Topics, Posting and Personal Reactions

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:24 am

I've known a lot of you via this and other forums for quite a while. I personally think this is a great bunch of people and I really enjoy the forum because of the people here. Unfortunately, there's been a drift towards the "dark side" (not black powder). A recent post was effectively gutted because some comments were apparently misinterpreted (I never got to see them) and what was left was nothing but recrimination so I deleted the whole thing.

If I may make a couple of suggestions about posting to apply in the future.
- Remember that many posting here do so in a more truncated (abbreviated) manner for a variety of reasons. This affects the content which might be misinterpreted. Assume the best.
- Remember, also, that some folks might be knowledgeable or have a valid opinion but not be as articulate or MIGHT suffer constant distractions (like work) which interferes with their train of thought. Assume the best.
- Remember that nobody responds well to personal attacks (which really are unnecessary). This isn't a school yard. This is a high-class place so act respectable.
- Remember that you CAN click on another topic. You don't have to be lured into a flame fest. You can avoid those people for whom you've developed a real dislike. Your "sacrifice" will likely result in greater enjoyment of the board by everyone else.

Everyone here has something in common, we're shooters. I'm willing to bet that we have lots more in common. Most of us have worked in blue collar jobs, some to reach their professional goals. Many of us have served our country in military, police, fire, or EMT positions. IOW, again, we have a lot in common while at the same time having different experiences. Speak to the person as if they were with you, in person.

This isn't touchy feely stuff, it is a request for the forum members to observe normal rules of civility.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you approve could you post to push it Back To the Top? Thanks.

mod71alaska · Post by **mod71alaska** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:35 am

BTT Thanks, Hobie.

cnjarvis · Post by **cnjarvis** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:53 am

BTT!!!

fordwannabe · Post by **fordwannabe** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:57 am

Hobie, you were articulate in your endeavor to create a peaceful environment here, I believe a small translation may be in order for those of us who may not be up to your level of elocution....
BE NICE!!!

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:02 am

Thank you gentlemen.

I should like to point out for some new members as Paul reiterated to me that this is NOT like some other gun forums where it is a men's club with bad language allowed, or the internet equivalent of bar room fights for fun are permitted. This is a FAMILY forum. We consider visitors to be as visitors in our living room and speaking in front of our wives and daughters (some of whom ARE on this forum). Remember that and all will be well.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:06 am

Thanks, Hobie.

You didn't see the entire thread 'cause I started whittling at the language, then the attitude and personal attacks and by the time I'd figured out that the whole thread should just be shot and put out of everyone's misery you'd already fired the round. My ears are STILL ringing!

There's a saying that's good to keep in mind. "Don't feed the trolls." One should remember that one man's troll is another man's good buddy and often we take someone's behavior in a way in which it wasn't meant. So "Don't feed the trolls." effectively means "Don't reply to threads you find offensive." There's a handydandy little red exclamation mark at the bottom of each person's posts. Click on it and give us a chance to check it out and take appropriate action.

As Hobie noted above, there's been a recent drift toward incivility. We have many people signing up each week. Many drift in from other forums where the rules of behavior are different. It's kind of like the guys from the honkytonk wandering into a decent restaurant and wanting to dance on the tables, throw cigarette butts on the floor and start a brawl. That may fly where they come from but it's not the way this place is run. Remember - This is a high-class place so act respectable. That "act respectable" includes "be respectful". There's no reason to indulge in personal attacks nor to use gutter language. This place was set up by folks who are familiar with about every four letter word you'd be able to dredge up - but they're not impressed by it and they certainly would never sink to using such language in public. And since this is their virtual livingroom to ignore their standards and bring in other types of behavior is less than respectful.

All that aside - this is still one of the most civil places on the net. Let's keep it that way. And the words above are directed at a minority that has not yet learned how we do things here. Thank God that the majority need no reminders.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:13 am

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:38 am

btt

I'm no saint in this dept. myself....great reminder.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:48 am

C. Cash wrote:btt

I'm no saint in this dept. myself....great reminder.

The original meaning of "saint" was "one separated" and was used to convey the idea of one separating oneself from the world in order to live on a higher plane. Repentance from sin and effort towards living well were signs of one who was a "saint". Later it was applied by the Roman church to only specific individuals who were considered to have lived "perfect" lives. I prefer to use it in the original, broader, sense. So in this case, it behooves us all to be "saints" - not claiming to be perfect but rather striving to live on a higher plane. No need to get dragged into the mire. Wrassle with a pig and you'll get just as dirty as the pig. And the pig will probably enjoy it. And you'll smell like... well... you know... So don't wrassle the pigs. Just flag 'em and we'll tase 'em or smack 'em or whatever is appropriate. The little red exclamation mark below each post works great. Flag offensive posts and we'll take appropriate action.

And thanks for the help guys. Several folks DID flag the inappropriate language and behavior yesterday. Others rushed in to "make things right" - which just complicated stuff for us. Others ignored the trash and had some decent feedback. The thread died due to the tendency towards inappropriate in the majority of the responses (not counting the original inappropriate language in the original post).

The system works. Slowly but surely.

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:57 am

Hobie, Paul.

YOU ARE SO RIGHT

Glad you posted this maybe we all need a reminder about stuff now and again.

This is a great place to be, lets keep it that way

Post by **Old Savage** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:58 am

btt

As far as I am concerned, as soon as the bar room language starts delete the post. If it is in the first post by the author, delete the thread. I know at least half a dozen that I have been contacted by that I believe would agree.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:10 am

Now after reading Hobie's and AmBraCol's posts I find myself looking over the last several pages of threads so see what's missing. I don't see it.
This is not the first time this has happened and I always wonder what I missed that was so bad.

Was it a subject I'm not interested in?
Did I read it?
Did I post in it?
Was I part of the problem?

Just for my info, which thread was axed?

Joe

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:12 am

BTT
Advice taken and agreed to!

Post by **Old Savage** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:24 am

Joe -you don't find it because it is not there - it was deleted, at least one page. By the time I saw it there was only gunsmoke in the air the rest was gone.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:39 am

Joe, the only important info is that language not appropriate to this forum was used in the initial post and in some of the replies to the initial post. So the whole thread got axed. It may have been an interesting thread - if it had been handled with respect. One does not have to use vulgarities in order to make a point. With a bit of thought one can make a point in a civil, respectful way. And that's all we're asking. The killing of the thread had nothing to do with the general subject matter but rather the way SOME of the participants went about expressing their thoughts and feelings.

Post by **AmBraCol** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:40 am

And yes, every few months we have to go over the basics - again.

We were about due for a dustup.

Hopefully this one will get us by until at least New Year's...

41 Redhawk · Post by **41 Redhawk** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:04 am

AmBraCol wrote:Joe, the only important info is that language not appropriate to this forum was used in the initial post and in some of the replies to the initial post. So the whole thread got axed. It may have been an interesting thread - if it had been handled with respect. One does not have to use vulgarities in order to make a point. With a bit of thought one can make a point in a civil, respectful way. And that's all we're asking. The killing of the thread had nothing to do with the general subject matter but rather the way SOME of the participants went about expressing their thoughts and feelings.

BTT

I hope that when such things are encountered PMs go out to the offenders. Thanks

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:08 am

41 Redhawk wrote: BTT

I hope that when such things are encountered PMs go out to the offenders. Thanks

+1

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:10 am

In this world of cyberspace things are said that wouldn't normally be said face to face. Civility is the prerequisite to this forum and the major reason I come here.

BTT

Buck Elliott · Post by **Buck Elliott** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:15 am

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:25 am

BTT

Somehow, I missed the thread in question. Must've been a bit interesting.

deerwhacker444 · Post by **deerwhacker444** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:33 am

Indeed this is a nice place. I've been snooping around the "Sniper Hide" forum to get a little information on accurate shooting with bolt guns. Over there, they hook it up and the profanity gets thrown around quite often. Civility is good.!

Barcelona Rick · Post by **Barcelona Rick** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:36 am

Hobie....I agree....this is no place for bad language or bad manners....

jumbeaux

Post by **AmBraCol** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:43 am

41 Redhawk wrote:
I hope that when such things are encountered PMs go out to the offenders. Thanks

All we need is a flag. Appropriate action is then taken. Sometimes the moderators even confer with each other or give each other a gentle nudge (thanks Hobie) when the moderators may get out of hand. None of us is perfect nor above the reach of the rules of conduct. We are all expected to treat this place and the folks in it with respect. Even when some of the folks are not so deserving thereof.

Rather than flame - it's best to put that keyboard down - step away - take a deep breath and a drink of cool water and come back with a refreshed frame of mind. Then either type a reasoned response, flag the post or simply click on something more to your liking.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:45 am

With a good Thesaurus and Dictionary, one can make one's terse point and stay way in bounds

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 11:58 am

BumpDittyBump!

don Tomás · Post by **don Tomás** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:34 pm

BTT

I must have missed something good (bad?)...

Mokwaw · Post by **Mokwaw** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 4:01 pm

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:08 pm

I hope you guys realize that my Heavy Ladies are classy and therefore fall under the "This is a high-class place so act respectable." requirement.

I got a real special heavy lady pic to post for Halloween!!!!

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:10 pm

Modoc ED wrote:I hope you guys realize that my Heavy Ladies are classy and therefore fall under the "This is a high-class place so act respectable." requirement.

I got a real special heavy lady pic to post for Halloween!!!!

If it is the photo I got in the e-mail you will be banned for life if you post it.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:16 pm

Hobie wrote:
Modoc ED wrote:I hope you guys realize that my Heavy Ladies are classy and therefore fall under the "This is a high-class place so act respectable." requirement.

I got a real special heavy lady pic to post for Halloween!!!!
If it is the photo I got in the e-mail you will be banned for life if you post it.

Wow...no smileys

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:17 pm

Hobie wrote:
Modoc ED wrote:I hope you guys realize that my Heavy Ladies are classy and therefore fall under the "This is a high-class place so act respectable." requirement.

I got a real special heavy lady pic to post for Halloween!!!!
If it is the photo I got in the e-mail you will be banned for life if you post it.

Great, gee thanks a lot, now I gotta know

Not to take away the gist of the thread, but does anyone know why witches can't get pregnant?

answer will be in my next post

iceman · Post by **iceman** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:30 pm

John in MS · Post by **John in MS** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:25 pm

BTT

"This is still one of the most civil places on the net. Let's keep it that way. "

Hear, hear!! I really enjoy coming here (my favorite site) because of the high quality
folks here, both in manners and in general conduct.

Thanks to all, and best to you!
John

Bullard4075 · Post by **Bullard4075** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:49 pm

BTT

Hope I wasn't part of the problem.

I WILL have a stern word with myself before bed.

pokey · Post by **pokey** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:13 pm

kimwcook wrote:In this world of cyberspace things are said that wouldn't normally be said face to face. Civility is the prerequisite to this forum and the major reason I come here.

BTT

me too,

oh yeah btt

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:32 pm

This is why I am hooked on this place. High class. Caring people. Patriots who love God, family, country, freedom and firearms - and show a genuine concern for their fellow countrymen (and those from other countries sharing the same values). This is simply the finest place on the web - let's keep it that way!

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:45 pm

No place for some of the vulgarity thats seen around.
Problem comes just like any situation anywhere when people gather up. There's going to be some personality conflicts arise,pure natural fact can't be avoided. Going to be some "turf" wars, and king of the hill contests, just happens when more than 2 people get together.
Also going to be some pationate arguements going from time to time, that's the way it is, can't be avoided.

geobru · Post by **geobru** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 12:05 am

BTT
+1000

piller · Post by **piller** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 12:21 am

I agree. Vulgarity is not necessary. I cannot claim that I am free of it, and I am probably as guilty as anyone else. That DOESN'T MEAN that we shouldn't try to be at our best here. Remember the old saying about practice making perfect, well practice is trying to do something correctly, and we should all practice.

Rexster · Post by **Rexster** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 4:00 pm

Thanks! BTTT.

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 4:23 pm

Looks like I missed the big whoop-up. Regardless, I agree with Hobie.

awp101 · Post by **awp101** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 4:42 pm

kimwcook wrote:In this world of cyberspace things are said that wouldn't normally be said face to face.

It's the internet version of beer muscles...

Gun Smith · Post by **Gun Smith** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:37 pm

I think this is one, of not the best, sites on the net. When you start looking at other sites and see the language and insults thrown around, I am happy to see us keep this place as it is.

rangerider7 · Post by **rangerider7** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:46 pm

Thanks for the reminder.

2X22 · Post by **2X22** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 10:21 pm

Hobie wrote: Unfortunately, there's been a drift towards the "dark side" (not black powder).

Agreed.

This isn't touchy feely stuff, it is a request for the forum members to observe normal rules of civility.

I may have to start spending more time here again then! Once my FAVORITE site, I've found myself rarely visiting anymore. I'd love it to again be what it was years ago when it was first started and I absolutely couldn't wait to get online after work

2x22

GoatGuy · Post by **GoatGuy** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 11:19 pm

Post by **Old Savage** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 2:16 am

Well so far 40+ have signed on, none of whom I might consider to be the offenders. This is I believe a good idea as it makes a showing to each other of who is interested in a civil in expression, high level forum.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 2:39 am

awp101 wrote:
kimwcook wrote:In this world of cyberspace things are said that wouldn't normally be said face to face.
It's the internet version of beer muscles...

AKA Keyboard Rambo's.

BTT

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 3:07 am

Our moderators are High Class and for that, I thank you for all you do to keep this forum a great place to visit.

"Internet version of Beer Muscles" now that's funny!