Bob

"Prague is a shadow as is Amsterdam and Barcelona.  But, Thailand is still a great place to find guys in person at bars and venues. I hope we don't ruin that for ourselves and others by being so negative all the time."  [sorry, had to quote Michael this way as I've never been able to get the damn quote feature to work in Windows 10]
 
We're a bit off topic (which maybe in this thread is a good thing?) but happen to agree that the gay scene all over the world is less than what it used to be.....and likely (due to various reasons - internet hookups, less prejudice against gays with no need to go to separate "gay" places, and probably a myriad of other reasons) will continue into the future.  Somewhat, perhaps, like the use/need of gay message boards?
 
But I hardly think any of that real phenomena has any significant relationship at all to a very small minority of comments made on this or any other gay message board. 
 
[Without thinking of the consequences, I'm sorry I quoted Firecat who's certainly been a big asset to this board; but, by doing so, I allowed somebody....ok, weewillie.....to spew a few over-the-top and, in my view, unfounded charges.  Look, folks, please attempt to make your points without personally attacking somebody else on the board.  I, for one, don't give a flying fuck if you do or don't like another poster or his posts.]

If somebody bothers you to the extent that you feel the need to call them an idiot, why not use the ignore feature for that poster?  You don't help your cogent argument that some of the negative comments ought to be omitted by doing the opposite.

If somebody bothers you to the extent that you feel the need to call them an idiot, why not use the ignore feature for that poster?  You don't help your cogent argument that some of the negative comments ought to be omitted by doing the opposite.

If somebody bothers you to the extent that you feel the need to call them an idiot, why not use the ignore feature for that poster?  You don't help your cogent argument that some of the negative comments ought to be omitted by doing the opposite.

"Prague is a shadow as is Amsterdam and Barcelona.  But, Thailand is still a great place to find guys in person at bars and venues. I hope we don't ruin that for ourselves and others by being so negative all the time."  [sorry, had to quote Michael this way as I've never been able to get the damn quote feature to work in Windows 10]
 
We're a bit off topic (which maybe in this thread is a good thing?) but happen to agree that the gay scene all over the world is less than what it used to be.....and likely (due to various reasons - internet hookups, less prejudice against gays with no need to go to separate "gay" places, and probably a myriad of other reasons) will continue into the future.  Somewhat, perhaps, like the use/need of gay message boards?
 
But I hardly think any of that real phenomena has any significant relationship at all to a very small minority of comments made on this or any other gay message board. 
 
[Without thinking of the consequences, I'm sorry I quoted Firecat who's certainly been a big asset to this board; but, by doing so, I allowed somebody....ok, weewillie.....to spew a few over-the-top and, in my view, unfounded charges.  Look, folks, please attempt to make your points without personally attacking somebody else on the board.  I, for one, don't give a flying fuck if you do or don't like another poster or his posts.]

If somebody bothers you to the extent that you feel the need to call them an idiot, why not use the ignore feature for that poster?  You don't help your cogent argument that some of the negative comments ought to be omitted by doing the opposite.

If somebody bothers you to the extent that you feel the need to call them an idiot, why not use the ignore feature for that poster?  You don't help your cogent argument that some of the negative comments ought to be omitted by doing the opposite.

While I don't read most of the threads here (or even all the posts in a given thread), I'm a bit puzzled as to what this weird expression of encouraged silence (keep your opinions to yourself!) is all about. It smells rather familiar to the latest (as in yesterday) pronouncement of the General about the disallowance of any criticism at all.
 
[i'll now partially guess what started this business].  If one wants to have a photo thread with photos only and no comment at all, then ask the moderator if that's okay (and, moderator, if that's allowed, then please enforce the rule).  If it's not allowed, then people ought to be encouraged to disagree without being rude.  
 
But I do have to admit that the notion of asking posters to not say what type they like or what type they don't like strikes me (an admittedly wacko gay man) as something that short circuits my puny pea brain.  If you really feel offended by the fact that somebody else doesn't like the type you like or, perhaps, you even feel pressured in the slightest by such criticisms to alter your own personal chemistry, the only suggestion I have is that it's time for you to grow a pair.

While I don't read most of the threads here (or even all the posts in a given thread), I'm a bit puzzled as to what this weird expression of encouraged silence (keep your opinions to yourself!) is all about. It smells rather familiar to the latest (as in yesterday) pronouncement of the General about the disallowance of any criticism at all.
 
[i'll now partially guess what started this business].  If one wants to have a photo thread with photos only and no comment at all, then ask the moderator if that's okay (and, moderator, if that's allowed, then please enforce the rule).  If it's not allowed, then people ought to be encouraged to disagree without being rude.  
 
But I do have to admit that the notion of asking posters to not say what type they like or what type they don't like strikes me (an admittedly wacko gay man) as something that short circuits my puny pea brain.  If you really feel offended by the fact that somebody else doesn't like the type you like or, perhaps, you even feel pressured in the slightest by such criticisms to alter your own personal chemistry, the only suggestion I have is that it's time for you to grow a pair.

While I don't read most of the threads here (or even all the posts in a given thread), I'm a bit puzzled as to what this weird expression of encouraged silence (keep your opinions to yourself!) is all about. It smells rather familiar to the latest (as in yesterday) pronouncement of the General about the disallowance of any criticism at all.
 
[i'll now partially guess what started this business].  If one wants to have a photo thread with photos only and no comment at all, then ask the moderator if that's okay (and, moderator, if that's allowed, then please enforce the rule).  If it's not allowed, then people ought to be encouraged to disagree without being rude.  
 
But I do have to admit that the notion of asking posters to not say what type they like or what type they don't like strikes me (an admittedly wacko gay man) as something that short circuits my puny pea brain.  If you really feel offended by the fact that somebody else doesn't like the type you like or, perhaps, you even feel pressured in the slightest by such criticisms to alter your own personal chemistry, the only suggestion I have is that it's time for you to grow a pair.

While I don't read most of the threads here (or even all the posts in a given thread), I'm a bit puzzled as to what this weird expression of encouraged silence (keep your opinions to yourself!) is all about. It smells rather familiar to the latest (as in yesterday) pronouncement of the General about the disallowance of any criticism at all.
 
[i'll now partially guess what started this business].  If one wants to have a photo thread with photos only and no comment at all, then ask the moderator if that's okay (and, moderator, if that's allowed, then please enforce the rule).  If it's not allowed, then people ought to be encouraged to disagree without being rude.  
 
But I do have to admit that the notion of asking posters to not say what type they like or what type they don't like strikes me (an admittedly wacko gay man) as something that short circuits my puny pea brain.  If you really feel offended by the fact that somebody else doesn't like the type you like or, perhaps, you even feel pressured in the slightest by such criticisms to alter your own personal chemistry, the only suggestion I have is that it's time for you to grow a pair.

I don't know who you're hanging around in Thailand but I totally disagree with you.  Thais in general don't suffer bad food (which is why it's such a good idea to go eat where all the Thais eat) and I have yet to meet one who has ever given me any indication that smell trumps taste.  I'm almost guessing that the Thais you've heard this from are misusing some English words or you've failed to pick up what they've really meant. 

Allen himself and his website were helpful to many, myself included.  I didn't know Allen well but always found him to be the perfect gentleman.
 
Unless Allen somehow copyrighted what was published online, I don't see any problem with anybody using it for any purpose, especially given the attribution has been given.   

What can one say when a poster makes comments like "You fucking asked a question.." and then, 6 hours later, claims he was trying to have a "very peaceful and calm discussion..."   What the hell, at least it provided my chuckle of the morning.
 
Restoration of some of Allen's work has brought back mostly happy memories for me.....so thanks for that.  And Allen, wherever you are, put your broom down and take it easy as you have no obligation to use your moderation broom to sweep this thread clean! 

What can one say when a poster makes comments like "You fucking asked a question.." and then, 6 hours later, claims he was trying to have a "very peaceful and calm discussion..."   What the hell, at least it provided my chuckle of the morning.
 
Restoration of some of Allen's work has brought back mostly happy memories for me.....so thanks for that.  And Allen, wherever you are, put your broom down and take it easy as you have no obligation to use your moderation broom to sweep this thread clean! 

What can one say when a poster makes comments like "You fucking asked a question.." and then, 6 hours later, claims he was trying to have a "very peaceful and calm discussion..."   What the hell, at least it provided my chuckle of the morning.
 
Restoration of some of Allen's work has brought back mostly happy memories for me.....so thanks for that.  And Allen, wherever you are, put your broom down and take it easy as you have no obligation to use your moderation broom to sweep this thread clean! 

Allen himself and his website were helpful to many, myself included.  I didn't know Allen well but always found him to be the perfect gentleman.
 
Unless Allen somehow copyrighted what was published online, I don't see any problem with anybody using it for any purpose, especially given the attribution has been given.   

Allen himself and his website were helpful to many, myself included.  I didn't know Allen well but always found him to be the perfect gentleman.
 
Unless Allen somehow copyrighted what was published online, I don't see any problem with anybody using it for any purpose, especially given the attribution has been given.   

Allen himself and his website were helpful to many, myself included.  I didn't know Allen well but always found him to be the perfect gentleman.
 
Unless Allen somehow copyrighted what was published online, I don't see any problem with anybody using it for any purpose, especially given the attribution has been given.   

Allen himself and his website were helpful to many, myself included.  I didn't know Allen well but always found him to be the perfect gentleman.
 
Unless Allen somehow copyrighted what was published online, I don't see any problem with anybody using it for any purpose, especially given the attribution has been given.   

Allen himself and his website were helpful to many, myself included.  I didn't know Allen well but always found him to be the perfect gentleman.
 
Unless Allen somehow copyrighted what was published online, I don't see any problem with anybody using it for any purpose, especially given the attribution has been given.   

Allen himself and his website were helpful to many, myself included.  I didn't know Allen well but always found him to be the perfect gentleman.
 
Unless Allen somehow copyrighted what was published online, I don't see any problem with anybody using it for any purpose, especially given the attribution has been given.   

Allen himself and his website were helpful to many, myself included.  I didn't know Allen well but always found him to be the perfect gentleman.
 
Unless Allen somehow copyrighted what was published online, I don't see any problem with anybody using it for any purpose, especially given the attribution has been given.   

Everybody is different but spending 12+ hours on a train (or any transportation vehicle) is not my idea of fun.  As concerns the myriad of airlines flying from BKK to CNX, I've used most of them and don't have any safety concerns there.
 
Two years ago, they suspended train service to Chiangmai for a few months due to multiple derailments caused by bad track sections.  After claiming they replaced all the bad tracks, they had a big hoopla inauguration trip loaded with Bangkok and Chiangmai dignitaries and, you guessed it, the train derailed on the way to Lampang (they bussed them back).  The train trip is probably relatively safe now (plus they don't go fast enough to cause a huge problem) but I'd guess that flying is a whole lot safer.
 
Given you mentioned you've only scheduled a "weekend" up here, I'd highly recommend you don't waste more than a day's time doing the train thing.  And, since you've mentioned doing the overnight deal, the "sight-seeing opportunity" mentioned above just isn't going to happen.  Fly....and spend your limited time checking out our fair city.

Everybody is different but spending 12+ hours on a train (or any transportation vehicle) is not my idea of fun.  As concerns the myriad of airlines flying from BKK to CNX, I've used most of them and don't have any safety concerns there.
 
Two years ago, they suspended train service to Chiangmai for a few months due to multiple derailments caused by bad track sections.  After claiming they replaced all the bad tracks, they had a big hoopla inauguration trip loaded with Bangkok and Chiangmai dignitaries and, you guessed it, the train derailed on the way to Lampang (they bussed them back).  The train trip is probably relatively safe now (plus they don't go fast enough to cause a huge problem) but I'd guess that flying is a whole lot safer.
 
Given you mentioned you've only scheduled a "weekend" up here, I'd highly recommend you don't waste more than a day's time doing the train thing.  And, since you've mentioned doing the overnight deal, the "sight-seeing opportunity" mentioned above just isn't going to happen.  Fly....and spend your limited time checking out our fair city.