Here We Go Again....

[OneMoreLastCast]

I just want to blow off some steam, so bare with me.

 

I never spent much time on Boards like this until not too long ago. I stopped by occasionally, but usually found that I wasn't interested in getting involved, so I didn't.

 

A few years ago I discovered the Fly Fish Alberta Board and started lurking. There seemed to be some great discussion occasionally with some good natured debates, great information and some pretty decent people around. I eventually became a member and became part of the community. I didn't post too much, but tried to contribute where I could.

 

Eventually the board got taken over by arguments, personal attacks against members, as well as attacks on the people that ran the board. The board just shut down, which was sad, but seemed to be a blessing in disguise because Dave set up this great board that most of the respectful members from the other board moved over to.

 

Over time, the input here has become repetitive and a lot of posting/replies that have no positive outcome or expectation. People are posting less and less pictures/reports because it just isn't worth getting Flamed for it. I've noticed a lot of the original members that have extensive experience and do too much for the fisheries to get into, have all but disappeared except to stop by occasionally.

 

It's a shame because this is such a great source for not only newer Anglers to learn, but experienced Anglers to pick up new tricks and techniques. It's a great place for people with a common interest to just "Shoot the *hit" if that's the case as well.

 

Now we have people taking shots at the administration here. I'm to blame for sending that particular thread sideways I guess, but realistically, it was going to happen anyways eventually IMO.

 

Where on the planet do the rules set for the masses, apply to the people that have to enforce them? It just doesn't work that way, so wake up and live with it.

 

I will still be involved here as far as any charitable events or causes to help/aid our fishery, but otherwise will only be stopping by to talk to friends here via PM. I really hope people give their heads a shake and realize what a great thing Dave put together here and how much he does for the Calgary fishing community by maintaining this board.

 

I've met some great people here and look forward to many years of fishing with them.

 

Thanks for everything you've done here Dave.

 

Later folks....

[birchy]

Maybe you should re-post that video you made awhile back? I would.. but I can't remember the name of the thread.

[OneMoreLastCast]

Maybe you should re-post that video you made awhile back? I would.. but I can't remember the name of the thread.

Click here if the movie does not play.

[duanec]

It's a shame because this is such a great source for not only newer Anglers to learn, but experienced Anglers to pick up new tricks and techniques. It's a great place for people with a common interest to just "Shoot the *hit" if that's the case as well.

 

agreed that's a damn shame, it's why i signed up.

don't know anyone else on here yet, but hope to meet some at the clean-up & the future charity event you posted. i sense there are some good peeps here. i plan to stick around as i think the concept is still good and hope the bs gets weeded out.

thanks for posting the clip, missed it the first time.

[SanJuanWorm]

Thanks for the kind words. But without members this board is useless. Please continue posting and we'll turn things around soon enough.

 

What I think we need is more give-aways!!!!!

[loyaleddie]

What I think we need is more give-aways!!!!!

 

Absolutely, lets give away various nights with your GF!....In trade, I will volunteer nightly nagging sessions from my wife! The intent here would be “Why men should not get married”.

[birchy]

Thanks for the kind words. But without members this board is useless. Please continue posting and we'll turn things around soon enough.

 

What I think we need is more give-aways!!!!!

 

Funny... I was about to ask about the monthly Fly Fusion draw and whether or not it was still happening.

[Tungsten]

hi all, im trying to watch the video but it says i either have java turned off or up date flash .i have updated flash i think ,but what is java script and how do i turn it on?

[maxwell]

i here ya MTB it sucks.. useto love posting still do but not so much and like u said others are doing teh same.. it sucks.. wish tehre wasnt so much hate but it seems to be th way once this stuff gets bigger.. hopefully it wil all turn around and everyone will start to get along mre.... i love discussions and minor arguments.. it helps see all side of the topic and educates al on every view but some of these thread need sillyness to make the sillyness stop... it sucks but i aint going knowere fast.. hope u stick around too dude!

[Tungsten]

hi all, im trying to watch the video but it says i either have java turned off or up date flash .i have updated flash i think ,but what is java script and how do i turn it on?

i know i know goggle it ..

[loyaleddie]

Click here if the movie does not play.

 

 

SWEET VID DUDE!!!!

 

 

That totally captures the vibe of the FFC community!!!!

[rehsifylf]

Great Video.

[SanJuanWorm]

Yah we need to start the monthly subscriptions again. I'll see what kind of graft i can scare up.

[brewingup]

i've been holding off all day.

 

I definitely feel like i get more out of this board than i put in. and it will probably be that way for a while until I can honestly feel like a seasoned & wise fisherman (might take a while, maybe when i'm 80 and look the the old man and the sea).

 

i have learned a lot here and it's reassuring to know that I'll still have the benefit from continuing to learn from board Ninjas, experts and the like.

 

Primarily, i love flyfishing. and when i can't get out fishing this board (and other things like tying, magazines, books & videos) is the only way to feed my addiction. So I'll be here for a while. Just to know that there are other people that feel the same way as I do makes me want to tune in, regardless of the occasional clashes. In my experience in life it's to be expected that when you put people who are passionate about something together it's inevitable that emotions will spark, some more flammable than others.

 

I think that everyone who has sought out this board, taken the time to become a member, actually post occasionally and read all the stuff on here deep down have the same love and hold to the same values. And whenever someone steps out of line (by laying a fish on dry rocks for a photo or something like that) it's not because they are intentionally trying to harm fish or be a duuf. It's usually because they didn't know or we didn't really see the whole picture. I've learned a lot of 'what not to do thanks to this board and am grateful for it. Unfortunately it was always at some poor souls expense - because they're enthusiasm got the best of them and they wanted to share the joy that they felt that day on the river.

 

I think that rather than jump down someone's throat by reacting to something you don't like, it's way more safe (and more accurate) to assume that they have good intentions and take a more positive approach to correcting them for a screw up (or trying to confirm an assumption that we're jumping to).

 

anyway that's my 5 cents. On a side note, i'm willing to offer a give-away: I have a sasquatch in my deepfreeze in the basement and would be willing to let someone (preferrably someone with media connections) come take a look.

 

peace out.

brew

[esleech]

I began posting on ffa several years ago, and suffered personal attacks from day one. I eventually lowered myself to their level, and used to let the fingers type away, without thinking first. It's real easy to do, and I know I pissed some people off. I came to ffc, when it was on the "orange" site, and made a concious attempt at being more respectfull, and to act like the real person I am, and to let the iternet "balls" shrink a little. After the "merge" I soon found myself posting less and less and when I did, I would wade into crap on here and be left thinking "what the hell, I came on here to find out how the fishing is at X, and drool over some good locally produced fish porn", "not to fight, and actually be upset about something within my passion". I have to admit, I sometimes enjoyed the heated disscusions. Because of this, I took a break. Now that I've started checking it out daily, I'm actually seeing some good posts, but alot less it seems. I also have yet to see any posts from some of the good old boys, particularily Clive, the best photographer on here imo, and now glenbow leaves! Not even really sure, what I'm trying to say, but I guess it comes down to respect and there is always a way to avoid throwing insults or snide comments. Those get noone anywhere, and certainly drive the posts down. Blah blah blah...anyways, I want to see fish porn everywhere after this weekend! There's a month left guys, and I'm staying in the eastern slopes all weekend! BEEEEYAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maxwell]

amen dude! BEEEYAhhhh!

[OneMoreLastCast]

Just wanted to say that I am not leaving the board. I am still going to be involved with any fund raisers, etc..

 

I also want to say that it is not any one individual that caused these feelings from one post directed at the Admin. It is a culmination of things that have built up over time.

 

I will still be stopping in with the hopes that everything works out. Maybe it was time for a wake up call.....

[SanJuanWorm]

Yes back to the fish porn already.

 

I will also be moderating more heavily.

 

If you see your post edited with the words (PLEASE READ THE FORUM RULES) This means you have broken one of the rules.

 

I guess we've been a bit loose with the moderating and its creating animosity. I do not favor anyone here on this board, there is not "core group". I have met a lot of you guys are you are all GOOD guys. Lets keep the arguments respectful and please by no means am I being a mean guy. Hell im probably the biggest rule breaker on here. If you see me breaking a rule then call me on it too.

[Taco]

I are still here, ....that mere fact and a buck fitty seben will get you a XL doubledouble at any location o' timmies. The rest of them retired OFers is gone fissin' till freezeup or at least till they hafta find their long handled stanfields.... the gorbs have gone home for the season don't ya know. Any self-employed OFers like me unfortunately have to work.

 

This is a good place, the mods let it ride mostly keeping their personalities out of it, ain't too goody two shoes and has a nice edge to it.

[Glenbow]

Couldn't agree more with MTB et al. I love fly fishing so much like most of us do. I love to share my adventures and take part in the adventures of the other members through posts/photos etc. I just can't take part in sharing adventures that get turned upside down and torn apart like a rottweiler with a stray cat. It's just not worth it to me. Lately it reminds me of the last days at FFA before the end time. Anyhow, here's hoping this gets things straightened out and we get back on track. Happy fishing y'all.

 

P.S. Thanks Dave

[SanJuanWorm]

Click here if the movie does not play.

[Castuserraticus]

There's an ebb and flow to this board and others I've monitored. Electronic communities are no different than physical communities. People/characters come and go. Offline communities develop from the online. Large groups with diverse interests/behaviours evolve into smaller groups where the participants have more closely aligned interests/behaviours. Change is constant. Some will pine for the "good old days" but you're always living in the good old days.

It's disappointing when an active member decreases their involvement as we all benefit from the knowledge shared and discussion issues raised. But it's also inevitable. The young guys/gals will find mates and their time availability and/or interests will take a path does not include providing daily updates on their activities. Other members or new members will step up and take their place.

Some will blame disruptive members for the change. This can have an influence but, generally, I don't believe it's the reason. Peoples' behaviours are always based on their needs. If someone is less active in posting the chances are something has changed in their life that has taken a more important role.

As long as the moderators can maintain a consistent set of core values the board will prosper.

[DutchDryfly]

I do not favor anyone here on this board, there is not "core group".

 

 

WTF, all this time you had me believing I was a member of the "CORE" .

Are you serious??????

 

[SanJuanWorm]

Oh if only u were sittin next to me right now dutch.

[DutchDryfly]

Oh if only u were sittin next to me right now dutch.

 

I wish.

 

On a more serious note, lately I have not been posting much. Not only on the Canadian boards but also on the Dutch boards.

It seems that the last months there are more posts about trashing eachother then it is about fishing.

As I stated on a Dutch board, get the hell away from the computer and go fishing. Then come back and post a report.

If you want to spent all day behind a computer, subscribe to a computerboard. This board is about FISHING.

 

I read the post what started all this and I did no liked what I saw. Why did I not agree, you ask? Well, a long time ago I made up my mind and decided not to fish for a species which is spawning. For example I will never fish for salmon. I even stop fishing for pike in february when the season is still open but reports are coming in that spawning fish are caught. So I could have reacted, but I can not make my opinions be the guidelines for everybody. As I have not met anyone yet on the board, except may be if one of you is a salesman at a Ford-dealer in Calgary, I have to get to know you by reading posts. As I read Glenbows posts over the years, I know he is not a newbie and also play by the rules.

 

So I made the decision a lot of others should have made, namely to not react.

Most people on this board know how to fish and what the rules are, they don't need comments from another member.

 

Hopefully all calms down and you can expect yet another report from Austria.

As it turns out a friend of mine has ended his relationship and to feel better he wants a week of fishing.

So I will sacrifice a week and will be fishing and drinking together with him starting tommorow.

 

Rob