Is Our Hobby Becoming Destigmatized?

[DarloRich]

If you look like a "harmless older rail nut", you're much less likely to be involved in a situation where "attitude" has any bearing.

I take that point. Although I have seen some "super spotters" act like massive children when they don't get their own way!

I suppose if you're of the extremely passive, "sure, mister platform staff, feel free to look through my photos and delete any that might harm your employer's 'brand' or which you dislike for personal reasons" attitude, you're less likely to consider such requests a gross violation of your personal rights (even if you're taking photos in a place where they're explicitly banned, nobody is allowed to examine or order deletion of them without a court order)...

But that discussion doesn't need to descend to a terrible level. I would deal with it by being assertive but polite. I wouldn't be rude or abusive but would stand my ground. I would keep my voice and mannerisms clam and as much as I am smart rse i would try and keep that in check! I would happily call in the managers and the BTP if required.

 

[shredder1]

The UK railways are definitely a lot better than it was after all the beginings of the semi-privatisation changes, 9/11 and the introduction of the enthusiast guidance, you will still get few staff members who are ignorant and anti enthusiast, but largely I`ve found staff very helpful, in fact I`ve had a few ask if I`ve got some good pictures and I rarely sign in these days, but would do if asked to do so.

 

[richw]

I am not blaming any victims. I simply ask why certain posters here seem to encounter terrible difficulties while others of us seem to be able to negotiate life without constant conflict. I notice you haven't answered that. Why do you think you encounter such problems? Could you change anything you do to minimise such awful encounters?

As an aside I will comment on whatever I fancy within the rules of this board. It is not up to you to stop anything. Please refrain form trying to do so.

It’s the way certain individuals conduct themselves or act.
A decent presentation, the right body language goes on a long way to an easy life.
The socially awkward spotters I’ve encountered without fail seem to be wearing moth holed clothing, joggers, and terrible body language.
The group I associate with on rail and bus outings present themselves with smart clothes and a positive body language. We’ve never had an issue despite often being in a congregation of 5 or 6 sometimes more. In fact we’ve found staff recognise us as being well turned out and assist in information etc.
Facebook groups with less rules show this up well. Maybe I’ll test my theory and turn up dressed scruffy and see what happens

 

[js1000]

I visited the ECML on Saturday to enjoy seeing Alycidon on The Albert Gilmour Memorial Charter.
There was another chap, about my age, out to film it going past. Also, (I assume) three generations of a family. I got chatting to them and the grandma was asking me how to find the numbers on the 180 units (just found them myself!).
Grandad was taking numbers, and the young lad, about 12, seemed very keen to hang around afterwards when he learned about a 66 coming along on freight. He brought back, for me, that first feeling of excitement and delight on being round the railway, so I saw something of myself in him. Even his sister joined in and took a photograph.
Other times when out and about, passers-by ask me if anything special is coming along, which generally means a steam train, but still; interest is interest.
So, with more railway-themed TV programs perhaps being a reason, do you think interest in railways is becoming destigmatized? I think so, I hope so.

My colleague asked about train spotters the other day. I explained to him the people on the end of the platforms with notebooks you see occasionally are jotting down the numbers of the trains. He thought it was ridiculous so I don't think it's in vogue... yet.

That kind of thing doesn't float my boat either. I just like the odd train. Same way I like cars (I design car showrooms afterall) and planes. I guess the combination of machine and speed has something to do with it. And the fact I use them more than I drive and want to see how the rail network is improving etc.

 

[al78]

I believe that's called "victim blaming". Please refrain. Just because you're lucky enough to look "trustworthy" and/or "professional" and/or "not like an easy mark" and/or happen to have managed to avoid "difficult" rail staff doesn't give you the right to pour scorn on those who aren't so lucky.

Your belief is wrong. There was no blame attributed, he merely asked a question, a question that is not unreasonable, if other people run into issues doing an activity when he doesn't why not enquire as to possible differences in situation between him and those others. It could well be that these others are contributing to their own issues in some way, and if this is the case, a bit of looking at themselves and seeing if they could do something different is a good way to proceed. It reminds me a bit of the sort of person that is frequently ranting about someone else and claims to hate people, to which the immediate response that comes to my mind is, "if you think it's everyone else, it's you".

 

[Swanage98]

However Twitchers get BBC coverage when a lesser spotted white throated, green blackbird appears form China after being blown off course halfway around the world, and hundreds flock to tramp over peoples gardens to get picture of it being eaten by next doors cat or something, it makes the 6 o'clock news

Now i have a foot in both camps, member of RSPB and Wetlands. and of the GER/GNSR/ RCTS Gresley Trust and local Railway club ( live steam section) I find i relaxing watching birds from a hide. as much as sitting by the side of a track watching trains go by. BUT sitting in a hide listening to twitchers doing the 'what i have spotted' routine, does make me chuckle, to them a rare bird is just a tick in a book. And i did the equivalent of that last year by doing a coast to coast across the USA doing Railroad museums ( Talks available!!)
I just let people with hobbies get on with them as long as it isnt forced down my neck a night at a ballet would have me putting needles in my eyes, but fair play to those who enjoy it

I thought Twitchers and Rail enthusiasts were a rarity like me!! I know exactly what you mean thou, I was at RSPB Arne and experienced the same thing. I just like watching the interaction the birds and other animals for that matter have with their surroundings and other species. Much like my interest in Trains, I don't take down numbers or take pics, I enjoy randomly travelling on them to places like Reading or Eastleigh and watch the activity for a hour or so. I spent my childhood loving trains, repressed this through my teen years and happy to revive it now I am in my mid 30's. Everyone at work knows about my intrests and I get some Mickey taking but it's all in good humour and I have developed the hind of a Rhino so it does not bother me. The recent Swanage diesel gala was interesting there was a fair mix of people and even a few stag groups who enjoyed the Ale but seemed to enjoy the trains as well, I think it's becoming less of a social faux pas, I believe the internet has enabled many people to express niche intrests without much stigmatism, long may it continue. Mind you, I got a few funny looks when I said I was spending a week near Crewe in July to bash the lines in the North West!