Author Topic: How Good Is This Forum?? (Read 1895 times)

redbuzz · « **on:** December 29, 2004, 02:37:10 PM »

Friends -- on advice from Graybeard I am posting this topic here. Any response you can give will be greatly appreciated.

____________________________________________________________

www.firearmbuzz.com reviewed 12 gun forums in 2004. We are now reviewing an additional 10 forums to highlight on the Firearm Buzz website. We would like to include your forum.

If you look at our website, I think you will find we are honest and optimistic in our descriptions of the many different gun forums available on-line. (Go to the Â“ReviewsÂ” section and check out Â“Gun ForumsÂ”.)

Please let us know what you think about your forumÂ…what is good and what needs improvement. Your candid responses to this post will be very important to our final review!

Thank you in advance.

Fred M · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2004, 03:10:38 PM »

Redbuzz.

Are you blind or can't you read?

redbuzz · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2004, 03:40:15 PM »

I am neither blind and I can read. Why do you ask?

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2004, 03:44:17 PM »

Red, Fred is suggesting that it would be immodest of us to toot our own horn when all you need to do is read some posts and decide for yourself.

redbuzz · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2004, 04:22:06 PM »

Ahhhh --I'm not blind, I can read, but I am also somewhat dense! Thanks for the clarification!

I actually learn a lot by asking a direct question -- e.g., this thread. Has to do with the "character" of the forum. I am not interested in saying that one forum is better than another --more interested in "describing" them accurately. It helps firearm enthusiasts (hunters, shooters, collectors, military, law enforcement.ect.) decide where to go on the web.

What the forum members say about their own forum helps others decide if they want to show up and participate.

Anyway...it has worked in the past. I hope it will work here as well.

Ed Hill · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2004, 04:33:37 PM »

In all modesty, I'll step forward to say the forum is one of the best.
You want simple answers for newbies? We got em. You want technical discussion that go on and on? We got those too. Support? Camaraderie?
You bet! Pet loads, do-it-yourself, how-do's and done thats? All are here.
Personalities from wise-ass to curmudgeon are accepted and enjoyed.
E.D.

single shot shooter · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2004, 04:43:13 PM »

this place is great. period!

Varminter · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2004, 04:51:56 PM »

Out of pure honesty, I've have learned so much since becoming a member here. There is no way to describe how much all the members on the board have helped out when i needed help, and hopefully i've helped many others with their situations as well. If not, i hope i will very soon.

If your asking about this forum inparticular i.e. H&R CENTERFIRE then here is my :money:. When i purchased my first handi rifle back in August i knew nothing about them. Since i have been here i have been able to help out newbies that have come here asking the same questions i did when i first got interested in these rifles. From all of the knowledge all of the senior members here can provide i don't think there is another site on the net that can acount for the information that is passed through this forum. We provide nothing but help through problems or certain situations that can arise. I hope this forum continues to grow and becomes the number 1 site to come to for H&R/NEF info. As far as i'm concerned there is not another place on the net like this and i think all the others here will agree.

bang_off · « **Reply #8 on:** December 29, 2004, 05:00:58 PM »

These guys helped turn me into an incipient handiholic.

For doing that they either:

a) suck big time, or
b) are tops!

I pick b)!

Mac11700 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 29, 2004, 05:02:24 PM »

redbuzz:

I understand why you posted this...it doesn't hurt one bit to let those who have never heard of GBO a chance to look at the site...and getting a national web-portal to here can only mean more buisness for our sponsers and host Greybeard...

...and I say why not...we all here love this site...but remember the old saying...why just preach to the choir...when the rest of the country can hear how great we are...

Mac

ps...I e-mailed them from the link and told them they would be doing their readers a great misservice if they didn't come here and review this site...

JPH45 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 29, 2004, 05:47:36 PM »

It's not really clear how, more specifically where we are to respond, so here goes.

I'm prejudiced. I've been hanging around this good bunch of gentlemen for 2 years now (I was a regular on the old H&R Talk site) and I have found that I like them, a lot.

From time to time I wonder about what I see here, (most especially if I posted it :wink: ) but rarely have I seen bad information on the H&R/NEF rifles go unaddressed, nor bantered about as fact. As well, I have rarely seen misconceptions of the workings of firearms or related ballistics go unaddressed, again rarely in way that would not be considered friendly.

It is obvious a few of us have way too much time on thier hands (I'm jealous of course :wink: ) and this could to the new come off as being somewhat clickish. The same is true of a few other sites as well, and is something we all as humans sharing with one another have to work with. Even in our darker hours when we visited by someone who was present more to poke fun and be ridiculous than learning and sharing, I can't say that the person in question was treated badly by anyone.

The core members here seem to be people in their early 40's and older who have spent a great deal of time around firearms, bullet casting, reloading, competition shooting of various kinds, etc. It gives this forum a unique blend of firearms experience and specialization. These are our everyday rifles, not so much because we like H&R/NEF's, rather we have found them to be ideally suited to our needs, inexpensive, plenty accurate enough, very reliable and highly adapatable. And we at least once a year put our targets where our mouths are and have a postal match (sometimes 2!).

Is this the best site out there? I doubt it, and I doubt anyone here is trying to be that, and that in itself is part of the magic of this board.

Are there any changes I would make? No, that would be like stepping into a family and telling them what a family is supposed to be like and how to get there. I like our evolution, and have even asked for prayers for my own family even though I myself am not religoulsy inclined, and I have never seen any other requests given anything but the utmost respect. This forum is a gathering of friends, whose "gunshop" is Graybeard Outdoors. I hope you give us a good reccomendation, though we probably wouldn't win a popularity contest, and any who would be interested in hanging about here probably wouldn't be so inclined either.

Fred M · « **Reply #11 on:** December 29, 2004, 06:17:02 PM »

Redbuzz.

Quote

I am neither blind and I can read. Why do you ask?

I thought it was obvious what sort of forum this is if you only looked and read. Besides I thought your question impertinent. I still do.

If you are offended by this then by all means take my apologies.

If I may speak for members of this forum, we are all pleased that Graybeard has set up this web site.

Our curriculum is strictly, as the heading says, based on the H&R and NEF firearms. That is not to say we are we are unknowledgable of other firearms. Most of the people that come here are looking for guidance and advise and very few go away disappointed.

I like to point out that these firearm are made with the purpose of economy for both the manufacturer and the end user. As such some of them need some special tweaking to make them perform in a satisfactory fashion.

This forum has a great deal to offer to those that require help with their Handi rifles or handloads, with the idea of keeeping most of their money in their pockets.

handirifle · « **Reply #12 on:** December 29, 2004, 06:26:06 PM »

redbuzz
The only thing I worry about this site getting a good review, is that the demand for Handi's will go WAY up as more people read the posts and realize how good these guns really are.

As for the site itself, well, the posters are first rate. We don't always agree, but that is human nature. The information and experience here is incredible. The posters are WAY more than willing to help others out, especially new posters.

We, us and Graybeard, are quick to weed out jerks, that only post to infuriate others. Constructive critisizms are always welcome, and we all learn from them. I've been hunting and shooting for 45 years, reloading over 30 and learn something nearly every day here.

None of us know it all, but collectively we get pretty close sometimes.

GB is great to deal with, a little cantankerous sometimes, but otherwise fair and honest. Cannot ask for more than that. Honesty goes a long way in my book, even if I don't agree with what is being said.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 29, 2004, 06:52:08 PM »

I think you guys are perhaps missing the obvious...our Handi forum...as great as it is...isn't the only one on this site...and I too am most appreciative for it...the friends I've made,the knowledge I've learned...it's what makes it the best we have ever had...but...it is but a part of the whole...for all the forums have a bunch of great guys that share their time and knowledge...and allowing others a chance to experiance what we have here...won't make it worse...but better...by bringing in more people to share with us...and all the rest...granted it might make a few headaches from time to time...but ...they can and would be dealt with...so...I ask you...why not...,isn't this what we do best...help...?

Mac

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #14 on:** December 29, 2004, 09:16:16 PM »

Hey Mac I'm not. Thou the NEF forum is always the first I go to all of GBs forums are first rate I spend alot of times browsing them all. For comraderie and sharing of info Nef centerfire is the tops( just look at the number of post) I have many intrest in firearms but handis are by far the most fun.

hellacatcher · « **Reply #15 on:** December 30, 2004, 01:02:47 AM »

This is the first form I go to in the morning and the last before bed and a few times in between. I do so for knowledge, fun, good people, and to keep me off the streets. :-D

Graybeard · « **Reply #16 on:** December 30, 2004, 01:16:35 AM »

Let me attempt to explain a bit just what he is seeking from members here at GBO.

redbuzz runs a site, the primary purpose of which is to evaluate other sites and report on them there. He does this via input from the members of those sites. He gains that input from asking questions like this one and then using the feedback members give him in the thread he starts to determine what the members think of the site.

Generally speaking as I understood it from him he tries to pick a single forum on such a site to gain insight on the entire site. A methodology somewhat fraught with short comings but it's the same for all at least. He made the initial post on a little used forum here and I suggested he use one of three of the heavier hit forums and he chose this one.

His question goes beyond just this individual forum to include the entire site for those of you who visit more parts of it. It isn't his intention to read a great many threads here to gain such an understanding even tho I as you do agree that would be a good way. He will use only the feedback here on this thread in the evaluation.

So if you wish to toot your horn as members of this site or to express your displeasure either one this is the time and place to do it. redbuzz will then use your input to prepare an evaluation of the site to place on his site for anyone coming there to know what GBO members think of GBO.

All he seeks are open honest responses about how you feel about the GBO site.

shaner · « **Reply #17 on:** December 30, 2004, 01:22:21 AM »

simpily in so many words , i like it very much !!!ok?

lik2hunt · « **Reply #18 on:** December 30, 2004, 01:38:48 AM »

Well I'll toot a little here.

This is the best site going as far as I'm concerned and the H&R/NEF forums are obviously the primary choice of Handi-Holics nationwide. Just check the number of posts and the locations of all who post here and that will become apparent. Also consider the fact that we have only been here now for less than a year and have become one of the top three forums here at GBO. After the untimely and sneaky demise of the forum at hr1871.com, I, and many others, felt hurt and confused. We all searched many forum sites to find a new home and at first we were scattered all over the web. But the old gang has settled in here and there have been numerous new members who have been accepted into the brotherhood since. The fact that this site is moderated by the members themselves and monitored by the administration is my favorite part of the whole experience. Other forums say that they are moderated but allow much hostility and vulgarness that is simply not tolerated here. This is a family friendly site and very informative and useful to the shooter. Many of our gang here at H&R/NEF are but young men and teen-agers who have been welcomed into our midst and have become a part of the family here. There is an "air" here at GBO that you just sense when you start reading and posting. You feel that this is a great site, not just a good one, where you have the freedom to be yourself but you also feel the security of boundaries. Adults and the mature know that boundaries are a good thing and not a bad thing. The ultra-selfish and rebelious hate boundaries and ususally don't last long here and that is what keeps the "air" as it is here at GBO. I feel safe here and have no problems with my twelve-year old daughter standing over my shoulder as I read and post, couldn't say that about many of the other forums I used-to frequent.

superhornet · « **Reply #19 on:** December 30, 2004, 01:49:32 AM »

:lol: As you can see from the many above posts--THIS forum can be summed up in only a few words and I will cut to the chase----AS GOOD AS THE BEST, AND BETTER THAN THE REST....

ONE HOLE 4570 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 30, 2004, 02:02:27 AM »

I am fairly new here & have handies & other firearms for awhile & have gathered a great amount of info I have not known in all categories. Just a great bunch of guys & I will continue to visit, collect & give info on a number of sights I check, by far NEF is the most used sight for me. Just my comments but I think GBO forms is one of the best on the web. From a newbie

Mac11700 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 30, 2004, 04:33:38 AM »

Redbuzz:

Let me say this...this site should be the first stop anyone interested in the activities of the shooting world.Here one can talk to a collective,to get an answer to those hard to answer questions...if one wants to talk to a Professional African Hunter..he can..if one wishes to find out about a little known firearm...the answer is probably here...if one has a desire to shoot a black powder gun...he can talk to some of the most knowledgable poeple on the subject...if he is curious about all types of hunting,or fishing...the answer is most likely here...from doing honest product reviews,to dicussing politics and religion,this site has it all.....need a good recipe for your freshly taken game animal or fish...we have that too...and of my favorite discussion forum NEF Centerfire rifles...it is simple the best forum that is available on the web...this site isn't like any that people have been too...here we care how people act...we are a true family oriented site...because we know,that many families participate in our sports and we act accordingly...There is a saying..." Imatation is the most sincere form of flattery" and this site is always imated...but it can never be duplicated....

Mac

MSP Ret · « **Reply #22 on:** December 30, 2004, 05:20:16 AM »

Redbuzz, I read your post when there were no responses and thought I did not have the time or inclination to answer such an obvious question. Now that I see others were willing to respond I will attempt to add my feelings of this forum.

First, I thought Fred M's comment paralleled my feelings.

Second, This forum is simply the best, head and shoulders above the rest.

Third, The reason is 3 fold:
1) Mr. GB's generosity in welcoming us aboard.
2) His unceasing efforts and professionalism in running the entire site and his willingness and strength to disallow "trolls" and "flamers".
3) The members, each and every one, without which, none of this would be possible!!!

....<><.... :grin:
Correction - 4 fold:
4) An important and unsung hero... Matt is the Man!!!!

Wlscott · « **Reply #23 on:** December 30, 2004, 07:16:36 AM »

I'm going to evaluate this forum from my wifes point of view......

It sucks. All he ever does is sit in front of the computer and read posts on that DANG GB's website!! I can't even get him to take out the trash or pick up his socks. At least when he was plopped in front of the TV he would talk during the comercials! Now it's like he's a zombie.

From my point of view.......

It is a great site, the first one I visit every day...several times a day. If I'm not careful I find myself spending a little too much time at the computer :grin: . The H&R forum is in particular the first one on the site that I hit everytime. Lots of good info, tips and tricks. I am also usually pretty heavily involved in the postal match that we put on a couple of times a year. There are some arguments, but not many. The ones that do get out of control are taken care of in a fair and consistant manner.

Hope this helps give you some idea of how we feel about "our" site.

tallyho · « **Reply #24 on:** December 30, 2004, 07:23:08 AM »

Redbuzz,

The first word that comes to my mind about this forum is "consistent".

By that I mean the overall "air" I get from this place and the people here is one of consistency.

Even though questions are (in my opinion) sometimes wierd, the answers are consistently knowledgeable and clear.

There is a consistent warmth when a "newbie" enters the forum and asks a question that was dealt with in some detail just a week or two ago.

There is consistency by the moderators (I want to especially acknowledge "quickdtoo" here :agree: ) in providing quick and accurate information, links, and resources.

There are people on this site whom I have never met, and may never meet, they live at distant places on the continent from me, yet are my friends. People have honored me by inviting me to share their hunting camps. People have said "If you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by and we'll go shooting." :yeah:

I was not a part of the original H&R 1871 forum. I stumbled across this site somehow (don't remember exactly) and never looked back.

Sometimes I choose to be annoyed by a posting, an opinion or a conclusion, :excuseme: but that is my doing. No one here intentionally tries to insult me (or anyone else)... or to protect my feelings. People simply give information, advice and opinion as clearly as they can. I am the one who interprets it as annoying, useful, whatever.

But in spite of my interpretations I have never chosen to leave this site in a snit.

Underlying all this for me is Graybeard himself who firmly, cleanly and consistently (ocassionally even gently :blaster:) reminds us of the boundaries, the purpose, and the values of the site. (Though if one cannot see the values in this place, he/she probably doesn't hang around for long. :bye: )

When, as has happened a couple of times recently, the site has gone down, I find myself being slightly disappointed and even a little miffed. Not because I am po'd at anybody, but just because I can't play in my favorite sandbox while it is down. :cry:

And along that line, I never worry that the site will be gone and disappear forever - it will be back up as soon as humanly possible. I trust this site and Greybeard. :toast: I cannot say that about some other sites.

So redbuzz, I thank you for asking the question. At first I struggled with answering it... I didn't know what I could say. But the exercise in clarifying my own feelings and appreciation for this site was valuable for me.

Cheers
Kerry

tallyho · « **Reply #25 on:** December 30, 2004, 07:31:41 AM »

Oh yeah, one more thing.... YAY MATT!

:toast:

I knew that besides Greybeard, there were other folks supporting this site, but didn't really know who they were other than the ones marked "moderator".

So thanks Matt for sticking your head above the parapet to take some shots...

Good on ya mate...

Cheers
Kerry

bconway84 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 30, 2004, 07:38:30 AM »

:-) I personally don't post as much as many of the other members but think this is one of the best sites on the net.

I say this while being a member of 10 different sites plus was on the original H&R site.

I will also say the I look at at least 12 different forums on this site alone, even though I don't post in all of them.

I have never been here that there wasn't something new I learned while on this site. Most of the time you can find an answer to questions by doing a search, and this is why I have a low post count.

I hope this site is here for a long time in the future.

I have now after viewing it included a link to your site, it is a nice looking site, and wish you good luck with it.

Nightrain52 · « **Reply #27 on:** December 30, 2004, 08:06:49 AM »

Just my 2 cents. I too was a wanderer when Marlin Talk and HR&NEF sites suddenly pulled the plug. For about a month I visited many sites looking for a new home. A few sites welcomed us but it seemed strange and I had an uneasy feeling that I was someplace I didn't belong. I started hanging around Graybeard Outdoors and felt at home almost right away. With all the forums on this site there is to visit it has something for about every outdoorsman. The guys and gals on all the forums are good people willing to share their knowlege, experiances, and are friendly and easy to get along with for the most part. If trouble gets started the moderators or Graybeard are on top of it pretty quick. As for I am concerned this is the best outdoorsman website on the net.

Broken-arrow · « **Reply #28 on:** December 30, 2004, 08:49:20 AM »

Welcome Redbuzz. As a whole this is a great web-site, and if you're a "handiholic" I suppose the NEF forum is great too. If not (IMO) those guys are way too edgy and opinionated. Nothing personal, but it seems to me (and others by PM) that you're entitled to your own opinion as long as it matches theirs. I think it needs some improvement there. They should lighten up a little and have a little more respect for others. :money:

Broken-arrow

Terrible Tom · « **Reply #29 on:** December 30, 2004, 12:35:05 PM »

I frequent ShootersForum.com, MarlinOwners.com and rec.guns (Usenet). I used to frequent the (now defunct) Marlin Talk. I had checked out GBO some time ago and for whatever reason didn't spend a lot of time here. I've been active in gun-related forums for about 2 years. I recently saw GBO recommended by one of the rec.guns regulars and took another look...

As it turns out, I just bought my first Handi-Rifle and that's the forum I hit first. WOW! This is by far the most active Handi-Rifle forum I've found and after searching & reading for a more than a few hours I registered and made my first post. I had a response (polite & informative, no less) in less than 10 minutes.

The NEF/H&R Centerfire Rifles forum here at GBO is one of the best gun-related forums I've ever seen. I'm mighty glad I found it!