Less heat, more light.

[Esav Benyamin]

Not trying to start a brawl, and I'm aware my thoughts are my own, but I think some actual rules and open discussion of those rules would lure many back here. As it is, it's a guessing game.

In his thread What has changed - or is it me???? myright suggested we could improve the forum, and I agree there is some confusion as to what "the rules" are.

What rules? Start with the same FAQ that applies to all of Bladeforums, throw in an appreciation of the natural world and what we like to do there, remember to be courteous even with disagreeable people, or ignore them, and we should be OK.

What specifically do you think we need? What topics should be accepted automatically and what might not? What rules do you want and what rules don't you want? Let me know, post it here, talk it over.

 

[Mentor]

Two thoughts:

I think that W&SS is a place for a discussion of Wilderness and Survival skills, Wilderness and Survival gear, and Wilderness and Survival experiences and appreciation. Individual threads can cover one or all of these aspects, and ought not to be judged harshly for omitting one in favour of others.

and

I value the fact that there are a number of knifemakers who are part of the W&SS community. Can these makers post threads about their new W&SS-related knives in this subforum? Is this sort of activity deemed a) desirable by members and b) permissible by the mods? The rules seem unclear. Personally, I believe that makers should feel free to post their W&SS-related knives, and encouraged to include some thoughts about W&SS-related features, design ideas, and applications.

All the best,

- Mike

 

[kgd]

Two thoughts:

I think that W&SS is a place for a discussion of Wilderness and Survival skills, Wilderness and Survival gear, and Wilderness and Survival experiences and appreciation. Individual threads can cover one or all of these aspects, and ought not to be judged harshly for omitting one in favour of others.

and

I value the fact that there are a number of knifemakers who are part of the W&SS community. Can these makers post threads about their new W&SS-related knives in this subforum? Is this sort of activity deemed a) desirable by members and b) permissible by the mods? The rules seem unclear. Personally, I believe that makers should feel free to post their W&SS-related knives, and encouraged to include some thoughts about W&SS-related features, design ideas, and applications.

All the best,

- Mike

Sounds good to me :thumbup:

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I value the fact that there are a number of knifemakers who are part of the W&SS community. Can these makers post threads about their new W&SS-related knives in this subforum? Is this sort of activity deemed a) desirable by members and b) permissible by the mods? The rules seem unclear. Personally, I believe that makers should feel free to post their W&SS-related knives, and encouraged to include some thoughts about W&SS-related features, design ideas, and applications.

I would like to read a lot of opinions on this. Personally, I see some of our BF knifemakers as wilderness people first, and their knifemaking building on their wilderness skills. Many of their knives come from members here ordering certain features for wilderness use. Their knives are integral to what this forum is about.

 

[markv]

looks like you have two or maybe even three subjects.
Wilderness
Survival
Skills???

anyway Wilderness
& Survival Skills

plenty of room for dealing with Urban survival too,i think.

civility is always a good way to communicate. more productive.

thanks for asking.
your on the right track
E.B.
buzz

some of us are only two weeks away from the wilderness. the wilderness of survival in a corrupt and lazy culture. LOL

 

[Kiah]

The main problem is the ambiguity of on-topic discussions. What's allowed? What isn't? We went through this before in this forum and S&S and it ended with zero resolution.

My opinions, which again are my own.

1. Obviously, cut out the pissing contests. Talfuchre's post here should be rule #1. Arguing in the right way is essential to the types of discussions that will occur in this forum. "I know you are, but what am I?" arguing is disruptive and useless. I've done my share, and I'll take my badge of hypocrite on that though. Then again, this is common sense, so making it a rule may be redundant with those that have any.

2. I believe pic threads of hikes and nature in general are on-topic here. They spark discussion and they're just plain nice to see. If there was a vote right now, I can't imagine the majority of us wanting pitdog to stop posting pics.

3. I feel our knife makers who have contributed to this forum should be able to post pics of their work if it is useful to the forum. Obviously not haphazardly. Heck, letting 'em keep a single thread each to fill with bushcraft related blades would work. They are an essential part of BFC. If we aren't gonna allow our knifemakers to post (advertise if you will) their relevant work here, then that rule should apply to everyone.

So, I guess I'm not saying we need more rules, but guidelines of what we can and can't post. Guessing and hoping doesn't suit some of us.

 

[dougo83]

I would like to read a lot of opinions on this. Personally, I see some of our BF knifemakers as wilderness people first, and their knifemaking building on their wilderness skills. Many of their knives come from members here ordering certain features for wilderness use. Their knives are integral to what this forum is about.

Though I cannot afford many of the knives I still enjoy having them here. Many of us in W&SS don't stray too far from this particular sub-forum. I find it beneficial, both to the members and the makers, to have their knives posted in here instead of elsewhere on BFC. Here they can get the input of those who spend more time in the woods and have valuable insight as to what works and what doesn't for a "woods" knife. Likewise, the members of this sub-forum can deal "directly" with makers to have nearly customized knives...

 

[j williams]

I believe the rules should be the same across the board. If Stomper(for example) posts one of his sweet blades and its kosher, then every knifemaker that has a "camp" related design should be alowed to do so. Just the same if a member has a design that is being manufactured by a company, or has a hand in a new line of gear. If one man can do it, all should. Its not right to call one guy a spammer, while 2 threads down someone is getting away with it.

Picture threads are always nice. I love seeing pics of places that I might not ever visit. takes me away a bit, and makes me happier. Even if said threads are more of adventure stories/ hikes then "skills" related.

Our moderators moderate with a style that lets us police ourselves so to speak. Brian, Kev, and Joe are verrry busy guys with thier own lives and careers. In that they dont really have much of a presence around here, of no fault of their own. Maybe we need an additional moderator that is seasoned here on WSS, and well versed in the etiquette of the forum, and has more time to have a presence. Maybe we should vote on one? Not nessisarilly based on their skills expertise, or resume, but based on everyone knowing them around here and trusting their judgement.

Im not in any way bashing ANY of our mods. They are all great guys, and I consider each of them friends, and have gotten to know them pretty well over the years.

Anyways.....Just a thought.

 

[Katdaddy]

2. I believe pic threads of hikes and nature in general are on-topic here. They spark discussion and they're just plain nice to see. If there was a vote right now, I can't imagine the majority of us wanting pitdog to stop posting pics.

+1 on this! Sometimes due to work and other inconvenient aspects of my life these pics are as close as I can get to a wilderness experience at the time.

 

[Gossman Knives]

One thing that has always bothered me not just with this forum but most of the forums. When someone voices their opinion or method of doing something, it sometimes ends up in a flame war over which is the best way. As far as I'm concerned, there is no "best" way. Whatever works best for you is the way you should do it. The "this vs. that" threads get real old. The which one should I get threads also get old. If a novice would just search and read, these discussions have been done over and over and they will find their answer just from reading.
As far as knifemakers posting their work, I don't see a problem doing it. I do it on ocassion but don't like to constantly be posting pics in this forum. I got my own forum just for that. If I have a new concept or design, I like to get opinons on it so I post it here. But to constantly post pics of a PSK knife, Tusker or my other standard knives is unnecessary.
The internet is a great place to market ones wares and to post here just for the reason of trying to sell your knives is wrong. If you want to do that on BF, a maker needs to get their own sub forum.
Scott

 

[TheGame]

Two thoughts:

I think that W&SS is a place for a discussion of Wilderness and Survival skills, Wilderness and Survival gear, and Wilderness and Survival experiences and appreciation. Individual threads can cover one or all of these aspects, and ought not to be judged harshly for omitting one in favour of others.

and

I value the fact that there are a number of knifemakers who are part of the W&SS community. Can these makers post threads about their new W&SS-related knives in this subforum? Is this sort of activity deemed a) desirable by members and b) permissible by the mods? The rules seem unclear. Personally, I believe that makers should feel free to post their W&SS-related knives, and encouraged to include some thoughts about W&SS-related features, design ideas, and applications.

All the best,

- Mike

+ 1 to that.

2. I believe pic threads of hikes and nature in general are on-topic here. They spark discussion and they're just plain nice to see. If there was a vote right now, I can't imagine the majority of us wanting pitdog to stop posting pics.

Another +1 to that also.

I also think the knifemakers who are WSS regulars, should be allowed for their knives to be posted here, as most of them only regular this forum, which is why they prefer to put them up here, and not elsewhere.

 

[Kiah]

I also think the knifemakers who are WSS regulars, should be allowed for their knives to be posted here, as most of them only regular this forum, which is why they prefer to put them up here, and not elsewhere.

This is my thought. Obviously having makers post just to advertise would get out of hand. Makers who participate here or just post a pic for feedback or thoughts should be allowed if their knife is relevant to W&SS. Obviously posting prices or "Hey these are available, buy one!" shouldn't be, but our knifemakers are knife users and as such a lot tend to gravitate here out of comfort and desire for input. I know there's a Gallery forum, but I can honestly say after several years and a few thousand posts on BFC, I have never once went to it. I imagine that's the case for many.

 

[TheGame]

This is my thought. Obviously having makers post just to advertise would get out of hand. Makers who participate here or just post a pic for feedback or thoughts should be allowed if their knife is relevant to W&SS. Obviously posting prices or "Hey these are available, buy one!" shouldn't be, but our knifemakers are knife users and as such a lot tend to gravitate here out of comfort and desire for input. I know there's a Gallery forum, but I can honestly say after several years and a few thousand posts on BFC, I have never once went to it. I imagine that's the case for many.

Yes, I agree. I do not want it to turn into an advertisement-central, just the regulars wanting feedback on their new blade. They use them as we do, and they like the feedback we give them. Sometimes we can give them an idea or two to add to or take away from the knife, making it more efficient to use as a woods blade.

Also, I didn't even know there was a gallery, so, that is 100% true.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Good points:

One thing that has always bothered me not just with this forum but most of the forums. When someone voices their opinion or method of doing something, it sometimes ends up in a flame war over which is the best way. As far as I'm concerned, there is no "best" way. Whatever works best for you is the way you should do it. The "this vs. that" threads get real old. The which one should I get threads also get old. If a novice would just search and read, these discussions have been done over and over and they will find their answer just from reading.

Too many times we have people answering what they think the question was, or answering it just for their own environment, without reading carefully or asking to find out what the original poster really needs. Then we get the personal attacks because people are talking past each other.

As far as knifemakers posting their work, I don't see a problem doing it. I do it on ocassion but don't like to constantly be posting pics in this forum. I got my own forum just for that. If I have a new concept or design, I like to get opinons on it so I post it here. But to constantly post pics of a PSK knife, Tusker or my other standard knives is unnecessary.
The internet is a great place to market ones wares and to post here just for the reason of trying to sell your knives is wrong. If you want to do that on BF, a maker needs to get their own sub forum.
Scott

Pretty thorough distinction of what would work and what wouldn't for posting knives here. This forum can be ideal for developing a wilderness design or demonstrating a new idea.

 

[koyote]

I think topicality is not the main issue- we all post off topic and on topic- if it's WAY THE HELL off topic, esav will move it. Esav loves moving threads

This is the one forum that is a hardcore community in my experience. Like, customers from WSS drive to my house, drink beer, we have gatherings, we have completely random and sudden contests that work without any moderation. We handle passarounds, we handle emergencies, we can handle anything!

We need a bit more joy of the outdoors this season, a bit more concrete how to get outdoors when you can't pay the rent discussion, a bit more dog pics. A bit less arguing about whether or not someone is dumb carrying a .22 in the field versus a .454.

I'd like to see, as much as I don't love stickies- a 'dumbass in the woods' sticky rather than a photos sticky (I like photo threads, 80% of the dumbass almost died threads need to be in W&C by post 4)

 

[koyote]

oh yeah. I like seeing knives on the forum- it's not a for sale thread place, but talking about them or showing them seems relevant. I have a forum, but not everyone does.... It's a bit iffy, but there are people who give me really good input who never see my forum *shrug*

 

[mcjhrobinson]

im fairly new to this forum and so i might have a different perspective so here goes

-any outdoorsy style hiking pic should be shown...i do miss pits pics

-knifemakers should be able to post designs on knives and actual knives intended to be used outdoors, honestly if they dont allow it then id be glad to review a knife or they would have a passaround to make it available to see...so why not just let the maker post

-pissing contests...ive seen alot of those.....cant stand them

-questions already posed...this is a tough one. ive seen the google search for the WSS subforum and it does work good. i think its up to the people who know about it to simply state for the OP to use the search and if they still have a question to continue OR to find the thread and bump it up into discussion.

-the only constant is change; i always check 5 pages to make sure i dont miss anything...the days off a page staying up are gone i believe.

i think if we stick to what Tal voiced about an argument then things will be much better.

great thread esav thanks for starting it up! (although i didnt understand it until i read myrights thread)

 

[koyote]

-questions already posed...this is a tough one. ive seen the google search for the WSS subforum and it does work good. i think its up to the people who know about it to simply state for the OP to use the search and if they still have a question to continue OR to find the thread and bump it up into discussion.

I can see a daily hammock thread getting annoying, but- using hammocks as an example- the thread comes up every couple months and new people give new answers, details change, and old people give updated answers.

All very important. I learn more that way

 

[lambertiana]

As long as people are civil and don't just put things out for advertisement, I think pretty much anything wilderness and survival related should be allowed. This includes:

Pictures - I love to see wilderness pictures of places I will probably never get a chance to visit.

Gear - All gear included. Knives, packs, tents, boots, stoves, etc, etc. Any reviews of gear, any gear items made by or bought by forum contributors.

Wilderness stories - spooky, weird, or fun.

Tactics - It's always good to learn about new approaches to fire, shelter, food, etc. No one has all the right answers, and some ideas may not work in the specific areas where you live and play, but it's good to see the possibilities. I get a lot of good ideas on this forum.

And survival also includes suburban and urban. A little knowledge can go a long way toward saving the day whether a life is on the line or it is just a better way to handle the day to day.

 

[Liam Ryan]

+1 on this! Sometimes due to work and other inconvenient aspects of my life these pics are as close as I can get to a wilderness experience at the time.

It's a non issue, I am wondering in what reality anyone considered his posts in any way not welcome in the forum. In fact, they basically epitomize what W&SS is all about, especially when he does some firemaking or shows us some wild edibles .