[coinshooter]

I have noticed in the past and present that there seems like a lot of posters slam people on their questions. Instead of just not posting a response,they belittle and in some posts asked the original poster to go away. Is the Highroad a place to learn and to share info taking the higher road, or a place to berate and belittle, and taking the lower road? There seems like a lot of snobs here--not all but a few that seem to stink up the place. Just ones humble opinion.

[moewadle]

at the risk of sounding like an old grouch, I am tired of people making posts simply because they think they have such a clever sense of humor and have to throw in some jokes. Okay, some of this is okay if you also have a constructive piece of information to add to the answer or the discussion...but just filling space with a joke, that many times is so mundane, unclever, not really funny is, in my opinion simply a waste of my time to wade through.

[W.E.G.]

I hope its OK for me to still razz the guy who posts "What is the best AR15?" when there are already three threads on that topic percolating on the first page of the forum.

[Grizfire]

at the risk of sounding like an old grouch, I am tired of people making posts simply because they think they have such a clever sense of humor and have to throw in some jokes. Okay, some of this is okay if you also have a constructive piece of information to add to the answer or the discussion...but just filling space with a joke, that many times is so mundane, unclever, not really funny is, in my opinion simply a waste of my time to wade through.

I agree, sometimes. Other times I enjoy a little humor. What really clutters it up and wastes our time is when someone responds to the side joke and tells that person off. This is what coinshooter is talking about and I agree with coinshooter.

The problem is that this is a public forum with a large diverse population. We got all kinds here, and although this is the "high road" I don't think this forum could ever be completely free of the low roaders. although, the moderators do a great job here I think. They let us go at it just enough before being having to close threads due to personal attacks etc.

[carlrodd]

i agree whole-heartedly with the OP. just like in every other arena of life, people on discussion forums seem to feel the need to showcase their knowledge, whether they have any or not. some are more bravely arrogant than they would be face to face. often-times this comes at the expense of well-intentioned question askers who simply are trying to learn. healthy debate is one thing, but when people are trying to learn, it's a shame that they are frequently demeaned.

what i find especially humorous is when i see especially arrogant people comfortably being rude and seemingly speaking for all of the board's members(i.e. 'here at the high-road'), and i see from their registration date that they have been around for a couple of months or so.

with that said, there are some really great people here with loads of knowledge and experience. i've personally learned a great deal here. hopefully we can continue to find ways to marginalize the smarminess of some posters.

[Gun Slinger]

Unfortunately, it is sad commentary on the state of our society that the lack of civility pervades us so.

We here at THR, are but a micro-cosm of that society, so while I am saddened to see such conduct here, I remain unsurprised at its presence.

GS

[thebaldguy]

Sometimes it's entertaining and educational to discuss old topics. Just because it's been discussed before does not mean it cannot be discussed again.

[Harvster]

You just can't have a forum with however many thousands of members there are at THR and not get the whole spectrum of people, the good, the bad and everyone in between.

[MachIVshooter]

It's a message board, guys. And one that's been up for a long time, hence most everything has been discussed. Without the posts that are funny little quips and without the debating and civil arguing, forums would be pretty darn boring. So I suggest ya'll take your own advise and if you don't like what others are posting, don't read it.

Also, there are a great many new members here and those people may not know what to look for with the search function (it can be tricky to find stuff even when you DO know what you're looking for). Or they may have one simple question and (understandably) not feel like pouring over thousands of posts to find the answer.

If the thread title or post looks boring, trite or otherwise offensive, skip it. This requires only a minute movement of your wrist or index finger.

[littlegator]

This reminds me of a Constitutional Law class I took in law school. No really, just wait and you'll see... It just so happens that the Commerce Clause had gotten pretty boring for many years until 2000 with the Morrison case, when Lochner era cases and their progeny were reigned in. (I know, not very exciting.) When the S.Ct. came out with Morrison, con law profs had a field day. They actually had something relatively new to teach regarding the commerce clause. For those who don't know, the commerce clause just happens to be where the federal gov't has arguably obtained most of its power over the people - so, it was important.

By analogy, until new guns and/or technology come out, we are left for long periods of time trying to fill the gaps, for the most part, with trivialities, redundancies, and yes, even jokes. I'm pretty sure that just about everything concerning guns has been vetted on this site many times over. New guns, technology, laws (Heller anyone?), and events, are what we write about on these threads when we can get them. But in between those times, we rehash the same ol' stuff - which, don't get me wrong, isn't that bad - especially if it involves a 1911. ;)

Fortunately, we have newbies, like myself, who come along to ask questions of the senior gunners and just co-mingle with like-minded, good folks such as yourselves. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be able to just brouse my ol' friend, THR, in order to quail the rising stress at work and keep me sane. Mods, SM, and others have helped alot. Thanks.

To that end, I like the jokes and hope they don't go away. I don't like mindless bashing, obviously, but a good debate can be interesting and educational. To quote my old Con Law professor, "We're dealing with the Constitution stupid!" In other words, there is going to be controversy on this thread because we are so constitutionally minded. The recent thread by Grandpa Shooter(?) regarding dealing with shooing someone in a self defense situation was very gratifying and educational despite the controversy, nevertheless, and I am thankful for it.

In addition, everything SM gives us is gold, and only half of it is firearms related. Something to think about.

[Hunter0924]

This is the internet and what I have learned if you cannot say something nice say it anyway.
I agree that being condescending helps no one.

[Pat-inCO]

While I agree with a lot of what's been said, I still believe there are many - stupid - threads. For example:

1) I can't make up my mind between X and Y - Please tell me why our opinion is even relevant? Sure, there will be a - few - time when we can supply information that person didn't have, but most of the time they are using the board to save doing actual research.

2) Which is better, X or Y - - Totally stupid question. "Better" is relative and, in most cases, cannot be defined. Once again, someone unwilling to do their own research (NO I do not believe posting a question is research).

3) How old are people that buy xxxxxx? - WHO CARES? That's not going to change my mind on the product (unless they are all under 22 yrs. old).

ALL TIME WORST (not on this forum - thank heaven)
4) If you have shot someone, did you like it? There is a prime research tool for Sarah Brady.

I believe that about half of the threads are started because someone just "had" to post something, so they started with a totally mundane subject (possibly as complex as the person was capable of).

Like the saying goes "You can't fix stupid!"

[dmazur]

I'm relatively new and I like the mix of curmudgeons and new guys. Reading the back and forth as the questions get answered often answer questions I have myself...

As a Garand owner, for example, I'm fascinated by the recurring question about what kind of ammo is suitable. Swampy is one of the acknowledged experts. Maybe a "sticky" on this?

At any rate, considering the information presented is useful, even if repetitious, I would never complain about it. Even if I've read it 50 times before.

I think the forums are fun and entertaining. If I keep fooling around with rifles long enough, I may be a curmudgeon myself, someday.

[bogie]

Well, having just read the original thingie, I think it's really idiotic.

And trolling.

And not really all that much about boomsticks, which is why we're here. So take a STFU pill, and think.

[plexreticle]

and people complaining about other people post, I hate that. :cuss:

[230RN]

Half the time I ask a question, I expect someone to answer with a THR URL.

Search engines are either too good or too bad, depending on your point of view. Sometimes just too many hits to pore over, and I figure if I haven't seen an answer, maybe others with the same question in mind might not have, either.

I enjoy the one-line quips, jokes, japes, what-have-you. Sometimes the quality of my own jokes, japes, jibes, whatever, don't reach the high artistry of others I've spat coffee out over, but I'll still keep trying.

I wonder what would happen if you searched for "new monitor" or "new keyboard" on the THR search engine. Seems like I see remarks like "You owe me a new monitor, XYZ. LOL" a lot.

All part of the fun. And learning.

--Terry

[CajunBass]

I think the first thing I ever read on the Internet was an argument about something. I'm pretty sure the last thing I read will be the same argument.

If you're not involved, ignore it. If you are involved, you have the power to stop it.

[theken206]

agreed on the most part to the OP, but on the other hand it doesnt have to be the sense of humorless gun people.org either. humor is one of lifes better spices IMO. deffly some elitism and snobbishninsh on here though.

[GhostlyKarliion]

please remember that on THR as in the rest of the world that people are human, and human's tend towards failure.

that being said, snappy cutdowns are usually not heard from established members, new members may have ingrained reactions from other fourms that have to be quelled here. the best remedy is to politely remind them where they are and that their action are not tolerable here.

[IronSightRot671]

Another reason why I have the giveaway going on. it's sort of a come together and have a chance for members to take a chance at winning someting.

we are all here to enjoy, learn, aswell as give input on Discussions. also with info ,resources that will help a fellow Member out. Relax, and enjoy what all of THR members have to bring, I agree. nothing nice to say then STFU.:p



*********** BTW, 01/Mar I will post the winner for the prize! good luck to all that came together to take part in my THR Member giveaway.**********

[U.S.SFC_RET]

1. The THR is one heck of a great forum to garner fanstastic information from those who are in the know.
2. If you don't like a particular thread, don't read it.
3. You the THR to your benefit.
4. If you benefit greatly from The High Road then consider donating to the THR.
5. Don't let the small people get to you.

[bloodedsky]

It's weird, but I find that I always learn something from THR, even from posts that I consider ignorant or cruel or arisen from a rank bog or what have you. It's true that you get people from all over on THR, and so I think that this forum is a course in learning to tolerate, accept, and even understand opinions that differ from yours (sometimes drastically, but that's just part of our animal party). And yes, sometimes THR is a lesson in patience. ;)

[Calibre44]

Well try being a foreigner on THR. I found this site, read the conditions for posting, and thought I had at last an American gun site that would not encourage the usual inaccurate, stereotypical and often distasteful remarks about my country and its people.

In fact, this year has been rather a lean period for Brit-Bashing but maybe that’s because there have been more serious issues in America to debate. But rest assured, it won’t be too long before someone starts prowling through our press searching for a cra.py story to provide members with a golden opportunity to kick-start the popular sport of Brit Bashing.

Don’t get me wrong … there are those in my Government and criminal fraternity that deserve every bit of it, but often the comments and generalisations begin to target the British population as a whole and not the individual concerned. These are often insulting, rude and personal. I find these particular comments offensive and certainly not ‘High Road’ In fact a lot of the comments are lower than a snail’s testicle – and that’s pretty low.

‘Well this is an American gun site so why don’t you go away if you don’t like it?’ – a good question! But the reason why I stay (for now anyway) is that I share a love of shooting like you folks and respect the vast array of knowledge and opinions that are shared here. I also use the site to help overcome my own ignorance about your country, its culture and the politics regarding gun ownership. This has certainly helped to broaden my mind and help me understand the depth of feeling about many of the issues discussed here.

I do this because I have great respect for your country, and in particular, the patriotism admirably demonstrated by THR members. The THR encourages shooters from other countries to join to hopefully enrich its membership, but at times allows itself to fall short of standards it has set for itself.

[poppy]

Calibre Well this is an American gun site so why don’t you go away if you don’t like it?’ – a good question! But the reason why I stay (for now anyway) is that I share a love of shooting like you folks and respect the vast array of knowledge and opinions that are shared here. I also use the site to help overcome my own ignorance about your country, its culture and the politics regarding gun ownership. This has certainly helped to broaden my mind and help me understand the depth of feeling about many of the issues discussed here.
The last time I checked www. begins with "world wide", so I for one don't look at THR as an American gun site. I really enjoy reading posts from our brothers and sisters in arms across the pond.

I certainly wish that you stay here and continue to learn about our culture and politics. Unfortunately one does not always get a clear view of us, since the Internet tends to make some more bold (or stupid) in their pronouncements.

I don't appreaciate posters who don't reveal where they are from and then make statements or ask questions that have everything to do with where they reside.

Writing is sometimes difficult to interpret, like when making a joke and a Smile is not used. Some may not like the use of Smiles, but when used in the proper context, they really help with understanding. I don't mind jokes as long as I know it's a joke.

[Claude Clay]

with regard, this is the best forum of its kind. bad posts/disrespectful / argumentative or accusatory ones are mostly, i have observed by new folk(low post count). THR's learning curve is sharp and most all newbies cottin to our style quickly or they seem to fade from this site. THR is a pleasure to be a member of :kinda like mark twain vrs howard stern.

[MarcusWendt]

I just saw a great example of one of the most popular complaints the other day. Some poor Newb had actually done a search. OMG!! Yes, he searched for a topic before he asked for information. What a great Newb.... but then a few posts down I read some long time poster: JEEZ, why would anyone resurrect this thread. It's so old. It was a on point thread and the question asked by the newb had not been covered but was most closely related to that thread.

It was a kind of damned if you do and damned if you don't situation.

Humor, no humor, I guess you can't please all the people all the time.

The thing that I think is the most pathetic is when you post your opinion on this or that weapon and someone comes along who disagrees by declaring anyone who doesn't think XYZ handgun is the best is part a of a troll conspiracy society and they are the lunatic fringe. They can't just post their own opinion of XYZ and let that stand on it's own merits, they have to flip out and go off their meds to post a rant about ANTI this and troll this. It just shows a complete lack of conviction in their own opinions.

The blessing is that the Mods, for the most part, keep the loons in line.

THR really is a great site and I've enjoyed the vast majority of posts and people.

[BigG]

Unfortunately, it is sad commentary on the state of our society that the lack of civility pervades us so.

We here at THR, are but a micro-cosm of that society, so while I am saddened to see such conduct here, I remain unsurprised at its presence.

GS

Your writings reads like the resurrection of Jeff Cooper. ;)

[230RN]

Calibre44:

I must admit to have fallen prey to the "pack psychology" in doing an occasional mild Brit-bashing, and looking back, I sure regret it.

Introspection on my part (prompted by your post) reveals that it is part of my frustration with our own antis, whose positions are mainly based on feeling and emotion and whose opinions are impenetrable to logic or reason.

I do view with great concern the sad state of affairs that GB has gotten into, and, from my point of view, this draws out fears that we are headed in the same direction as GB... hence the frustration, and, according to my own personal introspection on the problem, this results in a sort of misdirected blame. Somehow my dumb unconscious makes that association of GB and frustration and may colour my writing. --At least as far as me, myself and I, are concerned.

For myself, and on behalf of any others who may have done this kind of self-analysis, I apologize.

By the way, you mispelled "caliber." :p :rolleyes:

--Terry

[brighamr]

I think the majority of questions which are asked 90 times a day could be put into a FAQ\sticky. Anytime someone new asks the question, a simple reply with FAQ will suffice and save on bandwidth. Some ideas for the faq:

Whats the best AR?
What Caliber for ____?
How do I buy a machine gun?
Where's the cheapest .223/.308?
Dillon or Lee?
etc.


also:
list of gun shops, ffls, etc that want to be available for business
links section to Oleg's work, APS, NRA, USPSA, etc. etc.
list of senator/congress contacts per state for activism

just a thought ;)

[gym]

As mentioned this is the internet, we still have freedom of speach, I agree there are always going to be lazy or new people who ask rediculous and repititious questions, its a free forum,it happens on every type of forum, some folks think they are the first ones to think of something, use the search feature prior to asking a question, you cant restrict certain things, don't answer leading questions, and don't let someone "bait" you into saying something you don't mean, and when you make a mistake apologise, read the entire post before answering, sometimes folks are talking apples and oranges, and we should be fine. Just my opinion

[SuperNaut]

Think about what makes THR different from other gunny-oriented bbs'. Then ask yourself if these differences are of any value to you.

This is the way of things.

[tydephan]

It is worth mentioning that this site does rely upon members to self-regulate. If you see a post that, in your opinion, is non-highroad material, click the http://www.thehighroad.org/images/buttons/report.gif button in the bottom left corner of the offending post to report it to a moderator.

This sends out a message to the moderators who will then review and sweep up as necessary.

Use it. It helps.

[Gun Slinger]

Originally posted by BigG:
Your writings reads like the resurrection of Jeff Cooper.

BigG,

Thank you so much for such a kind and wonderful compliment.

Colonel Jeff Cooper was truly the epitome of what men should endeavor to be.

Mentally astute and keenly observant, a direct, yet polite speaker to those issues that concerned him, unafraid to speak his mind when necessary and possessing a refined intellect tempered with what would appear to be several lifetimes worth of experience, to be compared to him is truly a fine compliment indeed.

At 42, While I strive to attain both his even temperament and his many other admirable qualities, I am no where near the well-disciplined, knowledgeable fellow Jeff Cooper was, although I dare hope to be so one day.

Thank you once again, BigG. You made my day. :)

With kindest regards,

GS

[The Tourist]

And let's face it, it's also the time of year when people are cooped up and a tad grouchy. The "unhappy" factor has been discussed recently on lots of hobbyist forums.

Don't worry, in a month or two the sun will be back.

The problem now is don't say anything rash. In a month the problem will be forgotten, but someone's feelings hurt by the incident.

[Big Boomer]

And just to show my support...how is this on topic and gun related again? I see no discussion about guns in this thread.

[MachIVshooter]

I just saw a great example of one of the most popular complaints the other day. Some poor Newb had actually done a search. OMG!! Yes, he searched for a topic before he asked for information. What a great Newb.... but then a few posts down I read some long time poster: JEEZ, why would anyone resurrect this thread. It's so old. It was a on point thread and the question asked by the newb had not been covered but was most closely related to that thread.

I understand what you're saying, but I believe the irritation comes when someone signs up here, digs up a 5 year old thread, quotes a 5 year old post, and then replies to it.

I think most of us tend to roll our eyes a bit when we read the last response in a thread and it says "I prefer the (insert gun model) because it looks kewl", and the post above it was dated March of 2004.

[bluestarlizzard]

i avoided internet forums for many years. now i have three. two are THR and APS. i don't feel the need to look elsewhere, because i like the other posters here and i like the attitude. yes, there are posters who can get on my nerves, but there are also posters who i genuinely respect.
i like the humor for the most part, because, hey we're human and humor is a part of being human. i think that the fact that we can have a sense of humor, despite the fact that we are fighting a harsh battle for our rights is a great thing.
one problem i have noticed lately is the threads conserning what people are posting. we have one thread upset over spelling and grammer, one telling people no more jokes, and this one.
so can we get back on topic now?

[ArfinGreebly]

What I really hate is the heavy-handed mods who seem to delight in closing down cool threads just because they've turned into flame wars or off-topic rants or stuff like that.

The mods should just stay with their kitten stomping and stay out of threads they don't like.

And who cares if the language gets a little "salty" anyway?

Mods should just grow a skin, I say.

Buncha wanna-be meter maids.

Always taking the cops' side, too.

Except when they're bashing cops.

Don't even know why I bother posting here. Stupid mods.

[HadEmAll]

Okay, but what's better, 9mm or .45?

[meef]

Damn, Arfin......

My sentiments exactly.










:D

[bluestarlizzard]

What I really hate is the heavy-handed mods who seem to delight in closing down cool threads just because they've turned into flame wars or off-topic rants or stuff like that.

The mods should just stay with their kitten stomping and stay out of threads they don't like.

And who cares if the language gets a little "salty" anyway?

Mods should just grow a skin, I say.

Buncha wanna-be meter maids.

Always taking the cops' side, too.

Except when they're bashing cops.

Don't even know why I bother posting here. Stupid mods.


*chuckle* :D

[bloodedsky]

Man, Arf. Me too. You sound like someone who can respect the proper way to use and care for a sponge.

I knew that would get some of you. Come, now; randomness is part of Life!

[Gun Slinger]

Originally posted by Calibre44:
---snip---

.... are lower than a snail’s testicle – and that’s pretty low....

---snip---


Calibre44,

As 'off topic' as it is, I just have to ask; Do snails have testicles? :) :evil:

College Bio was many "moons" ago for me and I just cannot seem to recall.

GS

[Kind of Blued]

I've tried to abstan from such behaviour, save for that one guy who asked a question about illegaly obtaining a handgun from some, "Blackpowder faggot", I think he said...

:rolleyes:

[JWarren]

I'm probably one of the more opinionated and vocal posters here, so I actually feel a sense of obligation to respond to this thread.

Let's get this out of the way early...

Have I made comments critical of LEOs on some threads? Yes.

Have I made comments critical of other countries' policies? Yes.

Have I made comments critical to a political orientation? Yes.

Have I made comments that may or not be politically correct? Yes.


Am I remorseful or regretful in any way? Not a bit.


You see...

No idea is above scrutinity. No entity or organization is above scrutinity. No State is above scrutinity, and no individual is above scrutinity.

However, I HAVE placed restrictions upon myself. I don't critize another state unless it is in response to a criticism of our nation. I really think that a lot of citizens of other countries think that a criticism of thier laws is a criticism of them. Jesus... we have a LOT of laws in the US that I don't like and am critical of myself. And I am not a self-hater, so it must not be that.

Because I DO feel that unprofessional and unethical LEO behavior damages us ALL and flies in the face of everyone's rights, I will be critical when I see it. I would think that a responsible LEO would do the same-- afterall it injures him or her as well.

I am critical of myself even moreso that I am of any other. I believe that it is my responsibility to myself to do so. So, I am not immune--even from myself.


Listen...

If everyone tries hard enough, you can find something to be offended about. Do I like that? No. But do I understand that? Absolutely.

Anyone want to guess how many "Redneck" jokes I heard on a daily basis when I worked in the WTC?



But I really do think that we can calm down a bit about repeated theads. I don't mind seeing a few dozen AK or AR treads a week. Many times, I learn something new.

And who doesn't like our bi-weekly Zombie Apocalypse SHTF thread? :p




-- John

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Humor can be a good thing. This is a community of shooters, not just an information database. It would be boring if it were just questions and answers with no personality. One person might not find humor in what another does.

[Geronimo45]

Arfin's right - it's all the mods' fault. :p

[electrode1998]

DITTOS on JWarren's post!!!!

BY the way how are you doin J. I have not seen you around lately. I am still looking for a good spot to hunt some forest rodents with antlers.

Talk to you later,
Electrode 1998

[XavierBreath]

Rather than close this thread, I'm moving it to Technical.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

[JWarren]

Electrode 1998,

Man, Its good to see ya! I've been around-- usually hiding in Rifle Country.

I'll keep an eye out for any leads on those hunting leases still. If I see anything, you'll be getting a PM from me. I just wrote it on a sticky note and put it on the monitor.

Be safe!


-- John

[230RN]

Grump, grump, grump...

I think the majority of questions which are asked 90 times a day could be put into a FAQ\sticky.

We've got enough d@mned stickies. Takin' up half the page of almost every opening screen.

Grump, grump, grump.

Especially General.

Grump, grump, grump.

Time to purge some of 'em.

Grump, grump, grump.

Yeah, Arfin Greebly.... It's all the Moderators' faults.

Grump, grump, grump.

[XavierBreath]

I'll take a look......

Yep, I let a few of them float on......Thanks.

[Calibre44]

Originally posted by Gun Slinger
As 'off topic' as it is, I just have to ask; Do snails have testicles?


Only the males:D

[Robert Hairless]

I've intended to raise this same issue for quite a few years but I've been reluctant to do it because I wasn't sure how others would respond. So I'm glad that Coinshooter did it.

Look, I just don't like it when people disagree with me either. It's impolite and irritating. So cut it out. :)

Ahh, that felt good.