Hi all,
This may not be the place for this post and perhaps many may consider it inappropriate and if it is , jackster go ahead and delete it.
I have received some emails and PMs about some of our members leaving the site either immediately or in the near future. This is pretty sad and really bothered me, thus this post.
I realize this site isn't perfect, but I visit a number of others and they aren't either. I don't believe any site is (yet!). Each has its drawbacks and good points.
One of my favorite things about this site is the people involved and the diversity among us. In case I hadn't said it before, you all are great!
I also like the fact that we can bicker but generally it ends without flames and permanent damage.
FWIW, I have emailed flyfish.com (the admin) and explained some of what s going on here. I asked for a couple favors. One was that they make registration mandatory. Hopefully we will get some results.
I also noticed that a few members were deleting their old posts prior to leaving. That is certainly your right and I do not want to prevent anyone doing what they feel they must. BUT! When you delete your old posts, you are taking away a potential reference for someone in the future that might really need it and at the least, removing some of the interaction that goes on with boards like this one. Either way I hate to see you folks leave as I enjoy pretty much everyone here and hope to in the future.
I seem to have gotten a bit long winded here and that was not my intention.
Bottom line from me: Please stick around and continue to contribute! If not for the site then for the acquaintancces and friends you have and are making here.
Off my soapbox now.

Dewey

Dewey, Your soap box is pretty solid. I enjoy this forum not only for the advice, but for the humour that is often displayed. I've been connected to other forums including a local one and of all of them. I enjoy this one and my local forum best. Like you I hate to see anyone leave. I feel that I've gotten to know most of you and like an old fishing shirt it feels darn comfortable. The advice is great and sometimes spiced which shows that there can be levity mixed with seriious talk. This is the second site I turn to when getting on the computer, (the first is the local USGS stream conditons, priorities you know). Keep this site going. Silver Doc P.S. If it keeps going, I'll reveal my real name.

Dewey and Doc,
Thanks for the posts. They made me take a step back and look at the overall picture. Like both of you, I think that we really do have a very good group here and I also wouldn't hesitate to share a stream ( or flat ) with any of you. I do hope that Flyfish Admin will address a couple of the issues that have been making the rounds lately and that we can get things back on track. In the meantime, I remain your brother of the angle.
Jake

"Hi Yo Silver Doc away"....who was that masked doc ?
Never thought I'd be able to use a Lone Ranger reference on a FF'ing site.*G* Thanks Doc.

Dewey,
good post. I think the registration is long overdue.
best,
Steve

Good greif......if you are so weak in your ego that you let differences in opinions bother you then I say asta la vista baby!

These forums are great and people tend to be much more brave online (with the things they say) then they are in person. Take it with a grain of salt. Chances are those that say they are leaving will be back or may just not post or reply, but will read.

It always cracks me up when someone makes it public on these forums that they are leaving. What do they expect.....the whole forum to come to a grinding hault for them? I say.....grab your box of kleenex and go....otherwise suck it up and learn that the world is not perfect. There are nice people, jerks, idoits, and kind hearted individuals. Thats what makes the forum go round!

There are just a few of us left from the old board so many years ago. People come and they go.....I'll be here even if I'm the only one left.

I don't plan on leaving, Dewey. You're the one who seems to be getting the brunt of the offending spammers over in the Saltwater Forum that you moderate. At least they seem to be leaving the Warmwater Forum alone for now (knock on wood). I haven't seen any on the Tips and Techniques or the FAQ Forums yet either. Seems like they've got your number . I can certainly understand both sides of the issue. The Admin. wants to keep the site open for those who can get a quick answer for their fly angling problem without having to register (easy access=more board activity) while the board members don't want the abusers of that priveleage to continue to abuse this board (or have children viewing this board to get an eye-full). Mandatory registery will limit if not stop the spammers but will also slow the board. It seems like this is the only sure way to keep the spammers away even though the board will lose some activity. I agree with the board members that it should be more important to keep the spammers off the board even if the board loses some activity. Folks know they can get help and answers here for their fly angling so if this board's members' experience is important enough to them, they will register. Thanks to all the moderators who do an outstanding job here on this board (Jack, Dewey, and SoCal). I hereby nominate Jack to be the Warmwater Forum moderator if he isn't too busy in Equipment and Rod Building (I know they are very busy forums) . My reasoning is that SoCal and Dewey, seems you fellows already have a full plate.

He left a silver bullet. Who is that masked man? Kimosbe alias Silver Doc

Doc,
was that a silver bullet or a Silver Label rod ?
best,
Steve

Silver Bullet. Got to keep my rod. S.D.

While It is the goal of mine not to chime in, preferring to let these boards take on an organic life of their own, I do want to quickly address the position of open versus closed access.

FlyFish.com has, on several occasions made it mandatory to log in prior to posting. Usually after some unscrupulous posters get super opinionated and start a flame war. While that gives the most active among you a nice closed environment to discuss fly fishing topics, it is exactly that: closed.

This sport is littered with closed communities, and breaking into fly fishing can be extremely intimidating. Asking beginner type questions is how we all got started. And FlyFish.com , as the largest fly fishing site on the web, feels it needs an open place for beginners and experts to talk about the sport to keep it growing. That said, when we open it up, we always see groups of leaders break out and start their own, private discussion groups. When we make it more difficult to post, we se a rapid drop off in the participation of the boards as lurkers lurk, but do not engage. In that instance, I feel as if FlyFish.com has let down this sport. When there are questions, FlyFish.com should be the place to find answers without feeling intimidated by the complexity of the sport. It is also our intention to keep the site free to all and rely on the industry sponsors to pay the bills. These sponsors are fickle and need to get their products in front of all active fly anglers. In order to keep the site free for all then, FlyFish.com needs to be a resource for all potential product purchasers.

What you will see shortly, is a new level of premium content on FlyFish.com. Its no secret that the site needs some new content. (but with 5 kids, a full time job and a tight sponsor community we can only do so much.) FlyFish.com is happy to announce that we have taken on some new partners and will be investing in a premium content area with some additions like feature articles, how to video clips, stream maps, etc… It is our intention to look at a more intimate version of the boards as well. That way we can keep the standard boards open to all, and provide others with a more select environment.

We hope you’ll decide to stick around. There is a whole world of fly anglers who love learning from you all.

Tight Lines,

FlyFish

Hi Flyfish Admin (and Dewey et al)....

As an "old time regular" and now an occasional poster I don't want to come off too forceful here but do want to offer an opinion based, like the others, upon observation around the "Net".

If the Reality of producing Flyfish.com is such that keeping it "open" is significantly safer or more desireable I am not going to protest that policy or leave in a huff.
But like many here, I have seen how the flaming and know-it-all-ism and intolerance and the moronic profanity keeps "newbies" away in droves. I also know I am not happy to have my name showing up on a board where all that nonsense is a common thing. Frankly, some months ago I left a regional board solely because it was dominated by a small group of people whose attitudes and often "manners" I did not want my name anywhere near. There were plenty of good people on that board but they often came and then disappeared fairly quickly - leaving the close-knit group of intolerant groupies to their little playpen.
It was/is, in fact, the "regulars" blitzing the newcomers if they didn't sing verbatum from that board's Hymnal. I would (quietly) leave this board if the crowd turns Ugly here too.
I am very much in favor of registration if it doesn't really jeapordize the forum. More than once I have seen it be effective at shedding the uncivil posters. Barring that, I would hope it possible for a moderator to effectively block offensive posters. I know that takes a LOT of time/attention though and actually runs the risk of heading in the direction of the regional board I spoke of above.
I'll also request that if something I post is "out there" a bit too far that someone give me a shout about it.

Best, and many thanks,
5/0

The only reason I am writing this is that I was asked for my input by a board member on this subject. I would normally not get into this sort of thing and ignore it because life is just too short . Like Jim, I have seen this sort of thing kill a board. I know there is automatic blocking software for profanity so that moderators need not watch every word that is typed. Profanity has no place on a board (children may be reading also) and does nothing to further any discussion other than to be offensive. But moderators must monitor antagonistic attitudes that can also kill a board. Threads and/or posts can be removed and if the board rules are broken, members can be dismissed. No software can do this. No software can run a tight ship. I have learned to use my experience and knowledge in the sport by stating what I have done or what I do (or where to find it) to try and be helpful and leave it at that. But for some, it isn't enough to only state their own opinion or experience without forcing it on someone else and that is a shame because it drives folks away rather than helps them. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not entitled to force it on others. These types don't bother me but they might bother a new or prospective member or other members that won't tolerate it. One board member who's membership may be in doubt (I hope not) has already written me about it. I was once on a board where not only were some board members forcing their opinions but a moderator was forcing his opinion on the board members and I most definately would not tolerate this at all. I don't plan on leaving this board but I will never say never.

The Chief has noticed a lot of smoke here , Dixie the fact is actually ISP moderation is possible ! The Banning of said troublemakers is only a click away and can be removed faster than they can sign on using a different computer ISP to continue further spamming ! Also continued spamming that is not allowed by said boards is a violation and can easily be traced and prosecuted & fined the full amount the site has lossed due to this type of behavior. Now as far as foul language 5/0 Show me (US) the proof ? You are allowed to say Ass -Jackass , Idiot, Effin , F*** ,SHI* & I could show you more Sorta a Big Loopeyhole in the system You the reader can put any letter in place of the asterisk to form a word Doesnt mean this is what was intended = BIG LOOPHOLE.
Looks like the Ad-ministration has spoken & made some big open ended promises for a premium content to come soon , but no actual time frame or deadline? As tribal Elder I have heard many a story like this . I will Quote "I feel as if FlyFish.com has let down this sport" That is a lot of smoke - even for the Chief. What about the community that provides all the food for all the people to fill up on the knowledge gained by this feast I have not seen much action if any by this administration , even to their own topic post answered by members & moderators . For the sake of your investment do something besides blowing smoke up the Chiefs ASS.

Flyfish, you have some "organic" activity that you should review and reply to.

http://www.flyfish.com/forums/index.php?&showtopic=5701

http://www.flyfish.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5783

Thanx & TL's~

Been 30-Days and still no sign of anything new on the administrations part - More SMOKE ? or will you reply with a date & planned changes or additions to this site ? I have 2-wives , 13- kids and no-sponsers ! And at 60 years of age I still get the job done. If you reply to this within 7-days ! that would be a personal best by you the Administrator Happy Fathers Day- Chief