How to make the Forum lively again

I was once approached by authorities on this very forum, to get some of the ideas out there ,to see how potentially improve Forum rules.

I did spent quite some time on it, thinking i may be able to help.

Unfortunately have got zero feedback from the very source, asking me to make recommendations.
Kind of discouraging, at best.

Lets try once more-different approach:

OOD has many contests-photo,big game ,draws for membership renewal : you name it.
There could be many more contests i am not aware of.


Forum authorities can introduce a Forum contest:
Few ideas-

Most quality threads started in a year by a member
Most quality posts in a year by a member.
Most quality pictures posted to any topics ,by a member.

Make some nice,easy and simple rules like :
Moderators "moderating"posts/threads do not count-but moderators participating in posts/threads do.
Simple yes/no is not a quality post.
Maybe for sale threads and posts are excluded(while they make for traffic-they are simple money making vehicle)
Maybe Off topic Threads/posts are excluded-but i think they should not be(as long as we have them,they are part of the Forum)
Etc
Etc
The list can go on,and on.

Rewards-i leave it to the Imagination of the Authorities and the Wallet of OOD, but same ,similar ,even better rewards ,as we have seen ,could do it.

No one will get rich thru that system,but maybe and hopefully could improve Quality threads/posts,and bring back life-and perhaps get us some much needed active new members.

Decent idea.

Also keeps things on track.

GBK good idea, but I doubt this would encourage people to post more (but I have been wrong before), There are a large silent majority that are very quiet on here and have always been quiet. I assume they just read the posts to learn from them and for some laughs. There were probably 20 very active posters at one time and most of them will not be coming back.

I think we need to look at a way of growing the site to attract new blood and hopefully some that are knowledgeable as well as new hunters / fishers I don't believe gifts would work.

I do believe strongly that Mods need to tone it down a few turns (will I get a demerit for that comment, I honestly think I might).

Those who left (not just from Ottawa) have told me each time it was because of the Mods. Yes there are some who were rightfully kicked off the site including people I knew and they did deserve to be kicked off. But many did leave because of the severe crack down.

I'm sure your asking why I am still here then, well I don't allow anyone to tell me what beat to dance to, I didn't know those people when I first came to this site and still enjoy this site and will continue to.

I have been on here a long time and I can definitely say with out hesitation that the activity on the site has dropped to the lowest it has ever been during my time at one time it was probably the most active in Canada.

Anyways to early in the morning for me to write much, going back to bed now it was a long 3 days with managing Fiscal Year End at work and I am tired.

IMHO I think the site needs to look at it's self in the mirror.

Social media has killed forums for the most part. But there's something that forums still allow that social media sites have banned. Advertising firearms.

This forum could be advertised as one of the few remaining places where Ontario hunters and sport shooters can still safely buy/sell/trade firearms.

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gbk

I was once approached by authorities on this very forum, to get some of the ideas out there ,to see how potentially improve Forum rules.

I did spent quite some time on it, thinking i may be able to help.

Unfortunately have got zero feedback from the very source, asking me to make recommendations.
Kind of discouraging, at best.

Lets try once more-different approach:

OOD has many contests-photo,big game ,draws for membership renewal : you name it.
There could be many more contests i am not aware of.


Forum authorities can introduce a Forum contest:
Few ideas-

Most quality threads started in a year by a member
Most quality posts in a year by a member.
Most quality pictures posted to any topics ,by a member.

Make some nice,easy and simple rules like :
Moderators "moderating"posts/threads do not count-but moderators participating in posts/threads do.
Simple yeas/no is not a quality post.
Maybe for sale threads and posts are excluded(while they make for traffic-they are simple money making vehicle)
Maybe Off topic Threads/posts are excluded-but i think they should not be(as long as we have them,they are part of the Forum)
Etc
Etc
The list can go on,and on.

Rewards-i leave it to the Imagination of the Authorities and the Wallet of OOD, but same ,similar ,even better rewards ,as we have seen ,could do it.

No one will get rich thru that system,but maybe and hopefully could improve Quality threads/posts,and bring back life-and perhaps get some much needed active new members.

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Floated this idea abut a year ago to admin. Can't remember exactly the response was but something about a concern that it might create more ill will with claims of favoritism.
Think the main focus is trying to create a safe environment for people to post.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

GBK good idea, but I doubt this would encourage people to post more (but I have been wrong before), There are a large silent majority that are very quiet on here and have always been quiet. I assume they just read the posts to learn from them and for some laughs. There were probably 20 very active posters at one time and most of them will not be coming back.

I think we need to look at a way of growing the site to attract new blood and hopefully some that are knowledgeable as well as new hunters / fishers I don't believe gifts would work.

I do believe strongly that Mods need to tone it down a few turns (will I get a demerit for that comment, I honestly think I might).

Those who left (not just from Ottawa) have told me each time it was because of the Mods. Yes there are some who were rightfully kicked off the site including people I knew and they did deserve to be kicked off. But many did leave because of the severe crack down.

I'm sure your asking why I am still here then, well I don't allow anyone to tell me what beat to dance to, I didn't know those people when I first came to this site and still enjoy this site and will continue to.

I have been on here a long time and I can definitely say with out hesitation that the activity on the site has dropped to the lowest it has ever been during my time at one time it was probably the most active in Canada.

Anyways to early in the morning for me to write much, going back to bed now it was a long 3 days with managing Fiscal Year End at work and I am tired.

IMHO I think the site needs to look at it's self in the mirror.

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Good post GW unfortunately people who post on here and love the forum are simply taken for granted.

You and I and everybody else are just a number and we get disciplined like 6 year old children.

They are not going to make the forum lively again by issuing demerit points and censoring everything as of late, they will simply discourage participation and run the forum into the ground.

The EVIDENCE for low participation is directly related to the so called crack down and as they continue the participation drops of correspondingly.

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

Good post GW unfortunately people who post on here and love the forum are simply taken for granted.

You and I and everybody else are just a number and we get disciplined like 6 year old children.

They are not going to make the forum lively again by issuing demerit points and censoring everything as of late, they will simply discourage participation and run the forum into the ground.

The EVIDENCE for low participation is directly related to the so called crack down and as they continue the participation drops of correspondingly.

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It saddens me to here such things for as a beneficiary of the so called crack down where there were multiple daily cries for your expulsion and was defended as long as you followed the rules. Guess you can't save those who can't save themselves

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

It saddens me to here such things for as a beneficiary of the so called crack down where there were multiple daily cries for your expulsion and was defended as long as you followed the rules. Guess you can't save those who can't save themselves

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The multiple daily cries for my expulsion have been going on here since I joined and openly declared I was a LIBERAL supporter, pro gun registry, pro gun control, anti racist and so forth. The only reason I have not been expelled is that I do follow the rules and CONTRIBUTED
to the forum. While your getting calls for expulsion (by the usual suspects, many now AWOL) I was getting Private Messages of Support.
Funny how that goes.

FFF there were also cries to get rid of me mostly by two or three people who went as far as claiming I had threatened them on the site, until I sent copies of the messages.

One thing for sure I can say is I have never ratted on anyone on here nor have I advocated to throw anyone from the site.

I was probably Gilroys biggest adversary over the past few years, him and I duke it out many times, but I have never seen Gilroy say anything that warranted him being kicked off this site. I disagree with him on many things.

There will always be Politics on this site and personally I think it is healthy I am sure many will agree with me on this.
But as I have said on several occasions the site is dying and I have as well as a few others have tried to keep it going.

but let's call a spade a spade here. The site is less then 1/10 of what it was.

Now your probably asking why do I keep coming back to the site. Easy answer most of the members reside in Ontario and I feel I have a bigger connection to them then I would to others on other sites. Over the years I have had the privilege to meet some of the members on here. Most being from Ottawa, but others as far as north of Sudbury and some down near Kingston as well as a few visiting here.

Gilroy is on my list some day unfortunately he lives in a direction I rarely travel, but some day.

IMHO from what I am seeing and what I am hearing Mods are coming down so hard your actually going to start to scare off new members and the old members.

Someone else alluded that social media platforms such as FB have caused participation in forums to plummet and I agree. I can think of at least 3 or 4 forums that I was a member of that folded. A commonality on all of the forums was the polarization of the membership and personal attacks. People can’t stop calling down a member instead of debating the issue.

Another reason for the decline in participation is the lack of fresh topics and discussions. For example, I’ve been deer hunting a long time and my mind was a sponge when I was younger. I’ve hit a plateau as there isn’t a lot that I haven’t tried, heard about, or read. I like to share my knowledge and will chip whenever an opportunity comes about.

I don’t use FB, Twitter, Instagram, or whatever else is out there so this forum is pretty much it for me to communicate with other hunters and anglers. One thing that I like about this forum is that it is Ontario-based and that I can relate to a lot of the discussions. I’m not sure who I would talk to if this forum folded.

So having been on here for the past 15 years or so maybe looking back at history might bring some clarity on how to make the FORUM LIVELY AGAIN. Here are some of the threads that created interest that I started but gives a good snap shot of what things used to be:

(1) Gaming the system Replies 89 Views 26,479 Hunting Section.
(2) Closed Thread Suggestion Replies 1 Views 18,589 Suggestion Section
(3) Mayor Tory calls for tighter gun controls Replies 209 Views 54,651 Hunting Section.
(4) Finally some common sense gun control Replies 67 Views 3,407 Off Topic Section.

Forums are a dying medium, unfortunately. Facebook is very quickly taking over the space, and forums with a dedicated phone app (like Reddit) are filling the rest of the void.

With Facebook I can be a member of a variety of groups within seconds. Posting pictures is as easy as a couple buttom pushes on the phone. That last point cannot be understated. No forum is as easy to use on a tablet or phone as Facebook and quite frankly, they have the money (and built-in userbase) to ensure they will always be better and more efficient then a forum.

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

Forums are a dying medium, unfortunately. Facebook is very quickly taking over the space, and forums with a dedicated phone app (like Reddit) are filling the rest of the void.

With Facebook I can be a member of a variety of groups within seconds. Posting pictures is as easy as a couple buttom pushes on the phone. That last point cannot be understated. No forum is as easy to use on a tablet or phone as Facebook and quite frankly, they have the money (and built-in userbase) to ensure they will always be better and more efficient then a forum.

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All true,except FB is jammed full of fake news,left wing political trolls,spam and scams galore. God forbid,we post anything firearm or hunting related. FB will shut you down in a heartbeat.

I guess there are rules to follow at Facebook as well. It's getting tough to find places with no rules. :)

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Originally Posted by TroutSlayer

I guess there are rules to follow at Facebook as well. It's getting tough to find places with no rules. :)

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"Rules for thee,but,not for me" reigns supreme when the owners of the forum are ultra leftist Liberals.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

All true,except FB is jammed full of fake news,left wing political trolls,spam and scams galore. God forbid,we post anything firearm or hunting related. FB will shut you down in a heartbeat.

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Forums are not immune to trolls, fake news, and spam, and scams. Including this forum.

And I have no idea what youre talking about with regards to Facebook shutting down gun and hunting discussion. Im a member of several gun and hunting groups on Facebook. They operate just fine and have the exact same discussions as take place here.

Personally I would like to see more contests amongst ourselves similar to what some have put together re the turkey hunt every spring. Ice fishing for example, largest perch, largest lake trout, largest spec, crappy. Picture of fish on the ice with length measurement. No weight required, just length. I'm sure that if OOD would were to approach companies like Shimano, Berkly etc. they would donate prises... Just a thought here boyz...

To me what puts off many is the trend to insert politics into just too many threads.
Political comments should be left in a political section but left out of most sections relating to what we mostly come here for and that is discussions about hunting and fishing related topics.

The difficulty in posting pics is a huge drawback with oodmag.com. Being able to two-click post a video or picture of what you did on the weekend is a great way of sharing. Have there been any thought given to just moving the OODMAG forum over to a FB group? There are a couple of Ontario based hunting groups I belong to on there and it works pretty good. One thing that makes FB work better is that people are supposed to be using real names. For some reason, that takes a lot of the edginess in posts that we see here on OODMAG where most use aliases.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

The difficulty in posting pics is a huge drawback with oodmag.com. Being able to two-click post a video or picture of what you did on the weekend is a great way of sharing. Have there been any thought given to just moving the OODMAG forum over to a FB group? There are a couple of Ontario based hunting groups I belong to on there and it works pretty good. One thing that makes FB work better is that people are supposed to be using real names. For some reason, that takes a lot of the edginess in posts that we see here on OODMAG where most use aliases.

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Maybe I’m alone in saying this, but I prefer this forum because it’s not on Facebook.

Totally agree, I have not used Facebook since 2008 had an account for 6 months then closed it.

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Originally Posted by Birdbuff

Maybe I’m alone in saying this, but I prefer this forum because it’s not on Facebook.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

The difficulty in posting pics is a huge drawback with oodmag.com. Being able to two-click post a video or picture of what you did on the weekend is a great way of sharing. Have there been any thought given to just moving the OODMAG forum over to a FB group? There are a couple of Ontario based hunting groups I belong to on there and it works pretty good. One thing that makes FB work better is that people are supposed to be using real names. For some reason, that takes a lot of the edginess in posts that we see here on OODMAG where most use aliases.

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God helps those who help themselves. Accept the fact that inhouse this site is crap for uploading pics and even if you do they are such poor quality hardly worth it. Better options exist, I use Flickr , https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=32c46...yLmNvbS8&ntb=1. Upload and with 2 clicks and a paste big as you want picture posting.

Photo upload working again, woohoo

Attachment 44411

Please, please - do not ever switch to Facebook.
rodmcd

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Photo upload working again, woohoo

Attachment 44411

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Love the safety squint using the grinder!!!!!
John

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Originally Posted by johnjyb

Love the safety squint using the grinder!!!!!
John

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Obviously he's never had a disc disintegrate into multiple flying projectiles? He's young, give him time and he'll be using a braille keyboard soon enough.

Yeah back in the younger days, no beer showing in that pic

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johnjyb

Love the safety squint using the grinder!!!!!
John

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oh, i have.

I wear safety equipment now a days. Don't want my kids doing the same as i did.

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Originally Posted by Bushmoose

Obviously he's never had a disc disintegrate into multiple flying projectiles? He's young, give him time and he'll be using a braille keyboard soon enough.

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see, SAFETY

Attachment 44414

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

see, SAFETY

Attachment 44414

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If you had bought a TOYOTA you would not have to work so hard.

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Originally Posted by Bo D

I'm sure that if OOD would were to approach companies like Shimano, Berkly etc. they would donate prises... Just a thought here boyz...

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It's already happening. https://www.oodmag.com/community/mem...0284-AleshaOOD This person, I'm sure, is the same Alesha involved with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVTvQaeX9GY and https://www.tackleshare.com/contact-us/
Interestingly enough, when looking at her profile here on OOD, all we see is "finsfurfeathers" in her activity. Things that make ya go hummmm?

hummmm

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Originally Posted by Bushmoose

It's already happening. https://www.oodmag.com/community/mem...0284-AleshaOOD This person, I'm sure, is the same Alesha involved with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVTvQaeX9GY and https://www.tackleshare.com/contact-us/
Interestingly enough, when looking at her profile here on OOD, all we see is "finsfurfeathers" in her activity. Things that make ya go hummmm?

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finsfursfeathers is her only friend - so those posts show up in her activity - right up to date, even though she hasn't been on OODMAG since Aug 2021.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

finsfursfeathers is her only friend - so those posts show up in her activity - right up to date, even though she hasn't been on OODMAG since Aug 2021.

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Maybe, they're one and the same. Double profile?

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Maybe, they're one and the same. Double profile?

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No. Alesha works for OOD and covers for Meghan when she is away.

One could consider an expansion of topics to include all things outdoors (ie rock climbing, orienteering, cycling, overlanding etc etc), however it has been shown in business that specialization is the key to success. In other words build a better mouse trap and the world will beat a path to your door.

What we also know from marketing studies that where competing businesses join locations (physical, or internet wise) this attracts more customers than would otherwise. Case in point, I was involved in a marketing study many years ago when competing auto dealerships established locations within a close distance in Mississauga Ontario. The act of establishing a centralized location of competing businesses attracted more customers in totality than dealerships that were physically separated (i.e. as in London Ontario at that time).

Therefore, by creating a centralized location, whether it be selling cars or otherwise, more customers will be attracted than otherwise having to access different sources of information.

For me, this is where my experience ends, as the difficulty would be convincing and recruiting other like businesses to create a joint venture and increase the customer base.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Maybe, they're one and the same. Double profile?

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You could have used your investigative skills.

https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...93#post1140693

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

You could have used your investigative skills.

https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...93#post1140693

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Thank you, Gilroy.
We're all exceedingly grateful to Alesha for everything she does for the OFAH, including her versatility to lend her expertise to several of its programs, from OOD to Tackleshare, and beyond. Alesha was also instructing at the NASP archery range at the Toronto Sportsmen's Show. Alesha wears many hats and I can assure you, Trimmer, she is a real human. I'm lucky enough to have her as my office neighbour, in fact. :D

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

You could have used your investigative skills.

https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...93#post1140693

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It was an attempt at humor.. Guess not,eh?:D

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

It was an attempt at humor.. Guess not,eh?:D

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Blasphemy my dear Watson! Oh, and don't ever suggest that they get rid of a moderator. Everyone behind the scenes sure got their knickers in a knot! LOL

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Originally Posted by Bushmoose

. Everyone behind the scenes sure got their knickers in a knot! LOL

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No more than some members did after getting rid of a few bad apples

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

No more than some members did after getting rid of a few bad apples

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Things seem to be getting along as usual. It all depends on whom and what defines a "bad apple".right? I remember that many very active posters and members are,now, long gone. Surely,not all were "bad apples".

Well the number of posts are probably down by 95% and you say that is a success?

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

No more than some members did after getting rid of a few bad apples

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Most were not bad apples just a couple.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Things seem to be getting along as usual. It all depends on whom and what defines a "bad apple".right? I remember that many very active posters and members are,now, long gone. Surely,not all were "bad apples".

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

. It all depends on whom and what defines a "bad apple".right? .

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Its as simple as those unable or unwilling to follow the rules.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Well the number of posts are probably down by 95% and you say that is a success?

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with reported post down 99.9% and threads not a back and forth bash feast I'd say yup.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Well the number of posts are probably down by 95% and you say that is a success?

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Not sure about the 95%,but,it's for sure very close.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

with reported post down 99.9% and threads not a back and forth bash feast I'd say yup.

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Now,that's funny right there. :D:D It's not rocket science to get why "bash fests" are down that much if traffic is down close to 95%,now,is it? Nice "spin job" there,Fin.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Not sure about the 95%,but,it's for sure very close.



Now,that's funny right there. :D:D It's not rocket science to get why "bash fests" are down that much if traffic is down close to 95%,now,is it? Nice "spin job" there,Fin.

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No spin job. Just brought it back to and outdoor forum rather than a Jerry Springer farce.

Oh I wasn't counting those, I was counting meaningful threads on hunting and fishing. You call the site going to the lowest it has ever been a success??? Wow.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Its as simple as those unable or unwilling to follow the rules.



with reported post down 99.9% and threads not a back and forth bash feast I'd say yup.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Oh I wasn't counting those, I was counting meaningful threads on hunting and fishing. You call the site going to the lowest it has ever been a success??? Wow.

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All I can say is be the change you want to see. Step up and start posting some meaningful threads on hunting and fishing.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

All I can say is be the change you want to see. Step up and start posting some meaningful threads on hunting and fishing.

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In the olde days the members were not needed to be "put to the spot "for threads , and posts,to move things .....kind of counterproductive.

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Originally Posted by gbk

In the olde days the members were not needed to be "put to the spot "for threads , and posts,to move things .....kind of counterproductive.

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What is counter productive is complaining about the lack of post while doing nothing to improve the situation. Reminds me of my kid staring at the fridge and saying there's nothing to eat.

Counter productive to scare away good members.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

What is counter productive is complaining about the lack of post while doing nothing to improve the situation. Reminds me of my kid staring at the fridge and saying there's nothing to eat.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Counter productive to scare away good members.

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That is a bit of an oxymoron. No good members were scared away. Again yes those members that were unable or unwilling to follow the rules were weeded out. Those members that left on their own realized this forum wasn't for them. The ones still here I hope are here for some good discussions about outdoor related topics free from the fear of being bashed.

Many on this site will beg to differ, probably most will who have been on here as long as I have.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

That is a bit of an oxymoron. No good members were scared away. Again yes those members that were unable or unwilling to follow the rules were weeded out. Those members that left on their own realized this forum wasn't for them. The ones still here I hope are here for some good discussions about outdoor related topics free from the fear of being bashed.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

TNo good members were scared away.Those members that left on their own realized this forum wasn't for them. The ones still here I hope are here for some good discussions about outdoor related topics free from the fear of being bashed.

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A bit of a stretch, many of the members left were actually good members, contributing,and quite active. Much into supporting each others and camaraderie too.Respectful,and sharing.


They left ,because they were disillusioned with the new ways of the Forum. So it seems.

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Originally Posted by gbk

A bit of a stretch, many of the members left were actually good members, contributing,and quite active. Much into supporting each others and camaraderie too.Respectful,and sharing.


They left ,because they were disillusioned with the new ways of the Forum. So it seems.

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see post 53

If zero members were posting you would consider that good?

I guess I look at it differently then you, based upon my little knowledge if nobody was to post there isn't much of a site, but hey what do I know, the admins know all. Maybe just maybe the admins should listen a slight bit to the people that make the site actually interesting. But hey what do I know.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

see post 53

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So here's a joke that seems apropos.
Sunday after Sunday a guy went to church. Hands in his pocket not participating in the sermon and at the end would go up to the alter and pray " Just once Lord let me win the lotto"
This happened week after week and as the guy wasn't rewarded got more and more disenchanted with the Lord. Finally he shooked his fist at the sky and yelled out " thanks for nothing Lord" At which a voiced came down from above "Dude help me out, at least buy a dam ticket!".
If you want to make this forum lively don't worry about who else is contribution. Ask yourself "Am I giving as good as a want?"

I can't find a quote but when you chase away good people your site goes down hill, the site is less then 10% of what it was and you can slice it and dice it anyway you want but fact are facts and I highly doubt anyone on here but you and maybe one other will disagree with me.

Kinda like a small company who is rude to all their customers and then wonders why the get no business.

I have been on here much longer then you have and have heavily contributed over the years when you disregard your customers things go down hill fast. I really think the admins have gone blind or they are trying purposely to kill the site.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

So here's a joke that seems apropos.
Sunday after Sunday a guy went to church. Hands in his pocket not participating in the sermon and at the end would go up to the alter and pray " Just once Lord let me win the lotto"
This happened week after week and as the guy wasn't rewarded got more and more disenchanted with the Lord. Finally he shooked his fist at the sky and yelled out " thanks for nothing Lord" At which a voiced came down from above "Dude help me out, at least buy a dam ticket!".
If you want to make this forum lively don't worry about who else is contribution. Ask yourself "Am I giving as good as a want?"

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

see post 53

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Lost with this one................

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Those members that left on their own realized this forum wasn't for them. ..........ANYMORE..

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There! FIFY

Good people weren't chased away from this site. Obnoxious, aggressive, belligerent posters who couldn't follow the rules were. Glad they are gone. There may be fewer posts but it makes for a better on-line environment.

Incidentally, one poster who was notorious for picking fights on this forum is sitting out a lengthy ban on Gunnutz. If he's too off the rails for that site his absence here is no loss.

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

Good people weren't chased away from this site. Obnoxious, aggressive, belligerent posters who couldn't follow the rules were. Glad they are gone. There may be fewer posts but it makes for a better on-line environment.

Incidentally, one poster who was notorious for picking fights on this forum is sitting out a lengthy ban on Gunnutz. If he's too off the rails for that site his absence here is no loss.

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Beg to differ....there are many many good ,non belligerent, quite cooperative posters left ,which were not into poking into other people's post and getting into lengthy (almost obnoxious) debates- mainly around and since the big crackdown.
There were maybe 5-10 or so real "bad apples"the rest was all good and honest contributing members.

Just look up any thread past 2-3 years,and be amazed about all then good names.........no more .

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Originally Posted by gbk

Beg to differ....there are many many good ,non belligerent, quite cooperative posters left ,which were not into poking into other people's post and getting into lengthy (almost obnoxious) debates- mainly around and since the big crackdown.
There were maybe 5-10 or so real "bad apples"the rest was all good and honest contributing members.

Just look up any thread past 2-3 years,and be amazed about all then good names.........no more .

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I'm not sure of the argument you are making. Is it that the moderators did not crackdown on the troublemakers soon enough which drove away good members or that the members who were running roughshod over the site should have been tolerated?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

I'm not sure of the argument you are making. Is it that the moderators did not crackdown on the troublemakers soon enough which drove away good members or that the members who were running roughshod over the site should have been tolerated?

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Not that hard-just read my post again.

I did refer already to "5-10 bad apples",and mentioned nowhere they should stay(alas-some were by far not that bad,just lacked the smooth style, and had no patience to beat around the bush- to a degree,so they would turn to be hard to be kicked out).
At the other hand,past few years many good ones left,and they did not leave because of the crackdown-but because of the obvious changes here.
Easy to look back,and notice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gbk

Not that hard-just read my post again.

I did refer already to "5-10 bad apples",and mentioned nowhere they should stay(alas-some were by far not that bad,just lacked the smooth style, and had no patience to beat around the bush- to a degree,so they would turn to be hard to be kicked out).
At the other hand,past few years many good ones left,and they did not leave because of the crackdown-but because of the obvious changes here.
Easy to look back,and notice.

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To each their own, gbk.
All-too-easy to sit back and criticize, but the pandemic spurred a series of posts that infringed on the Rules and Regs established by CalTek back in 2008, ranging from inciting violence to abject racism. I'm thankful to the MODS for helping to keep this platform a respectable place for people of all walks of life to read and share hunting, fishing, and outdoors content.
I'm not here to make friends and I don't mind being the heavy. We didn't write the Rules and Regs, but it's our responsibility to uphold them.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Photo upload working again, woohoo

Attachment 44411

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We're still looking at some uploading issues, if anyone's continuing to have trouble uploading photos please let me know so we can troubleshoot.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MeghanOOD

To each their own, gbk.
All-too-easy to sit back and criticize, but the pandemic spurred a series of posts that infringed on the Rules and Regs established by CalTek back in 2008, ranging from inciting violence to abject racism. I'm thankful to the MODS for helping to keep this platform a respectable place for people of all walks of life to read and share hunting, fishing, and outdoors content.
I'm not here to make friends and I don't mind being the heavy. We didn't write the Rules and Regs, but it's our responsibility to uphold them.

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With all due respect Meghan-why would you make a statement like : It is too easy to sit back and criticize.

On this very thread-which was actually started by me,to try to help the Forum be "lively again"?

Or -after last years suggestions from You to have perhaps a say in the Forum rules-i have spent hrs to try to "improve " the rules.
There was some feedback from some members and some Mods....some even liked it .That was that.
Eventually nothing came out from it.

Also- likely after so many good members left,i think i am in the top 10 most active poster , from the leftover members .

I am not just sitting back and criticizing, as it is obvious(see above).
What else can i do or shall i do ....???

It’s a good time to let it go!!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gbk

With all due respect Meghan-why would you make a statement like : It is too easy to sit back and criticize.

On this very thread-which was actually started by me,to try to help the Forum be "lively again"?

Or -after last years suggestions from You to have perhaps a say in the Forum rules-i have spent hrs to try to "improve " the rules.
There was some feedback from some members and some Mods....some even liked it .That was that.
Eventually nothing came out from it.

Also- likely after so many good members left,i think i am in the top 10 most active poster , from the leftover members .

I am not just sitting back and criticizing, as it is obvious(see above).
What else can i do or shall i do ....???

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Because it is easier to criticize rather than be part of positive change, surely you can't deny that. This is in reference to the "crackdown" you keep referring to. You have been given the opportunity in this thread, along with everyone else, to be heard by MODS and Admin; that doesn't mean your suggestions will automatically be applied to the Forum. At the beginning of this thread you mentioned a Forum contest, but OOD hosts many contests already throughout the year (we currently have four going on at this time, including a Fly-in Fishing Trip for Two, a Mother's Day Giveaway, the Memory Bank initiative, and by proxy, our weekly Photo Friday initiative). These contests are for everyone who wishes to participate, and can be found here (though I've also posted them in appropriate threads on the Forum): https://oodmag.com/contests/

How is one to decide a quality post or thread from a poor one, and who is the judge and jury, and who is grooming the Forum to keep tabs on this, and what is the gain?

As for your suggestions for altering the Rules and Regs established by CalTek in 2008, I feel there is some wiggle room in this regard, as we are a MOD/Admin team that discusses changes to the Forum together as well as infraction incursion and banned members prior to seeing these matters through. Under "Announcements" you'll see our Seeking Moderators threads over the years, inviting members to be part of this process.

Megan I must admit I find it funny when Mods defended a ship sinking fast and ignoring members that give suggestions as to how it could be fixed.

Many members that were chased away were good members and were not even banned they left. It must say something about what the site is becoming. Is the idea to try and destroy the site so it completely falls apart? I must admit it certainly looks that way. I am one of the longest posting members now on here as well as a couple of others who joined back in 2008 (seems like yesterday).

I am curious how the site would do if nobody ever posted again? As I said a conservative estimate is posts are down 90% easily and by that I mean meaningful posts.

gbk offered a good number of suggestions all were ignored. Kinda reminds me when companies ignore their customers complaints then cannot figure out why their going out of business.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Meghan* I must admit I find it funny when Mods defended a ship sinking fast and ignoring members that give suggestions as to how it could be fixed.

Many members that were chased away were good members and were not even banned they left. It must say something about what the site is becoming. Is the idea to try and destroy the site so it completely falls apart? I must admit it certainly looks that way. I am one of the longest posting members now on here as well as a couple of others who joined back in 2008 (seems like yesterday).

I am curious how the site would do if nobody ever posted again? As I said a conservative estimate is posts are down 90% easily and by that I mean meaningful posts.

gbk offered a good number of suggestions all were ignored. Kinda reminds me when companies ignore their customers complaints then cannot figure out why their going out of business.

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They weren't ignored, greatwhite. They were addressed and discussed inside that thread, I seem to recall. Can you provide that thread you're referring to ("gbk offered a good number of suggestions all were ignored"); I can't seem to find it at this time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MeghanOOD

the pandemic spurred a series of posts that infringed on the Rules and Regs established by CalTek back in 2008, ranging from inciting violence to abject racism. I'm thankful to the MODS for helping to keep this platform a respectable place for people of all walks of life to read and share hunting, fishing, and outdoors content.
I'm not here to make friends and I don't mind being the heavy. We didn't write the Rules and Regs, but it's our responsibility to uphold them.

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Thank you for summing it up as simply as possible.

Again - I don't think the 'sinking ship' is because of the moderation. It's largely because of better (and easier to use) platforms for outdoors discussions and there are a lot of them.

Second to this, we alienate a lot of the real hard-core enthusiasts with a lot of experience when they get harassed off the board by the keyboard warriors. These guys are still around - just on forums where the people show them much more respect. This forum seems to have more than it's share of keyboard warrior know-it-alls. I've suggested it before - but using real names helps curb this. Also, the more pics on a forum, the easier it is to sort out the keyboard warriors. I'll give you one example here - Fratri posts informative pics. No one will question his coyote hunting expertise. He could post something about 'yotes that contradicts my understanding of it - and I'd take his word for it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

Again - I don't think the 'sinking ship' is because of the moderation. It's largely because of better (and easier to use) platforms for outdoors discussions and there are a lot of them.

Second to this, we alienate a lot of the real hard-core enthusiasts with a lot of experience when they get harassed off the board by the keyboard warriors. These guys are still around - just on forums where the people show them much more respect. This forum seems to have more than it's share of keyboard warrior know-it-alls. I've suggested it before - but using real names helps curb this. Also, the more pics on a forum, the easier it is to sort out the keyboard warriors. I'll give you one example here - Fratri posts informative pics. No one will question his coyote hunting expertise. He could post something about 'yotes that contradicts my understanding of it - and I'd take his word for it.

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Some very good points made there. I'll be the first to admit that I've been on both sides the hounded and the hounder. Came to the realization that it did the site no good so hopefully have came to a more zen approach of you do you and I'll do me. Everyone has their point of view and is entitled to it, however it doesn't make it the right or only perspective. If everyone explains why or how they do things as opposed to how others are doing it wrong well that's the forum I want to be part of. Now if only we could let bygones be bygones and move forward without looking back.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

Again - I don't think the 'sinking ship' is because of the moderation. It's largely because of better (and easier to use) platforms for outdoors discussions and there are a lot of them.

Second to this, we alienate a lot of the real hard-core enthusiasts with a lot of experience when they get harassed off the board by the keyboard warriors. These guys are still around - just on forums where the people show them much more respect. This forum seems to have more than it's share of keyboard warrior know-it-alls. I've suggested it before - but using real names helps curb this. Also, the more pics on a forum, the easier it is to sort out the keyboard warriors. I'll give you one example here - Fratri posts informative pics. No one will question his coyote hunting expertise. He could post something about 'yotes that contradicts my understanding of it - and I'd take his word for it.

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There have been good posters on here that have been bullied off literally by some of the folks that were on here EVEN to the extend of getting CALLED AT HOME.

So I know of at least three posters that are now gone because of this and they were good folks.

The moderation was not strong and there were posters making multiple posts every day repeating the same you tube conspiracy down the rabbit hole stuff.

Some posters simply do not have the nature for back and forth debate/argument so probably they are better off not trying to participate.

The problems with your hard core enthusiasts is that they wanted to inject Politics into every post, but did not like opposite political views.

So considering the abuse some on here took and it followed them to their homes, revealing real names is probably not a good idea unless you have figured out a way to protect them from online harassment and calls to their homes.

I am not to sure how pictures in todays age of technology help very much and some people are private and simply do not want to post publicly.

In the last 15 years I have been on here I have been called a troll, anti gun advocate, pacifist, mall Cop, Liberal spy.... LOL...

The moderators have done a good job of weeding out those folks who were on here for their own agenda's and have taken the forum back to its original roots for hunters, fishers and people who have a common enjoyment of the outdoors. The "weaponizing" of the post flagging is now down to zero so that should be an indication they are on the right path.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

There have been good posters on here that have been bullied off literally by some of the folks that were on here EVEN to the extend of getting CALLED AT HOME.

So I know of at least three posters that are now gone because of this and they were good folks.

The moderation was not strong and there were posters making multiple posts every day repeating the same you tube conspiracy down the rabbit hole stuff.

Some posters simply do not have the nature for back and forth debate/argument so probably they are better off not trying to participate.

The problems with your hard core enthusiasts is that they wanted to inject Politics into every post, but did not like opposite political views.

So considering the abuse some on here took and it followed them to their homes, revealing real names is probably not a good idea unless you have figured out a way to protect them from online harassment and calls to their homes.

I am not to sure how pictures in todays age of technology help very much and some people are private and simply do not want to post publicly.

In the last 15 years I have been on here I have been called a troll, anti gun advocate, pacifist, mall Cop, Liberal spy.... LOL...

The moderators have done a good job of weeding out those folks who were on here for their own agenda's and have taken the forum back to its original roots for hunters, fishers and people who have a common enjoyment of the outdoors. The "weaponizing" of the post flagging is now down to zero so that should be an indication they are on the right path.

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When I refer to the hard-core enthusiasts - these are the people that don't post in the off-topic. They are the people that spend their time hunting, fishing, working dogs, and post in the hunting, fishing and gundog forums. If you are posting stuff that you don't feel comfortable posting under your real name - maybe you shouldn't be posting it at all - did that ever cross your mind. There are a lot of other forums where people post with real names and it doesn't seem to be a problem there. The best way top protect yourself from abuse online is the same as in the real world - don't be a jerk.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

When I refer to the hard-core enthusiasts - these are the people that don't post in the off-topic. They are the people that spend their time hunting, fishing, working dogs, and post in the hunting, fishing and gundog forums. If you are posting stuff that you don't feel comfortable posting under your real name - maybe you shouldn't be posting it at all - did that ever cross your mind. There are a lot of other forums where people post with real names and it doesn't seem to be a problem there. The best way top protect yourself from abuse online is the same as in the real world - don't be a jerk.

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With all due respect,I was pretty much in lock-step with you right up until your comment on using real names. From a personal security standpoint,I think that's a real bad idea. These days,there's far too many people who are devoted anti's,trolls and miscreants dealing with mental illness,some of whom are quite severely ill. Given the right circumstances,they can be quite dangerous.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

With all due respect,I was pretty much in lock-step with you right up until your comment on using real names. From a personal security standpoint,I think that's a real bad idea. These days,there's far too many people who are devoted anti's,trolls and miscreants dealing with mental illness,some of whom are quite severely ill. Given the right circumstances,they can be quite dangerous.

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FB seems to work okay with real names. So does twitter.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

FB seems to work okay with real names. So does twitter.

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If I’m not mistaken, on FB you get to choose who you surround yourself with. Not like on a public forum.

Yeah giving out your real name these days is not a good idea. But in my case many on here do know my name through emails

Quote:

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Yeah giving out your real name these days is not a good idea. But in my case many on here do know my name through emails

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Exactly J and you and I probably know more folks personal details via PM,s which go back and forth all the time.

Yup and you and I have had some big disagreements over the years but we still chat on here. I have met a lot of people from the forum in person. Some day I will get out to actually meet up with you. Your camp is just in a real out of the way that I don't go.

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

Exactly J and you and I probably know more folks personal details via PM,s which go back and forth all the time.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Birdbuff

If I’m not mistaken, on FB you get to choose who you surround yourself with. Not like on a public forum.

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On your profile sure, but for hunting/fishing communities you join Facebook "groups" that are basically like forums. Groups are mostly set as "private" so ONLY group members can see your posts/comments. Real names. It's really not a big deal.

Maybe the difference is that on FB you can delete your comments/posts at any time, and you know the size of the audience that can see what you post. Whereas here, if quoted anyways, your post is kinda permanent. And it's available for anyone in the world with an internet connection to see.

This place looks more and more like a wake every day. The death of OOD Forums, right this way. Where did everyone go?? It seems that most, but not all, of the real contributors and interesting folks that were engaging have been booted. And why? Mostly due to over inflated egos or too sensitive or thinned skinned people who have been given a title, in my opinion. It's ok to be a little uncomfortable, this builds character. And other than the obvious rules that the vast majority of public discussion forums have adopted like racism and inciting violence ect, healthy debate and disagreements should be encouraged. And occasionally debates get pointed and edgy. If that triggers you, stay out of that thread. Simple. Life is not that complicated. OOD should not be responsible for hand holding, back rubs, or safe spaces for those of you that require spoon feeding and bib. If one of your biggest concerns is 'favouritism', I'm legitimately baffled. But if you can't handle a little title and feel the need to lean on people because your ego is flaring up, perhaps you're just a busybody or someone who needs to be validated, or it's simply just not for you at this time. Personal issues, home life is stale, delusions of grandiose ect - these are all uncomfortable but legitimate issues that contribute to over moderation. And I believe this contributed to the loss of some subscribers (15-20 that I don't see anymore) that were valuable to OOD forums. It seems these days that there are more title holders than there are subscribers. A bit of an exaggeration, of course. But unless a forum member is demonstrating a complete disregard for the rules, don't be so quick hand out these 'infractions' and push them away. Otherwise, threads like these will be the only active threads on this entire forum and they'll be dominated by title holders.

GBK, along with Greatwhitenorth and couple others, has had some very useful and valuable suggestions/contributions to make this forum great again..see what I did there? :) But most of them have largely fallen on deaf ears. OOD every year asks for input to grow the forum and increase traffic, and every year suggestions are offered up. The results? Mostly nothing. I don't know about the rest of you, but repeating the same mistakes over and over sure seems like a cra cra idea. But I digress. I'm just a lowly peasant following orders trying to stay in line and not make any waves.

I really do hope OOD pays attention to some of the better suggestions in this thread, otherwise this forum will continue to fade faster than my 5 wood tee shot. Peace.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MickeyKnox

This place looks more and more like a wake every day. The death of OOD Forums, right this way. Where did everyone go?? It seems that most, but not all, of the real contributors and interesting folks that were engaging have been booted. And why? Mostly due to over inflated egos or too sensitive or thinned skinned people who have been given a title, in my opinion. It's ok to be a little uncomfortable, this builds character. And other than the obvious rules that the vast majority of public discussion forums have adopted like racism and inciting violence ect, healthy debate and disagreements should be encouraged. And occasionally debates get pointed and edgy. If that triggers you, stay out of that thread. Simple. Life is not that complicated. OOD should not be responsible for hand holding, back rubs, or safe spaces for those of you that require spoon feeding and bib. If one of your biggest concerns is 'favouritism', I'm legitimately baffled. But if you can't handle a little title and feel the need to lean on people because your ego is flaring up, perhaps you're just a busybody or someone who needs to be validated, or it's simply just not for you at this time. Personal issues, home life is stale, delusions of grandiose ect - these are all uncomfortable but legitimate issues that contribute to over moderation. And I believe this contributed to the loss of some subscribers (15-20 that I don't see anymore) that were valuable to OOD forums. It seems these days that there are more title holders than there are subscribers. A bit of an exaggeration, of course. But unless a forum member is demonstrating a complete disregard for the rules, don't be so quick hand out these 'infractions' and push them away. Otherwise, threads like these will be the only active threads on this entire forum and they'll be dominated by title holders.

GBK, along with Greatwhitenorth and couple others, has had some very useful and valuable suggestions/contributions to make this forum great again..see what I did there? :) But most of them have largely fallen on deaf ears. OOD every year asks for input to grow the forum and increase traffic, and every year suggestions are offered up. The results? Mostly nothing. I don't know about the rest of you, but repeating the same mistakes over and over sure seems like a cra cra idea. But I digress. I'm just a lowly peasant following orders trying to stay in line and not make any waves.

I really do hope OOD pays attention to some of the better suggestions in this thread, otherwise this forum will continue to fade faster than my 5 wood tee shot. Peace.

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0.11 posts a day since you have been on here AND your last started thread other than in the past week was 20th April 2015. LOL

P.S. Are you trying to take the Mickey....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

0.11 posts a day since you have been on here AND your last started thread other than in the past week was 20th April 2015. LOL

P.S. Are you trying to take the Mickey....

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Right on Gilroy. Glad you are here. :)

At the risk of sounding argumentative, this is simply another issue and reason some of the people have left the building. You're quick to measure the value of a member based on the number of posts and how frequent they post. And don't get me started about piling on like Troutslayer just did. And what does post count and member date have to do with my ability to make and share a personal observation or or particular experience? Are my contributions not valid because I only have 500 posts? Do I need to have joined in 2008? I've been around this forum over a decade and have witnessed a lot of nonsense. I've been chastised myself, but I deserved it. I stuck up for another member but was too brash and "caught a case." All good.

I recognize some of you. Gilroy, a cop correct? I mean, a real one, not acting like one on here. Well keep going with those posts big fella, you'll soon that reach 10k post mark. What do you get for that, a set of steak knifes? And speaking of which, that was another problem awhile back - acting like policeman and handing out charges to individuals when a simple caution via PM would suffice, most of the time. Some of the folks here who were given responsibilities by ODD contributed to ruining this forum, as uncomfortable as that may sound or feel it's true. I was hoping to see a different forum, but it doesn't appear that way. In fact, quite the opposite. From the lack of participation and drastically reduced member count, it really doesn't appear that growing this forum is a priority like suggested. And that's perfectly ok. But when members take the time to write up possibly viable solutions and submit suggestions, perhaps you could put aside your egos and make the same effort to work with them as you do against them by pointing out post counts, join dates, and any other forum factoid that you feel may legitimize yourselves.

I don't know, give it a whirl, you haven't tried it yet. Maybe you'll surprise yourselves. Peace.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MickeyKnox

At the risk of sounding argumentative, this is simply another issue and reason some of the people have left the building. You're quick to measure the value of a member based on the number of posts and how frequent they post. And don't get me started about piling on like Troutslayer just did. And what does post count and member date have to do with my ability to make and share a personal observation or or particular experience? Are my contributions not valid because I only have 500 posts? Do I need to have joined in 2008? I've been around this forum over a decade and have witnessed a lot of nonsense. I've been chastised myself, but I deserved it. I stuck up for another member but was too brash and "caught a case." All good.

I recognize some of you. Gilroy, a cop correct? I mean, a real one, not acting like one on here. Well keep going with those posts big fella, you'll soon that reach 10k post mark. What do you get for that, a set of steak knifes? And speaking of which, that was another problem awhile back - acting like policeman and handing out charges to individuals when a simple caution via PM would suffice, most of the time. Some of the folks here who were given responsibilities by ODD contributed to ruining this forum, as uncomfortable as that may sound or feel it's true. I was hoping to see a different forum, but it doesn't appear that way. In fact, quite the opposite. From the lack of participation and drastically reduced member count, it really doesn't appear that growing this forum is a priority like suggested. And that's perfectly ok. But when members take the time to write up possibly viable solutions and submit suggestions, perhaps you could put aside your egos and make the same effort to work with them as you do against them by pointing out post counts, join dates, and any other forum factoid that you feel may legitimize yourselves.

I don't know, give it a whirl, you haven't tried it yet. Maybe you'll surprise yourselves. Peace.

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Couldn't agree more

This is not a first time someone gets jumped by the old timers for making suggestion on the basis of number of posts
Unless all 5 of you are willing to listen, this forum will never become "lively again"

Oh wait, do I have enough posts deserve an opinion?



Sent from my moto g power (2022) using Tapatalk

On productive side of comments:

What really might help to make this forum lively again imo is as follows:

1. Expand the reach:
A. Forums are dying as internet trend - that's a fact, so the only logical solution is to expand the reach into social networks
Ie. Any post made here automatically gets reposted in Facebook, twitter and ideally with ability to respond
(Not sure if this is technically possible, but will reach out bigger target audience

B. Outdoors is an all encompassing term, thus if hunters/fishermen want to higher adoption of community, should target folks with nearby interests: hiking, canoeing, bushcraft, camping, overlanders, nature lovers, bird lovers, mushroom pickers, preppers and so on



2. Consider mentoring someone (like seriously mentoring)

A. There have been numerous times that someone completely new comes abord and asks where do I hunt in XXX area and gets hummered with dozen of "none is going to tell you. Do your own research and so on"

Well, I get the fact that folks who hunt public don't want to share their honey spots, BUT you can at least provide a general direction or pm them.
For folks who hunt private: take someone out whats a harm in that ?
Think it of it from their prospective, getting into hunting is a STEEP learning curve especially if you don't know anyone who hunts. You come for some help and you get the above, are less or more likely to proceed?(also consider younger generation who are kinda used to be guided through things..

I know for.myself for example, only hunted for 3 years, I already took out 2 first timers with me, just to spread the love [emoji8][emoji8] have they ever showed on my spots again- no, but they took selfies and now go around telling how cool hunting is...

B. Consider really hitting the hunting 101 section:
Even if there was no question asked, you might have an idea about something new/or already working that someone else didn't think of - this will spring up the conversation

That's 2 cents


Sent from my moto g power (2022) using Tapatalk

I don't want to get into any arguments, however I think it is in appropriate to mention what someone does or use to do as a living, just as I also refuse to use peoples real names unless they have that as their avatars.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MickeyKnox

At the risk of sounding argumentative, this is simply another issue and reason some of the people have left the building. You're quick to measure the value of a member based on the number of posts and how frequent they post. And don't get me started about piling on like Troutslayer just did. And what does post count and member date have to do with my ability to make and share a personal observation or or particular experience? Are my contributions not valid because I only have 500 posts? Do I need to have joined in 2008? I've been around this forum over a decade and have witnessed a lot of nonsense. I've been chastised myself, but I deserved it. I stuck up for another member but was too brash and "caught a case." All good.

I recognize some of you. Gilroy, a cop correct? I mean, a real one, not acting like one on here. Well keep going with those posts big fella, you'll soon that reach 10k post mark. What do you get for that, a set of steak knifes? And speaking of which, that was another problem awhile back - acting like policeman and handing out charges to individuals when a simple caution via PM would suffice, most of the time. Some of the folks here who were given responsibilities by ODD contributed to ruining this forum, as uncomfortable as that may sound or feel it's true. I was hoping to see a different forum, but it doesn't appear that way. In fact, quite the opposite. From the lack of participation and drastically reduced member count, it really doesn't appear that growing this forum is a priority like suggested. And that's perfectly ok. But when members take the time to write up possibly viable solutions and submit suggestions, perhaps you could put aside your egos and make the same effort to work with them as you do against them by pointing out post counts, join dates, and any other forum factoid that you feel may legitimize yourselves.

I don't know, give it a whirl, you haven't tried it yet. Maybe you'll surprise yourselves. Peace.

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Well Mickey I guess I will have to wait with baited breath for your next thread which should be about April of 2031. In the meantime I will indeed keep posting if I get to the 10,000 mark I will definitely be looking for that set of hopefully stainless steel knives.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MickeyKnox

At the risk of sounding argumentative, this is simply another issue and reason some of the people have left the building. You're quick to measure the value of a member based on the number of posts and how frequent they post. And don't get me started about piling on like Troutslayer just did. And what does post count and member date have to do with my ability to make and share a personal observation or or particular experience? Are my contributions not valid because I only have 500 posts? Do I need to have joined in 2008? I've been around this forum over a decade and have witnessed a lot of nonsense. I've been chastised myself, but I deserved it. I stuck up for another member but was too brash and "caught a case." All good.

I recognize some of you. Gilroy, a cop correct? I mean, a real one, not acting like one on here. Well keep going with those posts big fella, you'll soon that reach 10k post mark. What do you get for that, a set of steak knifes? And speaking of which, that was another problem awhile back - acting like policeman and handing out charges to individuals when a simple caution via PM would suffice, most of the time. Some of the folks here who were given responsibilities by ODD contributed to ruining this forum, as uncomfortable as that may sound or feel it's true. I was hoping to see a different forum, but it doesn't appear that way. In fact, quite the opposite. From the lack of participation and drastically reduced member count, it really doesn't appear that growing this forum is a priority like suggested. And that's perfectly ok. But when members take the time to write up possibly viable solutions and submit suggestions, perhaps you could put aside your egos and make the same effort to work with them as you do against them by pointing out post counts, join dates, and any other forum factoid that you feel may legitimize yourselves.

I don't know, give it a whirl, you haven't tried it yet. Maybe you'll surprise yourselves. Peace.

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Surely you must have realized that your post was aimed at complaining at the current situation and not at all adding to the outdoor portion of this forum.

Not sure about the rest of you, but this time of year is filled with chores of all kind around the house and not so much hunting/fishing related. Not to mention this mini heat wave in APRIL!!!. Pretty tough to be thinking about hunting while sweating under 30 degree sunshine. Much too early for bass and walleye.

I guess what I’m trying to say Is that this need for constant outdoors stimuli through this forum is unrealistic. It has nothing to do with the absence of certain members. The member count has steadily increased and yet we have little participation. The seasons dictate the conversation and the threads.

The arrival of turkey and bear will increase the participation slightly. As will fishing opening days. If not, we have no one to blame but ourselves and our membership. If you don’t start a conversation/thread you cannot magically expect lots of activity.

I suggest some newer members take some initiative and participate. I’m sure we have a lot of lurkers.

There doesn’t need to be constant activity on a forum for it to be healthy. Take a break and enjoy your surroundings.

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Originally Posted by Birdbuff

Surely you must have realized that your post was aimed at complaining at the current situation and not at all adding to the outdoor portion of this forum.

Not sure about the rest of you, but this time of year is filled with chores of all kind around the house and not so much hunting/fishing related. Not to mention this mini heat wave in APRIL!!!. Pretty tough to be thinking about hunting while sweating under 30 degree sunshine. Much too early for bass and walleye.

I guess what I’m trying to say Is that this need for constant outdoors stimuli through this forum is unrealistic. It has nothing to do with the absence of certain members. The member count has steadily increased and yet we have little participation. The seasons dictate the conversation and the threads.

The arrival of turkey and bear will increase the participation slightly. As will fishing opening days. If not, we have no one to blame but ourselves and our membership. If you don’t start a conversation/thread you cannot magically expect lots of activity.

I suggest some newer members take some initiative and participate. I’m sure we have a lot of lurkers.

There doesn’t need to be constant activity on a forum for it to be healthy. Take a break and enjoy your surroundings.

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Well said Birdbuff.

Hey I didn't get any stainless steel knives, OOD owes me knives. I will settle for a new spinning reel. :moose:

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

Well Mickey I guess I will have to wait with baited breath for your next thread which should be about April of 2031. In the meantime I will indeed keep posting if I get to the 10,000 mark I will definitely be looking for that set of hopefully stainless steel knives.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

I don't want to get into any arguments, however I think it is in appropriate to mention what someone does or use to do as a living, just as I also refuse to use peoples real names unless they have that as their avatars.

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I would like to argue that point, not because I disagree with you but because I am trying to get my post count up to 10,000 and get that set of steel knives. Hey wait a minute ,why am I typing so much, you must have at least two sets of knives by now can't you spare me a set J. LOL



PS. Great minds think alike and fools seldom differ LOL.

Troutslayer and Birdbuff I highly doubt you will see many more posts during Turkey season.
But will see if I am wrong.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Troutslayer and Birdbuff I highly doubt you will see many more posts during Turkey season.
But will see if I am wrong.

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Dude I’m just trying to get a set of those knives. ��

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Troutslayer and Birdbuff I highly doubt you will see many more posts during Turkey season.
But will see if I am wrong.

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With great members like Lenny who leads by example of engaging members I think it'll be good. What we need are more Lennys.

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Originally Posted by Birdbuff

Dude I’m just trying to get a set of those knives. ��

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Don't work too hard as I've found if you do you get those knives either in the chest or in the back here.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Don't work too hard as I've found if you do you get those knives either in the chest or in the back here.

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I have a spare bullet proof vest if it helps....oops that is only good for guns maybe not knives. LOL

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Originally Posted by Birdbuff

If I’m not mistaken, on FB you get to choose who you surround yourself with. Not like on a public forum.

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Under your personal profile yes. But all the interesting groups - I belong to about 20 of them, you it's the same as here. Everyone who has joined that group can see your posts. Some of these groups have 20k+ active members.

Hey all, now seems a good a time a time as any to remind folks of the Rules and Regulations: https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...-Rules-Conduct

Please note: 17. Respect of the moderators and administrator's decisions and policies is a must.

I appreciate the suggestion box-ishness of this thread. As we know not every suggestion will be picked up, but we value feedback regardless.

I mentioned in a previous post if anyone would like to curate a FORUM-related contest, as per gbk's suggestion. Any takers? If no one steps up it'll be another case of people complaining without willing to put in the work themselves (mirrored by a lack of interest in moderator callouts).

I would like to repeat, once again, that I am grateful to the MODS for their help in keeping this space respectful.

I would also like to repeat that disrespecting a MOD is against the Forum Rules and Regulations.

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Originally Posted by gbk

I was once approached by authorities on this very forum, to get some of the ideas out there ,to see how potentially improve Forum rules.

I did spent quite some time on it, thinking i may be able to help.

Unfortunately have got zero feedback from the very source, asking me to make recommendations.
Kind of discouraging, at best.

Lets try once more-different approach:

OOD has many contests-photo,big game ,draws for membership renewal : you name it.
There could be many more contests i am not aware of.


Forum authorities can introduce a Forum contest:
Few ideas-

Most quality threads started in a year by a member
Most quality posts in a year by a member.
Most quality pictures posted to any topics ,by a member.

Make some nice,easy and simple rules like :
Moderators "moderating"posts/threads do not count-but moderators participating in posts/threads do.
Simple yes/no is not a quality post.
Maybe for sale threads and posts are excluded(while they make for traffic-they are simple money making vehicle)
Maybe Off topic Threads/posts are excluded-but i think they should not be(as long as we have them,they are part of the Forum)
Etc
Etc
The list can go on,and on.

Rewards-i leave it to the Imagination of the Authorities and the Wallet of OOD, but same ,similar ,even better rewards ,as we have seen ,could do it.

No one will get rich thru that system,but maybe and hopefully could improve Quality threads/posts,and bring back life-and perhaps get us some much needed active new members.

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GBK, would you like to host this contest you keep suggesting? Everyone keeps mentioning it. Would you like to make it so?

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Originally Posted by MeghanOOD

GBK, would you like to host this contest you keep suggesting? Everyone keeps mentioning it. Would you like to make it so?

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Sent a PM to gbk after waiting for him to reply to this thread.

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Originally Posted by MeghanOOD

Sent a PM to gbk after waiting for him to reply to this thread.

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No,thank you!
Lost all my motivation.

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Originally Posted by gbk

No,thank you!
Lost all my motivation.

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gbk,
But you didn't step up and offer to host upon first suggesting, either. You laid it on the table and left it there.
As finsfurfeathers mentions in an earlier thread, we (Admin and MODS) can't launch such a campaign as rating the quality of people's threads without there being biases. Our day-to-day duties make it difficult to be impartial. But if you or anyone else thinks this Forum Contest is a valid and good idea to promote quality content on the Forum, I invite them to step forward and host this contest.
Thank you.

This thread reminds me of a gun club I belonged to years ago. There were a couple of complainers who were always coming forward with all manner of ideas to make the club "better." When they were asked by the volunteer executive to help implement their ideas they had "lost their motivation."

The offer stood until he was slammed. You can't slam someone then expect them to want to help.

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

This thread reminds me of a gun club I belonged to years ago. There were a couple of complainers who were always coming forward with all manner of ideas to make the club "better." When they were asked by the volunteer executive to help implement their ideas they had "lost their motivation."

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

The offer stood until he was slammed. You can't slam someone then expect them to want to help.

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He wasn't slammed. His BS was called. He started this thread, offered an idea, got a positive response but when asked to implement it he "lost all of his motivation."

The world is full complainers who will tell you what you should do. Harder to find are people who will roll up their sleeves and actually get it done.

I would dare say the majority of the members that contribute are complaining, that must say something.

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

He wasn't slammed. His BS was called. He started this thread, offered an idea, got a positive response but when asked to implement it he "lost all of his motivation."

The world is full complainers who will tell you what you should do. Harder to find are people who will roll up their sleeves and actually get it done.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

The offer stood until he was slammed. You can't slam someone then expect them to want to help.

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Quote Originally Posted by gbk View Post
I was once approached by authorities on this very forum, to get some of the ideas out there ,to see how potentially improve Forum rules.

Unfortunately have got zero feedback from the very source

Forum authorities can introduce a Forum contest:

A couple notes:
gbk did get feedback, and that feedback was that time and perceived bias wouldn't allow Admin or MODS to host said Forum Contest. gbk never wished to host it (see above: "Forum authorities can do it, etc.")

Secondly, a reminder that plenty of members have and do take it upon themselves to host contests/derbies/tournaments via the OOD Forum without making it all this. For example:
https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...27#post1211927
https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...33#post1208733

Be the change you want to see in the world, etc.

You keep defending yourself yet almost most on here that contribute disagree.

Let;s call this an intervention and probably the first major crisis in this forum in a long time.

Let's call this thread a wrap.

Well these people seem to show up more than you. I call a spade a spade

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Well these people seem to show up more than you. I call a spade a spade

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Complaining and making suggestions only to turn turn tail and scamper off when asked to implement their own suggestions is not "showing up." That's taking up space and wasting people's time.

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

Let's call this thread a wrap.

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you're right as by now one should understand that as adults here you are requested to act and discuss items in a civil and respectable manor.
If you want the forum to be "lively" than be the force to do it by active participation, others will follow if you set the example.
In the end remember their house their rules, we (including mods) are just guests and should show a little gratitude.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

You keep defending yourself yet almost most on here that contribute disagree.

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You don't speak for the whole Forum, GW, and I find it particularly interesting that you keep dodging my counterpoints.
I agree with Badenoch and finsfurfeathers; this thread has had its time in the sun.