What is going on with this Forum??

[CrazyFisherman]

I have been reading this forum for the past 2-3 years. I only joined Crappie.com about a year ago just so I could look at the pictures that are posted. I do not post but I read the posts almost daily. I have learned several things on here from the different posts and I used to enjoy all the fishing reports that were posted. But this forum is NOT what is once was. It seems that there are too many "Clicks" that are working against each other. There are a few "Wanna Be Chiefs" and those that want all the attention and credit. Although I have never attended a Slabfest, it seems that even the Slabfests are not what they once were. The posts on here are not what they once were. Neither are the fishing reports. It seems as if this forum has turned into a "Tournament" forum. There is the Slab Masters thing going on, the Slabfest.org thing going on, the Tobo Mini Tournament going on, all for a monetary prize for the winner. Why do we need a Slab Masters Forum when they have their own website? Why do we need an Off Topic Forum just for GA when there is an Off Topic Forum already in the Crappie.com website? What has happened with the idea this website was created for? I actually have met about 5 or 6 members at 3 different lakes and they all seem like great people, but I rarely see them post on here any more. Furthermore, what has happend to all the regulars that used to post on here. For instance, DBLeader, Ragfly, Smitty, Tnt, Drill Instructor, Score300, Manta1 and the list goes on. Some of the above mentioned still post occassionally and some have all but faded away. I cant help but wonder if all the "extra curricular activity" that has been added in the past year on this forum is actually tearing this forum apart. I, for one, miss the way things once were and see it headed down the wrong path. I am sure I will continue to read like I have been, but I have to admit that the posts are not as interesting or as helpful as they once were. I am only an outsider looking in and as a non-posting and non participating member, maybe I have no business for butting in here like this, so please accept my apology if I have offended anyone.

[Papa Dawg]

No apology needed. I like people to express themselves as they feel lead. I know there are a lot of of viewers, like yourself, who seldom chip in with the discussion. So I suggest you do so as you so desire. I have seen less valuble posts in recent months which means fishermen are hunting and maybe tied up with other issues of life. I have never been to a Slabfest as my schedule might not be as flexible as others but my partner and I have talked about it. Fishing in itself has been poor in general this past year particularly at Lake Oconee, even at Clark Hill and all the lakes have been impacted by unusual weather, ect. I think it will pick up. You, Crazyfisherman, can help out by giving us some information on your latest trip.

I do wish we would have more informative posts on where members are fishing, how, what did you catch, ect. If you are out there and feel led, then let us know what is going on with you. We do need some more concrete posts that may be of interest to others fellow fishermen.

I have been rambling but these are my thoughts off the top of my head. I'm going fishing tomorrow. I only read this stuff as a filler in between trips. How about you?

[chuckauten]

The truth never needs to be followed by an apoligy. You are very right. I too have commented to many of who you listed about the negitive changes. The slabfest is very disappointing in GA. In FL you meet, fish, weigh in, receive a paper acknowledgement eat and the most important, share information. Everybody brings something or just themselves. We have more that enough for everybody. When I found crappie.com two years ago, what a wealth of information and new friends. I was kicking myself, why didn't I find crappie.com 5 or 10 years ago. Look at all the fish I missed catching.

I to am meeting fellow crappie fishermen who read the posts, but never post one themselves. I always encourge them to participate and to join in the slabfests. You are right about a few who need credit for what they do. This is alright, except when it becomes the attitude of "my way or the highway", many people do not participate in posting or attendance.

Tournaments are held by many organizations that are not associated with crappie.com or the spirit that crappie.com was formed. That is cash and prestige. Those organizations are insured and pay taxes on the 35-40% retained and many fishermen I have met, enjoy this.

This saturday I am fishing a slabfest at Lake Monroe, FL. Hopefully we will catch some fish, but getting together with the central FL group is great.

This problem is not specific to GA, except for the tournaments (cash) and slabfests. I read FL, GA, KY, TN, IN and IL. Great info, plus I fish all of these states.

I remember someone asking me if I voted. Reply was, my vote would not make a difference. Well it does and so does your input, both critical and positive. We all learn from others, unless we have our head in the sand, mud or some where else.

Please help all of us who are concerned in making crappie.com an organization equal for all. Not clicks. Felt for years, that if you had to belong to a click, you have just a few friends, not the hundreds who read my post and comment on it.

Have a great fishing year, it looks to be a great one.

Chuck

[guest01]

I brought this same thing up not to long ago http://www.crappie.com/crappie/georg...ats-going.html . I agree 100% with what your saying but it seems most just dont see it. I know I use to post on this forum all the time when ever I went out and posted reports but I dont feel the same about this board like I used to and have not for a while. I am not posting because the board doesnt have the inviteing feeling that it had in the past. Seems we are quick to make judgements about each other ( I am guilty of it too ) I think we expect to much out of each other and end up disapointed when somthing goes wrong then we hold grudges and start to seperate in to clicks.

[chuckauten]

A typical member of this board responded in just a few minutes regarding a problem that I posted in the electronics about an hour ago. Simple solution, just me not reading correctly. I hope that I can respond also to others who have questions or want to share experiences. One thing I like is the posts with the future of fishing. I call those priceless posts.

We are all guilty of not posting our opinions because of a few. That could be the reason we have the problems.

Old say, "you can please some of the people some of the time, but not all the people all the time." I think I got that right.

Keep on posting, many of us appreciated it.

Chuck

[oldwun]

I notice that during the winter posts do slow down some. Over all I do not have a problem with this board. There are some who read only and some like me post maybe more that they should. I am retired so I spend some time almost every day on this board. I do know have a friend that recieved a threat reply because someone did not like his posts. He quit posting for months. He does post some but not nearly as much as he used to. I believe a moderator took care of this problem.

[ykkapslabhunter]

I notice that during the winter posts do slow down some. Over all I do not have a problem with this board. There are some who read only and some like me post maybe more that they should. I am retired so I spend some time almost every day on this board. I do know have a friend that recieved a threat reply because someone did not like his posts. He quit posting for months. He does post some but not nearly as much as he used to. I believe a moderator took care of this problem.

Thats sad about your buddy. As long as message boards are around though, you'll always have those keyboard tough guys.

[papasage]

CrazyFisherman you are right the site has not ben the same . i think this year will be a turning point . hopefuley. just keep posting and reading think you will see some changes .

[score300]

I'm still around and read daily. I just haven't had much to add. Only been fishing I think 3 times in the past couple of months. It's killing me. I do have to agree though. Things have changed. Isn't that part of life though... Nothing stays the same. I do credit this board with making me several friends that I fish with as much as possible.

[manta1]

i took on another hobby a year and a half ago.the weather had oll my favorite lakes screwed up.I know those same lakes were bad for you guys too.Kinda lost interest.I also agree that when the tounament crap started up the slabfests got less fun.It is better to do it for brag rights or just go fish together in my opinion.When the money is involved,the information gets hidden.Who wants to give up a good spot and have 8 boats sittin on it when they get there and you lose money?Leave the money out,and keep the fellowship and good eating in.We go to competing with each other it can get weird fast.good thread.