Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting The State of the Campfire

Really...you called yourself "Littledick" this time?

I've certainly indulged my inner phücktard (hat tip to Shane) here so I know I'm hardly innocent. However, I do have a perspective that others might not because I left completely for a few years to heal a head injury. The Campfire is not a place for that. Anyway, similar to when you haven't seen someone in a few years and the changes in them are really obvious.... the changes were really obvious. I remember mentioning it to SP in one of my early posts upon returning: it was darker, harsher, angrier, and many were operating in pure bad faith in debates. And, it's even worse now. I can withstand a lot online but I draw the line when guys start intentionally lying to smear character, and that's rampant now, especially in the loony bin up top.

Dunno what to say, Ed. I think it's a microcosm of society in general; I think it's going to [bleep].

I hope you stick around.

Just recently I got the boot from an Upland forum. One guy insinuated that an acquaintance of mine was a sporting clay cheat. He happens to be someone you couldn't pay enough money to have him cheat.

The other poster and I got into it and the owner closed down the thread. At which time I made a comment about how the forum was run and I was banned. It's a fine line IMO, and one better stepped over than unnecessarily moderated.

Gun control and politics were also subjects that would easily give you a warning. The very essence of the 2nd is currently being challenged more than any other time in history and it was off limits. Great forum for those interested in the Uplands, shotguns and Bird Dogs along with some great people who were knowledgeable. As long a you were willing to submit to the King you were welcome.

I suspect the nature of an essentially unmoderated forum such as this one is to degrade.

Either that, or the part where we all just agree and sing kumbaya is just around the corner., if we just......... keep.......... arguing..............

I dissent.

I think the campfire is pretty well self-regulating in spite of some embedded a-holes.

I've heard about the downward spiral of 24 hour's civility every year since I've joined... I'm member #30.

What I really think threads like this reveal is that our tolerance for vitriol changes, not that the campfire has become any different.

Every now and then I pack up and leave on a six or so month sabbatical just to get away from the place. It's not about the campfire as much as it's about me... I don't like it when I allow myself to get drawn in with some member who has arrested development and say things I wish I hadn't, etc.

Having said all the above, all bets are off when it comes to the whine-fest/echo chamber at the top of the forum. In order to maintain civility I just stay away from that chithole.

Also it goes without saying Ed's a great guy and someone who contributes real value to the forum... but he's a big boy and will make up his own mind.

I like that. Well said....

That forum has gone to [bleep]. More posers bitching and yammering about "covers" and "the king" than anything else

I crossed paths with a couple good Bird Dog/shotgun shooters there. Myself being an Eastern Grouse hunter I found a common interest.

The owner is a Dork and I found reason to question exactly whose side he is on. When I made my last post, I knew it would be that.

Lets not forget they idolized a guy that raped the MT prairie on a yearly basis, and when caught/charged with such, many defended him. And if you didnt, you got post holed.

“Post holed”, haven’t heard that since I got thrown out. Always thought it was an appropriate description.

Another poster, who I think will eventually be gone, said the owner every so often has to have a public hanging.



Addition: There are some better than good people on that forum. Like here there are some dedicated and serious hunters that specialize on the Uplands, a few really knowledgeable shotgun shooters, more than a few that know there way around the shotgun market and a small few AHoles. For the most part a good crew. Dedicated to the point they are willing to be muzzled by the owner, in order to have a forum in which to converse with others. I guess to them it is worth it.

Yeah but......like others, I sure hope Ed sticks around. Hate to lose his knowledge. And good humor.

I got to agree with ya there Brad.

And Ed, take a break if needed, but always come back to share your knowledge. Always a pleasure to read your posts sir!

Your a good man Ed. I always pay attention to your thoughts on the backcountry. Follow your heart Ed. Your wife and dog are way more important than this place! Enjoy....

I also hope you stay, Ed, I consider you to be among the most worthwhile posters on these topics I have met on any hunting forum since I first found them circa 2004.

I would enjoy meeting in person and exchanging ideas and war stories over a coffee.

Best Regards, Dewey aka Kutenay

Sad to see worthwhile contributors reach their fill of [bleep].

Seem to be more of them around too.

I agree, utterly. This is my perspective exactly. I didn't join the Fire until 2013, but I was here quite often for years before that. There were many squabbles, much insulting and calling people out ten years ago. And there were very experienced, very intelligent people giving their accumulated knowledge freely, and often with some charm.

This idea of "the good old days" is a human error in perception, so it is going to happen on the internet as well. Certainly, some of the really great guys to have around have decided that spending time in the outdoors is more valuable than posting online about the outdoors. I suspect that age is a factor in that.

I'm a bit more sporadic on the Fire. I've never been a regular poster. I go through periods where I post a lot, and periods where I don't even come to here. That is how I've personally managed the BS, and my ill feelings about it. And yes, I too use the internet and the Campfire as arenas to let out my inner Ass hole from time to time. I don't argue much anymore though, because it just doesn't matter. I didn't come here to make friends, or convince anyone of anything. I didn't come here to make enemies, either.

A last note....what the hell was Junior talking about with the 25 years? There wasn't a viable WWW 25 years ago, let alone forums like this one. I just shake my head at guys like that. Some of us never needed to lie to get laid.