Nominations for Customs and Handmade Knives Moderator

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if there is to be a mod appointed to this forum, I would think their job would be pretty low key as this forum generally displays a fairly consistent level of maturity. What's happened in the past, no one can say could have turned out differently if this or that was different. We all want to make this a better place, but the fact is, it's a pretty awesome place as it is- warts and all.
 
petah said:
I don't think a visable mod is nessary and I believe it could take away a lot from this forum. There are some strong personalities here that might get butt hurt with constant moderation. I think we would lose a lot of people and hashed out threads if we had someone here slapping wrists. C&H does not need wrist slapping and prodding from a mod. It seldem needs someone to step in and say "boys shake hands and agree to disagree" if you want to keep it in the current state.


That said I seldom vist these days because there is a bit of a polarization in what is posted. maybe you need to think about what you want for the future...

Intelligent discussion is great. But I always came here to see knife porn. And up and coming makers that don't fit with strong personalities here. people are afraid to post their stuff. Maybe many makers don't want to post their work. Lots to concider here. I'll say that when they had moderation I saw some great stuff here. Not so much anymore.

Just my $.02 this forum should be the forefront of custom knives. A spot light for everything hand made. I'm just not feeling it these days.
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I've read this post twice and still don't understand part one (no mods needed) when it closes with Part two: "I seldom visit because there is polarization, there are strong personalities in here, people are afraid to post their stuff, I'm not feelin' it." (I know, it's an abridged version)

And then this kicker: "I'll say that when they had moderation I saw some great stuff here. Not so much anymore."

I think this is a fine example of how backwards logic can be. :D

Coop
 
So do I.

If you actually read the thread, Les Roberstson caused his own demise. He's been selling his makers, his "investing philosphy" and himself here for years w/o paying a dealer membership. He finished it off by taking on Spark...not wise. Hope he invests better than he handles himself here.

What this subforum needs is more different types of customs. More modern customs. The content runs too much to the ABS and forged straight knives and the content on this subforum does not really mirror the custom knife market.
 
brownshoe said:
What this subforum needs is more different types of customs. More modern customs. The content runs too much to the ABS and forged straight knives and the content on this subforum does not really mirror the custom knife market.
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I try. Take a look at my threads. Search for "MArtin Annegarn", search for "Gudy Van Poppel", search for "Aad Van Rijswijk"...

But most people don't even LOOK at these threads, because they are european makers... and their knives don't look "American"...

Anyway, I do enjoy this subforum (hell, it's the only one I visit regularly, this one and the CRK subforum...). I do enjoy looking at the ABS forged straight knives. But this forum is so much more, just take the time to open ALL threads, and be prepared to be amazed! I mean, look at the stuff Serge Panchenko posts, look at the stuff some Polish makers post...

And this whole "moderator" & "Les Robertson" thing is just clashing egos, that's not about knives.

Just my 2 cents, in case anyone is interested...

Kind regards,

Jos
 
Jos said:
I try......But most people don't even LOOK at these threads, because they are european makers... and their knives don't look "American"...
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Is the response very different for the work of less well known American makers on European knife forums, Jos? I have seen minimal responses to some pretty solid work from American makers, while a thread about a Puuko - which looks to my admittedly untrained eye like any other Puuko - goes on for pages of enthusiastic responses.

I do agree that, quite unlike brownshoe, you do actually make an effort to contribute the kind of content which you value. It really is the only way to bring about a change in awareness and appreciation - which as in most endeavors, doesn't happen overnight.

And while I don't dispute that the names you mentioned may not have generated the response you had hoped for, if you search this forum for "Sam Lurquin" you will find some very active threads on a very European maker.

Roger
 
RogerP said:
Is the response very different for the work of less well known American makers on European knife forums, Jos? I have seen minimal responses to some pretty solid work from American makers, while a thread about a Puuko - which looks to my admittedly untrained eye like any other Puuko - goes on for pages of enthusiastic responses.

I do agree that, quite unlike brownshoe, you do actually make an effort to contribute the kind of content which you value. It really is the only way to bring about a change in awareness and appreciation - which as in most endeavors, doesn't happen overnight.

And while I don't dispute that the names you mentioned may not have generated the response you had hoped for, if you search this forum for "Sam Lurquin" you will find some very active threads on a very European maker.

Roger
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Yes, Roger on some European forums there are indeed lukewarm reactions to some US makers.

But, over there I try to do the same like I do here, post their work, try to get reactions.

And indeed, Sam is getting well-known over here. And rightly so, as his stuff is quite spectacular!

Appreciate your comment about me making an effort, and that's exactly what I will keep doing. Over here - and on other forums.

Kind regards,

Jos
 
C&H just like any forum cannot be everything to every one.

There are a lot of us that have been here for a long time, and we generally like the way things run...

However, we don't know what can be improved, and like anything else...that is something that we should always be striving for....a way to make something that we see as good even better.

In my mind, someone like Lorien who already has demonstrated himself with regards to enthusiasm, promotion of the art and involvement in all aspects of Custom and Handmade knives(while remaining extremely level headed and on point) can help guide this s/f to that higher level.

It isn't so much about those of us who are regulars and like the way things are...it's for a)those that don't like the way things are...they should be able to voice their discontent if they have the gumption to do so, and this will require the "attention" of a Moderator...and b)help guide those new to this s/f, mediate conflict and keep the place free of those that have no purpose being here.

It's bound to be a net gain for everyone who loves Custom and Handmade knives.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I love the European knives and appreciate your efforts. There have been more and more individual makers from Europe posting as well. That's a change for the good.

Thinking a moderator will "change this subforum for the good" is bizarre. Will they do this by selective enforcement of the rules? Seems to me some of the people who call for a new moderator may want to make sure the new "sheriff" is part of their men's club. Some of you all started your own custom knives club and forum. I've checked it out, it's certainly not as fun, interesting or educational as here.
 
STeven, I'm in complete agreement on your post. That's how I feel, too. Thanks for your clarification. That's one of your strongpoints.

The tired repeat: "If it ain't broke don't fix it..." dismisses the postulations that have been mentioned; there isn't enough diversity, some makers don't want to post here (why?), and there is a climate of stagnation. I've read from the old timers "I don't visit here as often."

So why are we catering to the diminishing crowd? Growth = change.

Although nothing drives up post and views like a good fight. Having a set of dedicated mods will disallow this? Ummmm. Maybe.

Such might be the worthy price of growth.

In other areas of my life (work/church/sports) I've witnessed changing of the guard(s) and old established patterns evolved or eliminated. I hear the same arguments, and when the smoke clears from fresh outlooks implemented, I'm always happily and surprisingly impressed.

Brownshoe, I'm nearly always seeing your point of view, and enjoy your input. In the above post, I completely disagree. You're being cryptic and accusatory at the same time. Not the construction you're capable of.

Coop
 
brownshoe said:
Will they do this by selective enforcement of the rules? Seems to me some of the people who call for a new moderator may want to make sure the new "sheriff" is part of their men's club.
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if that is to be the outcome, I want nothing to do with it. However, I do not believe that anyone here desires that outcome.
a moderator for this forum would have to be more 'counsellor' than 'cop'.
 
Like to address something else while folks are thinking and airing their thoughts.

I have CONSISTENTLY acted in a manner that I thought was best for the community in the aggregate.

Lorien called my response to Mr. Newberry's knife in one of the flame threads "emotional". He was right about that. Emotional, passionate, intense, involved, unreasonable, irrational....take your pick.

Custom and Handmade knives are somewhat irrational at the face if you think about it...there is nothing that a handmade knife does that something easily purchased at WalMart won't do. Spending as much as a car, boat or house costs on a knife is not terribly rational on the surface, so there must be an emotional drive involved. Sometimes my emotions go hyper, and I wind up saying, doing or writing things without thought about the feelings and emotions of others. Many of you have helped me to keep that in check and for that, I'm grateful. That is an aspect of self that is not community supportive or positive.

On the other hand, many of the things that I do are FULLY serving to the community at large, and I feel overall my contributions outweigh my failures. Some folks are going to pick and attack no matter what, and I'm not really interested in what they are trying to do.

You want positive change? Reason with me(ask Burt Foster or Coop)...you want a fight? Ask yourself why. Sometimes people just don't like other people...it happens, and I accept it.

Anyway, this call for consideration of a Moderator is something that may not work out for me personally, but it is something, should it be implemented, that could very well be AWESOME for the entire C&H community.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
brownshoe said:
I love the European knives and appreciate your efforts. There have been more and more individual makers from Europe posting as well. That's a change for the good.

Thinking a moderator will "change this subforum for the good" is bizarre. Will they do this by selective enforcement of the rules? Seems to me some of the people who call for a new moderator may want to make sure the new "sheriff" is part of their men's club. Some of you all started your own custom knives club and forum. I've checked it out, it's certainly not as fun, interesting or educational as here.
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I may be completely off base, however I assume you are referring to the CKCA forum? If so, comparing the BF to the CKCA forum is like comparing bananas and watermelons.

#1 - The Custom Knife Collectors Association (CKCA) is not a knife forum. It's an organization, that was created to enhance the collecting of and to promote custom knives, which happens to have a forum. Our forum is just one (of quit a few) component that benefits our members, custom knives and the community in general. Our mission statement, purpose and goals can be found on our website, which again, is just one component of the CKCA.

#2 - The CKCA forum is basically a platform for the enjoyment, benefit, communication and education of our members. It's also a tool to help manage the CKCA and to help implement our projects. Our intention is not and has never been to be like other Custom Knife Forums.
 
My original reference to "If it ain't broke don't fix it" was only meant as a caution, as there's often risks involved with increased management, increased governance and/or increased policing. I believe the "The sky is falling..!" reference could apply to either side.

It makes no difference to me if BF management designates a moderator or not. If they do, there's no shortage of qualified members here. I agree Joe Richardson would be a great one.

As for Les, no one other than he is responsible.
 
Kevin Jones said:
My original reference to "If it ain't broke don't fix it" was only meant as a caution, as there's often risks involved with increased management, increased governance and/or increased policing. I believe the "The sky is falling..!" reference could apply to either side.
It makes no difference to me if BF management designates a moderator or not. If they do, there's no shortage of qualified members here. I agree Joe Richardson would be a great one.
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I appreciate the consideration as a possible moderator, mentioned by Roger and now Kevin. But, I would have to decline an invitation. I do spend a lot of time on the forums, but it can be very sporadic. I have other irons in the fire that wouldn't allow me to do an adequate job, I feel. The great thing is we have so many capable members here who would make excellant moderators. It will be interesting to hear what is recommended in order to go forward. It seems a lot of thought is going into this, as it should.

- Joe
 
betzner said:
You said it, short and sweet - and absolutely to the point. I don't think there could be a better choice, actually. I think no one involves himself in this forum more than Lorien - not as a maker or as a collector, but more as a permanent observer - and always in a very positive manner. I'd vote for Lorien in a split second.

Bob
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Exactly.
I'd vote for Lorien too.
Respect.
 
In one sense having a moderator, or two moderators might be good to keep things from spinning out of control . (such as arguements) On the other hand, enforcing all the rules is sure to be stifling!
.. i can already see, frequent warnings to knifemakers that are not purchasing the correct membership level.. We will have constant oversight and supervision. Do we need all that? . It wont be good for the productivity of this forum. I got infracted for announcing a major knife auction here. ( "auction spotting")
David
 
I have come to view these forums as someone's "property rights". I havent reconciled what happened with Les to the "good" of the community. So, i would vote "unmoderated" . Lorien would do a good job. But who would want to be volunteer policeman, without pay? He should get a stipend for his service just like any good company man.
David
 
2knife said:
In one sense having a moderator, or two moderators might be good to keep things from spinning out of control . (such as arguements) On the other hand, enforcing all the rules is sure to be stifling!
.. i can already see, frequent warnings to knifemakers that are not purchasing the correct membership level.. We will have constant oversight and supervision. Do we need all that? . It wont be good for the productivity of this forum. I got infracted for announcing a major knife auction here. ( "auction spotting")
David
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Not to get into the middle of your nominations but it should now be obvious by virtue of the fact that Spark, (the owner of this site), has addressed the matter multiple times that he's trying to impress upon the members that this forum is not exempt from the same rules that govern the rest of the site.

The requirement to adhere to forum guidelines will not change regardless of whether there is a change of forum moderators or not. Frankly, anything else would not be fair to those members who abide by the rules and pay for the proper level of membership.
 
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