.g. ex commandos, who still are protective of their identity for security reasons, for instance.
Or it could be there are members who don't like sharing too much of their personal information. Although, ships served on and their specific area of naval interest, wouldn't be too much to ask.

Regards,
Bee

[astraltrader]

Thanks Bee just a couple of points to add to yours.

Firstly whilst a good thing to periodically remind members about the benefit of filling out their profiles, there is no need to put reminders in this thread.

Instead they should go in to the thread below which I set up for this very purpose.


http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=945&highlight=PROFILE+BLUES


In a day or so I will move both this post and the few earlier in this thread about profiles to the above...

It is important that this thread be kept only for suggestions about "The things members would like to see in the forum..."


Finally you mentioned that perhaps members might have some very valid reasons not to post a profile...e.g. ex commandos, who still are protective of their identity for security reasons, for instance.
Or it could be there are members who don't like sharing too much of their personal information.

As I think I have said before there is no reason at all why either of the two valid reasons you have mentioned should in anyway prevent a member from filling out their profile. Information about personal details are NOT required - all we are really looking for are a few details of their particular field [s] of interest and if applicable ships they have served on.

Neither of these two things need compromise security or require giving out any personal information.


:)

[Bee]

Hi again Terry,

Re: People not having to worry about their security being compromised...as the profile information can just be about their field of interest and (if applicable) the ships they have served on - I realise that and you realise that and the other people who have put in their profiles realise it....so I was, basically just giving (those who still haven't put anything in their profiles) the benefit of the doubt.

Also, yes I know that there's a Profile Blues thread.....and good it is too....BUT....for those who deliberately haven't filled in their profiles....they might or might not visit (or want to visit) that thread, (having already made up their minds ages ago.) I thought putting it here as well might just give it a bit of extra coverage and get them reading other view points) as I have, on various occasions come across comments where people would like to know a few profile details from others who, to date, haven't put any on.

Of course there are people who probably feel that they've been posting for a long time and so most of the "regular" posters would therefore already know their interests...but they forget that there are newcomers to the forum (joining on a nearly daily basis) who aren't necessarily going to trawl through threads from the beginning - and to just click on a profile will help these people a lot (especially if they are looking for old shipmates.)

That is why I posted this here, because it is something I think that is very relevant to the forum's community.

Just thought I'd let you know where I (and my female logic) was coming from, so to speak :rolleyes: and that I did, actually, deliberately put the above comments here for the reasons mentioned.

Cheers,
Bee
p.s. Of course if you deem these comments belong in the Profile Blues section...copy and paste away....'tis up to you :)

[astraltrader]

I agree with your comments about the handful of regular posters who have still not filled out a profile.

Perhaps contacting them by PM with a personal request to complete theirs for the reasons you have stated might be worth a try?

I know when I started the profile thread the regular members who had filled out a profile were very much in a minority and it is gratifying that various requests made there by myself and as well here by you, Dave, Harry and a few others have now resulted in the vast majority of regular members now filled out their profiles...

[Batstiger]

Today, true to my word on being promoted I filled in my profile, and on saving it I found most of my story did not appear having run out of space.
I wasn't very impressed with this after having bared my soul fo all to see.

Bob.

[Bee]

Congratulations Admiral Bob (on both your promotion and your profile). :)

Maybe Kc might be able to come up with an idea for "extended" profiles...for as you say....there's not much space and some people have more to put there than others.
Otherwise maybe a specific thread (arranged in alphabetical order) could be used for those who'd like to add extra to their profiles ???

Regards,
Bee

[astraltrader]

Thanks Bob - much appreciated.

I do agree with you that there are space limitations with filling out profiles but at least if we get a new member who for example wants to find out more about the RNs last decent cruiser - Tiger - they will know straight away who to contact!

[Don Boyer]

Just made LT. and am finally getting to this post, which I see is still an active debate.

I agree with most -- having a profile is nice, and being able to read others profile's is great when there is one. Seems that as you form friends on the forum, the private posts serve to fill out the "profile" over time. I haven't run in to anyone here who hasn't become a shipmate through correspondence or posts. Even the one slight tiff I ran into is gone and forgotten.

In today's world, with all the computer jerks out there engaged in criminal activities, or trying to, most of us get very cautious over releasing any information. Unfortunately, the information is usually out there anyway, and can be dug up. I see this from the law enforcement end of the business, and if they can LEGALLY find this stuff, imagine what the illegally inclined can do. It's almost a moot point.

I have therefore decided to go in the opposite direction. I want my information in great detail in every computer on Earth at least once, maybe twice! That way, when they start looking seriously, they will have to shift communications satellites in their orbits, activate NASA computers that have been idle for years, lay in fiber optic cabling to research centers that haven't been active in decades and buy two lorry loads of Boise Cascade Xerox paper. By the time they get that organized, I'll be in Uraguay, living under an assumed name. ---- :D:eek:

My vote is for people filling out a profile, but only if they want too. We'll still be friends anyway, at least on the forum!

[oldsalt]

I think that ones age & dates served in the RN would be nice. I always thought it was the female of the species who were coy about their age.

[Guz rating]

Today, true to my word on being promoted I filled in my profile, and on saving it I found most of my story did not appear having run out of space.
I wasn't very impressed with this after having bared my soul fo all to see.

Bob.

Congratulations Bob on becoming an Admirable, as regarding your profile I knew all the important things anyway. Like being in the Fields GUN Crew, (if you read this) was it the Guzz crew 1957. I remember the qualifying test throwing the wheel over the wall, and throwing it back over again. The Oggies won it that year. I hope it was because you will remember the young blond haired subbie in charge.

Alan

[ekd]

So.. I know little h lives in the Sherdley Park district of St Helens, probably in Sandringham Drive, with a house number less than 10, but greater than 6.
Nothing to be worried about then?

These facts are available from the posts and comments on this forum!

Who would sign in, on the profile request?

edaward

[harry.gibbon]

ekd; in every instance bar the town, the information you have gleaned is WRONG!!! and in adding this post I have ADDED more information - I know!!

but a good piece of phishing none-the-less


Little h

[ekd]

ekd; in every instance bar the town, the information you have gleaned is WRONG!!! and in adding this post I have ADDED more information - I know!!

but a good piece of phishing none-the-less


Little h

Exactly.

ekd

[harry.gibbon]

ekd;

Upon reflection, your post really bears no significace to the completion of one's profile in the WNSF!!! You advise that information posted about myself was gleaned from 'posts and comments', which I have submitted knowingly and thus my Profile content has nothing to do with your 'erroneous data' collection.

Members should not be concerned about your findings therefore!

Little h

[astraltrader]

Edaward - so what point are you trying to make?

Is this the reason why you have chosen not to mention a little about your area of interest in your profile - or are you solely interested in treadplates and making smart arse comments?

[ekd]

Up till now, I thought this was a forum.

That's a place where there is an open discussion on things of public interest.

......Obviously not.

So, Terry what's your moderating point? ........Remember this?

I really cant understand why any member would begin to worry about giving away any personal information - as they do not need to!!
_______________
Best wishes,
Terry/Exeter. UK

[Kevin123]

I think if you post frequently on a forum and get to know the other members, then it's like belonging to a club. Like most clubs we all have something in common, and therefore it can't do much harm telling each other a little bit about ourselves. Kevin.

[harry.gibbon]

Kevin,
Forum friends like club members per say;):)
I agree and of course everybody should be aware that if we are telling each other we are telling the world!!! BUT that has nothing to do with ekd's post because it doesn't address the thread title of Profile Blues:rolleyes:.... his flawed conclusions by his own admission DID NOT come from my profile, but from the content of my posts and comments ... so are irrelevant to the thread IMHO of course!!;):)


Little h

[astraltrader]

I agree with Harrys comments.

This thread was established purely to encourage members to fill out their profiles.

[Derek Dicker]

Hi Edna, have found a little information on St Olave's Church, remember the one in which you took your vows.


Derek (Bunts)

[Ednamay]

Derek, thank you very much, have printed it off for my son, he was baptised there Easter 1963. I think he was the first baptism for about five years, most of the former local residents / families had been moved to a housing estate in south Exeter, we came in from Longdown.

I used to put his pram under a painting of St. Olaf, which had two flickering candles; watching them kept him quiet during the service!!

Thanks again, Edna

[Derek Dicker]

Hi Edna, its actually the first time Ive been inside the church, will take my camera next time to get some photographs. The methodist church next is undergoing a major refit.


Derek (Bunts)

[steve roberts]

Hi gang, I have only recently joined the forum. I find it fasinating though I have made some mistakes which the boss pointed out to me (slap on the wrist taken in the spirit it was meant) Why join if you are not going to post or start a new thread?As to profiles,fill them in what have you got to hide?you never know an old shipmate might pop up as it did with me! As to the forum being like a wold wide club GREAT! you can converse with any one any where who is a member.MORE POWER TO THE FORUM AND ITS MEMBERS!!!!! regards Steve.

[Ednamay]

Hi Edna, its actually the first time Ive been inside the church, will take my camera next time to get some photographs. The methodist church next is undergoing a major refit.


Derek (Bunts)

Hi Derek.

Many thanks; it was always a very peaceful church, despite the traffic outside, up and down Fore Street Hill!!

We had a very good working friendly relationship with Mint Methodist, even though we were anglo-catholic and they were obviously protestant! They used to let us use their parking area, and, on every Ascension Day, we used to sing the AD hymn, to the amazement of the travellers on the buses passing by.

Down Parliament Street was one entry to the Rectory and garden, a most beautiful tranquil spot in the middle of Exeter, even with a chinese restaurant being developed next door! Is it still there, or has it been 'developed'? My wedding photographs were taken there, just before the October rains!!!

Edna

[stanley]

Welcome Stan
Is that first or last name :)

Hi Francis, it's my first name, apologies for being late, but time flies when you are over 21!!! since joining I have met only one ex shipmate(s) from my time,and so find it a little hard to keep up with the stories being told, but all very interesting, regards STAN

[Karakris]

I put a fair amount in my Profile

But then I am, a bit "different" from most.
I have no real belief in personal privacy regarding myself - if people want to slag me off, that is their choice.
But if anything I say helps others or makes them feel less like they are "the only one" who feels a certain way - then I feel it is worth-while,

I also put TONS of stuff about myself on Public View on my FaceBook Account - it sort of pays off.
I have almost NO Friends in the "real world" - but over 2,200 people have become my Friends in FaceBook - and nearly all of them ASKED ME to be their Friend. Stranegely, over 95% of them are Ladies - strange.

For more Info. on me - now I have been "authorised" to Post here - I have added a Thread about myself, in the Introductions Sections.
Some more stuff about me is in that.

Hmmm - by the way - KC - Jellicoe or Fisher would have also been a good choice, or some other great Admirals.

A Question - the Ships / Boats bit in Profiles.
I have NEVER served in any Ship - but I was tempted to put the Pennant Numbers and Names - of the three largest Massive Superdreadnoughts in the Alliance Fleet, from my Alternative History.
I DID put these in at first - to see if I might get some queries.
But then I removed them.
Would this be - VERY Contro-Rules for this Forum ??

Best Wishes :)

One For All and All For One :)

I am one of the people born in Portsmouth - who never got a chance to get into the Navy. :(
Still - I am trying to get back down there - we REALLY hope to be moving to Gosport. :D

Best Wishes :)

[Ednamay]

One For All and All For One :)

I am one of the people born in Portsmouth - who never got a chance to get into the Navy. :(
Still - I am trying to get back down there - we REALLY hope to be moving to Gosport. :D

Best Wishes :)[/QUOTE]

Join the Pomponians! There's quite a few of us here and we reminisce from time to time!!

Edna

[Karakris]

One For All and All For One :)

I am one of the people born in Portsmouth - who never got a chance to get into the Navy. :(
Still - I am trying to get back down there - we REALLY hope to be moving to Gosport. :D

Best Wishes :)

Join the Pomponians! There's quite a few of us here and we reminisce from time to time!!

Edna[/QUOTE]

Thanks Edna :)

I put you on my Buddy List :)

What a Fool I Am - I see now you are in IOW.
We have holidayed a few times in IOW - staying in St. Lawrence.
1991, 1996, 1998, 2000 - I think.
Got heaps of Photos from there - but actual PHOTOGRAPHS
with my Olympus Trip and OM10 Cameras.
When I can get a decent Scanner ( my last one just died ) -
I will try to Scan and Post some of them.

Best Wishes - from Kris :)

[Ednamay]

Thanks, Kris, will send a PM

Edna

[oldsalt]

Could I respectfully ask that members new & old please put some details in their profiles. I for one often look at a profile to help me identify with a contributor eg age, ships served in , branch of RN etc. Much obliged.

[Mitch Hinde]

Hi Keith

I will second that proposal, I do that, usually to ascertain whether the member is ex forces or not as they may need further explanation of any terms I may use in any answers I may volunteer.

Mitch Hinde

[Teuchter]

"Thirded"!!:)

[Destroyerman]

Agreed.:rolleyes:

It's nice to know whether contributors have got sea legs or not.:)

(Without wishing to appear elitist of course).:D

Sandy.

[saintconor]

Have added a little bit of info. Regards,

Conor

[ceylon220]

AGree with you Keith, it should be a stipulation when anyone joins the forum to add more than their name and number to their profile.

[Ednamay]

It is much easier to understand a person's point of view (even if one does not agree with it) when one knows something of his/her background.

Edna

[Alan D]

You have mine; crusty, cranky Warrant Mechanician (POME with a toolbag)!

[oldsalt]

Thank you all for your support from one who srarted his RN time as a Junior Stoker 2nd Class on 1/6d per day.

[Scurs]

Keith........from an ex- Jnr.Seaman 2nd Class - you are very welcome. :D

[Teuchter]

Kieth - also very welcome from an ex Junior Electrical Mechanic 2nd class

[Destroyerman]

OK, if we're all going down the "how low can you go" route ....................

Cheers also Keith from an ex Junior Marine Engineering Mechanic 2nd Class.

Only a Laundryman second class once removed on his Ahma's side can get lower.

Or perhaps somebody knows better??:D

Sandy.

[astraltrader]

Keith [Old Salt] and all other members posting replies. I have moved your posts to a long established thread we have in existence....

I fully agree with your comments and as you can see I have long been preaching the same message in the hope that all our members will take the minute or so needed to fill out their profiles.


While I can understand that a new member might not have realised how useful filling out their profile can be, quite frankly I think there is no excuse for any member who has posted more than say 25 posts to have neglected to do this.

If anyone cares to reread through this thread they will see that no-one has yet come up with a valid reason for not filling out their profile.

Sadly it would appear that "cant be bothered" has to be the only reason so please, please, help to underline the fact that we are a considerate and friendly bunch on the whole and make sure you have filled out your profile!! :)

[Alan D]

Can someone please advise me how to edit my profile. Many thanks.

[BlackBat242]

Keith [Old Salt] and all other members posting replies. I have moved your posts to a long established thread we have in existence....

I fully agree with your comments and as you can see I have long been preaching the same message in the hope that all our members will take the minute or so needed to fill out their profiles.


While I can understand that a new member might not have realised how useful filling out their profile can be, quite frankly I think there is no excuse for any member who has posted more than say 25 posts to have neglected to do this.

If anyone cares to reread through this thread they will see that no-one has yet come up with a valid reason for not filling out their profile.

Sadly it would appear that "cant be bothered" has to be the only reason so please, please, help to underline the fact that we are a considerate and friendly bunch on the whole and make sure you have filled out your profile!! :)

I am a private individual, and I don't feel like giving out info about myself to a bunch of total strangers.

Don't feel like I'm singling out this site... my profile on all other sites I am a member of is just as empty.

Even my facebook account, which is locked down hard so only those <30 people on my friends list can see anything, has virtually no info about me.

If I want someone to know something about me I tell them individually.

[oldsalt]

Your privilage BlackBat.

[SheppeyMiss]

Friend BlackBat

You must, of course, do what you feel most comfortable with - no one would wish otherwise. :)

For myself; well what you see is pretty much what you get... I is as I am, warts and all.

[astraltrader]

I am a private individual, and I don't feel like giving out info about myself to a bunch of total strangers.

Don't feel like I'm singling out this site... my profile on all other sites I am a member of is just as empty.

Even my facebook account, which is locked down hard so only those <30 people on my friends list can see anything, has virtually no info about me.

If I want someone to know something about me I tell them individually.


Blackbat nobody is asking you to give out details about yourself to total strangers. Surely listing a few aspects relating to your particular area of naval interests should not give the game away too much??

You could have listed you were a Marine or even your involvement supporting the 121st Green Knights and USS Ranger in 1987 or whenever it was. No state secret surely?? Another member could join in the future who was also on the Ranger - thats how it works. Nobody is remotely interested in your address or personal details.

Of course if this is too much trouble then I would politefully suggest that it would have taken less time than you took over making your post and undoubtably any further reply you might make.

To me one of the most important reasons I like this forum above all others is the friendly attitude of the vast majority of our members who all share a great interest in common.

Make sure you dont go to bed without looking underneath first - you never know.

[astraltrader]

Can someone please advise me how to edit my profile. Many thanks.


Sorry Alan I have only just noticed your request.

If you go to the top left of any page you will see "User CP" - click on this and then you will see "Edit Profile" third down on your left. ;)

[Alan D]

Many thanks, pity I could not include my full history.

[SheppeyMiss]

Friend BlackBat

You must, of course, do what you feel most comfortable with - no one would wish otherwise. :)

For myself; well what you see is pretty much what you get... I is as I am, warts and all.
Oops, I meant to say that I completed my profile shortly after joining hence the "what you see" comment. :o

[astraltrader]

Many thanks, pity I could not include my full history.

Alan I agree that there is a space restriction on what can be fitted in if you have a long history. All I can suggest is to redo it including the most important aspects. Having looked at your details you could shorten your history a bit by just listing the ships in order and missing out words like Starting off and paid off, etc. Also you could even overflow the ships a bit by also using the occupation section where you have just said retired when you had already mentioned that before.

All these alterations can be easily made by using the edit profile facility.

[Alan D]

VMT for the refocussing, my profile now reads more coherently.

[astraltrader]

A pleasure Alan, thanks very much for filling out your profile. It is something that is well appreciated by the vast majority of our membership. :)

[Ednamay]

Yes, indeed; it is easier to understand a comment or a point of view when one knows something of the background. Thank you.

Edna

[eskimosailor]

Just added a couple of bits to my profile to bring it more up to date, but I think I'm as complete as is reasonable, unless anyone disagrees:D
Steve

[ap1]

In the last column of the profile it says 'ships'.

Normally, members put the ships they have served on here.

Some of these profile postings, are of 'Model Ships' they have made; not ones they have served on.

How can this be allowed?

In Hobbies or Pastimes, yes!

Does this mean I can enter H.M.S. Hood here? I never served in her, obviously; but I have made a model of her!

Scandalous in my opinion....:(

If the profile is to help us understand the person we are talking to, this should be re-addressed.

[astraltrader]

This is the first I have heard about this Andy and I too share your concern. Have you noticed many profiles where this has happened??

Most certainly the ships column should only list ships members have served on and not models.

When I get time I will have to trawl through all the profiles and check out who has entered model ships rather than real ones. In the meantime if any member who has listed model ships in the ships served column should see this post, could they please amend their profiles accordingly. It will save me work having to identify "culprits" and then having to send out PM's.

[Dreadnought]

I also agree, and thanks to Andy for spotting this.

I will similarly check profiles Terry.

[astraltrader]

Thanks Clive - I will ask Kc to see if the column can be changed from Ships to Ships served.... :)


While I am posting this I would just like to repeat a request for all members to take the minute or so needed to fill out a very brief profile.

The vast majority of our regular members have done so and it is greatly appreciated by most members - especially when it comes to finding out the interests of others in the forum.

There is no need to write anything that might compromise ones security so there is no reason at all why this small task should not be completed, it really is appreciated.

[Don Boyer]

I did my profile the day I joined. I protect my privacy per se, but can agree with Black Bat's post for the most part as well.

There's very little I consider private other than my Bank Account numbers with the Bank of Nassau, and I am now working on the theory that I want my name in every computer on the planet. If "they" start looking for me, their printers and search engines will be going 24/7, tipping me off and giving me plenty of time to show up in Argentina disguised as a Hare Krishna devotee before "they" find me...:)

Regards,

[astraltrader]

I did my profile the day I joined. I protect my privacy per se, but can agree with Black Bat's post for the most part as well.

There's very little I consider private other than my Bank Account numbers with the Bank of Nassau, and I am now working on the theory that I want my name in every computer on the planet. If "they" start looking for me, their printers and search engines will be going 24/7, tipping me off and giving me plenty of time to show up in Argentina disguised as a Hare Krishna devotee before "they" find me...:)

Regards,

Sorry Don - Personally I cant see why you say that you agree with Black Bats opinion as you have filled out your profile!! Surely that is my whole point - his reason for not filling out a profile was based on privacy/security issues when there is clearly no possible risk to privacy or security by just filling out a list of interests, hobbies and/or ships served on!! Simply in his case listing things he has already mentioned in his posts anyway!

Not wishing to appear rude I would rather if he did not wish to fillout his profile he just did that rather than trying to deter others with irrelevant nonsense when related to filling out our profile. Fortunately the great majority of our regular members realise the enhanced communication benefits of listing mutual hobbies and interests without seeing security or privacy risks.

We would never encurage our members to risk security in anyway shape or form. We even warn members if they post their email a/d and usually remove them.

The simple object of this thread is just to bring these potential benefits to more recent members who have not yet got around to filling our their profile.
The obvious advantages of doing so you obviously believe in, as you filled out one the day you joined. :)

[Don Boyer]

I guess I should have said that I agree with BB in the sense that IF he wants to be that private, he can be, no foul there. On a forum like this, where we aren't really strangers when you come down to it, it doesn't really seem needed, but to each his own.

BB's superb technical research capabilities, which he seems to have the time, inclination and resources for, provide a lot of good info on the forum, so if he wants to be a man of mystery, that's OK by me, but I have to admit it would be a lot more fun if we hoisted a few brews so to speak.

[ivorthediver]

Yes well it seems that some read the bits they want and ignore the rest

Had AndyPedantic1 bothered to read all of my Profile , do his maths and check it out he would have seen that I was never in the Navy .

As this dear soul researches his subjects well I find this a little alarming ...but ......he feels he has a point to prove I suppose .

Sorry the hard pushed Moderators have been given yet more work to do ....as if they havent got enough to do already :mad:

Perhaps my rank on the Forum should be reduced yet again as surely a non combatent like myself is not entitled to hold a Military Rank of any sort [ I did complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award...does that count ? and been presented to Five members of the Royal family...has he ?

Still I digress .....One further point I would make ...is this ...had he taken the trouble to read my other 2600 odd other posts he would find frequent referance to the fact that I was never in the Navy ...but would have loved to have been[ ....Perhaps being Dyslexic and a type 1 Diabetic may have had a bearing on this]....as only the cream of the entrants are picked for the Senior Service it would seem ....Still most of the Ex Naval men I have meet here are as one would expect
Gentlemen ...not bitching in the mess room

I'll go and ask missy in the Wardroom if I can wash the dishes in the pantry

I was not going to respond to this posting ...as it seemed so trivial as to not warrent recognition ....but hey lifes to short Eh :D

[kc]

I have changed the column in question to have the title 'Ships served on' and would appreciate it if it was used for exactly that. We may consider updating the way the profiles pages are displayed including the possible addition of other columns for information about interests or connections with specific ships.

If you look at the members list page you'll see the space there is already at a premium, so making any changes will require a bit of planning.

One more thing I'd like to spell out again. This forum does not care whether any member has served in the navy or not. Everyone shares an interest in at least one aspect of the topics covered here or they wouldn't have joined.

[ivorthediver]

Thank you for qualifying that KC as the guilty party here [ I think] its nice to hear your comments first hand ,and laying to bed once and for all any misconceptions which may have been held by some of the membership on this Forum

As already stated It was never my intention to allow anyone to think that I was masquerading as a member of the Royal Navy .......in any shape or form ....and I trust the Moderators will forgive me for any increase to their heavy work load caused by this ill conceived comment

[Mitch Hinde]

Hi Ivor

Having read your profile I was never under the impression that you were ex navy, it states it quite clearly. Seems a lot of fuss over nothing to me and has taken up space that could well have been devoted to something more important.

Mitch Hinde

[astraltrader]

Anyway everything is now sorted out. Kc kindly changing the column heading now makes it clear it is for ships served on rather than for anything else. :)

[edda0199]

Perhaps my rank on the Forum should be the lowest

However, i have to say that on joining, and posting, I realised that there was a place for a profile, so I did my profile the day I joined. I protect my privacy per se, but can agree with Black Bat's post for the most part as well.

:D

[kc]

Well edda0199,

I see you have put a link in your signature, but not much else on your profile. Perhaps you were trying to get a nice valuable link from our forum to your site, and not much else?

I've deleted your link. We'll see if you come back.

[astraltrader]

This makes a change from moaning at our members who have not yet filled out their profile [although if you have not yet done so then please do!!]

Yesterday I received a complaint from a member who quite understandably gets annoyed when members have used the column for ship[s] served on to list model ships they have made or just ships they are interested in.

So please do not use the last column for ships served on unless you actually have served on her/them! Any member who has put the name[s] of ships they are interested in or models in that final column then PLEASE could they remove and put in one of the other columns!!

Many thanks.

[Karakris]

My Profile Information - As if Anyone is at all Interested.

I have never been in the Navy - but I was Born in Portsmouth.
I got hauled away to South-East London when I was 4 years old -
the Year of the Coronation.

One Naval Relative that I know of.
My Great Uncle Eddie - my Nannie's ( grandmother ) brother.
Eddie went down with the H.M.S. Hood - 'nuff said.

My Nannie and Grandpa ( Dad's parents ) lived most of their lives
in Portsmouth ( Milton ) - moving to Lee Park in late life.
They Retired to a House of their own in Waterlooville, where they died.

My only "sea experience" was fishing from an open boat, off the coast of Hayling Island
and off the coast of Southsea - when I was around six to eight
years old. We used to go back to the house in Milton ( handy for Eastney Beach )
for our Summer Holidays of two weeks each year.
That was with my dear Grandpa and dear Uncle David ( Dad's Brother ).

Loved the Sea all my life - always interested in the Navy, was keen to join
until I was around 15, when I preferred long hair and Girls.

Finally I got lucky - Me and my Dear Lady, Karen could not afford to move to Portsmouth.
However - we are now finally living in Gosport ( sort of ), Bridgemary near the
Fareham Border and within a short distance of Lee on Solent.
Karen is now working in Southampton, on the Town Quay.

I have studied Warfare and Weapons of War for the last 30 plus Years.
Particularly Naval Warfare, from Nelson's time onwards - plus Naval Guns and Naval Warships.

[astraltrader]

My Profile Information - As if Anyone is at all Interested.

I have never been in the Navy - but I was Born in Portsmouth.
I got hauled away to South-East London when I was 4 years old -
the Year of the Coronation.

One Naval Relative that I know of.
My Great Uncle Eddie - my Nannie's ( grandmother ) brother.
Eddie went down with the H.M.S. Hood - 'nuff said.

My Nannie and Grandpa ( Dad's parents ) lived most of their lives
in Portsmouth ( Milton ) - moving to Lee Park in late life.
They Retired to a House of their own in Waterlooville, where they died.

My only "sea experience" was fishing from an open boat, off the coast of Hayling Island
and off the coast of Southsea - when I was around six to eight
years old. We used to go back to the house in Milton ( handy for Eastney Beach )
for our Summer Holidays of two weeks each year.
That was with my dear Grandpa and dear Uncle David ( Dad's Brother ).

Loved the Sea all my life - always interested in the Navy, was keen to join
until I was around 15, when I preferred long hair and Girls.

Finally I got lucky - Me and my Dear Lady, Karen could not afford to move to Portsmouth.
However - we are now finally living in Gosport ( sort of ), Bridgemary near the
Fareham Border and within a short distance of Lee on Solent.
Karen is now working in Southampton, on the Town Quay.

I have studied Warfare and Weapons of War for the last 30 plus Years.
Particularly Naval Warfare, from Nelson's time onwards - plus Naval Guns and Naval Warships.

Of course it is of interest Karakris. Thank you very much for both elaborating on your background here and importantly for providing a condensed version in your Public Profile.

Your help in doing this is greatly appreciated. :):)

[Destroyerman]

Just to lighten it up a little:

Left side of my face ............................ ugly.

Right side of my face .......................... even uglier.

Profile .............................................. acceptable.

Happy to present my profile.:D:D;):rolleyes::cool:

Sandy.

[jbryce1437]

Many thanks to everyone who has completed their profile.
To those that haven't, its not too late to complete it.

Jim

[harry.gibbon]

Re; the inclusion of 'CTF 345' into the 'Ships served on' section of the members profile feature.

For some time now, this draft (posting) has had me puzzled, I am therefore feel compelled to ask if forum members who have included CTF 345 in their profile, actually mean they were part of the Commander Task Force 345 Admiral's staff on HMS Tyne during the Suez War in 1956, or was it that they were at HMS Warrior in Northwood some time after Suez?

The other explanation might be that they were actually drafted to CTF345 (down in the 'hole') at Northwood, which would surely infer that said forum member was associated with the operation of the nuclear deterrent HQ at Northwood.

Little h:confused:

[JackW1208]

Re; the inclusion of 'CTF 345' into the 'Ships served on' section of the members profile feature

The other explanation might be that they were actually drafted to CTF345 (down in the 'hole') at Northwood, which would surely infer that said forum member was associated with the operation of the nuclear deterrent HQ at Northwood.Little h:confused:


Correct Little h, it's even on google!

Jack
(Ex CTF345)

[harry.gibbon]

Correct Little h, it's even on google!

Jack
(Ex CTF345)

Jack,

Indeed it is - it is where I had to go to find out about CTF345 and where he and his staff were located. Still doesn't help with the point of my post which is .... were individuals drafted to 'CTF345' which happened to be at Northwood, or were they drafted to HMS Warrior and on arrival were designated to work in the confines of CTF345.

Little h

[JackW1208]

Little h, according to my Form S.459 it states Warrior.
When I received my draft chit prior to returning to UK, it stated Warrior for CTF345 and nobody I asked knew what it meant at that time, for obvious reasons.

Jack.

[harry.gibbon]

Little h, according to my Form S.459 it states Warrior.
When I received my draft chit prior to returning to UK, it stated Warrior for CTF345 and nobody I asked knew what it meant at that time, for obvious reasons.

Jack.

Thanks for your response Jack. That explanation is more in line with what I assumed might be the case and follows the manner by which others I know outside of the forum, who would speak of such a draft as them having been 'at Northwood'.


Little h

[PhilMeds]

Anyone appointed or drafted to "Northwood", were actually members of H.M.S. Warriors ships company.
H.M.S. Warrior being the administration part of "Northwood", As those of us who have served there are aware.

"Northwood" contained several organisations within its confinds.

Philip.

[harry.gibbon]

Anyone appointed or drafted to "Northwood", were actually members of H.M.S. Warriors ships company.
H.M.S. Warrior being the administration part of "Northwood", As those of us who have served there are aware.

"Northwood" contained several organisations within its confinds.

Philip.

Just as I thought.

Little h