Doc Posted May 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 Actually, the lack of participation probably has little to do with the new format. As far as the basic stuff of posting new topics or replying to existing ones, I see very little difference from the old software. Most likely, what we are seeing is the fact that for most of us, hunting is really a part-time interest. Maybe that trend is becoming a bit more prevalent in more and more forum members. I remember noting a downturn in activity before the change in forum software. Most of us do have more non-hunting activities going this time of year and while it seems quite a bit more extreme than usual season changes, perhaps it really doesn't signify a long-lasting decline in hunting interest here. I hope not, but I guess time will tell. Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 I'm another one who hasn't chimed in much but agree with Martin, I honestly really dislike the forum look and cannot even access it at home on my dial up connection. Kind of makes you wonder if there is a problem with the new forum for people that only have dial up. Hummmm...that sure could be a contributing factor to the slow down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 You guys that use a firearm to hunt deer are all dirty scumbags! You guys that hunt around feeders are all worhtless louts! You guys that use crossbows are all weenies! You guys that use compound bows are all cheaters! You guys that hunt deer with dogs are all toothless rednecks! Hunting deer on any piece of property under 1000 acres should be outlawed! Only 150+ class bucks should be legal! THERE, THAT SHOULD LIVEN THINGS UP A BIT! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D Yeah, and Chevy's better than Ford, and I'd never touch a Hoyt! LMBO!!!!!!!!!! :D :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 28, 2007 Report Share Posted May 28, 2007 Most likely, what we are seeing is the fact that for most of us, hunting is really a part-time interest. Interesting perspective there Doc. That would be a good topic to bring up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QDMAworks4me Posted May 29, 2007 Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 Interesting perspective there Doc. That would be a good topic to bring up. A lot of us are not part time hunters we are just out working on food plots with the nice weather and getting ready for the deer season coming up. I also am not on here because I HATE the new format, just don't take the time to get on here like I used to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted May 29, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2007 Kind of makes you wonder if there is a problem with the new forum for people that only have dial up. Hummmm...that sure could be a contributing factor to the slow down. Yes, that is one aspect of the problems that I have been having with the new format. It is no exaggeration that I can go out to the kitchen and make a cup of instant coffee in the time that it takes for the login window to load up. You talk about frustrating. I have learned to grunt my way through this slowness, but it may be that not everyone has the patience that I do. As a dial-up user, I am pretty sensitive to sites that change formats to make them slower. I don't understand it, and I don't appreciate it either. When I look at all the "improvements" that have supposedly been added with this format change, they are all wiped out by the added inconvenience of slowness. I personally don't think that has added significantly to the lack of participation (I think there are other reasons), but it sure has added to the aggravation factor. Personally, I am not at all impressed with bells and whistles. They all add to the time factor, and usually do little to add real convenience to the site. Of course those of you who are on high-speed internet are going to wonder what the heck I'm talking about........lol. But, I do think there are a lot of us that are still dealing with dial-up. Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted May 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 Ok, well how about this for a theory. Is it possible that we have done such a good job of discouraging all topics that have a hint of controversy to them that members are starting to react with a growing lack of interest. Like I said before, I noticed a pretty severe down-turn in activity long before the software change. Perhaps we have sterilized this forum to the point where any topic that can be construed as having any controversy at all is simply not being posted? It might just be that when you take all controversy out of discussions you simply have a bunch of people that all seem to be agreeing with each other. That does make for some pretty boring discussions, and perhaps eventually degenerates into almost no discussion at all. It could be that this slowdown has less to do with the time of year or the format of the forum software than we think and more to do with the content or lack thereof. What do you all think? Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 30, 2007 Report Share Posted May 30, 2007 Is it possible that we have done such a good job of discouraging all topics that have a hint of controversy to them that members are starting to react with a growing lack of interest. Dont think so Doc, there will always be hot and debated topics here that will come up especially with newer members coming in. I do think this topic has become stagnant though, and seems to really have hit a dead end. One last time I will ask that you look at your own activity. Bottom line is that your own activity is even up this year from what it was last year at this same time. This lull or whatever you want to call it that is occurring in my opinion is just the summer time trend that at least in the time I have been here has been somewhat normal this time of the year. For whatever reasons, some have a focus on other interests this time of year, some are too busy busting their humps so they will have more free time during season, and a variety of reasons for the slower activity this time of the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted May 31, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 Yes, this topic has been pretty well wrung out. It was interesting to see all the different reasons for the summer-time lull, and I guess the jury is still out on whether it is more pronounced this year than previous ones. Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 I still say high fences are the best thing to happen to deer hunting since the invention of camo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texastrophies Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 I think somebody needs to go over to MM and invite the boys back. That should get some interest going in the forums:D:D:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 Ok, well how about this for a theory. Is it possible that we have done such a good job of discouraging all topics that have a hint of controversy to them that members are starting to react with a growing lack of interest. Like I said before, I noticed a pretty severe down-turn in activity long before the software change. Perhaps we have sterilized this forum to the point where any topic that can be construed as having any controversy at all is simply not being posted? It might just be that when you take all controversy out of discussions you simply have a bunch of people that all seem to be agreeing with each other. That does make for some pretty boring discussions, and perhaps eventually degenerates into almost no discussion at all. It could be that this slowdown has less to do with the time of year or the format of the forum software than we think and more to do with the content or lack thereof. What do you all think? Doc Yep, I agree and I've thought about that in the past. It's a rare day that I agree with you Doc, but I have to here. My theory on this theory is that any forum is part of a dynamic process of normalization. What I mean by that is we tend to surround ourselves with what we deem as "normal" in our own little worlds, and we shun people/discussion that is out of the norm. Personally, I like the odd controversial subject every now and then. I like bantering with certain members. There's only a few that stick around that can put up with the "out of the norm" "bashing." There's only a select few tough guys like yourself that can take the ribbing of other members. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 Personally, I like the odd controversial subject every now and then. I like bantering with certain members. LOL. Think to some degree there are probably more than just few of us here who do like to debate topics we view as somewhat controversial Chris. Guess from what I gathered by what Doc is saying here Perhaps we have sterilized this forum to the point where any topic that can be construed as having any controversy at all is simply not being posted? It might just be that when you take all controversy out of discussions you simply have a bunch of people that all seem to be agreeing with each other. That does make for some pretty boring discussions, and perhaps eventually degenerates into almost no discussion at all.is that the forum participation or activity at this current time is a reflection of people being unwilling to bring up and discuss debatable topics. So what you are saying is that you agree with that part of what Doc is saying here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bow Hunter Derek Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 I've almost stopped posting on RT for a number of reasons. Please don't take this wrong, because many of the old timers and regulars are GREAT people. But there is a problem with these forums, IMO. 1st, Doc hit the nail on the head. RT forums anymore are way too sterile and too conservative for my tastes. I never was a fan of the brand bashing, but debate on topics is good, even if it gets a little heated from time to time. Overall, the site is too bland and has been for the past 12 to 18 months, IMO. 2nd, I hate the new format. 3rd, there is too much repeat of the same old same old when it comes to topics. Not saying that on other sites, such as AT and others there isn't this, but many other sites just seem to have more discussion on the latest and greatest gear and hunting related issues. 4th, it often gets hard to relate to hunting on such a broad basis that RT focuses on. Meaning, with members all over the US, Canada, and even the world, it is hard for some to relate to each other. I've found myself gravitating to other forum sites that focus on my home state where 99% of the topics are relevant to my hunting and fishing situations. 5th, the contest participation has soured me. Not that winning a deer or turkey contest is important, but participation and open discussion is important. These contests are flooded with guys that don't show up, don't discuss, and don't participate. I'm pretty much done with them from here on out because of these issues. RT forums are still a good place filled with GREAT people. But I think some of the lack of participation is due to the many other options that people have, as well as it being the off season. Just my thoughts and opinions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 LOL. Think to some degree there are probably more than just few of us here who do like to debate topics we view as somewhat controversial Chris. Guess from what I gathered by what Doc is saying here is that the forum participation or activity at this current time is a reflection of people being unwilling to bring up and discuss debatable topics. So what you are saying is that you agree with that part of what Doc is saying here Yup. We beat down a few members to the point where they don't want to come back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 We beat down a few members to the point where they don't want to come back. Guess I had not seen it that way before and was not aware of any members really being "beat down" Chris, but will certainly pay better attention to that in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaskMan Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 I agree that we have gotten a bit too boring, straying from the norm is as bad as having the plague in some cases. I like the controversial cases, in fact that's why I liked jumping into the odd political forum topic. However.......it seems as though if you're not with the norm in there you're a bad guy, not just someone with a different opinion...whatever, I don't care, my friends and family know who I am. As for the contest thing..........................some guys take that way too seriously, it's not the big league championship, it's a silly contest with a little prize at the end........so what if some guys don't pull through. Anyways, I'm done with that too, I received so many jealous pm's regarding the bucks I've been lucky enough to get the past 3 yrs I am not looking to share any more pics. From paying to hunt, to high fence accusations...a load of b.s.....after all a guy can't get lucky on his neighbour's piece more than once, it doesn't add up. Well this is Saskatchewan anything can happen. Anyways, like someone said, maybe we've gotten too stale..... I'll still visit and will still post despite whatever shortcomings. but I do still think that it is summer and that plays a huge role. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 I think we need to talk about the M_____ girls again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okiedog Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 I think we need to talk about the M_____ girls again I'am with Craig on this one:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 I think we need to talk about the M_____ girls again Last time this happened, I about got BANNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek::eek: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 Last time this happened, I about got BANNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek::eek: DOH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 ...I received so many jealous pm's regarding the bucks I've been lucky enough to get the past 3 yrs I am not looking to share any more pics. From paying to hunt, to high fence accusations...a load of b.s.....after all a guy can't get lucky on his neighbour's piece more than once, it doesn't add up. Well this is Saskatchewan anything can happen. You gotta be kidding me! People actually pm'd you and accused you of some sort of "unfair" (at least in their pea brains) tactics? What a bunch of dufuses!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted May 31, 2007 Report Share Posted May 31, 2007 I received so many jealous pm's regarding the bucks I've been lucky enough to get the past 3 yrs I am not looking to share any more pics. From paying to hunt, to high fence accusations...a load of b.s.....after all a guy can't get lucky on his neighbour's piece more than once, it doesn't add up. Well this is Saskatchewan anything can happen.quote] WHAT!!!!! I'm just as shocked to hear this as TTID is Saskman! What a bunch of scat!!! I sure hope you programed your PM's to ignore those loosers in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted June 1, 2007 Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 Quote: Originally Posted by SaskMan ...I received so many jealous pm's regarding the bucks I've been lucky enough to get the past 3 yrs I am not looking to share any more pics. From paying to hunt, to high fence accusations...a load of b.s.....after all a guy can't get lucky on his neighbour's piece more than once, it doesn't add up. Well this is Saskatchewan anything can happen. You gotta be kidding me! People actually pm'd you and accused you of some sort of "unfair" (at least in their pea brains) tactics? What a bunch of dufuses!!! With Texan here, that is really lousy that anyone would accuse you of that, much less send you pm's harassing you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted June 1, 2007 Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 Anyways, I'm done with that too, I received so many jealous pm's regarding the bucks I've been lucky enough to get the past 3 yrs I am not looking to share any more pics. From paying to hunt, to high fence accusations...a load of b.s.....after all a guy can't get lucky on his neighbour's piece more than once, it doesn't add up. Well this is Saskatchewan anything can happen. That really stinks...can't believe some dork is low enough to pm you with garbage like that. Next time, copy and post those BS pms in the lounge so everyone can see who the dirtbags are!!!! Please keep posting pictures of the great deer you get. I love seeing them. I'm jealous that I don't live up there, but love to see what you guys are getting to hunt! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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