Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

Sadly, this is the longest and most viewed thread in quite some time.

[plankholder]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

yeah, its like a train wreck!

[gilham]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

Sadly, this is the longest and most viewed thread in quite some time.

I was thinking the same thing. Too bad this thread isnt a research based thread. If people would be more concerned with research and less with this type of stuff we might get some new info and insight out to the masses.
Here is a novel idea. dont worry about what the other guy is doing. Just worry about doing some reaserch and possibly sharing it with others.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

I was thinking the same thing. Too bad this thread isnt a research based thread. If people would be more concerned with research and less with this type of stuff we might get some new info and insight out to the masses.
Here is a novel idea. dont worry about what the other guy is doing. Just worry about doing some reaserch and possibly sharing it with others.

Sir-

Sometimes, we need to air the dirty laundry before it gets clean again... I like this discussion. :wink_smil

[RCR001]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

Okay, I'll bite...
Let me preface by making two statements; Mr. Kindred, when I came into this hobby in EARLY 90's, I cut my teeth on your research and doctrine-for that I have the utmost respect for you and will always be in your debt. That being said, you are grumpy, heavy handed and unapproachable(other than that I am sure we would get along fine). Kurt, despite your constant and annoying use of pidgin German(which gives me flashbacks to Howenfeld), you are THE MAN when it comes to period armamant. These two facts cannot be disputed by anyone on this forum, period. I think that we all do(or should) appreciate the role that ALL of the MODS fulfil. As far as being active-I have only been to ONE event this year, of course I have spent the year in Baghdad, but I guess we all have our excuses. I have long been a proponant of the mindset, that everyone gets what they want(or need) out of this hobby and everyone's wants(or needs) are valid. My understanding, is that this is a forum designed the culture the sharing of information, and growth of our chosen hobby. Im am afraid that it does neither very effectivly anymore. I am contacted several times a year by new people interested in our hobby, in search of direction, I know better than to steer them to this forum. Its a shame, possibly a mortal sin, that this forum which offers the most exspansive collection of pertinant information, as well as subject matter experts-also has a near monopoly of a@@holes. The average life expectancy of a beginner or "new fish"(stupid term) is about 36 seconds, before they are driven to the mainstream masses. We should ALL be ashamed of that. This hobby is full of personalities, is full of pricks(self included)-if any of us were normal, we would be home doing something more productive than eating beef liver and filtering coffee beans through our teeth. This is my biggest complaint, this has become a social forum for an elite mafia. We arent doing ourselves or the hobby any justice, we have lost our way. Why are numbers down at events? The economy sucks, and reenactors are neurotic a-holes, pretty simple. We need to reexamine ourselves as a collective group and find a new direction. We need to become approachable and forward moving. This site should be about the advancement of the hobby, not about what you wear, or what crap you put on your signature block-no one cares. Gentlemen(and ladies), labels are for can goods and magazines, if you think you are hardcore, your lying to yourself-if you think you are progressive, your not(nothing is new under the sun) ALL of the "authentics" died a century and a half ago. If the forum is for "Living Historians" then it should be moderated by "Living Historians", active living historians(if you do a few events a year, you are active in my book). That being said, we cant afford to let the knowledge of individuals like Mr. Kindred pass through our fingers, no matter how prickly he may be-there has to be a place for him here. I would encourage Mr. Kindred, "the AC mafia", the forum members, and whomever else it may apply to, to lighten up-this isnt real. No matter how you glorify what we do, its still make belief. Personal differences aside, the big problem is that this forum is not serving its desire purpose-maybe we need a few new MODS(I know most of them and as individuals, they are fine people), maybe we need a few new members-personally I believe its BOTH. Thats my opinion and we all know what opinions are like, dont we? Mrs. Lawson, as well as all the other ladies of the congregation, I apologize for my language-you know where to find me if a spoon thrashing is in order. This has been interesting, lets see if it will be productive.

..... What he said.

[dusty27]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements
[/LIST]Moderators:[LIST][*]Beth Crabb[*]Michael Comer[*]Pat Craddock[*]Emmanuel Dabney[*]Troy Groves[*]Jim Kindred - Inactive[*]Ken Knopp[*]Johnny Lloyd[*]Neill Rose[*]Curt Schmidt - Inactive? (7-8 events per year)[*]Mark Tackitt[*]Lee White[*]John Wickett


Paul, what did I do wrong? ;.)

[CJSchumacher]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

I do not reenact. I have ZERO interest in doing so. I get my history fix by reading the forums for whatever little tidbits of historical information may be given by folks such as Curt Schmidt, Paul Mckee, Aden Nichols, and many of the other "old timers" when they're thankfully, willing to share. Anybody who thinks those guys shouldn't be helping out around here and posting clearly doesn't know much and hasn't been around this hobby long enough.

Life, real interests, and the "EBUFU" movement is what made me and I suspect many of the other old-timers (125th era) say goodbye. This entire thread is what would keep me from ever wanting to attend an event ever again. I've got too much other fun stuff in life to do...things that are real and not make believe.

Once upon a time, I knew a little bit about the cavalry. Don't ever chastise guys who actually know what they're talking about just because they have better things to do with their time. Just be thankful they're still willing to share anything here and remind yourself to "Shut up and listen."

[AndrewGrim]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

When the Authentic Campaigner list serve started it was about the three legged stool of man, methods, and materials. The early days were spent on the materials, because then nobody was making quality gear. Now all it really takes is a checkbook. Instead of working on the methods and the man most are running back to stand next to the gal troops in Pakistani made uniforms. I am grateful groups like WIG, Armory Guards, Tramp Brigade, and SCAR that host events that make me wish I was not in California. Events that need background research and field craft skills, brought together for the three legged stool.
Things I do know is the search function works, and sometimes tolerance is a determent. When the BS meter is set off anything else said is suspect. Finally we need to move past the Camp Chase plagiarism which is what is really hurting our end of the hobby.

[john duffer]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

" The standard is "

And people claim there's no National Organization :)

[paulcalloway]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

Sorry Dusty! Oversight there on my part.

[Jim of The SRR]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

I am sure I am perceived by many as the virtual Sith of the hobby now. But, despite all the virtual angst, the group I belong to is doing quite well. People who know me and my comrades in person know that we have brought into our group many new friends and members from the mainstream. Many do both types of events. We have opened the door for them, offered loaner gear, guidance and most of all our friendship. I try to work hard with blood, sweat, time and money to do work for events so reenactors of many stripes can come and have a grand time.
I am guilty of virtual inappropriatness as many other are. I am at times guilty of pointing out that the "Emperor has no clothes." Despite this usually just causing stones to be thrown at me, sometimes some positive discussion and change can occur. I did not ask for this to be discussed publicly. My opinion is mine and no more valid than the next one. It is difficult to judge ones personality ny their virtual one. I think this is why I am so passionate about getting guys in the field (even if it is once a year) so we can meet face-to-face and share the hobby we enjoy in the field where it was meant to be. I will continue to work for my friends and comrades in this hobby.

Jim Butler

[Citman05]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

I am just glad the vendor list got updated. I think we also need a "secret" vendor list posted somewhere so we could all share in both approved and not approved vendors. I think it hurts the hobby when people do not have access to who can make great items, it directly affects the quality of kits in the field and knowledge.

But I know, the vendors pay $ to have their name on "the list" and you can also control quality etc.

All i'm saying is I want a place to go where I can find out who makes the best BLANK, so WE ALL can buy BLANK, know all about BLANK, and see more BLANKS at events. Seriously, having small vendor options limits the hobby and what you see in the field. I feel like after you find out some great tidbit of info on this forum or elsewhere in your own research, and then go "Great, who makes that? oh well, guess i wont be adding that to my impression."

The AC makes vendors highly visible, i guess u gotta pay for that visibility? And please don't start replying with "Well thats why I make all my own stuff.." Because no one can make everything WELL, that is the key, not just make something, make it WELL.

(...Any Vendors who read this post, please still let me buy things from you....)

[crabby]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

And for the mods part, nut-up and be a man. Take the high road for a change. It's part of the price of
being in a leadership position.

Excuse me, and how exactly am I supposed to nut-up and be a man? Here again is an example of the general membership not knowing who all the moderators are. Speaking for Elizabeth Stewart Clark & myself, we female moderators will be happy to identify posts we edit or delete, if/when Paul indicates that is OK to do so.

[Blair]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

Beth,

You just Identified yet another "Double Standard"

[paulcalloway]

Re: Open Discussion about Moderating / Membership Disagreements

All -
I appreciate everyones comments - and no Jim, you're not a sith, although I do appreciate the SW reference. Rest assured we're reading the comments and will be looking toward making some adjustments, hopefully for the good of everybody in the very near future.