Let's talk about cell phones at York

Thanks to Allan for raising the topic and giving us a chance to air their opinions in an on-topic forum. I'm one of the half that are not TCA members, and this is one of the reasons why - that's the point.

So the blame is to be placed with the Eastern Division? So why not have the national bylaws prohibit the divisions from imposing these kind of rules? I can see safety-related issues such as with strollers or backpacks, but that's it.

-Mark

quote:

I'm now going back to job searching

Good luck!

First, let me clarify myself by saying it doesn't matter to me either way if cell phones are permitted in the halls at York or not.  It won't affect my enjoyment of the Meet either way.  Although the TCA and all of their divisions aspire to promote the hobby, it is up to all of us, TCA members and non-members, to promote the hobby also.  To think a division meet's rules are made to prevent or have any detrimental effect growing the hobby is just silly.

And the rules certainly don't "hand cuff" anyone from buying, selling, collecting or running trains or having fun at the York Meet.  If they do there are probably other issues at stake.  They certainly haven't stopped me from buying items at your table in the past!  If the ED wants to change the rule or if they don't, the decision would be invisible to my enjoyment of the York Meet.

Kenn, I agree there's no rhyme or reason to the TCA geographical locations in the east.  My guess is they just evolved that way over time.  It really doesn't matter as it's probably just a way to group members in a location.  It's not like the National Hockey League where they need to align teams for traveling and rivalry purposes.

Even though I'm only a little over an hour's drive from the York Meet, I'm listed in the Atlantic Division.  The Keystone Meets are more closer to me than the Atlantic Meets.

I just saw the advertisment for the MTH Spring TCA Special York Car.  It comes with an optional cell phone charger.

Interesting..I am a 40-year-member of a rural division(and here I thought we have a Super Bowl Champion out here in the STIX!!!)...and to think I turned down an opportunity to be homeschooled...GO FIGURE!!!  At 62, the mind is the SECOND THING to go!!!

May I add that it is indeed INCREDULOUS....lacking credibility, that is...for any nonmember to wax poetic about OUR rules???  But then, the DEADhorse cannot survive with only a face...

-It wouldn't faze me a bit whether the cell phone ban goes or stays.  When I attend any function I abide by whatever rules are in effect.

-I have never been to the York meet.  It's too far away.

-I am a TCA member.

-I joined primarily to receive the "Quarterly", which I enjoy very much.

It has already surpassed that thread.  Of course, I locked that one several days ago.  

But I'm still grateful to all who responded to that thread, and to those who have responded in a civil manner to this one.

And here's wishing you the very best of luck with that job search!

Been to the desert with the Horse with No Name...the cellphones and cameras are solely to blame....lalalalala...

This is all just indicative of the rather selfish attitudes demonstrated by the majority of US residents these days.  No rule...regardless of who created it or why...has any validity or standing if it, somehow, inconveniences a lifestyle.

Folks want what they want...now...because it makes them feel good or for whatever reason they dream up.

It is difficult to believe physically grown men can't put down their personal communication devices for a few hours to enjoy this great fraternal event.  What do you guys do while you're sleeping...assuming you do...let the calls go to voice mail and answer your texts when you wake up?  If you can do without your phone while your are sleeping...I was going to say "using the bathroom" but, I doubt you put them down then (too many are dropped in the commode)...you can put them away while you tour this thing called "York."

By the way, I heard "York" was moving to NC.

As much as we like or don't like this rule, I doubt it will change anytime soon. I seem to recall from a previous York thread, from a post from CW, that since York is such a large effort, the only meetings/events in the ED is York. Since the phone rule is a ED rule it could only be changed with a vote of a quorum in a ED meeting which occur at York. I believe, from the older thread, that even with the lure of free donuts, the ED has great difficulty in achieving a quorum. So even if the ED board agrees to drop it there isn't enough interested ED members to tear themselves away from the tables to show up, let alone vote. So until there are enough passionate ED members to show up and vote this won't change.

Generally, attendance at this kind of board meeting in many organizations as part of a larger convention/meeting/show are generally poorly attended so its not just a ED thing. Unfortunately, many just want to "get something out" of an organization (like the ability to shop at York)  without wanting to put anything in (like being an active TCA member). Until that changes to some degree, these kinds of issues will remain.

Peter

Obviously you have earned respect in the community sir, credit due to those who've earned it. I remember "alot" of folks who wished you best wishes...and probably some of those are in this thread now. To see a problem is to bring it out in the open, discuss it, look for a better way and control what you can control of it. Hopefully this thread will unravel in a kinder way...I hate to see fellow enthusiasts get so riled up, but this is just like any other thread when someone talks about why they don't like this engine or that transformer, so there's bound to be those both for and against your or anyones thoughts. Freedom of speach.  

As for my old job of 25yrs...that was a bad layout so to speak, that desperately needed to be torn down and rebuilt...so, now I plan the new one. 

You're probably right, Peter.  

Still, if nobody thinks or knows about a concern or issue, it will never see the light of day.  That is one of the services performed by threads like this and the exposure these issues may receive in the trade press.  Sometimes, over time, this does lead to constructive change.  Beats the heck out of a head-in-the-sand stance.

Hey, can we include women and can you talk to my wife...her work phone by the nightstand, company laptop always on her lap...and she has the nerve to call my old car in the garage my other wife!

Peter

That is a big issue, thank you for mentioning it.

Maybe so, but speaking for myself, funds are tight.  After a divorce, sole custody of two kids, a layoff, and beating cancer into remission all within the past year, I have to be super attentive with the budget.  If I see that a tiny majority of people don't want to listen on ways to improve their organization and make it more likely for people to join, that's fine.  Plenty of other opportunities to spend what few hobby dollars I have.  You certainly don't have to do what nonmembers want you to do, and quite frankly any organization would be rather silly to do so.  But listening to honest constructive criticism can be very beneficial for any organization that wants to grow and not die out.

I like the no phone rule.It would be nice to get away from the rude people on their cell phone for a while .Be careful what you wish for you just might get it seems to fit this.i just think it would create a lot more stress dealing with thousands of people playing with their phones and not paying attention to what is going on around them.texting and walking does not work well around expensive trains.I've seen people texting and walk into all sorts of different things .

Allen, if it were anyone else but you that started this thread, Rich would have delite it by now.

Ya think so, Eddie? 

Tell ya what I'm gonna do:  Since we all want you to sleep nights and be well rested for your big event just weeks away, I'm going to lock this thread now.  I think most all sides have been adequately aired, and those who missed out can still read what has already been said.

You can now focus on your countdown and I'll see if I can come up with another York topic to drum-up interest.