What is wrong with THIS site?

[Online Editor]

Netman - what Zecura was saying is that the "permission denied" message you saw is deceptively personal. This is currently the same message everyone else gets when attempting to access any thread in the BOX forum, including myself. Trust us, you are not being singled out, and if there is an important thread you started and would like revived please PM me and we can work something out

[Catchers Mitt]

crap! and I gave up cussing for lent.

[copout@castaways]

Hell, even I still poke around here every once in a while, but I dont post because I dont like what I see..

X2 plus over moderation & the personal vendetta from a mod against a member.
I've posted quite a few reports, won some cool stuff but get little to no response which I guess has to do with poor traffic.

On top of that when you had log in issues last year my emails went with out response except for the initial one saying you were looking into the problem.

FS is having it's issues as well but seems they are making some changes.

[jhdog]

The question was posed the wrong way. You should have also asked "What is Right". Having worked through brainstorming sessions in the past, everyone with an attack should have posted a positive to go with all the "Cold Pricklies". For one I like the site it has been a source of entertainment and information. I posted on another site for a few years and was almost alone. People would not comment, but at tournament meetings I would get some very good comments. Figured that the majority of readers are just users. They take, but do not have the desire or ability to respond. I would contribute to the rod building section and post photos of trips with my reports, but my posting of photo skills is some where below terrible. Much of what I see in this thread is pure politics and egos at play, not very pretty, but very destructive. I'm sure that many of the players could come up with some positive ideas. A personal would be a section that tracked fishing and fisheries relates legislation. How many are following HR 2772 and 3061?

[Split Shot]

Is there anyone here?

[Zecura]

Present.

[Seth]

I have been involved in developing online communities since 1996 and have seen a few sites really flourish, but most struggle to get real traction with the target audience. The forums that I have seen really take off have a lot of involvement from the ownership. They encourage creative contributions and work their tails off to nurture the community. I know, from first hand experience that the admins of this site (forum) want it to work an have tried various things over the years. Hey, this site has always been a lurker site. The community feel is very weak here. I would like to see some changes, but it is not up to me. Also, moderation has a lot to do with building the right feel. It is tough, but striking the right balance takes time and effort. Sometimes more than one thinks. You have to commit, with dedication, to contribute because you are compelled to share. This is my online sport fishing home and probably always will be.

Bonnier is a print company first. The majority of their online usage is not forum based, but geared more toward the digital version of the mags. That is ok. Most of the ad dollars come from there and not the forum. With that said, the one thing that I have always suggested is for the magazine folks to get more involved. I know they are busy, but it does not take that much time to check in make some posts, stimulate conversation and make others feel a though they care. I have seen it so many times. An editor pops in, creates a thread that poses a question, members respond, but there is never any follow up from the editor. Why? A little more back and forth would goes a long way.

At the end of the day, folks will come, sometimes in bigger waves than others, and folks will go, but the core of this site will still be here pecking away and trying to share what they can. Sure, I have had my frustrations, but I am still here and will be tomorrow. Best of luck to you all.

[Zecura]

I think you hit all the high points there Seth. Two thumbs way up.

[id-10-t]

OK we need a summary of of angry CAP guy please , been away for a while. He sounds like a cry baby

[LBI Girl]

The best way to destroy a good relationship is to keep talking about it.. beat that sick horse to death..
perhaps something posted that provokes POSITIVE participation?
there were contests, stories, tales from folks reaching out.. and yes the fishing in many other parts of the site, i actually read and learn there, but as an out of the sailboat or off the dock fisherman, have no wisdom, only joy to share about that.. so i "lurk" although i'm a member and signed in..
there have been many humorous threads, posts that provoke thought...
if the folks at the helm want to provoke participation, why not email members, invite them to be part of the SOLUTION and offer some incentives to be in again.. some more interesting, less ANGRY exchanges.
when the ego is in charge, the tone changes drastically. i have built friendships here, have witnessed creativity, kindness and brotherhood rarely matched..
we could all make a commitment to support what works and stop feeding the fire about what doesnt...