Modern Vespa

I went to a friends memorial web page who died a few years ago yesterday and got thinking. Yeah first mistake I wonder if we could have a section for MV people who have died. I know of two Tim from CO about 3 yrs ago and more recently Gary. It might be cool to have their names and a few of their posts on there and people could stop in occasionally and post thoughts and fun remembrances. Don't know if it is feasible or that anyone would want it but i just thought i'd bring it up.

How about just starting a thread. Maybe make it a sticky (although Jess has cut us way back on stickies.)

Thread would be OK but the search engine coupled would people not knowing about it would negate the point of having it.

Thumbs down from this corner, but I'm also opposed to crosses on the side of the road that mark accidents. . . .

I am firmly against this - and if I splatted myself - oh, I couldn't care then could I...

I intensely dislike these mawkish gestures. I suspect only those on the periphery like the idea. Those of us who have lived through grief would mostly prefer it left 'as is', thank you very much.

A memorial ride or somesuch is different, we do this every year here.

it's lovely to remember people, but i think an entire section dedicated to it might be a bit ghoulish

Hey Judy. Good on you for bringing this up for open discussion.
I must say I am not a fan. Personally, owning and riding myVespa is part of my celebration of life. It is outside the norm - not commuting by cage or public transport. It is something I value highly and want to do until I am too wobbly on my feet to be safe on a scooter.
MV.com is part of my scootering 'fun' and I really don't want a memorial section to bring any sadness to this part of my life.
I think we do a pretty good job of acknowleging and also supporting the families of those who have passed at their time of grief. After that I think we should move on.
Best

Boulty

I'm not in favor of it. Thanks for thinking and suggesting though.

Perhaps those who knew the person fairly well
could start a thread on the anniversaries of their death
(or on their birthdays at least a year later)?

I don't see any harm in respectful remembrance
and an opportunity for fond recollection

I also don't understand the tributes people pay to their loved ones by affixing vinyl monuments to the back windows of their car, truck or suv that say, "Beloved father. . ." followed by the man's name, date of birth and death.

I can appreciate that they want to recognize someone who was important in their life, but doing so in a public forum is mawkish, as Jimc said.

There is nothing wrong with a tribute, but shouldn't it be done between folks who actually knew the person or was invested in them in some way - like a memorial ride, as Jimc wrote?

Even members of the most prominent scooter clubs who are mentioned on MV are not known to 99% of the rest of us so I'm not sure that the exposure would have any real value or significance anyway.

I like Judy's thoughtfullness towards this and I love L from Jersey's idea.

I would certainly take a moment to reflect if this idea came up once a year.

Best,
SDG

I don't think that the issue is that it would do any "harm." It's a question of whether or not MV is an appropriate setting for that kind of expression.

Yes, you probably have a point there

I'd like for MV to be the sort of forum where we could do that sort of thing,
but that's probably a minority view...
Especially since, recently, threads on even the most neutral topics
tend to descend into sniping & bickering here

I suspect even this one is headed in that direction

i will only add that before my dad passed he would always say to me

enjoy and remember me while i'm kicken not when i'm chillin 8)

In this case, it would be Jimc's fault for answering the door when the doorbell rang and inviting other perspectives that have a decidedly different polarity than the OP's.

If there are folks who would like to remember those who are no longer with us, perhaps the following would offer that opportunity without becoming maudlin or offensive:

Rather than a rambling memorial thread, consider an annual "MV Memorial Day". Pick any date, and simply start a thread of that title.

1. Only members of the scootering community should be memorialized, or their family members.

2. No one can post in memory of another member's family member, as that can be intrusive.

3. No duplicate posts for the same deceased person or "+1". One entry per person being remembered.

4. Limit posts to the name (and member name, if they had one) of the person being remembered, their home town and their date of passing. Nothing else.

5. It is done only once a year, on the same date, initiated by the same member.

6. After a specified period (say 5 days), the thread will be Locked with a post saying that the next Memorial Day is the following year. Thus, it doesn't drag on forever.

7. Posts and/or threads not in line with the above will be deleted.

8. Begin the annual Memorial thread with the above rules.

Nice and simple. If there is one Mod who would agree to enforce the "rules", go for it.

That's simple, elegant and fitting. And, it should offend no one.

Judy can be the MV Memorial Day Thread initiator. Get a Mod to agree, and announce the date of MV Memorial Day and see what happens.

Al

-1

+1

I figure if you know someone who got killed on a scooter, remember them in your own way. This whole memorial thing kind of smacks of faddism to me.

I would think an announcement of a member's pasing would be nice. A way to "close" a connection with them and a moment to remember the good/bad/ugly connections or memories regarding them; then move on.

The biggest problem for us newbies is that we may connect an avitar, or logo, or some other identifying factor with posters, rather than their actual name, so..... a reference to one's passing would have to include more than just a name.... Just an opinion.

Wow didn't realize that people felt so strongly against. It was just a thought. Not intended to dwell on the dead but every once in a while to enjoy the fun stuff. Missing the point since it would be of people who are from MV and participated not friends o,f or anybody else. Dumb idea lets lock the thead mods. Thanks

This isn't a dumb idea, even though I am also not in favour of it. Judy's suggestion was a reasonable one, and from my perspective, does not reflect poorly upon her. I have seen similar threads on other forums. There is nothing wrong with discussing an idea, and either agreeing with it, or not.

I don't think that the correct solution is to lock the thread. As long as the discussion is civil, or until it becomes stale, it should continue.

I agree with Michael, not a dumb idea at all Judy. Don't beat yourself up about it. I think the way Jess turns the borders of MV black when something dreadful happens is a fitting tribute.

The other great thing about MV is the way the whole index is organised. Most forums have far too many indices. Best to post these things in general discussion where the whole membership is likely to see.

Nah, it was a nice idea--no harm in mentioning it

And it did generate some thoughtful & quite civil discussion
..Which was fine to see

i still think he was the coolest

and judy, i think your an angel in some ways

what you did was help me remember alot of cool rides in my dads bmw side car and when i shipped him my new 1980 p to hang on to while i cruised around the globe

he ended up riding it to the hospital a few times to go save lives

thats what this thread has done for me

so thank you judy

JIMMYB thank you i'm sure i'm not an angel. Your dad sounds like he was a cool guy. Memories are awesome aren't they. Also thanks to everyone for their comments. After i had fun laughing about some stuff on a friends memorial page i did some cleaning. GARY aka OLDHIGHWAY came to mind when i dusted some vespa art that he had seen pics of and had to have copies of them He was too funny when he asked if i would mind if he used one of them for his avatar. It's the playboy cover. That's why i asked, but i realize it wouldn't really work so thanks for reading the thread