What kind of reception will you give him if he accepts my special invitation? How will you respond if he decides to stop coming among us?

Do you think that I should invite him?

I think that it's a fine idea Ken. I'm quite sure that he'll take your word on the conduct of the forum members.

If he were to stop coming, "C'est la guerre..." We all do what we must do.

Oh, and tell him to start using more 303s. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Safe Shooting! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Steve Redgwell
303british.com

Dr. Howell:

That's a great Idea. I will treat him well, as will most of us.

Ole Mule Deer will be sorely missed, but CB is a heck of a writer, so I look ofrward to reading his posts.

BMT

I would be very surprised if he were to receive anything but a warm and respectful reception.

Please invite him.

Rick

A well known writer like Mr. Boddington would be welcome by the majority, I'm sure Ken. There will always be those that have opposing views, I am sure, but they will still welcome him.
Catnthehat

I think it's a great idea. I would definatly welcome him. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience. If he decided to leave thats his choice. I would enjoy what ever time he chooses spent here. I hope he accepts. KH

If I recall correctly, he's been here before. I wish I could say he was greeted warmly by all, but that wasn't the case. It would only be fair to remind him of that, when inviting him back.

Personally, I like Craig's articles and books, and would appreciate seeing him post here more often.

Thanks Ken, for the consideration and effort.

Ken, Sure, extend the invitation; you don't get anything in this world if you don't ask for it. The worst that can happen is that he would say "no". (I'm sure some wise guys reading this are thinking, "The worst is that he might say "yes".")
Frankly, I would be astounded if he had the time to pull up a chair to the Campfire but you never know. He would be a tremendous asset to the forums and help fill the void left by the departure of Muledeer(that sure was good while it lasted, wasn't it?!). As for how he would be treated, who knows? He might get flamed off the forums the first day or might be granted the respect that a man of his experience and knowledge deserves.
I met Craig, briefly, at SCI in Reno some years ago. His time was, as usual I suppose, in short supply but he asked how the convention was going for me, had I booked any hunts, etc.. He answered some questions I had about a couple of outfitters and then politely begged his leave for a meeting. Whether it is true or not, he left me with the impression that, had his time not been spoken for, he would have talked with me all day.
Through the years, I have read much of Craig's work and while there have been many instances where his thoughts on various subjects were at odds with mine, I have usually found him interesting. There is no doubt in my mind that if he wrote for, say, Wolfe instead of Peterson(or whoever owns them this week), he would be even more highly regarded than he is now. I think that his books demonstrate this notion.
In the end, extend the invitation. Great idea. RS

Ken:

Please extend him an invitation. It would be great to have him stop by from time to time. I have a hunch though, that he will approach it with much trepidation based on his AR experiences. 24 Hour Campfire is a much friendlier venue though.

It's gotta be tough for you guys to do this. It could be a full time job. I know you want to respond to everyone, but how in the world do you find time to do it? If you decide to do it please keep us posted.

Mr. Boddington has my invitation that you, Ken, are welcome to extend.

I mentioned before the survey of writers that I conducted concerning one gun and Craig was kind enough to respond to an unknown gunwriter with his comments without any request for compensation.

Admirable I thought.

I respect him for his military service and enjoy his work.

Ken,

Please do invite him. My first stop everyday I come in here is "ATG". I value the opinion of fellas' whose job it is to hunt and shoot. They are able to get the experience many of us get in a lifetime in one year.

I would be delighted! I do recall him visiting before, Unfortunatly i wasn't able to come by as often back then. I doubt that he'd get a bad reception. Differing view points yes but flames i doubt/Hope.
My .02
Paul

I would be honored to have him at the "fire"!

Huntr

I think it's a great idea, he'd add enormously to the discussion.

I'll give it a thumbs up! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Steve

Boy, what a treat that would be! And if he tries the Forum and it doesn't work I certainly would understand. Great idea!

-Dan

sounds like a great voice to add

if he decides to leave... we all need breaks sometimes, and life is all about change

If there was anyone capable of filling the huge gap that Mule Deer's departure created, CB's the guy. Besides, I have a bunch of questions I want to ask about an 8mm Rem Mag that he used somewhere in SW Asia.

I would be honored if he would spend any of his valued time with us. I've read 3 of his books and anything else of his I can and would love to see him here. I would understand if he didn't have a bunch of time for it though........DJ

Wonderful idea, Ken. I hope he accepts.

Mr Howell

Please do! I think it would be great to have Mr. Boddington here. I have tremendous respect for him.
rimshot

Sounds like a super idea...hope he has the time.

I think it would be a great idea, the beaty of JB here was when somebody got out of hand he eloquently put them in their place with great support fromthe bulk of thegroup or simply ignored them.
Boddington would he a great addition.
Martin

Love to have him here.

Some seem to disagree with him on certain topics, but the guy has been there/done that in many places, after many critters and he has experiences that'd put the most imaginative wannabe's to shame.

I'd sure like to see him here!

YES!!!!! Any writer who likes the .300 H&H can't be too bad. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> If he were to leave, it would be our loss. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

SOunds good to me!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wish I could think of something eloquent to say too, so I'll just say "dittos" to what everyone else is saying. Would love to have him here. Love his book "Safari Rifles"- you can't find info on Nitro Express cartridges just anywhere.

Please do Dr. Howell, although I'll be surprised if he can spend as much time as MD (or a lot of us) spend here.

He is one workaholic, busy guy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Good luck!

Can you block him from accessing the Classifieds Mr. Rick Bin?
Would love to have his knowledge and experience join us, but there's already too many dang southpaws on this site that want to buy instead of sell! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Mr. Howell just tell him to come on strong in favor of SUCKS actions, Pac nor barrels, Leupy scopes and logging and he should do just fine! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I'd say if he's as nice as most folks say and he certainly seems to know his way around a bolt, the only flames he would get are from the DFC's and the Larry's of the world and they don't seem to last too long around here. Course he better not log on campaining for Kerry <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Hope it works out. 1ak

great idea. one of my favorite writers. hope people do not run him off like on accurate reloading forums.

I would enjoy, value and learn from Craig Boddington's participation on this forum.

I'd be much pleased to see Craig here.

I think he would make a great addition. I enjoy his articles very much. reflex264

I think its a great idea.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
HBB

Well I say YES. I can only speak for myself in saying I would lovce to have him here and would treat him with nothing but respect. I would also ask that he be reminded that some of the bad apples on AR that gave him such a hard time might just find him here and re instate their attacks. That is not a representation of the rank and file here and I am sure Rick would step in rather swiftly.

The owner/moderator on AR doess not "moderate" really in any sense in that respect (good or bad ?)

I would love to have him here as I think he could add quite a bit.

I would greatly respect and enjoy his input. What a coup that would be to have the good Colonel at our campfire! By all means, make the request and thanks, Ken.

Rob

Get him over here! I'm for getting anyone that will post.

Excellent idea! He has some great experience and could give some great input.

Count me in! I would love to have him join in here!
Please extent the invitation.

FWIW Dr. Howell, I too would LOVE to have him "come join us" here, I'd be VERY surprised if he was treated with anything but the utmost respect and admiration!

As for his leaving(if he decides) that would (as was said) be our HUGE loss;

My vote is PLEASE come on in to the "fire" Mr. Boddington!! We'd love to hear what you're working on, what your thoughts on everything are, etc. etc. etc. You are a very experienced writer, easy to read and understand, and IMHO very respected by most of us here!!

AND his service to our country is admired, so how could anyone NOT treat him well??? (Yes I know they're born every day(minute?) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hey Ken,



He likes the 350 Mag so he'd be fine pullin up a stump in my barely qualified opinion.



What worries me though is if he starts spoutin off that Remington actions suck or sumpthin like that. We'd have to put him straight on that if it happened. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I think Craig would be a welcome addition to the campfire and thankfully we have Rick Bin and Mr. Howell to moderate. The quote above I hope, is not a harbinger of things to come, not because he doesn't like 700s (he does, I don't) but I'm sure sooner or later, he'll say something that somebody doesn't agree with. What happened over on AR was indeed pitiful and although not indicative of most of us "internet" folks, it certainly soured many. jorge

Jorge - sir - I believe 350 Mag meant that firmly tounge in cheek.

Now a stickied "24hrcf" dictionary is gonna be needed sooner or later as we do have our own vocabulary.

SUCKS, BLOWS, BITES, Leupy, ect.

Ok, I'll try again.

Hey Ken <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />, What worries me though is if he starts spoutin off that Remington actions suck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />or sumpthin like that. We'd have to put him straight on that if it happened. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

This really does seem to be the only hunting board that I have found on which the majority of folks are polite, civil and genuinely interested in exchange of knowlege and opinions. I do agree that AR seems to offer the best example of mindless babble interspersed with rather frequent low brow flame wars.

Teal: Yes, even I caught the tongue-in-cheek sentiment, but you KNOW what I was trying to say. As for the "language", frankly I don't like it, particularly the purposely-for-effect mis-spelled words ( like "boolits" for example). I have enough of that every day from people that aren't trying to assasinate the english language. jorge

Yes I know what you mean. I just don't think this particular forum will fall into what happened to CB over on AR.



Rick moderates very well.



I don't mind the language (I do have to read somethings a few times tho <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />) I don't really come here for a purely academic discussion - but for the entertainment value as well. On a cost per giggle and pure fun basis - this has quite a few things beat.

I understand perfectly. I realize the problem is on my end. Just getting old and cranky. jorge

Well if thats cranky - I hope I grow old as gracefuly. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Now Teal, that is a great idea. It certainly took me a while to figure out some of the talk when I first wandered up to the fire. But where are we gonna find somebody with enough time to do that in huntin season? Now if somebody went and did a belly flop on a stick or somethin like that, and bust a few ribs and was laid up and restricted to puzzlin over disa$$embled smoke poles rather than usin them, I could see how we could get it done. But otherwise, who's got the time?



All of us contributing to a Big old Stickied version is perhaps an alternative to achieve the same thing. It appears the ribs on a stick option may be the more likely lunch though, at the moment. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />



Now combinin the two options might lead you to Paradise sort of, but as far as I'm concerned, to do it that way really SUCKS!

Ken Howell--

Just found this; been away a couple of days. Thank you for offering to invite him. I would be surprised if he got anything but an even handed reception here. I personally would extend a warm welcome as you might surmise from my (the other) Boddington post.

GDV

I for one respect Craig both for his personal opinions on his experiences in Hunting and Shooting and the willingness to admit when he may have been wrong,and last but not least his service to our country.A good man always admits when he was or could have been wrong as Craig and Mule deer and many others on and off this forum.

I for one would like to hear more from Charlie Sisk and his opinions and answers.Busy and successful men probably don't want the internet and resposnes that go with it.He is another that is quick to point out his mistakes or opinions may have been off a hair, and I respect that imencelly.(So I can't spell).

Good idea Ken.....Jayco.

Yes, ask General Boddington to join us, and say, "pretty please"! There is no one in the industry that I admire and respect more than he. Of course I don't always agree with his views, but his opinions are always humbly stated and apparently based on honesty and experience. He would make a valuable addition.

Just e-mailed Craig my personal invitation to join us.
Haven't had time for a response to come back, of course.

I would enjoy having CB here. I met him once briefly at a show in Denver. Seems like a nice guy, and he's definitely "been there, done that" when it comes to hunting ad shooting. Jim.......

PS: Here it is (below).



FWIW, I don't worry that we'll insult Craig away from regular visits here � I worry that if we don't use a little judgement, discretion, and restraint, we'll wear him out. Let's not forget that although he's outstandingly prolific, he already has a lot of big cups to fill. Let's never forget (if he joins us here) that our cup is an add-on for Craig, and filling it is not an obligation.

_______________________________________



Hi, Craig!



A few years back, I agreed to go along with several guys' request that Rick Bin start a new 24-Hour Campfire forum, "Ask Ken Howell." A bit later, I noticed that John Barsness, Steve Timm, and Tom Turpin were looking-in occasionally, so I asked Rick to rechristen the forum "Ask the Gunwriters," which he did. No one was more delighted than I was to see it become, in effect, the "Ask John Barsness" forum. A few other writers � some I know, some I don't � have further enriched our company and our dialogues. Unfortunately, friend John has to leave us to spend more time doing Q&A for the Handloader and Rifle web sites.



Your name comes-up often in the threads about favorite gun writers, almost always with positive connotations, so I know very well that with the possible exception of a few constipated coprophages, our guys regard you as highly (well, almost, anyway!) as I do.



So I'd take it as a great personal favor if you'd join us as a regular on the "Ask the Gunwriters" forum. I know that you've posted a few times on the "Big Game" and "African Big Game" forums in the past � what I'm asking you to do is something quite different.



Here's how I suggest that you go about it �



� Do not announce yourself unless you just want to (to acknowledge my request or the guys' waiting welcome, for example). If you like, read this thread and respond if and however you like: https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads...p;vc=1&nt=2



� "Tune-in" to "Ask the Gunwriters" and read the threads that interest you and respond to any that inspire you to answer.



� Use any "name" that you like � "Craig Boddington," "CB," "Craig B," "Ol' Jarhead," "Corps to the Core," whatever. I go by "Ken Howell" there, not by any of the noms de plume that I've used in the past. John Barsness is "Mule Deer;" Steve Timm is "Dogzapper;" Tom Turpin is "Tsquare;" Richard Mann is "Whitetail;" a former screenwriter in Boise is "Lean Wolf," for example. The guys usually discern who's talking to 'em, no matter how AKA, and many of us check the user profiles to put a real-world name to anyone using a cryptic screen name.



You'll find, I think, a few pretty nice personal rewards and insights as a participant (active or passive) in our discussions.



I sincerely hope that you'll join us for at least a while.



No need to answer this e-mail specifically. When you join us, I'll know.



All the best to you 'n' yourn, now 'n' ever!



Ken Howell

Mr. Howell,

I appreciate and support your efforts to get Craig Boddington on here. Thanks and hopefully we'll hear from his soon.

Craig says that he likes our forum and will try to come aboard from time to time ...
but
... he has the old familiar problem with the conflict between
(a) the finitude of time available
and
(b) the never-ending increase in demanding, pressing projects � which include one just like the one that's taking friend JB away from us: his employer's web site.

So we may hear from him now 'n' then but mustn't count on it.

Craig Boddington is a class act! I called Petersen's many years ago on a Saturday. I was going to inquire about an article I had read many months before that I was sure was in Hunting. Craig Boddington answered the phone and listened to what I was trying to find out. He knew of the article and the author but it wasn't from Hunting. He discussed the article with me a bit and even gave me the author�s phone number. Here's a guy who will answer the phone on a Saturday, is knowledgeable about other mags garden variety articles , and will spend the extra time helping you get a hold of a competitors writer. I wish I would have had the presence of mind to acquit myself a bit better. From the moment he answered the phone and identified himself, I was in awe babbling like a tenth grade school girl sitting next to the captain of the football team. I couldn't believe how nice, sincere, interested and helpful he was.

I believe you can tell a lot from little brushes like this and Boddington ranks tops in my book.