[TFN: Trainz Forum Network]

[ChileanLlama]

Hi all,

With the current uncertainty around the Auran forums one observation that has been made is that the overall Trainz community will fragment. Also that many members want to keep in touch with what is happening elsewhere in the world of Trainz.

The UK Trainz forum was set up to concentrate on the UK scene for Trainz without the bickering that was starting in the Auran forums due to it's size, diversity and I guess the issues in the world at that time.

At first this forum was invitation only, which helped us to develop what I think is a friendly atmosphere, but also focussed on the Trainz topics members wished to discuss, rather than merely banter and off-topic. I believe this original vision has translated well over the years as UKTrainz was made available to all, and the number of members increased.

It's quite evident from some of the posts and e-mails I have seen over the last few days that we don't want to lose what we have here. Similarly we don't want to become isolated from our friends and fellow Trainzers around the world.

I'm quite suprised, but UKTrainz is listed as the top independent forum when "Trainz Forum" is searched on Google. With that in mind, I think it's important UKTrainz plays it's own part in trying to help find Trainz fans the best home for their discussions.

I believe it is in our best interests to former a larger linked community - where it does not become them and us on different Trainz forums - nor is the individuality of different Trainz forums lost or eroded by trying to be a "jack of all trades".

My vision is to have a Trainz Forum Network (TFN). Ultimately this could be to share resources, and be a wider community where useful information could be shared between the forums and strong relationships formed between them, but that they still retain their individuality. Perhaps with those with a wider interest posting regular updates on what is happening elsewhere in the world.

However, in the short term I think it would be worthwhile for the different forums to share links to the important forums across the world - a simplified WebRing if you like.

My purpose in posting here is twofold. Firstly to ask people to make contact if they wish to be involved in the initiative, and perhaps own or know other forum owners/organisers elsewhere.

Secondly, to reassure both the existing UK Trainz members that we do not want to lose what we have by simply opening the floodgates and trying to become the next Auran forum, and also new members who may not have a great interest in the UK scene that they are still welcome.

Thanks for your time, and please feel free to add your own opinions on this specific idea.

[UPDATE: 19/11/2006]

TFN Forums:
Razorback - http://www.razorbackrailway.com/forums/
IberTrainz - http://foro.ibertrainz.com/
TrainzProRoutes - http://www.trainzproroutes.org/forum/index.php

[chrisw27]

Excellent idea. This is what I was alluding to in one of my earlier posts.

chrisw27

[Anonymous]

Hi, Ch_Ll

Regardless of what the Auran forum affair could result in, which I do think is being overreacted and magnified since I do think they are simply re-adjusting their aims, as Administrator General of IBerTrainz Group and Forum - http://www.ibertrainz.com - you count on us on this project.

Even though our main language is Spanish, we also have an international subforum where we can take care of non-Spanish writers.

But I would like to highlight even here that we shouldn't accelerate things because Auran is still leading the world Trainz for some years to come. I feel that some trainzers are really speculating about the DS and other Auran facilities. Right now it is just another case of overloading like in many previous weekends of late. The western side of the pool and the antipode downside of the world are pushing the Auran server hard every weekend.

Let's wait until next week and see what's really happening. I (as a TRS2006 Website Manager, and Mike too, I think) expect to have some direct news from Lance Jago on our Monday

Anyway, this project can be done and not being related to the current state of things, but as an alternative source of trainzerism.

Alberte Zato, IBTZ admin

[ChileanLlama]

Hi Alberte,

Thanks

Yes it could be a lot of panic over nothing, however this situation has been forced on us. In any event, I think simple linking between our respective forums, could be a safeguard in the future - and causes no harm whether the Auran forum comes back online or not

[Anonymous]

CH_LL,

Our part is done --> http://foro.ibertrainz.com/index.php?topic=8809.0

Now time for others.

You are the first ones there.

Alberte :*silly schoolgirl giggle*:

[Wessex_Electric_Nutter]

Llama, its a great idea, but with the current situation, I think it is best to wait until we get some solid news on how long TRS is going to last and wait for most forum members to simmer off a little as many others are still playing the blame game against auran.

I have one major concern with the idea though. With the way people are reacting, creating something like this may open the floodgates (unintetionally) to many who became part of the Auran forums network. Utlimately, this leads to a lot of troublestarters who are still intent on causing hell and distress on the community. What measures are in place to stop these from comming in and ruining everything for everyone? Or if someone is out of line, what is their punishment and if a ban, how long for?

There are many questions to ask about in regards to protection, you are the only one that can answer them. But lets hope not to become the biggest forum on the net for Trainz, because thats where problems may start, then we may not have enough mods, etc.

[ChileanLlama]

Hi Alberte, you'll see I've added a link to Razorback after speaking with Jenolan and IberTrainz at the top of our home page.

Russell, thanks for a very considered response. As I said earlier, I don't think there is a problem whether Auran decide to reopen their forum or not in having something in place behind the scenes. At the very least putting something in place will just open up the eyes of the regulars to other forums around the world. At worst, it allows us to be part of a wider community if the Auran forum doesn't reopen, or if it reopens and closed again, or was down for any period.

As to the "flood gates", most definitely I share reservations. Everyone deserves a chance, and will get them on these forums. The difference being that we are not a commercial entity who have to keep everyone "sweet", if people fall out of line and constantly fail to meet the standards of members here we will take action. No one wants that to happen, so lets go forward on a positive basis rather than worrying about what may happen - I need you to show a little faith in the admin and mods team here

Anyway look on the brightside we have had 100's of new members in the last few weeks, and rather than become negative it has been a breath of fresh air in here.

Cheers
Paul

[Anonymous]

Thank you, Paul.

On this part, I've just added Jenolan's Razorback Forum to the Ring at IBTZ

http://foro.ibertrainz.com/index.php?to ... 4#msg95624

Hope this starts working. As I said before too, I think this is a good initiative regardless of the Auran Forum affair, maybe sparkled out by that, but a necessary alternative, not competing with the official Forum (which will be resumed, no doubt) at all.

Have a nice Sunday evening, our trainzy friends over here.

Alberte

[Wessex_Electric_Nutter]

No one wants that to happen, so lets go forward on a positive basis rather than worrying about what may happen - I need you to show a little faith in the admin and mods team here

Paul, you know me, I don't do positive!
I only deal with negative!

[Anonymous]

I was going to say the TPR may want to join but it looks like u all beat me to it. *silly schoolgirl giggle* Wow it seems like the trainz forum's across the world are becoming 1 making this wow i mean look at it this way. TPR=US UKtrainz=UK then RBR= AU so mainly u got a forum covering each section of the globe And don't forget the IBTZ forums for spanish speaking folk. Now we that got forums and ideas for a DLS like sites? I mean there are tons of freeware sites that might become sub DLS if we ask them. Just and idea from me.

Sorry i talk about and i really want to post here since well this is mainly more recovering then when the Auran forums went back up. (better stop talking here before i start rambling)

[Meridious]

We at TPR have done our part to this as well.

I don't think this is a bad idea because our mutual forums were there when the community needed them most.

Besides, eventually the ride stops. In that I refer to the Auran forums. There will come a day that they do close up for good and TPR for one, wants to be prepared.


Thanks,
Meridious

[Anonymous]

You can add my page, TrainzDepot.org (http://www.trainzdepot.org, german + english)

I will add your pages later
(Must go to work now)

[Anonymous]

OK, Basti. Thanks a lot for joining.

Even though the Auran Forum is back, as you can see it's different, this Network must go on.

Take care,

Alberte

[Anonymous]

Hi, guys.

Basti, homework done on this part --> http://foro.ibertrainz.com/index.php?to ... 8#msg95768

Welcome to the Network!

Alberte

[ChileanLlama]

Hi Basti,

Added you to our list also

Welcome aboard

[Anonymous]

Hi !

I present the french community forum: FraTrainZ:
http://www.fratrainz.com/forum

It is posible to join our forum to the group ?

Thanks !

[ChileanLlama]

Of course!! Welcome aboard DReinares

[Anonymous]

Hi !
It is posible to join our forum to the group ?

Thanks !

Hi, Daniel.

What I can't understand is why my account on your forum is banned if I have never said a single word there!

Excuse me if it is my mistake, but I'm really shocked.

Alberte

[Anonymous]

Just created a TFN Category in my "Links" area.
Now a question:
Would you submit your pages yourself (I think, you can describe them better), or should I add them?

Look here

You can use the multilanguage-feature for english and german text.
Just add the [de] and [/de] for german or [en] and [/en] for english text around the text.
If there are no language text, the text is visible for both languages.
If you can't write german, I will add the german translation for you when I approve the links

Is that way in "Links" section okay for you?
In my (humble) opinion, its the most comfortable way...

[Anonymous]

Hi !
It is posible to join our forum to the group ?

Thanks !

Hi, Daniel.

What I can't understand is why my account on your forum is banned if I have never said a single word there!

Excuse me if it is my mistake, but I'm really shocked.

Alberte

Now, no problem...

Thanks for joined my page...

[Anonymous]

Just created a TFN Category in my "Links" area.
Now a question:
Would you submit your pages yourself (I think, you can describe them better), or should I add them?

Look here

You can use the multilanguage-feature for english and german text.
Just add the [de] and [/de] for german or [en] and [/en] for english text around the text.
If there are no language text, the text is visible for both languages.
If you can't write german, I will add the german translation for you when I approve the links

Is that way in "Links" section okay for you?
In my (humble) opinion, its the most comfortable way...

Hi Basti,

Just my thought, my friend: Is it wise to leave the thread opened for everybody? Notice that ours are closed to public addition.

Anyway, your decision. Thank you for joining the Network.

Take care,

Alberte

[Anonymous]

Now, no problem...

Thanks for joined my page...

Thank you, Daniel. See you at IBTZ too.

Alberte

[Anonymous]

Hi Basti,

Hi Alberte

Just my thought, my friend: Is it wise to leave the thread opened for everybody? Notice that ours are closed to public addition.

I dont know what thread you mean...
Please explain more

Anyway, your decision. Thank you for joining the Network.

No Problem

Take care,

Same to you

Alberte

Sebastian

[Anonymous]

I dont know what thread you mean...
Please explain more

You asked us if we were going to submit the pages and I wonder if it is open to public submitting and only yours as admin/mod.

As you can see here, and on the others forums already linked, the network of links is not open to public editing, just for admins.

You decide on yours, Basti.

Good night,

Alberte

[Anonymous]

YOu can submit links to the "Links" module, but I must approve them first.
I can see who has submit that Links
So I can decide what Links I will approve
So don't worry
Just submit your page!

(Edit: I will approve ONLY real TFN Links in that category of course!)