Forum Purpose?

[FJ80]

Lilley, and other administrators,

I think it is time to get back to the true essence for the forum, to share knowledge and ideas. It seems that in many cases the posts turn into opportunity for cheap shots, rants, raves, opinion after opinion (like this post is turning into). I appreciate Lilley's recent attempt to stop such posts in the Taney thread. I just want information, accurate, timely, reliable, not something resembling a sority house where everyone is accusatory and after everyone else not on their side. Maybe that is what most users are wanting now, judging from many posts over the past year. If so, I will spend my time on other forums. Thank you.

Now, let's take our skirts off, put our waders on, and go catch some fish!!

[Don]

I usually wear my skirt underneath me waders because I have poor circulation and start to go numb after awhile.

Don May (skirt-wearin' son-of-a-gun)

[Phil Lilley]

I appreciate your comment.

With over 2200 members I'm not sure if that's optainable. In any society there's going to be an element that will stir up trouble, either on purpose or by just the way they convey their ideas, thoughts and comments.

I don't expect this to be a perfect forum, just like this is not a perfect world. That's why Dano and I will have to continue to remind those who cause trouble that this is a fishing forum. And as my wife commented last night as I typed in bold letters, she said, "isn't fishing supposed to be fun?"

You know what I'd like to see... everyone use their first and last name as screen names. This isn't an edict from the admin, just a thought.

[davekeim]

I have learned a lot about fishing from this forum, thanks Phil, but I also like the humor, debates and everything else thrown out there.

America! I love it.

Signed,

Dave Keim (Cardiac)

[crappiefisherman]

I like this site very much.I get lots of info here and laugh at some.I notice when the fish arent biting we get info on foods, other hobbies and family situations, all interesting reading.I just wish you guys werent so tight lipped on crappie spots and if you are finding any.sometimes I need a little insentive just to pull the boat to the lake.Thanks and have a wonderful day John Allen Koch, good ole hillbilly from branson

[Thom]

Quote Lilly

"You know what I'd like to see... everyone use their first and last name as screen names. This isn't an edict from the admin, just a thought."

I tottlaly agree. I find it interesting how many critical and demeaning statements are made by folks that do not list any info on their bio's etc.

I have had many interesting conversations with others via email , phone conversations and personal messages. Times when I wanted to make personal comments to complement others or apologize if I thought I had offended someone on their posts and opinions I found the off line forum method very useful. I have met great folks who are really willing to share info offline but do not wish to open up to some areas on the forum. Just some great people here.

I view this forum like a cafeteria. Some of the food in a cafetreia grosses me out. I just pass it by and pick up what I like. I don't find it necessary to dress down the cafeteria owner becuase his likes and mine are different.

On a forum that is what buttons on the keyboard are for just pass it by if you are not interested. If you scroll through the entire the opening menu there are items and topics that do not necessarily relate to fishing.

That said: I believe this is a great forum to obtain interesting information, timely fishing reports, sage advice, genuine support from prayer warriors, other opinions on any subject you may not of thought of, and great fellowship. Is it perfect???? NO! Hopefullly if God's promises are true...........AND THEY MOST CERTAINLY ARE......I will be in a happy perfect place one day and hopefully will meet a great number of you there.

Thanks Phil, Dano and all of the other administrators for their patience and dilligence to make this a GREAT FORUM.

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

Thom said it best - it's like a buffet line. You take what you want and pass on the others. I like the options just the way they are. If a thread starts to turn into a mud slinging event - I simply stop going to it. I too, enjoy the reports, comments, debates and Terry's great humor. It all has a place and it's up to us to pick what we want.

John Jackson

Kansas Fly Fisher

[jdmidwest]

It is what it is! Every topic has a title like a TV has channels. If you open up something that looks like something other than a fishing report, then that is probably what you will get.

And if it is a Sority House, lets have a PANTY RAIDDDD!!!!!!!

I agree, I Love America too and thank a Soldier for this lovely Freedom of Speech we all have on here today....

And Thank Lilley too, he puts alot into this.

By the way, I am not skeered to admit that I am Joe Ward.

[Danoinark]

Great comments from everyone. The intent of Phil's forum is to discuss all aspects of fishing and that is what the focus should be, but at the same time a mix of other topics make for an interesting and lively place to spend time.

I can think of very few times anyone has been brought to task or censured on the forum for breaking the written site rules or have even had to be banned from the site. When spam began to take over, Phil put a plan into place that has virtually ended that practice as well as off topic posts have been moved to the appropriate forums so threads would not become cluttered. What happens is that a few of the topics get emotional despite the intent of the original poster. The result is sometimes feelings get hurt especially when members pick sides. Administrators have to be objective and determine what direction the thread is going and certainly step in if it looks as though there will be name calling or slurs. This is not only for the protection of the members but the site as well. And to your credit there is VERY little of any of that.

I think if people will think before they write and what impact their words are going to have then that is the best way to police ourselves. I have always subscribed to the adage of "when in doubt, leave out". It is a pleasure to associate with each and everyone of you.

Dano

Danoinark

Dan Sears

Harrison, AR

[flyfshn]

I appreciate this forum. I check the new posts every day (my wife says I'm addicted) and read the fishing reports, look for fly recipes, etc. I do read some of the other posts that are not related to the above and I love the humor! This is a great site and I appreciate all that others share about fly fishing!