Watered-down W&SS

[Bushman5]

^ +1 well said

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Where do I start?

First of all, it was said that an interesting thread sometimes gets pushed back a few pages before a person signs in and thus misses it. How does that happen? When I sign in, I start where I left off, as indicated by the "You last visited at....." at the top and work my way forward. Just because it doesn't show up on your first page, doesn't mean it won't on mine.

Secondly, if you see a thread, that interests you, copy the topic and the URL and keep it in an alphabetical Word document. I posted about this before, but maybe many didn't see it.

The example:

At the top of the document is all the different headings, hyperlinked, so I can go to the required topic.

Each different thread is hyperlinked so it will take me directly to the page. This is not rocket science.

(Damn I accidentally hit the 'Submit' button.)

Next, if you don't like gear threads, don't read them - same goes with any other thread. I'm not interested in gun threads, so I don't read them. I am interested in traps, so, of course, these I read.

The one thing I don't like is when it breaks down into a pissing match. If you don't agree with something, that's fine, state your opinion, but it's not necessary to insult or belittle the other person/people to help prove your point. For God's sakes, we're supposed to be adults.

If you think there should be more skills threads, post some.

I also agree, if somebody starts a thread you like, tell them - we all like to know we're appreciated. It takes time to create a good thread, upload the pictures, etc. If nobody cares, why bother?

That's all I have to say at the moment.

Doc

 

[CSG]

I don't know, I like this forum. I don't care much about the knife threads because knives are just tools to me and most of the knife specific threads are boring to me. However, all the wilderness skills threads are interesting and those are the ones I read and participate in.

As far as modding a forum, the way I do it with mine is the policy is clearly stated in the FAQ and TOS. We mod fairly hard to keep the place family friendly and get rid of those who don't share our vision. Doesn't make me the most popular guy on the net but my forum runs the way I want it to. I don't explain (past the FAQ) and I don't argue or discuss, I just do.

 

[koyote]

Anyone else feel the W&SS forum is a bit watered-down lately? It isn't a bad thing as newbies need basic info but some recent threads really make my head spin. Many have multiple answers that cannot have a single answer. Many are better suited for general knife discussion. Some threads have been opinion based and not grounded in fact and have created more pissing matches than anything else. Many times, I am ready to chime in and then find myself deleting my response and moving on. I understand why RescueRiley has taken a leave of absence and can say I have contemplated it too. Part of my 2010 resolution is to spend less time on-line and more in the outdoors classroom. I'm also going to participate in fewer discussions but will be open to answering questions via PM. Brian Jones told me a while back he let the guys on the W&SS handle the questions and he handled the flamed topics, spammers and BS. I think it is about time I try the same for a little while too. I'm still be here but more so I'll be out there.

I think part of this is the time of year. We all get various degrees of cabin fever (and gear fever) this time of year.

Sometimes it's just.... topics that are flame bait. And often, it's people not being willing to let something go with the sense that there's a disagreement about whether or not all dogs must be caged and all coyotes shot on sight - most things don't have a binary solution set, and it's often necessary to remember that there is a spectrum of 'right' answers to a topic.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Runningboar has just posted a thread about 'French Press', and kgd one about underwear........................................

And another thing, why don't we have a smilie that is crying????????

Doc

 

[sicily02]

Good point Doc that would be a good one lol.
Bryan

 

[Zombie Zeke]

Well, good luck with whatever you choose.

I always thought being a moderator on an internet forum was like being a high strung tour guide for the mentally challenged through the Louvre. Tough assignment for crap pay bro.

 

[pitdog]

Can't really say I agree with Kev on this one !

Old topics are always gonna get bought back up but so they should, we are constantly getting new members and there are constantly new knives and gear coming out so the old debates such as what knife to get etc are gonna throw up new suggestions !

There has been some great members leave the forum but there has also been some great new ones join.....it's all good !

Someone mentioned having more " This is what I use and here are the pics threads " that is great but not everyone can get out as much as someone such as myself and so I think there has to be some theory type threads as well !

 

[Rotte]

Kev --

If W&SS is not living up to your vision of what it should be, I'd suggest using your voice to promote those threads and comments that do. Condemn those threads that don't. Dropping out and not providing some leadership will only compound the problem (if there is one). This is true in survival situations as well--someone has to provide some leadership. As a mod, you are a natural for this role, and if you chose to abdicate this role don't expect the forum to achieve what you want it to be.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot: I like knife porn, especially pictures of naked blades in sylvan settings.

 

[Iboschi]

I'm glad to be here and thank everyone for the contributions that make this a great place for learning. I learn a great deal and am still new here. This sub-forum makes me a better, more educated, and more prepared person.

 

[tonym]

I read this thread twice and I am still scratching my head a bit. I have noticed things have changed a bit, and I do see allot more mod activity lately. I wouldn't say that is a bad thing. I think our mods are just trying to keep this forum "Wilderness" and "Survival" oriented. So when they see a pic of a knife sitting on a desk or a log they are confused. Do they move the thread to General knife discussion or Knife maker gallery, or let it stay. I mean technically it isn't wilderness and survival related right....
That said, allot of us who do that are always on here and contribute allot. We have built relationships here and view this as our favorite web hangout. So when we get or make a new toy, we want to show it off to our Kin. But there are also some guys that do not frequent this forum who will throw a pic of a knife as a way of getting their work seen. It is impossible for a mod to police 1 and not the other.

In regards to the other threads like the coyote thread that for some odd reason turned into a flame war; I always scratch my head on those. Why do people let someone’s opinion piss them off so much Then they go and quote the person and the internet fight begins..
I don't know about you but internet fighting to me is a lot like masturbation. The one doing the beating and the one getting satisfied is usually the same person.... That, and we are all guilty of doing it

Anyway, I will continue to crack jokes, pick on JWilliams, and occasionally post a useful thread. Thanks for all the good times and knowledge I have had here.



Oh 1 more thing.
I would love to see more skill related threads, but it seams the quickest way to make a thread fall out of view is to use the “skills” tag.
I am with HD. If you see a thread that you enjoyed but can not contribute to, at least post a thank you and let the op know he did a good job.:thumbup:

 

[j williams]

I read this thread twice and I am still scratching my head a bit. I have noticed things have changed a bit, and I do see allot more mod activity lately. I wouldn't say that is a bad thing. I think our mods are just trying to keep this forum "Wilderness" and "Survival" oriented. So when they see a pic of a knife sitting on a desk or a log they are confused. Do they move the thread to General knife discussion or Knife maker gallery, or let it stay. I mean technically it isn't wilderness and survival related right....
That said, allot of us who do that are always on here and contribute allot. We have built relationships here and view this as our favorite web hangout. So when we get or make a new toy, we want to show it off to our Kin. But there are also some guys that do not frequent this forum who will throw a pic of a knife as a way of getting their work seen. It is impossible for a mod to police 1 and not the other.

In regards to the other threads like the coyote thread that for some odd reason turned into a flame war; I always scratch my head on those. Why do people let someone’s opinion piss them off so much Then they go and quote the person and the internet fight begins..
I don't know about you but internet fighting to me is a lot like masturbation. The one doing the beating and the one getting satisfied is usually the same person.... That, and we are all guilty of doing it

Anyway, I will continue to crack jokes, pick on JWilliams, and occasionally post a useful thread. Thanks for all the good times and knowledge I have had here.



Oh 1 more thing.
I would love to see more skill related threads, but it seams the quickest way to make a thread fall out of view is to use the “skills” tag.
I am with HD. If you see a thread that you enjoyed but can not contribute to, at least post a thank you and let the op know he did a good job.:thumbup:

I expect nothing less. :thumbup:

jackass.

 

[OwenM]

Kev --

If W&SS is not living up to your vision of what it should be, I'd suggest using your voice to promote those threads and comments that do. Condemn those threads that don't.

That's not what a forum is, or moderation. Anyone that wants to do that can start their own website, and talk to theirself.

Maybe there should be an outdoor enthusiast, or outdoor gear forum, in addition to a survival forum, but as it is, those are combined here.
edit: unless we were to take all discussion of camping gear, etc. to the gadgets and gear forum, which would be kind of confusing, too.

 

[koyote]

I'm pretty happy, overall, with the spread of topics. I honestly don't have a problem with regulars posting some off the wall stuff, I've never seen it become the majority of what's going on.

the pissing matches... I'm probably as guilty as anyone of getting my ruff ruffed up once in a while. Usually from excess binarism. All we gotta do is be chilled out, and maybe it's time for a gentle PM mod warning early on. or a public "wolves in siberistan aren't coyotes in NA, chill" warning. It's usually some little thing that's actually NOT part of the actual topic that sets it off.

I'm likin it here, myself. I like to share some odd projects, I love the new contest tradition, I like the practical discussions, the what ifs, the exploration of what the random homeless guy's kit is and how we could use it, even.

If anyone wants more oomph in the content, put it there

 

[dougo83]

a moderator who hangs around the forum and actually takes action on threads and moves them, edits, etc. would be a great help to this section. i feel a lot of these threads could be moved to different sections of BFC where they are better served. i understand that users trust the opinions of the people who tend to hang out around here BUT i feel people need to be forced to use BFC as a whole rather than watering down WSS. just my 2 cents... im new to internet forums.

The issue with this is all about relevance. It has been stated before that many of us post our gear questions here because we are looking for advice from a specific gorup of people with a specific group of interests. Sure, I could post a "which knife" thread in general, but I am more apt to get the answer I am looking for my posting it here.

You brought up a point that is very good. When I bring it up, it pisses people off. A few months ago in here, someone was bitching about "not being a slave to technology" and was talking about fire bow and drill which IS technology. This guy, I cannot remember his name, but he is not stupid and used to post wonderful responses but for some reason a little piece of logic made him get his ass up on his back big time.

This is what I am talking about, the hobbyist versus other people. I would be lying if I said this was not my "hobby" but I'm not a hobbyist about it with hardcore sets of rules, regulations and whatnot governing my gear choices. I'm not dogmatic or religious about it. SOME ARE. If they read this, they will get pissed. It's not said to "troll," it's just an observation that I believe many
will see as a fact.

Don, I know this may come as a shock, but you sometimes come off as a touch abrasive. Could it have been the manner in which you made the point rather than the point you made that set this other poster off?

I think part of this is the time of year. We all get various degrees of cabin fever (and gear fever) this time of year.

Sometimes it's just.... topics that are flame bait. And often, it's people not being willing to let something go with the sense that there's a disagreement about whether or not all dogs must be caged and all coyotes shot on sight - most things don't have a binary solution set, and it's often necessary to remember that there is a spectrum of 'right' answers to a topic.

Some issues are very hot, you have that one right. They become even more heated when fools start throwing around political garbage and personal insults like they did in the coyote thread. I feel that people could have learned alot more from that thread if the personal bullshit had been left out. I certainly apologize for my contribution to that end.

I can certainly echo the sentiment that this forum seems to be doing well. It is one of the few I visit on a regular basis. Some I ignore because they have no material of interest to me, others because it is a select few having their own little circle jerk. I am also a member of some forums that are very heavily-moderated and participation is relatively low. A thread can go for days or more without a reply because the topic may be a little controversial or locked threads are quickly deleted, preventing anyone from gleaning any information from before the lock.I like the way this thread is moderated. Yes, joe has a slightly different touch to it than bwian dones did, but that is the way it is. If you have an issue with his moderation, take it to PM. Don't call him out on the forum, it makes you look like a tool. As other mods have said, moderation isn't an exact science.

 

[Joezilla]

Jeeezus. Can't a Mod go on a vacation without all hell breaking loose
Once all this stuff crazy stuff (Wedding ((4days)), Honeymoon (Costa Rica), Shot Show (life is so hard)) is over, by the end of January, I personally promise to throw out some passarounds, contests, how tos, and last but not least, HOST A LARGE SCALE EVENT, (and a whole bunch of hardcore little ones, kaboosh!)

I really can't add anything more intelligent, broad, or topic-proper than the pleasant anecdotes of Esav's words, which is why he is a super mod.


Kevin, you aren't going anywhere. You are on a crackberry.

 

[myright]

I agree HD.....

I hope to see some winter camping threads soon...I always like those, since im not much of a winter camper.

Ive been trying to post more lately, its just sometimes I dont have anything to say....And some of the pissin match, my opinion is better then yours, my gear is all that works stuff does get old, but hell, its better then TV. In 2010 I am gonna be offline more, and outside more. A lot of goals I have for the year. My last year in my 20s so I want to be in a certain position when I turn 30.....However, I will take pics, and post more threads with some of my experiances, so in essence, I will be around more, without being around as much. Less time cruisin the forum, more time contributing.

I mean, I have to have something to do when Im at work!

I couldn't agree with this post more, except for the last year in my 20's since I've already passed that You and I think alike, my friend. It's a damn shame we don't live closer so we could get some trail time in on the bikes.

I've found myself starting to post in some threads and then not hitting reply because I feel as if my reply is not really adding any value at all. I'm largely indifferent to the pissin' match threads - I rarely post in one but sometimes read them because, like Jake, they can be entertaining at times.

In 2010 I am making a commitment to myself and to my family to do more of the things we talk about doing instead of just talking.

This is an evolving forum and I don't like the idea of putting strict rules around what can be here and what can not. I get that some would like W&SS to be a fact based forum with less "water" but the "water" makes things human and interesting. Unfortunately there is no magic answer and I don't think there should be OR could be for that matter.

 

[Tballetta]

First, I love this forum. I visit everyday and read a ton. Sure some comments are a little off the wall. If I don't like where a thread is going I move on to the next. I don't find it necessary to comment on everything I have an opinion on.

Now for the upside, I learn something new here every single time I visit. I love that. There is something useful in every thread. even this one. I never new about google custom searches until today.

Kevin, thanks for the great job you do here! Its thankless and yet your contribution is hugely valuable. Same goes for all the Mods on this site.

There are so many smart and experienced guys here. I have begun searching out the threads a started by them. Kevin, Joezilla, Bushman5, doc canada, just to name a few. Always a great read.

Bottom line This is a great forum!

 

[untamed]

Some threads have been opinion based and not grounded in fact and have created more pissing matches than anything else. Many times, I am ready to chime in and then find myself deleting my response and moving on. I understand why RescueRiley has taken a leave of absence and can say I have contemplated it too. Part of my 2010 resolution is to spend less time on-line and more in the outdoors classroom.

(Kind of reminds me why I "left" Prac/Tac. And just when I was starting to participate a lot over here too )

Still, I always look forward to learning and appreciating many things on this corner of BF, especially from you.

 

[j williams]

I couldn't agree with this post more, except for the last year in my 20's since I've already passed that You and I think alike, my friend. It's a damn shame we don't live closer so we could get some trail time in on the bikes.

I've found myself starting to post in some threads and then not hitting reply because I feel as if my reply is not really adding any value at all. I'm largely indifferent to the pissin' match threads - I rarely post in one but sometimes read them because, like Jake, they can be entertaining at times.

In 2010 I am making a commitment to myself and to my family to do more of the things we talk about doing instead of just talking.

This is an evolving forum and I don't like the idea of putting strict rules around what can be here and what can not. I get that some would like W&SS to be a fact based forum with less "water" but the "water" makes things human and interesting. Unfortunately there is no magic answer and I don't think there should be OR could be for that matter.

Yeah it pretty much sucks that some of my best buds are on both sides of the continent....

Ill make it out your way sometime man, It would be a freakin blast to get to mash some pedals, and share a fire...