Invitation To Join

'The Fairmont Help Line Open Forum'

I am extending an open invitation for those of you who are not yet members to join and participate in 'The Fairmont Help Lines Open Forum' Yahoo Group for Trolley's and Section Cars in Australia. Some of you maybe aware that another group covering a similar subject, Track Machines Australia, has also been in operation for a similar length of time and I think it only fair that I acknowledge its existence and also the honesty and good health to the hobby that competition brings .

So why have two groups of similar subject?

Well its not really so much about competition but rather what type of forum is offered. Rather than me cast judgment on Track machines Australia as to its good and bad points I will let it do that for itself. All I ask of you is to read its rules-and its got a bunch of them I might add!- the rules from its own web site, compare the restrictions of the two groups then make up your own mind as to what group offers you the best forum. Or if you cant decide why not join both!

As caretaker of the The Fairmont Help Lines Open Forum what I can do is inform you about some of the positive aspects of the group. Firstly I respect you all as intelligent human beings so for a start there are no rules...Open forum means open forum in this group. I can also guarantee that, as I have from its beginning in 2001, continue not to question new and existing members integrity or give them the third degree as to who they are just because they use free email. I will continue not to moderate your postings because of my own personal dislikes of you or subject matter but rather let the membership castigate you if you go off the rails or get too personal and then act with their wishes accordingly in an open democratic way. Your point of view, knowledge or questions are valued so they can be expressed freely at all levels without fear of censorship or discouragement from me. The group is configured so your postings will be sent out straight away, not via me, so you won't have to wait days till a moderator approves/bans or posts them censored. I will not use the regulation of spammers as a hidden excuse to ban people I don't want on the list as it is open membership and everyone is welcome. As for real spammers, the facts are they don't usually bother with Yahoo groups and if they do they are only a mouse click away from oblivion. Real spammers are the only ones I will be 'tough' with.

Finally with this Open Forum about Section Cars and Trolleys downunder you can take comfort in knowing your valuable contribution is respected and will be heard un hindered. It is the main reason this group was established. So now you have all the facts its over to you to decide.

I look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Stew Jan 2005

The Fairmont Help Lines Open Forum Email Group

Updated 4th Jan 2005