Goodbye All

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:26 pm

It saddens me to write this. Over the last few months, the tone of the board has taken a direction that I no longer find comfortable. Several new, and several old posters have taken it upon themselves to attack others for what appears to be no reason. The blunt conversations no longer reflect the high-class of those I have come to know as family. personal attacks have driven off shootist and long time contributors alike. There are now people on this board that do not respect others, can not act politely nor tolerate others opinions. I joined many years ago when i first heard of the shootist, and lingered in the wings gleaning a wealth of knowledge and respect for so many. When I came back to this forum, it was as if my family had grown. Many of you have touched my life in a number of wonderful ways. This forum has been home and a very comfortable place. It is becoming an uncomfortable place with the attacks and intolerance and cursing and posts not befitting a family place. To those whom I have come to know as friends, I wish you blessings. I hope that we stay in touch via email but should this be the parting of our paths, may you have a joyful and fulfilling and blessed life. I wish for you every happiness. I will ask Hobie to keep my membership open for a period so that PM's can be sent and received to exchange emails and contact info. After that, I will, like JI, and ScottT, and others, ask to be removed from the forum. Blessings to all. thank you for your knowledge, your prayers, your laughs and fun. I will forward the funds gathered for the appreciation tribute of Paco, Hobie and AMBRACOL, to YK for sending them on. Please contact him with further donations. Peace. Out.

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:41 pm

Mike,

I am greatly saddened by your post. While I understand your reasons, and share many of your opinions, please keep in mind that the majority of those on the board are good people. You have made many friends, shared many intimate thoughts, prayers and feelings, and enlightend us all with your experience and humor. I would ask that you reconsider your decision -- stay on and just post in those threads where subjects are discussed politely by gentlemen or discourse with your friends only. As we lose more of the "good" people on this board, like Ji, ScottT and yourself, the character of the boards swings ever more towards the ignorant, unthoughtful and uncaring. We need your presence and example here. Don't let the turkeys bring the eagles down with them!

Bruce

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:45 pm

Terry Murbach · Post by **Terry Murbach** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:50 pm

MIKE, THIS IS QUITE A DECISION TO HAVE BEEN MADE. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AND AM TRULY SORRY TO SEE YOU RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET. I DO HOPE IT WAS NOTHING ME AND MY BIG MOUTH SAID HERE. IF IT WAS I APOLOGISE RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.
WHY DON'T YOU TAKE SOME TIME OFF FROM HERE AND THINK THINGS OVER. MAYBE YOU'LL RECONSIDER AFTER A SPELL.

Barcelona Rick · Post by **Barcelona Rick** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:51 pm

Mr. Johnson,

I have not been around for very long and don't have a lot of posts but I have always enjoyed reading your posts/replies etc....I really hate to see good men leave. I haven't read a lot of negative stuff but again I'm a rookie. That being said please know that I have enjoyed reading your comments. Please take care sir.

jumbeaux

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:53 pm

Mike,

I hope that you will change your mind. I enjoy your posts and appreciate your take on things and just your views of the world in general not to mention you knowlege of firearms and hunting.

I agree that there has been some outright obnoxious behavior around here lately. Hope that changes.

Keep in touch!

jason

86er · Post by **86er** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:58 pm

Best Wishes Mike! You are considered a good friend and a member of our extended family at the 86er household. I know you are level-headed and put a lot of thought into everything you do. With that in mind I don't question your parting, I only wish you well and hope that we can keep in touch outside the forum.

slimster · Post by **slimster** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:00 pm

alnitak wrote:Mike,

I am greatly saddened by your post. While I understand your reasons, and share many of your opinions, please keep in mind that the majority of those on the board are good people. You have made many friends, shared many intimate thoughts, prayers and feelings, and enlightend us all with your experience and humor. I would ask that you reconsider your decision -- stay on and just post in those threads where subjects are discussed politely by gentlemen or discourse with your friends only. As we lose more of the "good" people on this board, like Ji, ScottT and yourself, the character of the boards swings ever more towards the ignorant, unthoughtful and uncaring. We need your presence and example here. Don't let the turkeys bring the eagles down with them!

Bruce

+1 alnitak stated it very well. With those like Ambracol, Hobie and Jim T watching over things, I don't think they will let the situation get too far out of hand. I was just thinking that the tone had been a little less combative the last couple of days, but maybe it just seemed that way to me. Good luck and best wishes whatever you decide, but you will be missed!

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:00 pm

I hope you change your mind...Maybe you're having a bad day, Sir.....the straw that seemed to break your back really was not all that bad

rangerider7 · Post by **rangerider7** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:03 pm

Hate to hear this but it surely is your decision. I wish you would stay though.

brucew44guns · Post by **brucew44guns** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:15 pm

Mike, E-Mail sent, but this is bad, you leaving here. I still kick myself for not buying that 30-30 you had not long back, one more wouldn't hurt, but now I won't get another chance from you. Stay here, and do your best to influence anyone who might be out of line, to get their act together. That's what you do, you work with people who maybe need your help.

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:21 pm

I am saddened to hear of any good friends leaving this forum just because of a few loud mouths.
Please reconsider your decision to leave as it will just make this place all the poorer.
I still consider this forum to be the best, despite a few posters that seem to know how to wind up fellow shooters for their own weird satisfaction.
Most of the guys on this forum are genuine, honest and respectful. I accept that we all come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences, so I expect to not agree with everyone or even understand where they are coming from sometimes but I still learn a lot from everyone that posts, even if it's only to take them and their advice with a pinch of salt!

John.

SmokeEater2 · Post by **SmokeEater2** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:48 pm

I don't understand why someone would let themselves be run off a forum they have contributed so much to. I hate to see anybody leave here especially because of one or two members postings. How does leaving the forum to the individuals You reference in your post help anything?

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:04 pm

Dear Mike, just read this sad post of yours, I have alot of respect for you and have allways enjoyed reading and sharing experiences with you.
Blessings to you and yours forever.

Nath.

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:12 pm

game keeper +1

Please reconsider, this board is better for your presence.

GonnePhishin · Post by **GonnePhishin** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:32 pm

Mike,

Very sorry to see you go, since I have always had the utmost respect for your postings. While I don't know your personally, I have purchased several lever guns from you in the past and your business dealings were always honest and 1st class all the way.

Via Con Dios, and with Yeshua, Amigo!

UncleBuck

Noah Zark · Post by **Noah Zark** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:38 pm

Mike:

Everybody needs to take a break now and then. Please consider just taking a break for a while and come back in a few weeks/couple months.

I'd hate to see you leave permanently.

Noah

dkmlever · Post by **dkmlever** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:42 pm

Very sorry to read this post, I enjoyed greatly the info that you write. It is upsetting that others pushed you out and they may not even know that they have caused a loss for the entire group. Hope you tell everyone here who rubbed you the wrong way. I do not post alot, but read the newsgroup daily, it will be a loss not to see your responses on topics.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:52 pm

I don't follow the 'controversial' posts that much, and even if I realize I'm "in" one, I tend to focus on the IDEA being discussed, rather than the individuals, so I have no idea what the last straw was.

I do wonder that if THIS forum is offensive, unless someone personally attacked you, how you could tolerate the average conversation in line at the grocery store, doctor's office, or military barracks...? Other gun forums I've been on are like this one - lots of time strong, independent personalities (the type who own guns) tend to have strong and divergent opinions, so the conversations can be heated and strong. That's just the real world, not unique to "Levergunscommunity.com" - so good luck not being offended in whatever realm you move on to.

If it was a 'personal' attack, that is a different matter, but like I said, I don't follow the conversations to that degree; if things turn personal vs. idealogical, I just don't click on that topic anymore, and pretty soon it scrolls off the page of 'current topics' so I don't worry about it. Still, the real world is full of anal orifices, and some of them will go to your church, be related to you, and yes - even own leverguns...!

Letting them ruin your churchgoing, your family reunions, or your enjoyment of this, or any other, forum is just - silly.

And I didn't intend "silly" as a personal attack, but just as a gentle reminder to not let the 1% outweight the 99%.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:55 pm

Mike,
I am really/really bummed you want to leave this forum.

I very much respect and value your thoughts and advice you offer.(I was really hoping to have many great conversations with you and was really looking forward to your experiences with your new Freedom Arms .475(its my screensaver) along with so many more threads???

I hope I have not said or done anything to offend you friend?If so I apologize.Please tell me if I have done so! I know somtimes I can get carried away.
I would only ask you to come right out with these issues that make you want to do this.I really feel most guys on this Forum will man up to it and we can work it out.I think everyone really likes you here.

To lose you on this forum would be a Huge loss.I "really" would miss you/your a valueable asset.Please reconsider this friend?

Sincerely, Madman

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:03 pm

Mike,

Please reconsider this decision. I have nothing new to add to what has been said other than to tell you straight out I will personally miss you. Each of us contributes to this forum. Your leaving will greatly hurt it and all of us.

Joe

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:10 pm

Mike, please note my PM.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:13 pm

sorry if I've offended you; it's the salt and light I'll miss, will it be under the bushel?

Grizz

piller · Post by **piller** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:13 pm

Mike, if and when you return, you will be welcomed back. I haven't met you face to face, but I do think of you as a friend. If you ever get to the Dallas area, call me and we can go out to a restaurant and have a meal and a conversation.

morgan in nm · Post by **morgan in nm** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:21 pm

Sir, I don't know you personally but have always enjoyed your contributions to this forum. I too would like for you to reconsider. If you leave, its like giving in to those who offend you and that is how the country is so messed up today.

deerwhacker444 · Post by **deerwhacker444** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:32 pm

I Hope you will stick around. When people leave, it diminishes the knowledge base of forums and bums out everyone who's come here to see their "friends". I'll miss your posts about Ethiopia, I really looked forward to seeing how things go on your mission trips. Don't let a few knuckleheads run you off..!..

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:37 pm

Email sent brother Mike.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:02 pm

Well Mike... I'm not very well going to try to convince you to reconsider, although I hope you do. If someone needs their fingers broke, let me know!

I'm sorta of the mind, that as with ScottT, the forum was better due to your presence vs. your absence... 'tis truly our loss.

There are those that I ignore from time to time, and can certainly understand the sentiment.

RKrodle · Post by **RKrodle** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:24 pm

Mike,
I hate to hear of your decision. I have always enjoyed your posts and having meet to personally I will miss you. Hope we can meet up again someday to hunt together and share fellowship. God Bless.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:31 pm

Mike I understand your decision, and have thought of the same thing myself. However due to the ScotchIrishgerman ancestry I have , I refuse to empower the b*****ds any further , let alone give them the satisfaction.
Good luck ,good shooting and gods speed to you.

Post by **Hobie** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:36 pm

rjohns94 wrote:It saddens me to write this. Over the last few months, the tone of the board has taken a direction that I no longer find comfortable. Several new, and several old posters have taken it upon themselves to attack others for what appears to be no reason. The blunt conversations no longer reflect the high-class of those I have come to know as family. personal attacks have driven off shootist and long time contributors alike. There are now people on this board that do not respect others, can not act politely nor tolerate others opinions. I joined many years ago when i first heard of the shootist, and lingered in the wings gleaning a wealth of knowledge and respect for so many. When I came back to this forum, it was as if my family had grown. Many of you have touched my life in a number of wonderful ways. This forum has been home and a very comfortable place. It is becoming an uncomfortable place with the attacks and intolerance and cursing and posts not befitting a family place. To those whom I have come to know as friends, I wish you blessings. I hope that we stay in touch via email but should this be the parting of our paths, may you have a joyful and fulfilling and blessed life. I wish for you every happiness. I will ask Hobie to keep my membership open for a period so that PM's can be sent and received to exchange emails and contact info. After that, I will, like JI, and ScottT, and others, ask to be removed from the forum. Blessings to all. thank you for your knowledge, your prayers, your laughs and fun. I will forward the funds gathered for the appreciation tribute of Paco, Hobie and AMBRACOL, to YK for sending them on. Please contact him with further donations. Peace. Out.

Well... stuff!

TNBigBore · Post by **TNBigBore** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:51 pm

I hate to see you go Mike. I have always considered you one of the true gentleman of this forum as demonstrated by your thoughful and level headed posts. I will miss you and hope that you will reconsider in time.

Neal B

awp101 · Post by **awp101** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:26 pm

TNBigBore wrote:I hate to see you go Mike. I have always considered you one of the true gentleman of this forum as demonstrated by your thoughful and level headed posts. I will miss you and hope that you will reconsider in time.

Neal B

Mike, I can't say it any better.

Take a break like Noah said, go make smoke with those longrifles, puncture stuff with the bows and decompress. When you feel like coming back 'round the campfire I'll have a place saved fer ya...

Travis Morgan · Post by **Travis Morgan** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:52 pm

I hope it turns out to just be a break from the forum; I've noticed that you've gotten more sensitive over the last year or so, but maybe stepping away for a coupla weeks will make a difference.

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:07 pm

I for one will look forward to your return if that should be in the cards - we are better off with you hear.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:20 pm

Mike,
This place is like a regional Catholic Priests meeting compared to what I deal with on the outside. Chill out and don't take things so personal.

I just came back from blasting a few thousand rounds of ammo with the boys at a cabin in upstate Pa. I actually had guys "breaking wind" right in my face. Another guy got my tire wet on my shiny Jeep. Did I get mad? No! I thanked them for giving me so much attention!

----------------------------Sixgun

tman · Post by **tman** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:40 pm

hate to see you go. will miss your wisdom. i think all of us on this forum have the same love for our country, our religous beliefs and our strong support for our second ammendment rights. maybe we all can't agree on who and how can best represent us, what the best bear stopper is, or which is better the marlin or winchester 94. but, that is what makes our country great.this is defininatly the best and most unique sight of its kind on the web. and its the people here and the moderators and the owner and the sponsers who combine to make it so. you are part of the special group. take a break, and then come back swinging.

pokey · Post by **pokey** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:38 pm

TNBigBore wrote:I hate to see you go Mike. I have always considered you one of the true gentleman of this forum as demonstrated by your thoughful and level headed posts. I will miss you and hope that you will reconsider in time.

Neal B

+1

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:39 pm

Mike -

I will, of course, respect your decision, but do personally hope you reconsider. You are one of the reasons I look forward to logging into Leverguns.com every day. I enjoy your reasoned posts, your quick wit, and your devotion to our Lord. You have personally helped me become closer to our Saviour. That has been one of the unexpected treasures of this forum. It will be a great loss to our community here if you aren't contributing.

All the best my friend.

Jay

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:45 pm

Well shoot Mike! I hate to see you go, but I won't question your reasoning. I personally won't let some knuckledraggers run me away from anything I enjoy so much. Incoming PM.

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:04 pm

Mike I thought about this and YOU CAN"T GO. Don't make me come out there.

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:10 pm

Mike - PM sent.

Listen to Old Savage. If you don't stay, I'll probably have to share the driving with him out there and have to listen to stories about the gal with the hula-hoop non-stop.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:13 pm

I don't think I would mind those stories.

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:23 pm

We would have video too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C31JQcj ... annel_page

Bing gives me a driving distance of 2616.5 mi and 37.25 hrs. We could have us a convoy.

Mike do you always park the little red car behind the white one or is that your neighbor?

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:30 pm

AJMD429 wrote:I don't follow the 'controversial' posts that much, and even if I realize I'm "in" one, I tend to focus on the IDEA being discussed, rather than the individuals, so I have no idea what the last straw was.

I do wonder that if THIS forum is offensive, unless someone personally attacked you, how you could tolerate the average conversation in line at the grocery store, doctor's office, or military barracks...? Other gun forums I've been on are like this one - lots of time strong, independent personalities (the type who own guns) tend to have strong and divergent opinions, so the conversations can be heated and strong. That's just the real world, not unique to "Levergunscommunity.com" - so good luck not being offended in whatever realm you move on to.

If it was a 'personal' attack, that is a different matter, but like I said, I don't follow the conversations to that degree; if things turn personal vs. idealogical, I just don't click on that topic anymore, and pretty soon it scrolls off the page of 'current topics' so I don't worry about it. Still, the real world is full of anal orifices, and some of them will go to your church, be related to you, and yes - even own leverguns...! Letting them ruin your churchgoing, your family reunions, or your enjoyment of this, or any other, forum is just - silly.

And I didn't intend "silly" as a personal attack, but just as a gentle reminder to not let the 1% outweight the 99%.

The Dr.'s post fits my feelings pretty well.

Take care man. You will be missed.

mescalero1 · Post by **mescalero1** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:31 pm

You know, I'm retired, no responsibilties, ummmmmmmmmm, can Heather go?

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:43 pm

You are on the way. That would be interesting.

mescalero1 · Post by **mescalero1** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:02 am

I want you to think of this mix....................................................
We could get into some SERIOUS trouble!

jazman · Post by **jazman** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:18 am

Hate to see this Mike, I've enjoyed your posts and our business dealings. The board is worse off for you leaving it.

Post by **Old Savage** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:24 am

You may be right --- that may be crazy.

But then you just may be the lunatic we're lookin for. Billy Joel.