NOT ALLOWED.

[Grey Wolf]

There are a few topics that are not allowed here , such as politics and religion because of the bad feelings they cause among the members but I've seen so many arguments started because of one question asked by many and that question is................"What's the best rod, reel ,line , hook , sinker , bait , etc , etc , ?"

What a shame that we cannot respect each others opinions.

[Shad_Master]

I totally agree - usually when someone is asking that sort of question they are fairly new to the sport and seeking advice from what is reported to be the "best fishing site on the web" - unfortunately though there are some here to tend to be rooted in their particular camp and are unwilling to consider other points of view.  That is why politics, religion and such are hot topics.

It would be better, in my humble opinion, if people just gave out their information, explained why they think one is better than another and then watch to see if someone else has more information.

We tend to stop learning when we get so entrenched in our own opinions that we don't listen.

[burleytog]

Sh sh sh sh SHIMANO

[bilgerat]

New rule:

You cannot praise or bash something unless you have actually used it.

[roadwarrior]

Geez...

Seems harsh to me, I like bashing Floogers.

I own an Abbadabbadoo and fished a Fuego

recently. Surprisingly, I have grown into the

STX and ghoti's Diawa was fabulous after he

supertuned it himself.

Maybe just suggesting that we all be "positive"

is the better idear. As momma said, "If you ain't

got somethin' nice to say, STFU!"

I don't always follow that line myself.

[Fat-G]

Geez...

Seems harsh to me, I like bashing Floogers. I own an Abbadabbadoo and fished a Fuego recently. Surprisingly.

I have grown into the STX and ghoti's Diawa was fabulous

after he super tuned it himself.

Maybe just suggesting that we all be "positive" is the better choice. As momma said, "If you don't have somethin' nice to say, STFU!"

I don't always follow that line myself.

;D ;D ;D

[burleytog]

If everyone agreed on everything, the world would be a pretty dull place.

[Micro]

I don't always follow that line myself.

Yeah.  Yer the kind of guy I'd like to b***h slap then have a beer with.   

[Shad_Master]

If everyone agreed on everything, the world would be a pretty dull place.

It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable

[scbassin]

It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable  :-?  :-?

[Big Tom]

As momma said...STFU!

Yep, that is exactly how my mom used to put it.

You can say that you don't like a particular thing while having some tact.  Some people do not get this.

[Pantera61]

You also have to remember you're reading an individual's words without benefit of hearing the intonation of the words or seeing facial expressions.  Emoticons or /sarc tags convey a little across but ultimately without the face to face communication there is a lot of misunderstanding and bruised feelings and egos.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I agree that it is wise to use tact in your interactions with anyone, even on a forum such as this.

That being said, if your feelings get hurt from something that is said on an internet board, then maybe you need to take a couple steps back and re-evaluate your priorities.

Seriously. They are words. WORDS. ;D

I have made some friends on here. Quite a few of us BS on the phone and have gone on vacation together. People on the road trips can tell you that the "chop busting" that happens on here is NOTHING compared to what happens in person.

As was said in this thread and countless times before, the meaning of someone's statement is often lost through typing and even more often it is interpreted as a personal attack.

You say "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it."

I say if you read something you find offensive, don't assume the worst about the person's meaning.  Find out for sure.

Off soap box.

[Shad_Master]

I've heard this argument about not being able to get the intent of the statement because it is just typed words before. But that should work both ways - if your "typed words" seem to get people mad at you on a regular basis - it could be you.

A lot of guys would like to think they are funny (myself included) but sometimes it ain't funny - especially when it comes to name calling or ridiculing someone.

I've been on this board a long time. When I first joined up, there were lots of "what is the best..." and questions about the "magic" bait, line, tackle, technique, etc. I finally got to where I could recognize these kinds of questions and most of the time just ignored them - but somewhere along the line the tone changed and it seems like each time somebody (sometimes even the Moderators) would jab away at the poster. I also noticed that this sometimes resulted in the person asking the question going away.

I am glad that there is a group of guys who pal around both on and off the board - but if everybody isn't welcome then it needs to be made public so nobody is being set up as fodder for the inner sanctum.  I have learned a lot by being on this board and have recommended it to a lot of people.  Some of them are on the board now.  But...

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Everyone is always welcome to the Road trips. They post the trip well in advance so that everyone is able to attend. Everyone I hang out with from this board, I originally met on a road trip.

Obviously, making friends in person takes a different skill set than making friends on the internet.

Hell, I think BassHunter69 has like 2500 friends on Facebook. ;D

[Eddie Munster]

As momma said...STFU!

Yep, that is exactly how my mom used to put it.

Mine too cept she would have a Marlboro pasted in the corner of her mouth when she told someone to $#&@ off. 

I agree with the thread. I mainly fish in ponds with spinning gear: Shimanos + Ugly Stiks.

Don't like it?    K.M.A.   

[Shad_Master]

Everyone is always welcome to the Road trips. quote]

That's fine for those who can do that - but not everybody can. The point it that people on the board should not be treated differently just because they can't or don't attend the road trip.

My Moma had a favorite saying too, it had to do with the "Golden Rule". I think the point of this whole thread has been to point out that some people take every opportunity they can to be snarky and it really isn't necessary.

[Glenn]

This is a good conversation. I might even "sticky" it. 

[Dan:]

Everyone is always welcome to the Road trips. quote]

That's fine for those who can do that - but not everybody can. The point it that people on the board should not be treated differently just because they can't or don't attend the road trip.

.

FWIW You don't have to go on the roadtrip in order to make friends with other members.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Everyone is always welcome to the Road trips. quote]

That's fine for those who can do that - but not everybody can. The point it that people on the board should not be treated differently just because they can't or don't attend the road trip.

My Moma had a favorite saying too, it had to do with the "Golden Rule". I think the point of this whole thread has been to point out that some people take every opportunity they can to be snarky and it really isn't necessary.

Come to the next trip.

I'll have a beer waiting for you and a smile on my face. Promise.   

Obviously, I can only speak for myself but I'm sure I can be a little more cognizant of what I type and how someone may interpret my words. Just be warned...that it is part of my nature to poke fun at people.  I still stand by my assertion that most meaning is lost when reading statements on here.

IMO, personal attacks and obviously objectionable material aside, people should have a little less sensitivity to what they read.

[Shad_Master]

Well, I guess I need you to help me out here. What is the "correct" way to interpret being called:

1) *****

2) un American

In the first instance it was in response what some people thought was a pretty witty response to a joke posted on the eveything else page.

The second instance was when I pointed out (to a Moderator who attends the road trips, by the way) that a topic was of a political nature and did not fit with the published policy for the forum.

Please help me understand how I should have interpreted these comments as positive.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I can't say I would interpret those two examples any differently than you did. Maybe I would. I dont know.

In those instances, did you report it as offensive? There are procedures in place that a person could take if they found something objectionable. That is why they are there.

If you re-read my previous post you will see that I said "personal attacks aside." I would consider being called "*****" or "un-american" as falling under that category and one of the moderators would then become involved.

Maybe I am not reading the same stuff you are, but I just don't see where there is all the "mean" and "snarky" things people are talking about.

[Shad_Master]

Well, since you bring it up - yes, I did report the first instance and I was told the standard line about misinterpreting what was typed and this is one of the "good ole boys" who probably didn't mean anything by it.  I took it upon myself to PM the "offender" and there was no response.

In the second instance, the topic was locked after I pointed out this was the problem with trying to have a political discussion on a board like this.

I don't know what you read or how you interpret it, but I do see enough "snarky" comments that I think it is worth pointing out that it shouldn't be happening.

[K_Mac]

I think this discussion is a good thing. I have health issues that sometimes keep me in the house for days at a time. When I'm up to it I go fishing. One of the things that helps keep me sane when I can't get out is hanging around here. I enjoy the conversation and believe that disagreement can be a good thing. It is often how I learn and I am a much better fisherman as a result.

Spirited conversation is easier in principle than practice, esp. in this format. With the many different worldviews and philosophies represented on this site, one man's witty sarcasm can push buttons that send others over the edge. Some of us don't play well with others. Even lovable and humble guys like me can sometimes come across as nasty and condescending.

There is a discussion going on in the rod/reel forum now about fishing frogs on mono that I think is a great example of how it can work. Strong opposing opinions from guys who know what they're talking about, yet the thread hasn't degenerated into, "I can urinate farther than you can" (yet anyway). That is what makes this site great IMHO.

[Shad_Master]

This is my point exactly - by listening to people who disagree with me and making their case in a rational way - I can perhaps learn something new or even share some new information with someone else.

The articles and such are good resources, but I can't say I have read them all.  And somebody new to the forum may not even realize they are there.  Including that suggestion when responding to a question (especially from a newbie) is fine - but making someone feel put down because they didn't see all the articles or read all the suggestions it not constructive.

Just think about how much we might know or have learned if this forum had been there when we were starting out.