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I remember logging onto this board a few years ago (want to say 1999/2000) after being recommended by Carlo at Western Sports in Santa Rosa. I just lurked for a long time, eventually registering and posting a few times. After reading some of the comments about changes to the board I thought I would throw out some of my observations:
1. I like the new format as opposed to the old board. There seems to be a lot more content, much better graphics, and a more organized feel to the site. I am sure the navigation issues and speed can be worked out through a combination of increasing user familiarity (just keep exploring the differnet functions and personal set-up options)and management tweaks.
2. I think requiring registration to post is an absolute must. Allowing anonymous postings is only to inviting to trolls, which diminish legitmate users experience, require heavy moderating, and may in fact dissuade others from registering.
3. In my opinion, board participant numbers may be down because there is a fear of posting personal information to register (e.g., e-mail address, phone number, etc.). There are also fears that site operators will sell personal information to retailers and marketers, which does happen. Additionally, I recall the site being hacked a few times...I know this lead me to wonder about the security of the site and my personal information. All that said, I would suggest developing and posting a privacy policy and site security information. This may give potential registrants more comfort in joining the board.
4. Finally, one thing that is great about this site is the rather tight knit group of forum members who attend the Annual Bash and also fish/socialize with each other regularly. That said, such a tight group can be intimidating for a person thinking of joining or even infrequent posters. Even more intimidating (a possible turn-off to potential members)is when forum regulars participate in what I call an "Forum Gang Bang". That is, when a newbie or infrequent poster with a divergent opinion or odd sense of humor raises the ire of the regulars resulting in group bashing, veiled threats, and insulting commentary. This happens on quite a few forums I have participated on, even some where the moderators even partake in the flaming festivities. One case in point on this forum, the recent Revel Bros. threads, which generated some pretty heated posts by many of the regulars. If I were someone thinking of joining the forum and I read that thread, I probably would have passed on joining. That said, I will admit some posters deserve a tune-up now and then, but just remember what you say can reflect poorly on the larger forum and discourage new membership. I say let the Mods. deal with the misfits behind the scenes.
Anyway, thats my $0.02. I look forward to hopefully taking advantage of the wealth of experience on this forum as I have found more time to fish and recently made the jump into tying flies.
SCM
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