+1000... Best post I've read in months

As a fairly recent member I've noticed a fair amount of what you describe. Nicely put into words what I've been thinking.

 Agreed, the amount of dickheads on here is on the rise. It's a shame

 Yeah it can be a bit like that.

Bluetonic we must have been thinking alike as (while sitting at the airport last night)i put a post on trailer stuff and for some reason felt the need to add a similar note on the end.

  This has put me of posting at times,

   marrisy.

 I to dont post much anymore but this is the chose i have made for much the same reasons as yourself. I still read the forum each day and do get bored with the same shit ,new group of fisherman today all with the same questions we all asked when we joined the forum .The forum has introduced me to some great people and some now close freinds .We just need to sit back and accept it for what it is, or sign off and look somewhwere else.

im with you Bluetonic,i have slowed abit because of that reason aswell

thanks for posting that mate

                                           jeff

Totally Agree and really glad that you posted this up, had a little stoush last week

with someone for this very reason, the funny thing is that I am generally not confrontational

but have tired of people acting as if they are fishing saints.

Was only just having this conversation with a couple members that I'm friends with now a couple weeks ago. It never used to be like this though, it's to the point where you don't even want to post a report any more just to save the hassle.

 I don't put up much either and thought on the same lines.  Unfortunately the moderators can't be around 24/7

While I am not into the serious fishing like you guys, I do like to read and am especially interested in the projects and mechanical issues.
I don't post on fishing issues because I feel I havn't got the knowledge on the subject.
But I have found that persons putting up a question, don't really want an answer, they want sensation, dumb answers etc.
Further persons put up questions that can be easily dealt with by using the search button, or a bit of surfing on the net.
The same persons can't be bothered filling out their profile, for example I had some boat work done, and so could have responded to a recent post, is that person north or south? look at profile not filled in. So why bother.
Yes I have been looking elsewhere too, maybe there is a time limit for these things.

I hear what your saying , however I think it's just been the dead fish ID posts of late , that I have noticed people jumping to conclusions . Thats just the nature of the forum beast I think . People are quick to bitch yet slower to compliment .. Eg a controversial thread such as this will pull many posts , yet of late I've seen a few fish pic threads hardly get noticed.. I think we could all lift our game in that respect . 

 Dont post much ,dont get to fish as much as I would like but really enjoy this site, but the negative comments are disappointing. Well Said Blurtonic

 Bluetonic

So whats the solution, how do We fix this?  Please feel free to send me examples of what you are talking about too, so far I have seen a little bit but nothing too excessive.

I do feel Paul's pain about the same questions being asked over and over again because it does annoy me too.  The negative stuff I don't take too much notice off, I've seen way worse and I guess it just doesn't have the same impact anymore, but I guess others might take it to heart.

Any solutions would be welcomed...

 Hearing all of this fairly sucks for me. Being a relatively new member and new to boating I love and accept all feedback givin to me.  Kinda disheartening when your cant get the feedback from the ones you want it from 

 Great call plutonic!

Was someone really picked on for having long arms? What are we a bunch of year 8s?

I've been posting on fish photos etc, just to let people see that its been seen,sure is some negitivity,seems to be less postings about guys fishing[ afraid of being slagged?] at least with the footy, sport,we all know what we are in for but I guess we can also be a bit more civil,has been a great site though

Thats the internet for you same on every forum everywhere, this site is actually quite mild on the BS compared to others. I have been on forums where ppl literally tell others to go and kill themselves and stuff like that. The internet is full of clowns.

 Yep, know what you mean. I'm only a relative newbie on this site but it didnt take me long to learn whose comments to filter out and whose comments to read and absorb.

I've fished as far back as I can remember but I am still learning and I find this site to be an endless source of information, tips, tricks and other information, especially with new gear and technology which is rolling out so fast you simply cannot get across it all as one person.

Yes, the other information sometimes includes unwanted comments but thats what a forum is for, its where everyone can have a say. The unwanted comments are the ones that I filter out as I mumble "dickhead" under my breath. No different than anywhere else I guess, everyone has an opinion, If you dont like it, ignore it, is my motto.

I have always fished within my own group of friends for more years than I can remember but through this forum I am being introduced to more and more members who are like minded with me. These are the people who I can continue to learn from and in some small ways perhaps I can pass some knowledge back to them so that there is a two way benefit.

It would be a pity if people were reluctant to put up posts because they worry about possible negatives.

cheers

NICE ONE BLTONIC SCHOOL THEM LIKE YR 7

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN RULE: IF U DONT HAVE NOTHIN NICE TO SAY DONT SAY IT AT ALL

I've been a bit quiet around these parts of late , have to actually go fishing to post any fish pics LOL , it's all cyclic , the dickheads move on eventually and things settle down again for a while ,

that's the nature of the Internet  as Jettyrat has commented , pretty hard to control what some Troll posts up , or a tosser so full of himself he doesn't have any real mates .

This is still a great site which I hope to still be taking part in for many years to come , Cheers Adam

I agree with most of what you are saying . I havn't posted much lately, but havn't been fishing alot either . I think this site is very tame compared to alot of others and the moderators usualy get onto problems quickly. I would hate to see too many threads censored tho , there is still room for members to discuss topics without agro and personal attacks, even if they are passionate about the subject .

As you and others do , I usualy check out a members profile if i think the thread is suss . A few of these latest posts that atracted negative comments came from new members on their first post . A couple were from members who signed up months or even years ago, then decide to contribute with negative comments or post a thread that is going to rock the boat .

IMO there have been alot of Troll's on here lately, and i'm not going to let them win by not posting anymore. If valued members don't comment , post or answer questions anymore it will be a very sad site indeed .

I am reasonably new to the internet and have been fooled many times. But i am learning very quickly - DON'T FEED THE TROLL'S .

Do you guys want to have the option on threads to click a button which reports the post to a moderator which can then be looked at?  Maybe if it has more than 10 reports it is automatically made invisible until a mod has approved/rejected it.  I'm not sure if it can be done, but may help you guys determine what is acceptable and unacceptable in terms of the content you think is in the site's best interest.

 Ok I've often thought this but never wanted to suggest it.

Here's a suggestion, maybe have a private section of the forum where only prooven members can access and the general public cannot get to.

I know it would create segregation but there's alot of good people on here who have alot of content to share but won't do it because of the muppets out there and not to mention any random person that does a google search on anything related to fishing in WA and everytime the first 3 results are related to fishwrecked.com

You would still have your public section but then a private section that which you would have to be accepted into. In reality most of the die hard fisherman don't post reports on the site at the moment so there's not much to be lost by having a private forum.  if anything the people who deserve the advice etc would get it and the muppets won't be able accesses the good information and reports.

Fishwrecked is a great site, lets not throw out the baby with the dirty water, if there are negative comments you can always add your say to disagree with their comment. We will not all agree all of the time, and that's a good thing not a negative. Just don't let the negative comments get personal, abusive or derogatory. Just have a bit of patience and enjoy all the good features of this site. Just my thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers
Old Banga!

Even though i'm not at the amount of posts which would get me into the private section I agree with Pricey10!

 My 2c.

Even though a lot of longer time members get a bit tired of newbs not searching and putting up a novice question, I feel differently.

A forum like this is an evolving beast and there would be many categories of users.

Maybe there is a group of 5 or 6 new fella's hunting around, and one of their kind puts a genuine question up. More often than not, other new blokes join in the conversation and their bond develops, as does their confidence.

Telling these blokes straight up to go search is not what such a forum should be about.

I would say nearly everyone on here is a newb compared to blokes like 'carnarvonite', and those good natured blokes will continue to join and advise us all.

It's a great site.

Cheers, Craig.

Great discussion guys (& girls)

It's a fine line between "filtering out the %$#^" and losing what makes this forum great, namely diversity. If everyone here had the same experiences and opinions, it would be pretty darn boring I would think. I've learned a lot from this site, and had some great constructive advice (even shared some of my own limited "wisdom") that simply wouldn't have happened with a "private" area.

I think the moderators do a pretty good job, and there is always the option to alert them if something is out of order. Without picking fights with people (we are all 10 feet tall & bulletproof online) I think it's up to the group to call someone on any poor behaviour. I have noticed more of this happening of late, and being backed up by other members, so it becomes self policing.

Anyway just my 2c, will always be people whose opinion is different.

PS, sorry for lack of my posts showing awesome catches, I obviously have much more to learn from the site :)

Why don't we just leave it as it is?

How old is the site? It's still going strong!!

A "private area" would be wrong, that's not what the site's about, is it??

You say it in your original post "this is by far the best fishing website for WA".

Ignore the dickheads, the decent ones amongst us usually have something constructive to say, you may not agree with them 100% of the time, but it's usually constructive :)

& PS, I'm with Browndog, I don't post many pics 'cause I don't catch many fish.

Just sayin'

 I've been around for about 5-6 years now, and I've seen the old crew go, new crew come and go, and it is unavoidable unfortunately. I myself have been one of the knockers and trolls perviously, but all in a bit of jest. Gotta have a bit of fun hey ;) 

i agree

i have been put of by posting just because that reason

This is one of the best websites and let's keep it that way

 How about putting out the feelers for a couple of volunteer moderators Adam? I'm sure at least a couple of people that have been members for a long time would put their hands up to help out. No set hours that they have to do it, just when they have the time & inclination to help out a bit. People interested could send you a pm expressing their interest. Make a list of the potential mods & then put up a poll to allow other members to vote the new mods in. Make it so potential mods have to have something like 2500 posts to be eligible & other members must have at least 250 posts to be eligible to vote for a new mod, only one vote per member allowed. I don't know jack about running a website or if it's even possible to do the voting stuff but I reckon a couple more mods that actually use the site themselves would help out a bit.

To find a fix we need to know the problem, perhaps there isn't one.
Solution, Perth based members convene at the "Moon & Sixpence" (in town)for a "Get 2 Know". Everyone can catch a train there and back. Date to be assessed! What do you think?

It is disappointing to see that negativity, but every internet site is plagued by keyboard warriors, trolls and tossers.  Their purpose in life is to disrupt.

Fortunately on FW they're a minority, however in saying that, every time a member decides not to bother posting a catch pic or report etc, that minority wins.   And there's the trouble.

Fishwrecked is GREAT just as it is, I don't see any need for private forums, minimum post limits, moderator buttons...whatever.   You learn pretty quickly who's who, who's genuine, what to read, what not.   As Browndog says, it adds diversity.

Within the sub topics on the main forum page I think having stickies - most common questions and topics that can be updated, would save a heap of repeat questions.

bluetonic

i agree about the negative comments but i do think holding a fish at full arm length for the photo to show its a corker but when infact its a tiddler is a right piss off!! I mean holding a fish in profile view next to you gives a full indidcation fo the size  and for many and myself included is great - except a herring we know the size very well.

Sometimes its a nessacary evil to question someones bag of fish. either size or amount. those who take little ones or over the daily limit ruin the fisheries for the rest of us.

All of this could and would be avoided if the person doing the initial report sat back and thought about what they were going to put to the site and did a little research before pushing the save button.

The old peanut comes up, Ask a silly question, expect to get a silly answer, though to some it may not seem a silly question but some of the answers are classics

Leave the site as it is, if its not broken don't tinker with it.

 Yep agree Carnarvonite. I think the search function should stand out more. Like some commercial web pages where it's at the top and quite profound so you can't miss it. There is some good constructive criticism that come's up ,I think that's healthy as most of the feedback is opinions and everyone is entitled to theirs as long as it's relatively civillised. Some posters need to put more info explaining themselves as a lot are leaving themselves wide open for negative feedback. A report button would be a good option too.

Pretty good as it is, always gonna be a few clowns. Don't take it to heart I reckon.

Forums are about sharing because you're happy with what you've done, if your only sharing for pats on the back, save it for your facebook account.

I used to find it hard to bite my tongue at some of the ridiculous weights people claim their fish are, now days though i just have a good chuckle.

There are some absolute tossers making stupid comments at times, it only shows how thick they are.

this is a great site and I don't think it needs any changes
and yes fisherman are known for there tall stories arnt they
its when the stories become lies I get mad I used to fenacl fishing comp and when blokes were coming in and saying they had tagged 10 sailys and you knew you were fishing the same ground and couldn't raise 1 you would just go Hmmmmmmmmmmm
sounds suss don't take the photos and story's and negativity to heart bluetonic you obviously are smart enough to know when you are reading bull and so are the rest of us

good post bluetonic........a reason why I have ceased to post.....keyboard commandos are on the rise??

Thanks Bluetonic. Brilliant!!!
 

I like the site the way it is going.

The search function works quite well if you type in the correct words.  Some sites have a search function which is hopeless.

I personally read nearly every word posted here, I have a lot of spare time at work.

I enjoy the "banter" mild arguements etc, as long is doesnt turn into violent threats etc.  How sad would it have been if we never had the "fisherman 1992" episode.  Honestly that is something I can never forget.  Over moderation would mean we get to miss out on these comedy posts!!

http://fishwrecked.com/forum/snapper-snapper-snapper

See, the search function works great!!!

If you are new to the site, read the above story.

BJ, time to head down for a beer or we come up your way (bags not driving!!)

New crowd brings new joys, I do also have a chuckle at some of the weights posted on here but you have to laugh at it. As for the outstretched arms I do remember a killer post from Beau in which he was accused of this, FFS it had an awesome write up, epic pics with effort to edit & post then some clown comes along having a crack. It's jealousy pure n' simple

 I'm a new member and love this site,no need to change it!

It is a classic hey...

The follow up was even better, but it got removed I think

Hey Adam,

is it possible to create a sticky for commonly asked questions? Maybe keep it at the top of the Forum so any new members can find the information they seek? 

Just an Idea

The Wanderer

One solution to the negative comment issue would be...

When someone comments on a post, a notification goes to the original poster, and he/she is the one that that approves the post for public display..

But as simple as clicking a "show post" or "delete/hide post" button.

Original poster would be a little bit careful of what is originally posted, as they would probably get the sh.ts with having to approve too many posts..

THAT may improve the quality of original posts, and also improve the quality of the responses. (wel, whats shown anyway)

yes/no/maybe??

It would also reduce the work load of the moderators as the original poster would be doing the moderating themselves!!

 in my books. i never see much agro .some great info , and pics ,.everyone gets carried away at times ,(me included) to much at times. but we all have one thing in common ...LOVE FISHING.very addictive.

Well it's been a few days since this post and I've definitely noticed a more positive vibe on the posts I've looked at. With nearly 2500 views I'd imagine most of the regulars would have seen it by now, it's just getting the message to future joining members of the standards expected by existing members.
So maybe it's just an awareness thing rather than actually going around physically changing the site.
Maybe keep this post as a sticky or on the home page or something? I'm sure Adam will figure it out

Thank you to everyone who contributed on my post.

Adam, I don't think we need anything extra to be put in place to stop any negativity. This site is great but my aim was to do what site moderators might find it hard to do without being accused.

I think we all need to have someone say something every so often to make other members realise (us/we) as members should be allowed to post pictures without judgement! Not all of us hold fish up for POTM pics, many just get a picture and want to share it. (And yes I've been guilty in the past of saying the wrong thing, but like to think I've changed)

For new members to be able to ask any question without being dismissed as idiots is also important and all members need to remember you had to start somewhere yourself!

Just keep in mind that although we have no control over what people say we do have control over how we react.

The best reaction I have seen to DH comments over the years on any forum is to totally ignore them.

No response - no satisfaction.

Just sayin' is all...

Best way to avoid all the negativity is to take your fish ID book out with you and so when you post a pic of the fish in it will have a name to it.