Adding some kick to W&SS

[Gautier]

I don't think Dawsonbob was "shooting your idea down" or being tactless, at least that's not the way I read it. It's not always easy to convey tone with text, which is going to be a problem with any forum, and I think that may be one of the issues we have here.

The way I read it, he was just adding his thoughts to a topic that he thought they were relevant in, which in my opinion they seem to be otherwise these threads wouldn't have popped up the past few days. We all want this forum to continue to thrive and be a community and fun friendly atmosphere for everyone. We all just have different approaches or ideas of how to accomplish that, and some may not have suggestions or solutions at all.

The very format of a forum limits what can and can't be done, so do resources like servers and such. Sometimes we have to BE the solution, not come up with one. Ofcourse not everyone is going to post the same way, or read the same way, or value the same things, but that diversity is what makes it a great venue for discussion.

To my eyes, the best we can do, is try to realize that, sift through what we find valuable to us, and be considerate to those posts and posters that we may not necessarily agree with. Which, is pretty much what this community does. So, in a way, it is sort of staying with the status quo. Granted, we could probably tweak a few things here and there to spruce things up or what not, but really, this place is already leaps and bounds ahead of other forums.

It's only human to want to improve and make things as perfect as possible, but the thing about humans is that perfection is relative...What is perfect for one, may not be for another. Just a few of my thoughts, for what they're worth


Gautier

 

[tonym]

I like Don, and get along with him just fine, but if you're going to bring him in and give him a free shot at me, who knows how it would go?

Better you than me

Oh and next time you quote me, you can atleast fix my spelling mistakes

When are you new guys gonna learn...

 

[dawsonbob]

Better you than me

Oh and next time you quote me, you can at least fix my spelling mistakes

When are you new guys gonna learn...

You know, part of what I do for a living is write advertising copy, so I have some experience with speeling meesteaks (mostly my own), but as a raw newbie, I would never, ever, presume to correct the spelling of one of you god-like old timers: it just wouldn't be right.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Well, how can I put this?

I think it's best left as is.

I understand the concept of splitting into subforums, unfortunately, that tends to stifle things a bit what with people spending a bit too much time policing topics than contributing. Also, a lot of the time the topics overlap, so what to do? Which subforum to post in, or should we split everything up into bits? Not to mention you then have to navigate separate forums. If that is to work, it also adds to the workload of the mods as they have to move topics to other forums a lot more. And the subforum navigation is part of the problem. You get to thinking of something in the gear section, you're reading in the fire section, forget where you are and make a gear thread.

I also don't mind repeated topics of the "Which one?" variety. People change over time, and the other forums out there where people jump on a new poster "Use the search function" and whatnot miss two things:
1.) People change, and what they chose last time may no longer be their choice.
2.) It's a discussion forum, not a library.

Yeah, I get suck of the same-old after a while, but then I just skip that thread.

Finally like Esav said, this is the cantina for the whole of BF. People in the Trad, General and separate makers' forums post there about their collections, but this is where they post about using them.

Also, gear may not be a skill, but Gadgets & Gear forum is usually about the piece of gear in general. This is where to post on how you use it in the woods. I don't see posts in W&SS about "hey I bought a new bag, it's cool." I see "I got a new bag and here's my bushbum/camping/hiking kit I stuffed in it." Often with reviews of the bag in particular that prompted them to choose it as a bush bag.

In short, I'm more worried about losing the freedom and "feel" we have here.

Like others have said, there are dedicated skills forums if that's what you want. I mean this is Bladeforums, so even the W&SS forum is going to center on knife uses and skills, rather than just skills alone.

 

[dawsonbob]

Well, how can I put this?

I think it's best left as is.

I understand the concept of splitting into subforums, unfortunately, that tends to stifle things a bit what with people spending a bit too much time policing topics than contributing. Also, a lot of the time the topics overlap, so what to do? Which subforum to post in, or should we split everything up into bits? Not to mention you then have to navigate separate forums. If that is to work, it also adds to the workload of the mods as they have to move topics to other forums a lot more. And the subforum navigation is part of the problem. You get to thinking of something in the gear section, you're reading in the fire section, forget where you are and make a gear thread.

I also don't mind repeated topics of the "Which one?" variety. People change over time, and the other forums out there where people jump on a new poster "Use the search function" and whatnot miss two things:
1.) People change, and what they chose last time may no longer be their choice.
2.) It's a discussion forum, not a library.

Yeah, I get suck of the same-old after a while, but then I just skip that thread.

Finally like Esav said, this is the cantina for the whole of BF. People in the Trad, General and separate makers' forums post there about their collections, but this is where they post about using them.

Also, gear may not be a skill, but Gadgets & Gear forum is usually about the piece of gear in general. This is where to post on how you use it in the woods. I don't see posts in W&SS about "hey I bought a new bag, it's cool." I see "I got a new bag and here's my bushbum/camping/hiking kit I stuffed in it." Often with reviews of the bag in particular that prompted them to choose it as a bush bag.

In short, I'm more worried about losing the freedom and "feel" we have here.

Like others have said, there are dedicated skills forums if that's what you want. I mean this is Bladeforums, so even the W&SS forum is going to center on knife uses and skills, rather than just skills alone.

:thumbup::thumbup: Prezactly, Cpl.

 

[Iboschi]

Alright, I appologize. I took it personal. However, it's a difficult thing to see people rise up and give issue and not want to assist. I tried to lend a hand and the response wasn't positive. I admit I expected to be acknowleged for a good deed. I thought people would perhaps rather the status quo in respect to segmenting (as do I), but I also hoped people would also relay ideas about change in a positive way. Sorry, but as much as I like many things, most of them aren't perfect. Evolution is key.

Speaking to emotion, it influences and imbues everything we do and say, whether we like it or not. The trick is factoring that into logic.

 

[dawsonbob]

Alright, I appologize. I took it personal. However, it's a difficult thing to see people rise up and give issue and not want to assist. I tried to lend a hand and the response wasn't positive. I admit I expected to be acknowleged for a good deed. I thought people would perhaps rather the status quo in respect to segmenting (as do I), but I also hoped people would also relay ideas about change in a positive way. Sorry, but as much as I like many things, most of them aren't perfect. Evolution is key.

Speaking to emotion, it influences and imbues everything we do and say, whether we like it or not. The trick is factoring that into logic.

You did do a good thing, Iboschi. You started a thread that makes people think. The thing is, when you make people think, they're probably going to tell you what they think. Sometimes they agree with you, sometimes they don't, but starting a thread like this does get people thinking and sharing their thoughts: isn't that what you wanted? But those thoughts may end up being exactly what does make a difference to this forum — you never know.

Yeah, the emotion thing's a bitch, isn't it?

 

[tonym]

Iboshi, I am sorry as well buddy. I think we all understood you were/are trying to help. We should have acknowledged that before shutting down your idea. You and Dawsonbob are both new members that are contributing in a positive way, and I thank you both for that.:thumbup:

I also see that Dawsonbob is going to give me competition as the biggest wiseass here....

 

[dawsonbob]

Iboshi, I am sorry as well buddy. I think we all understood you were/are trying to help. We should have acknowledged that before shutting down your idea. You and Dawsonbob are both new members that are contributing in a positive way, and I thank you both for that.:thumbup:

I also see that Dawsonbob is going to give me competition as the biggest wiseass here....

I'm still a wiseass in training. I only hope that, with good training, and when enough time has passed, I, too, can be a truly great wiseass. A man has to have his dreams and hopes, after all.

I shall try to pattern myself after you, great guru, and someday, someday...

ETA: And I've been here long enough to see all of you greats at work. I know I'm still relatively new (hardly anyone insults me much yet), but when I grow up...

 

[coote]

I haven't read the other thread, and I've only just skimmed this one. But I think I understand what the problem is.

There are a number of topics that come up here that don't interest me. I may take a casual glance at them if I have the time, but often I don't even click on them.

This is a large web site and there are some knowledgable folks here. It is only natural that people with knife/wilderness questions on their mind will gravitate to this forum.

I think that it is good to encourage participation....to offer gracious hospitality. We can all learn from others, no matter who they are. And we can help and encourage others.... which is a good thing.

I feel that if people's interest/enjoyment regarding the natural world can be encouraged, then more people are likely to think about the natural world.... and want to protect it. I further believe that people with a genuine appreciation of natural life and beauty are generally more thoughtful and
better citizens on this planet. The more people that want to enjoy and protect the natural world, the better.

So while I'd rather just read about the specific things that interest me, I think it is kinda nice to encompass a wider circle. A bit of patience, warmth, encouragement and a good example could bring much bigger positive results than we might imagine.

I love this place. Happy new year from several hours ahead..... Coote.

 

[Foilist]

All those different subforums would give me a headache. I wouldn't know where to look..

If we don't like a thread, we need to learn to ignore it and move on.

Simple really.

This has worked fine for me during my whole time here. I'm afraid that subdividing W&SS too much would make it too easy to miss things. I'd rather wade through a bit of chaff than miss a nice kernel.

Now, could someone please tell me what is the best survival knife?

 

[Iboschi]

Thanks Tony (you too dawsonbob)! Glad to see someone actually reading. It really is a great feeling when people successfully communicate ideas.