Is this forum getting to go belly up!

[yard dog]

OK, and now I'll have my say.

I'm still kinda new to SMF, but not to forums. I moderate on one site and am site admin on another. It always seems like conflicts come up and usually given enough time it all blows over. At times as an admin I have to take measures to ensure the quality of the site isn't compromised. It isn't often, but sometimes you have to.

Lately the forum and the chat room here at SMF has gone to hell in a hand basket. Instead of contacting the person/persons directly, it all seems to end up in the forums or chat.

In my opinion: If moderators/members/admin, have conflicts with each other they should seek alternative methods. Forum and chat bashing is right on line with third grade crap.

I think for the most part the members here are adults, so why not handle it in an adult manner?. Just my thoughts, but I would think that new members would be turned away by all the petty shi'ite I've seen here lately.

 

[bigarm's smokin]

Steve, you are a MAN!!!!!!!! and I admire you GREATLY!!!! You had the guts to stand up, I didn't, and I should have, we ALL should have. THANK YOU STEVE

 

[cowgirl]

Deud, you're doing a fine job of expressing how a lot of us feel.

Terry, please do not leave, we need you here.

 

[yard dog]

And with that, I'm outta here!

 

[pineywoods]

Here is my two cents worth and this will be my one and only post about it. I came here seeking information on the art of smoking and I have learned lots and still have lots to learn. I have been told Jeff owns this website and as long as he allows me to I will be here seeking information about smoking and share what ever I can.

 

[bishop916]

This forum is one of my most favorite spots on the net.
I came across this site looking for advise on what grill to buy, and haven't looked back.

I visit several times a day and contribute where possible.
I am not a pro, but one day hope to at least get to a point where people, friends and family alike get that knowing smile on their faces when my BBQ is mentioned.

I figure that as long as I am here, and there is someone else on to share ideas, info or to give out a virtual hi-five, then the forum is doing its purpose.

Eventually the drama will subside, - until then, let's get back to what its all about - good smoked foods!

check out my latest Qview: Enjoy!

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...threadid=19294

 

[bb53chevpro]

WOW, not sure what is happening in here but WOW. This is a great place to learn, teach and share. It's also a great place to hang out and chat with a large family (SMF).
Love this place.

 

[allen]

Hey WD, I really enjoy this Forum and had help with some questions, Thanks to the People who keep this Forum going,with them this Forum would'nt be here. THANKS EVERYONE

 

[justsmoke2]

Well I don't remember how I found this forum but I thought it was the best day I had in searching for a smokers forum. First of all Wd and others I have nothing but the utmost respect for you guys. Like everyone else here has stated about what they have learned here I to have enjoyed reading your replies and they have been really helpful. When the information you provide us that can make me look smart amongst my friends then something is being done right here.
I have seen this happen in other forums and its sad to say it has driven people away. I hate to see that happen here. The amount of new people signing every day means you guys have been doing something right. In all the forums I been to none have new members roll calling like this forums.
Like most people here I cant get enough of this site. Q-view is outstanding and I never get tired of seeing things twice. Each one is a master piece in its self. I guess what I wanna say to Jeff, the Moderators, and you long time posting members, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. Because of you guys my wife and kids require more cooks for me. I had lost my urge to keep smokeing but the folks here have inspired me with new ideas and there food creations to keep things going.

 

[fatback joe]

Man, I always miss the good stuff.........or maybe I am just too oblivious.

I know my name was thrown out there as a joke to vote to be a moderator. Just a joke nothing else.

It is a shame there is so much strife around here lately, but as a few have mentioned, it will pass. Those that are committed to the site will still be here and those that aren't will leave. Just kind of how life works IMO.

Anyhow, just my 2 cents.........and it ain't even worth that.

 

[fireguy]

I know I have not ben here too long...but, it has became a crutch....The smf and and all who welcomed me when I came along with friends ive made since ive came are a real importance to me. I dont spend much time in the chat room which is where I assume alot of the comotion is coming from...but regardless of where and when it is happeing... . lets remember.... we are all guest here... Also, Im not saying the older guys are more important, but I look at this site kinda like a Union or fraternal order in a sense... newer guys all have something to offer or share for the betterment of the site.... but as a new guy it is out of respect for those who have been here longer and not come in and try to reinvent the wheel.Since ive joined I have had alot of nice folks extend help to me..have asked dumb questions along the way and dont really care... if someone dont like me or someone else hear that is your right ... but dont act like a idot and back bite... This site is a group of good people with alot to share or alot to learn... not a gossip forum... ok ill stop... happy smoking brothers and sisters

 

[1chaos52]

This is so sad to hear. I have enjoyed this site quite a bit for the last year or so and have gotten a wealth of good tips and information from the different members here. I am still learning, but also do like to contribute.

I am also a member of several other (non Q related) forums, but I pretty much never bother contributing to those sites anymore because of this same kind of stuff. Why can't people just treat each other with respect so we can all enjoy our time here.

I always try to be respectful when posting, but if I ever say something that is out of line, please let me know and I will gladly apologize and offer the back of my head for you to smack as hard as you want.

I as well will continue to be a member of this site as long as I am welcome. I hope the other good contributors and the people who have helped me out so much will do the same.

 

[daddio]

i also hate to hear about all the turmoil,i still feel like i'm new here as well,but i really enjoy this board,and i guess i've been oblivious to what is going on also,but hate to see a good site fall,i really don't think i can speak on all the ones leaving or being banned because i haven't been here long enough to know them(as well as you can on a board),but any time you have people that do anything with a passion,your gonna have varying opinions on how to do it,and as we all know ,we all have one.but as someone said if a question seems to get asked over and over as new members appear,you can always let someone else answer it if your tired of it.i also belong to a woodcarving board that has the same thing happen all the time,new members asking the same old thing(i did the samething on here the other day).but that's part of truly being passionate about something ,is wanting to help someone else experience that same feeling you have. just want to say thanks to all the great members on here for all their help and the mods as well.i hope this board survives i'm sure it will cause i think it would be a great loss for it to fall.

 

[capt dan]

I couldn't agree more.


I personally don't agree with all this being "aired out" in the forums or the chat. That is the reason we have this problem to begin with. personal issues need to be taken care of person to person.

I belong to many BBQ sites and forums, I found this one while at another who lists dozens of links to this kind of forum. The backstabbing is happening on both sides of the fence.

When I have issues with someone I tell them person to person. We are all adults here and like cowgirl said, treat others as you would like to be treated. Simple common sense and maturity goes a long way in keeping things civil.

BBQ is a social art/past time, this is a social site. We are bound to have some social issues here, its the nature of the beast. Just hafta let it run its course and not make more out of it than needs to be.

I belong to the"other site", and I like it there too, I like both places, many folks are users of each. This is a free country, I try to get along with everyone and help when I can. I have been made to feel like a criminal because I post and visit another BBQ site.I have even been told by other members here(who will remain nameless for now, unless it happens again) to leave SMF and go to the other site and stay there. That is THE most imature thing I have ever witnessed here since I joined, and it was embarrassing for me to watch them behave that way.

people need to lighten up, respect each other, and grown up.

A person with 2 posts should be treated with the same respect as some one with 2,000. we all started with 1.

I told myself the other day, that I wasn't gonna get into this discussion, it would work itself out, but it keeps comming back around, and its snowballing effect is infecting people's ability to behave, and treat others respectfully. That is a shame.

I am not going to leave here, I like it here, and I feel I owe it to folks to continue in the helping tradition, especially those who helped me when I was new. I came here and stayed cuz it was nice here, and folks got along. Great comraderie, and happy chat rooms with lots of laughs.
Every person here knows its not that way right now, and every person here knows how to make it better. You can either help, or stand out of the way, but don't make it worse.

Thats all I have to say about this issue!

 

[flash]

Well, guess I missed alot of this also. I moderate a fishing forum in Florida.....boy talk about cheaters and liars.

At any rate, what the heck do you argue about on a food forum for God sakes?? Charcoal, gas, electric

Ribs take 2 hour, ribs take 6 hours???
I just don't see it.

Your way is no better than mine....well, maybe it is, but that's what we are here for, to learn and try different ideas and find the way that WE like the best.

 

[richoso1]

What Flash said.

 

[craig chamberlain]

I agree with you 100%,I belong to some the the same forums you do as some of the other members here,I don't see anything wrong with it.We can learn from other forums just like we do in this one.
I know weather we've posted once or thousands of times we should treat everyone the same.
Just because someone has only posted a few times here doesn't mean he hasn't been smoking for along time and could teach others who have posted more,we're all here to help each other.
I just hope everyone can get along,that's all I'm going to say about it in this thread.

 

[tasunkawitko]

i have no idea what the trouble is, but i own one forum and administer another, and am a member of several others. in my opinion, yard dog and capt dan said it best.

this kind of thing happens now and then, and is to be expected. everyone here has pretty stong opinions, and sometimes those strong opinions clash, but at the same time, none of us would want anything to get in the way of free and open debate. it's a fine line to walk, but as many here have said, it all comes down to mutual respect.

as i said before, i don't have a clue what this is all about, but from my own experiences, one suggestion i will make is that if a topic or thread goes bad, don't open it, don't read it, don't participate in it and things will tend to simmer down on their own. if someone insults you, let it go like water off a duck's back as they are obviously the one with the problem and will most often expeose themselves as the troublemakers they are.

 

[blacklab]

Right now I feel like sargent shultz on Hogans Heroe's, I KNOW NOTHING

I triped into this site just a while ago and been enjoying myself since. I haven't seen or heard of the problems that are mentioned of other memebers. But would like to ask the good people of this forum not to let the 1% distroy it. As it has in so many other things. United we stand divided we fall.

 

[meowey]

Well said WD! I missed this earlier because of being busy. I usually stay out of these brouhahas as there is usually little to gain. This time is different, and I will speak out.

I feel that we all need to take care in what we say here. It is difficult to know for sure, when reading a printed page, what is or is not intended as humor. A little civility, integrity, and consideration go a long way.

I came here to learn, most folks do. I enjoy sharing what I know with others. That is the reason for the existence of SMF.

Jeff, thanks for providing this avenue of enlightenment and enjoyment.

Let's get back to smoking!

Take care, have fun, and do good!

Regards,

Meowey