I miss the old Z Central Station!

I feel compelled to contribute a ramble to this thread, I guess I'm one of those "lurkers", I occasionally check the site without even logging in, I can't even remember the last time I did log in or contribute. I'm not sure what has changed for me or in me but I am still an active model railroader, just in private. When I joined ZCS, I think three year or so ago, the energy was very palatable, the co-op loco was such a cool thing people, myself included, were jazzed and eager to contribute, but it died. I guess I'm looking for some of that old energy.

Well, I try to do my best to add some spice to some threads, but looks like my provocative thoughts are too offensive for some and fall on deaf ears of others. What I mean, constructive criticism is not welcomed, even prohibited. I hate to see modelers with good skills, but less exZibitionist attitude are swept under the carpet by our "celebrities". As I pledged a little over a year ago when the PayPal point earning started, Z Central can count on my $10.00 each month, so with the help of many other contributors Brad gets some help to keep the forum alive. At the same time, like it or not, I'm not going to write a "touchy-feely" positive comments on crappy, or questionable modeling work by our "celebrities" and the even lesser quality work of their blind followers. It's hard for me, but I stay quiet. If the errors are not pointed out, the beginners will follow suit, and duplicate the same errors. To make this forum to the place of quality discussions, constructive criticism must be part of it. Another note. Z-scale modeling is not a (forgive me for the choice of words) pissing contest. Don't sweep away promising pictures of beginners from the gallery, because of the importance of "MY" project. Leave room and time for some discussions, pros and cons. There are plenty of places on this forum to publish your progress, but please, to be good is more important than being a "celebrity". To write responses like "awesome work", "great photograph", "keep up the great work", etc will not help nobody to improve. The last note, constructive criticism can be done without personal attacks by focusing on the message, not the messenger.

Lajos:)