Author Topic: Back to it--What do we want here??? (Read 1536 times)

Bogmaster · « **on:** July 14, 2003, 05:50:37 AM »

Just got back from doing weekend rendezvous.I started to read a couple posts and have a few Questions for all of you.
Are we presenting oursleves as trappers in the best possible way?

This is a forum that is viewed by the public, trappers and non trappers alike.I have not gone through all the threads from the last 3 days ,but see there are some border line jokes and what could be the start of some infighting here.
It is hard to please everyone,but you must remember this is a trapping forum.while other information is shared on this site, I do not want to turn it into something other than what it should be.
My Question to all of you is----WHAT DO YOU WANT?

A trapping site with a pretty tight control on what is said, or do you want a loosely run site where any type of language or insinuations are allowed???
I want your feed back--I think that we should always strive to present ourselves and trapping in the best possible light--Are we doing this on here at this time? Let me know. Tom

woodtick · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2003, 06:53:05 AM »

I don't post on here very often, but I am a faithful follower/ lurker of this form everyday. so I'll throw my 2 cents worth in! Some of the posts & threads on here for the last couple of days were so pathetic, that it was a waste of time for a computer to load 'em.
I thought that you must've been busy that you didn't jump in with both feet before this.
With that being said, I do enjoy reading the good natured differences of opinions and bantering that takes place between trappers as a thread wanders whatever course it may. ( even if Wacky does call Rdfx a weinie, hehe ) And it does make it like a more realistic conversation between trappers.
I think that a form that is strictly a, ask a simple straight forward question and get a simple straight forward answer, no more or no less gets old in a hurry. Especially this time of year when trappers are going through the offseason doldrums.
I guess all I've said boils down to, let the trappers set the tone and the moderater keep the peace ,as long as it don't get too far out of line.
Who knows! maybe some weekend you can go away without needing a baby sitter. LOL!

AKA Craig · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2003, 07:54:39 AM »

Okay Maybe my posts were alittle out of line so ill apoligize for them and most importantly apoligize to coondog :? Just dont take offense to what i say because most of the tim im just Pi$$ed when i write them and dont get me wrong I dont get mad from what i read on here just other stuff so sorry for the posts :grin: oh by the way coondog dublin is about 200 miles from here I guess. and Those dr.peppers re my favorite.

Craig

OldCoon · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2003, 07:56:16 AM »

Quote

A trapping site with a pretty tight control on what is said, or do you want a loosely run site where any type of language or insinuations are allowed???

Tom, if that question was directed toward me I'd have to tell you that you want it somehwere in between.

I do not believe a tightly controlled site is the way to go because too many potential users will be afraid to speak lest the moderator come down of them for some conceived wrong. It's somewhat self defeating.

There is one tightly run site on the 'net and I know information doesn't flow there the way it should because of the owner/moderator's strict outlook. A lot of really fine trappers with a lot to share don't even post there.

Now there's another site, the largest trapping site going and that's about as loose as you can get. Almost anything goes but again it's somewhat self-defeating because too many guys won't post on account of being jumped on by other posters.

When I became moderator of HuntingPa.com I took a look at both sites and decided to steer and middle of the road path.

I don't permit off topic posts, except for 1 car racing thread because so many posters are racing fans but when that get's too large I delete it and they have to start a new one.

We talk trapping over there ........ mostly .......we do interject humor in our posts from time to time. We do not let anybody take themselves too seriously and we don't tolerate egos getting in the way.

We have, I think, created a community that spans not only Pennsylvania but Minneosta, New York, Michigan, Ohio and Iowa. Because of our message board over there we have all become good friends. It's a good feeling for me to go to my board because it's like seeing my family.

I tell you all of this Tom because it's probably going to come down to you what kind of a message board you end up with here.

Nothing is going to happen here unless you make it happen.

Appleknocker · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2003, 08:06:36 AM »

To your first question, NO all the posts recently have not presented trappers in the best light.
To your second question, run it as tight as you have to so the camoufloged profanity stops, no polls on what you think of a person or this petty stuff between the guy from Texas and the guy from Tennessee are having is stopped real early. This is a trappers forum where information should be exchanged with some light conversation.

Rob220swift · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2003, 09:32:07 AM »

Hey Tom: You have good judgement. Keep using it, it satisfies me. That's why they pay you the big bucks for being moderator. Sure some recent posts have been a little bent, but some people are a little off beat to say the least. I have an embarrassing question about setting the Bridger stop-loss. I can't remember how to do it. It's actually driving me nuts. lol.

After reading your article in T&PC I dug my one stop-loss out and after about 10 minutes I was ready to put the hacksaw to it. Help if you will, please.

trappnman · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2003, 09:42:17 AM »

"I want a girl, just like the girl, that mar-ried dear ole dad..."

I think Old Coon summed it up pretty well. It takes time for a forum to develop a personality so to speak.

The problem here is that this forum has undergone 3 moderator changes, and each had a distinct flavor. First with Ric, then Joe, and now you Tom.
The forum takes its tone from the moderator.

I admit I have gotten into some battles that were beneath me and all involved on this forum- but I believe those posts are behind us and we have moved past it. I know I have.

The worst thing is when a moderator allows some to use one behavior, then because of personal bias censors others for the same or lessor offenses. Or even worse, allows certain factions to gain dominace over every post and every thought posted.

A moderator moderates- he directs. He doesn't editorialize.

I think you'll do ok here Tom, just let your personal style prevail.

You know what is fair and what is right- just cause you trap beaver doesn't mean your not keen

One comment for the younger crowd. Call me whatever you like- but my tolerance for smart mouthed kids without any respect has been at an all time low for a spell. I've been trapping 40+ years and consider myself a "serious" traper. What I learned, I learned the hard way. What I pass on, is tested and the real deal. I don't mind a bit givng any help and advise I can BUT a lack of respect shuts of that tap.

Mallard · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2003, 09:51:27 AM »

Right with OC and T-man on this one.

Well put in your last paragraph Steve.

Bogmaster · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2003, 09:56:06 AM »

Keep your comments coming. O.C.
To set a Bridger stoploss, you must first flip the pan to the right. Then pull the gaurd spring over the closed jaws and push it and the longspring down at the same time.Now flip your pan back to the left and engage your dog into the pa. Tom

JUD · « **Reply #9 on:** July 14, 2003, 02:16:05 PM »

Appleknocker, very well said. The recent bickering between the two young men needs to stop now. They addmittedly know little or nothing about trapping, yet when given exellent advice on how and where to get help they insist on doing it there own way. Very bad idea guys. Your tough talk on here only makes you sound like children. Tom, you are doing an exellent job as this forum is one of the best. In my opinion we have always had a very good mix of fun kidding along with great advice. I would gladly pay to spend time with some of these mentors on here, yet they give their help for free. I for one appreciate it. JUD

AKA Craig · « **Reply #10 on:** July 14, 2003, 02:35:01 PM »

Well i dont kow NOTHING about trapping i greatly appreciate the help i get on these forums, hey i already apoligized to coondog so it is stopping i just dont have the ability to see one these mentors i currently have no place to trap so that is on hold i just figured i would buy some traps for when i do get a chance ill have them, but believe me i listen to what all yall say, and i do what yall say but i cant see one of these guys right now. where would i trap? plus what can he tell me that yall cant?

Craig

Asa Lenon · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2003, 02:41:05 PM »

Well said Old Coon! Ace

AKA Craig · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2003, 05:15:07 PM »

I just had to reply because i am now an avid poster.

lol,

Craig

coondogintenn · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2003, 08:39:24 PM »

yes the little conflict,i guess you could call it that,has stopped,it never really started,he gave me a piece of his mind and i gave him a peice of mine and that was it.no worries,toms doing a great job here i think,old coon,nicely said,the one thing that caught my eye the most was the thing about how on another forum(not pointing any fingers),also the best forum i guess,some of the best trappers are afraid of posting because of other posters jumping on them,i believe thats why i didnt last but 3 or 4 days there,mr.

? said i was unable to get along with other users,dont ever remember him saying anything to them about jumping on me,but when id jump right back,it was all my fault.anywho,ive learned more from this forum anyways because i can actually say somethin without being jumped on,i think that one of the best things ive learned on here is self-control,haha,yeppers peppers.in other words,when you gets sometimes get on to me for something that ive said,i learned that your only trying to help,if you ask me i think tom is doing just fine as a mod,he keeps the place clean of rubbish,and dont let it get out of hand like another forum i know of,strictly trapping over here,hey bogmaster can you delete all my old posts,i cant figure out how,thanks guys

Edge · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2003, 03:03:38 PM »

Tom,
Its been a while since I last posted here(had to re-register)but I have lurked periodically over the last few months.
You have a good sense of what flies and what doesn't,and with the recent exeption,you've been doing a great job.
You aren't the heavy-handed type,so I think all will realize that if they get zapped,you'll have a good reason.

Edge (fading back into obscurity)

Bogmaster · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2003, 05:48:32 PM »

Edge, the reason for the recent exception was I was doing a couple rendezvous.I sure did miss seeing you at 4--when you were headed for mountain ,I was already sweating on the black top in green bay.Well I sure hope you keep adding your insight on here,obscurity is for hermits. Tom

foxtail · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2003, 07:01:56 PM »

:-D

HI-HO!
Oh wait, you said 'hermit', not Kermit.

Edge · « **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2003, 01:17:41 PM »

Yeah,I know you were gone;sure was surprised to see no convention on Sun,felt like a real rockhead.
I suppose all the hot chicks were there???....prolly were...just my luck.
I AM going to MQT and NTA(hopefully on the right days,LOL!)
My beloved says shes leaving me if I go to the NTA;so I figure spending a couple extra days there ain't gonna be a problem.

Edge

coonwise · « **Reply #18 on:** July 18, 2003, 01:10:22 PM »

hey tom thought oc said it best this is my first post over here. been lurkin for a week or to and no what ya talkin bout. really didnt have nothin nice to say, and mom taught me etc: etc: but the main reason most of us trappers are here is to help the young trapper so ask away but be polite and give it time.

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #19 on:** July 19, 2003, 07:12:36 PM »

I don't know what all the hub bub is about...just got out of the Gila wilderness from 7 days with 26 scouts....whoooey!

Boggy, I understand and appreciate your query. I'll also remind you that the secret to success is uncertain and the path to certain failure follows those who attempt to please everyone.

I'm just fine following your lead. I base my position both on what I've seen so far and with the knowledge that the Ole Rascal recommended you. At the same time I cant find any reason to ardently disagree with either the old Pa coon or T-man. It seems to me that the three major trapping forums fill their own separate niches. From time to time I post on all; by far I post on this one the mostguess that says something.

Now then I have no recollection of ever calling RdFx a weenie and I take the fifth on ever thinking it; a fellow could get hurt messin with that guy. Now Asa, well hes another story. Between his dirt holes and your wet feet, its all I can do from gettin stuck in the mud (I would like to request a smiley face what is puckered like a kiss).

TraplineMusher · « **Reply #20 on:** July 20, 2003, 04:29:08 PM »

Tom,
Do as you dang well please as we are all here for the same reason. To learn something and help other trappers. I would like this forum to be run somewhere between the other 2 major forums-by this I mean-not run like a boot camp but lets keep the BS down to a mininum.
Just my 2 cents worth from someone who lurks more then they post...............John

Dan Mich Trapper · « **Reply #21 on:** July 30, 2003, 06:25:53 PM »

Well Tom , I kinda like the way the forum has been for the 2 years I been watching and finally getting into . It is fairly loose but yet not abused . I have had my spats with some here but the finally outcome has always alright . T-man knows exactly what I mean :oops: . We havent seen eye to eye on ALOT of things , but I wont hesitate to back him when I agree .
There needs to be looseness here but it needs to be kept clean ( not that it hasnt) .
Of all the forums I visit , this is my #1 so please dont change it too much .

Bogmaster · « **Reply #22 on:** July 30, 2003, 07:14:45 PM »

Dan, I don't think you will see a whole bunch of changes. It has taken me a bit to get comfortable, but rest assured this will remain--first and foremost a trapping forum.You need not worry about posts like:what did you have for breakfast?or what shade of green do you prefer.This forum with everyones help,will serve to inform and educate,entertain and bedazzle you.lol--sorry I couldnt help myself with the bedazzle part.
I want to thank everyone for bearing with me during my transition period.In the future we will try a few differant things to keep you coming back and participating.Once again thanks to all of you. Tom

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #23 on:** July 31, 2003, 03:47:21 AM »

Now I understand; Boggy was once a dark green, bacon and eggs eating caterpillar (what wore leaky boots) and is now a delightful lime green butterfly that perfers 1/2 of a grapefruit and kiwi juice (and dry land lines). Wow a change in color, breakfasts and form...now that's what I call a transition...a complete metamorphosis.

Just practicing being bedazzling!

OK RdFx and Asa bedazzel us!

Hey where in the deal is that ole keel tail Newt?

JUD · « **Reply #24 on:** July 31, 2003, 10:56:16 AM »

:eek: He should be on his way to Michigan. MTA convention this weekend.

Graybeard · « **Reply #25 on:** August 03, 2003, 04:30:15 AM »

I don't drop by this forum all that often since I'm not a trapper but do look in from time to time just to get a feel for how things are going. Such is what happened this morning when I saw this post for the first time.

So let me as site owner say a bit on this subject. On this site I do NOT allow blantant profanity, name calling or personal attacks. Those are not allow ANYWHERE on this site to include this forum. I would expect the Moderator to deal with such when they crop up and he sees them. This is not to say adults can't occasionally spice a post with a light word or two but I don't expect it to get to be the main tone of posts.

Personal attacks are just not going to be tolerated. If I see someone who constantly does it their account will be deactivated. If you aren't adult enough to communicate in public without name calling and personal attacks you need to either take it private or find another place to hang out.

Within those bounds which apply to ALL forums on this site you guys who use the forum are pretty much free to run it as you see fit. Personally I'd prefer it not be held so strict as the other site you mention and it be a bit loose where a joke or off topic post can be tolerated. But I'm not trying to impose content on you beyond what I impose site wide which basically is keep it clean enough for the entire family. If you wouldn't want your wife, daughter or mother seeing the post then don't make it.

GB

Thumper · « **Reply #26 on:** August 03, 2003, 05:04:27 AM »

Dogmaster, I agree with you. I feel we are exposing ourselves to every anti hunting/trapping person in the free world. This is our thing and we do not need to add any more fuel to an already volitile topic. The past 20 years or so have seen our sports viewed as barbaric, cruel, inhumane and politically incorrect. We are ambassadors to the outside world and we need to portray this light to everyone who reads our posts, questions and conquests. I still get this social stigma from non hunters/trappers that we are a bunch of beer guzzling, hillbillies. I myself am educated, a Registered Nurse and live a modest lifestyle. I also love the outdoors. I talk often with Doctors and other well educated, CIVILIZED, human beings who share the same interests as we do herre. We need to educate the public as well as ouselves. So ends todays sermon.