In Reference To Many Of The Conservation Topics

[EddieRay]

I just read the Linn County Mountain lion thread, one of many about the mountain lions sighted in Missouri. Similar to a number of threads in the Conservation topics the wheels have come off this one as well. I believe this is the most argumentative fishing forum I have experienced. I have been a member of three other bass fishing forums, one for almost 6 years but I have never seen this amount of rancor among the members. Most of the time fishing and fishing related items are the subjects. I see a tremendous lack of respect for differing opinions among a few members of this forum. It really makes it difficult for a new member to participate.

I know some of you will tell me if I don't like it, I can leave and that's an acceptable response. I can leave if this forum does nothing for me. I am more than willing to look at myself and make changes if necessary, including leaving a forum. I'm asking those of you who want to argue all the time to look at yourselves and see if maybe you need to make a change too. How much more participation from other members would there be if there wasn't so much bickering going on? I'm sure many of you have a great deal of fishing knowledge that you could share. This is a fishing forum, isn't it?

[hawghunter24]

I've been thinking this very thing for quite a while now.

[Phil Lilley]

It's been going on for along time. But put it in perspective- 6500 members and there's only a handful who are always the ones who take the arguments to heights of attacks and endless points when no one's mind is changed and no one really cares besides the 3 or 4 doing the posting.

One thing I would point out though - this forum is like a TV. There are stations you like to watch like the Outdoor Channel and those who don't like - MTV. I never tune into MTV cause I know I won't like it. If you don't like the bickering... don't click the topic. I don't till someone brings it to my attention that member #1 is bashing member #2.... again.

I'll keep warning members, closing topics, advising members to edit their posts and even deleting topics. I don't want to micro manage the forum and I don't want to start deleting members.

Would like to hear from others on the subject- thanks for bringing it up.

[laker67]

Well said Eddie Ray.

[FlyFishinFool]

I agree with Eddie Ray, and this issue is probably the primary reason I do not participate anymore than the few posts I have done.

As I recently posted on another thread; the best solution to that handfull of argumentative "Trolls" is to ignore their posts.

Do not be baited by the troll's "over the top" arguments and "endless points" - when they do not get a response, they will leave or not reply.

Just my humble opinion. Thanks for the OA website, I like the forums (most of the time). ;-)

[snagged in outlet 3]

I really enjoy reading those threads, although I've never been involved in one. I think they are hillarious.

I play golf with a couple guys like that and they argue all day and even argue driving to the golf course. One of them has been to anger management counceling TWICE!!

Pete

[Bird Watcher]

Don't take any of it too seriously...It's just the internet.

It might have led the people of Egypt to Democracy, but more than likely it won't help the people of the Ozarks decide whether or not to catch and release trout.

[snagged in outlet 3]

This post will shut em down for sure.

Now what am I gonna do for entertainment?

I guess I'll invite the inlaws over for dinner and tell em I let fish go after I catch em.

Pete

[Outside Bend]

It doesn't particularly bother me. There's lots of threads on this forum I don't have much interest in- tournament talk, boat talk, handguns, etc. It doesn't mean those topics and discussions aren't valuable, it's just not something I'm into. And I am in no position to start dictating what should and shouldn't be discussed. If I don't have an interest in talking about it, I won't. It's that simple.

But if you were to ask me, my opinion's that OA is a fishing-heavy clearinghouse for folks who just enjoy spending time outside in the Ozarks, rather than a fishing-strictly forum.

[KHAWK]

I rarely post on this forum mainly for the reason that there far too many on here that want to start an arguement over their stated "opinions" on politics, conservation issues and the like. They are far too quick to become defensive or abusive to other posters that don't agree with them. I know everyone is entitled to their "opinions", including myself. But sometimes you are better off just keeping them to yourself. Go fishing instead!

I get on this forum to get fishing reports, tips, reviews, etc. Seems like there is more of the abusive stuff going on than usefull information as of late.

Phil, you do a great job of managing this forum, and I really enjoy your reports, knowledge and information. Don't know how you keep up with it.

With that being said, I am heading to a pond.

Also, well stated Eddie Ray.