[signsfollowing]

I would like to voice my concern that many of the moderators have become over-zealous in the last several months. I understand the desire to prevent the negative effects of forums with no limits whatsoever. What I am bothered by is the capriciousness with which threads are being closed or deleted. I understand that this is a private forum, and that as such the moderators are free do as they see fit, but it seems to me that THR goes to quite a bit of trouble to create the illusion of a fair and uniformly enforced set of rules.

I realize that my complaint may be dismissed as unfounded, but I have seen several cases of what I know for certain to be moderators acting on the basis of their own personal bias and not on the basis of any forum rule.

As an example of this, I would point to the thread “Good compact crossbow for HD with broad heads?” in the Non-Firearm Weapons forum. The poster asked about the usage of a crossbow for home defense. The moderator clearly doesn’t think that the use of a crossbow is a good idea (and I would agree), and ignores the entire basis of the question (firearms not available) and declares the argument moot. While the original post does mention SHTF, It seems clear that his true motivation for closing the thread is the fact that he simply doesn’t like the idea of using a crossbow HD and is hiding behind the SHTF issue.

I think that this post really has value. There are many places where (and people for whom) firearms are unavailable, and while I think there may be better options, I don’t see why this topic shouldn’t merit discussion.

If THR wishes to operate on the basis of the whims of its moderators in addition to a set of rules that is fine, but why not own up to it? Simply admit in the rules sticky that all posts are subject to be closed/deleted simply because a moderator simply doesn’t like the content. It really upsets me to see the kind of intellectual dishonesty commonly found in the tactics used by our opponents within our own ranks.

I have no axe to grind here; this is my honest perception of what I see.

[Certaindeaf]

Sounds like a hatchet job. Heh, I thought that was pretty funny.

[Naybor]

Well, the forum is called "TheHighRoad.org and the moderators are trying to keep things on that track.

Personally, I don't think they do enough to keep the Trolls and Flamers in line. After all, it is THEIR forum, and, if we follow the rules, it is also OUR forum. We have been invited to use a private forum if we follow their rules. The forum has an Owner/Owners, and the Moderators are acting as agents of the Owners. It is their right to do what they want.

I can name other forums that have rampant cussing, flaming, and general mayhem that lowers the gun community's reputation and provides fuel for the antis to say "Just look at that ~ just what we've been saying."

I know, sometimes something we really like is shut down, but I do believe the forum is also held to "A Higher Standard".

[Certaindeaf]

This place is different. If you want to be a one man wrecking crew, which sometimes is fun, go elsewhere. Not saying you are or anything but just saying.

[Esoxchaser]

We are all guests here. If you don't like what goes on here, leave. No one is forcing anyone to visit..

[threefortyduster]

I don't know, I think they fly off the handle a little quickly, but I have definitely reported a few posts from moderators who are doing nothing but being incendiary trying to get the thread fired up so they can close it.

[Walkalong]

I have no axe to grind here;
Sounds like axe grinding.

Care to link to examples of your "charges".

If you truly want to help, the best way to do it is when it happens, and by PM. None of us are perfect. :)

[Certaindeaf]

I've noticed that many times, when a thread is shut, reasons are given why and an invitation is made to petition the shutting and many times it is re-opened. Can't really complain about that really.

[hso]

signsfollowing,

We have a specific prohibition on SHTF threads in general at THR and a specific stickie about it in NFW. The close on the specific thread in NFW falls well within both the general rule and the NFW forum rule against SHTF topics and other fantasies.

We've discussed bows and crossbows for SD/HD before in NFW and if the poster had simply limited the discussion to HD instead of the possibly Revolution series inspired SHTF question the thread wouldn't have been closed.

[Sheepdog1968]

There is another forum I used to post on a fair bit. I stopped posting much because much of the discussion is juvenile in nature. I personally like that the THR closes threads. In fact, I wish they did it a bit more. The conversation is better here. Also, having said that, many the conversations I see here I had in my early 20s nearly 20 years ago. It's tough to come up with original interesting topics.

[gfanikf]

signsfollowing,

We have a specific prohibition on SHTF threads in general at THR and a specific stickie about it in NFW. The close on the specific thread in NFW falls well within both the general rule and the NFW forum rule against SHTF topics and other fantasies.

We've discussed bows and crossbows for SD/HD before in NFW and if the poster had simply limited the discussion to HD instead of the possibly Revolution series inspired SHTF question the thread wouldn't have been closed.
And thank you for doing so. I hate those threads as it makes everyone look like either a paranoid lunatic or waiting for civil disorder to live out a fantasy or "have fun."

That said closing the thread on Sasquatch loads was just a violation of my fundamental rights and natural law.....lol

[Shadow 7D]

Hey, while we are beating the dead horse, how bout opening some of those 'which handheld machinegun (can you hold a Ma Duce and fire it at the same time?) is best for bear defense....' threads

read the stickies, I remember WHY those particular ones are there, gets repetitive.

[gfanikf]

Hey, while we are beating the dead horse, how bout opening some of those 'which handheld machinegun (can you hold a Ma Duce and fire it at the same time?) is best for bear defense....' threads

read the stickies, I remember WHY those particular ones are there, gets repetitive.
There is a Ma Deuce for Bear defense thread? Lol I want to read that.

[Sam1911]

Hi signsfollowing,

You're pretty new here, having joined about nine days ago, it seems. I'd suggest you spend more time really getting to know the place (if you care to) before you decide what is an appropriate action by a Staff member and what is not.

If THR wishes to operate on the basis of the whims of its moderators in addition to a set of rules that is fine, but why not own up to it? Simply admit in the rules sticky that all posts are subject to be closed/deleted simply because a moderator simply doesn’t like the content.

Rule 6:
6. We cannot provide a comprehensive list of "Things Not To Say". Posts that are contrary to the above policies, or to the mission of The High Road, may be edited or deleted at our sole discretion. Membership may be temporarily or permanently revoked if such a step is deemed necessary by us. We're a private venture enabled by an all-volunteer staff. Please treat this venue as a polite discussion in a friend's home and respect the wishes of the hosts.

No Moderator closes threads because they do not care about or care for a topic. Threads get closed if/when a Moderator feels that they do not live up to the stated goals of our forum. I certainly understand that you may not personally have seen eye-to-eye with such a judgment, but that's only to be expected. We're all people and all have different viewpoints. However, all Staff actions are subject to review by the rest of the Staff, so we tend to be pretty consistent in how we view such matters.

In all cases, the appropriate step if you do not understand or agree with a Staff action is to send a PM to a member of the Staff asking for a clarification or a review of the decision.

[jrdolall]

I have had several "differences of opinion" with moderators over certain subjects and have seen them close threads that I was enjoying but, overall, they do an excellent job of keeping the threads on the high road. Spirited debate is encouraged so long as it does not get too out of hand and devolve into a "mine is bigger than yours" thread.

If I start a thread about killing wolves with crossbows to keep them from being killed by zombies when the SHTF because the 9mm is not as good as the 45 and NOBODY would EVER want to use a 30-06 because the 7.65x34 is sooo much better then my thread could get closed.

[bikerdoc]

many of the moderators have become over-zealous in the last several months.

Nope. Not true. They have been over zealous since Dec of 2002. They are dedicated to the basic rules and code of conduct. The unwavering high standard makes us the best place for adult discussion.

The truth is, and many mods have stated, they cant monitor all the threads and posts, they have real jobs and lives, with same life chaos we all face.

They rely on membership to self police their conduct and more importantly hit the report button on Out of line posts and threads.

[rbernie]

If a thread gets locked, there's a better-than-not chance that one or more THR members reported it as not appropriate for THR. Yes, there are many occasions where a moderator can track a contentious thread and intervene in real-time. But more commonly, moderation is exercised because THR members found the thread/post unsuitable for THR's code of conduct, they reported it as such, a moderator agreed with that member assessment, and subsequently pruned out inappropriate content or closed the thread altogether. It's not like the moderators troll for threads to lock.

If you're finding your thread pruned or locked, it's almost certainly because your fellow THR members concluded that your contributions were not THR-worthy. The moderator is simply acting as the instrument of the shared vision and mission statement for this site.

[alsaqr]

They are dedicated to the basic rules and code of conduct. The unwavering high standard makes us the best place for adult discussion.

This.

IMO: Thats why THR is the best gun forum on the web.

[Arp32]

Not to pile on, but I think maybe using a SHTF crossbow HD question wasn't the best example to prove your point! Sorry, I chuckled a bit reading that...

[Sav .250]

On the lighter side.. A cross bow would certainly do way less damage(destruction of property) as a HD weapon then an AK47 some guy wanted to use. Saw that recently on another forum. :) :)

[j1]

I like the comment about if you do not like the country do not let the door hit you in the a$$ on your way out. To sit on the fence I can also understand someone wanting to improve things here or anywhere else. Make it the best place it can be. You and I both play here.

[beatledog7]

I'm all for keeping things civil, on topic, and away from the ridiculous video game / fantasy cinema stuff that pervades many other boards.

I'm less convinced that forums on Activism and Legal aspects of gun ownership can be kept free of any political reference and actually cover the issues. Firearms activism and firearms-related law are political by their very nature nature; there's no way to explore the topics without touching politics. Yet moderators constantly advise us to keep out of politics just when such threads start to get at the real meat of these issues.

[signsfollowing]

I admit that the post I gave as an example isn’t the best, but my main concern is that of uniformity. I have seen many threads that if held to the same standards as other closed/deleted threads would be likewise closed/deleted.

One thread from many months ago involved a situation wherein someone was questioning the motivation of a police officer. After about 3 or 4 replies, the moderator who I know to be a police officer closed the post on the basis of “threads like this never end well”. All of the posts were respectful and there was no violation of any of the principals and rules. The simple fact of the matter is that the post was closed because of the personal bias of the moderator.

I sure could spend a bunch of time and find a dozen examples to show this (although for threads that were deleted, I can’t), but I don’t have the time or inclination. I would simply suggest that more attention be paid to uniformity than is being done so now. If “threads like this never end well” is a reason for closing a thread, why not simply ban any mention of 5.7x28?

Shutting down discussion of something on the basis of personal disagreement is exactly the kind of thing done by those who are hostile to our way of life. "I think it's a bad idea to carry a gun for protection, so I'll just shout down anyone who tries to say otherwise" or "I simply don't like hunting, so I'll try to use social ostracism to shame people into my way of thinking".

I just hate to see that kind of behavior practiced within our own ranks.

[Arkansas Paul]

I have seen many threads that if held to the same standards as other closed/deleted threads would be likewise closed/deleted.

Different moderators are in charge of different areas. Anytime you have a human element like that, there will be differences. No way to avoid that. Everybody is different.

The bottom line is there are literally hundreds of forums out there. There are many places that you can spout all you want about anything you want, with little or no moderation. Anyone who doesn't like the way things are ran at one particular forum, is more than welcome to find one that they agree with. No hard feelings. Voya Con Dios.

I'm so active here for a reason. Because it lines up with my way of thinking. If it didn't, I'd go somewhere that did.

[Sam1911]

...why not simply ban any mention of 5.7x28?

Really not a bad idea.


But, alas...;)

[saltydog452]

There are places that you can visit where there is no effort to keep threads on track and personal attacks/insults down.

If that is where you want to play, have at it.

salty

[Fotno]

I spent close to seven years moderating an online forum with a membership of over 100,000 people. It's a thankless, often miserable task; but without good moderation online forums become a nightmare in short order.

The moderators here do a great job.

[gfanikf]

There are places that you can visit where there is no effort to keep threads on track and personal attacks/insults down.

If that is where you want to play, have at it.

salty
Yeah one of the reasons I enjoy this board is the insanely highly level of quick and informative posts...and not putting up with offensive comments or insane chain letters about DHS buying ammo so prepare for when SHTF and it's going to be WROL after the election. Seriously this board helped me out with a primer mistake at 1 AM in the morning once!

Mobile support is awesome too.

[JShirley]

I'm a little curious as to how someone who has been a member just over a week has been tracking forum behavior for months? How does that work, exactly?

John

[Certaindeaf]

Deep undercover mole. burn him! j/k

[signsfollowing]

When my old computer crashed, I lost all the passwords I had stored in my browser, so I had to start a new account.

[Arkansas Paul]

I'm a little curious as to how someone who has been a member just over a week has been tracking forum behavior for months? How does that work, exactly?

That crossed my mind as well.

[Robert]

It is being addressed.

[Creature]

I'm a little curious as to how someone who has been a member just over a week has been tracking forum behavior for months? How does that work, exactly?

John

It is being addressed.

Seriously? You dont actually need to be a member or be logged in to view threads here on THR. Log out and see for yourself.

[threefortyduster]

I'm a little curious as to how someone who has been a member just over a week has been tracking forum behavior for months? How does that work, exactly?
The same way I was able google threads and read them and go directly into forums here before I joined. Type thehighroad.org into the address bar, then click away on threads.

[Walkalong]

Shutting down discussion of something on the basis of personal disagreement is exactly the kind of thing done by those who are hostile to our way of life. "I think it's a bad idea to carry a gun for protection, so I'll just shout down anyone who tries to say otherwise" or "I simply don't like hunting, so I'll try to use social ostracism to shame people into my way of thinking".

I just hate to see that kind of behavior practiced within our own ranks.I just don't see that happening.

[hso]

One thread from many months ago involved a situation wherein someone was questioning the motivation of a police officer. After about 3 or 4 replies, the moderator who I know to be a police officer closed the post on the basis of “threads like this never end well”. All of the posts were respectful and there was no violation of any of the principals and rules. The simple fact of the matter is that the post was closed because of the personal bias of the moderator.

No, the post was closed because threads based upon conjecture about what was going on in the head of strangers is more about prejudice and opinion than facts. Those threads never go well and we know that from 10 years of experience. People who like a group support them because they like them and those that don't like them condemn them because they don't like the group. Threads that devolve into liking or disliking groups have NO VALUE and just because a mod who is/was a cop closes it doesn't mean it didn't need to be closed because of that 10 years of hard earned experience for all of us.

If you disagree with a close or even a comment, PM the moderator and engage in a civil mature discussion. If the mod can't engage you on that level let the rest of us know. There's a diverse community here and it is reflected in the Staff.

[Alaska444]

There is a Ma Deuce for Bear defense thread? Lol I want to read that.
I don't know but it seems to me that there is a bias against bear threads. Could be my own bias for bear threads, but shucks, bear threads are just fun for everyone even though everything that could be said has been said. Go figure.

[blarby]

...why not simply ban any mention of 5.7x28?

I think that makes three "ayes" in that chorus :D



Ya'll do a bang up job.

As humans- we have this tendency not to agree with each other all the time.

Ya'll do a better job than most of sortin' that out.

"Everyones a critic"- especially me. When it comes to the "laws of the jungle" on THR, EVERYONE is a critic. Hard job, that lot you chose to take , for free, no less.......

To the OP : It happens to the best of us- infractions and all. Ego or Bravado gets in the way of rational, unfettered judgement, and all kinds of things start workin their way 'round yer mind.

Let it be. Its not the evil you make it out to be.

And if you think someones right to free speech got stepped on.... I hate to inform ya... that ones clearly listed in the rules. Only one of those amendments is given any sort of shrift here, and its an even number, not an odd one.

[Water-Man]

signsfollowing,

As I'm sure you've surmised by now, you're wasting your time.

[el Godfather]

I really like this forum, and I think that the staff is doing a great job clean it civil. That said, I noticed that sometimes threads are left open where there as a compelling reason to close it. Similarly, there are a few time where threads are abruptly closed without proper closure. I also understand sometime no such closure is need, but there are times when a good amount of discussion has taken place in a thread. In such instances I suggest that, since the staff has the last post, they close it with a comprehensive post- not their opinion, but based upon what major arguments where in the thread and how people where divided and with what major reasons. I think that would be very helpful. Rest I like it around here so far, sometimes a you become a very senior member on the forum and one fine day you are just snubbed and cornered. I hope that does not happen here.

[Art Eatman]

Godfather, moderators try to "do righteous" but I really doubt that any human ever sees perfection in a mirror. (Those who think they do have powerful imaginations.)

And I really like my 5.7x28. :D

[Sam1911]

And I really like my 5.7x28.

HEY! Keep that kind of talk to yourself! We run a nice clean board around here...


:D

[Certaindeaf]

He's got stock in those. It's a conspiracy!

[blarby]

He's got stock in those. It's a conspiracy!

With a round of such an insidious nature, it would only stand to reason.

[Blackstone]

A lot of people will lurk on a forum before they actually register and start contributing, it's pretty normal behaviour.

[gfanikf]

I don't know but it seems to me that there is a bias against bear threads. Could be my own bias for bear threads, but shucks, bear threads are just fun for everyone even though everything that could be said has been said. Go figure.
Ture, but I'll take them over Zombies any day of the week and they are kind of fun since they put an apex predator that one could encounter in reality and allows a channeling of all sorts of adventure/hero/wacky stuff, in a good way. Plus it's an excuse to bust out stuff with insane calibers.

[Walkalong]

It would be cool in a bolt gun. :)

[gfanikf]

It would be cool in a bolt gun. :)
Has to be SBR and equipped with a suppressor.

[justice06rr]

I will say it here only since we are on the topic.

Why are SHTF topics not accepted? Not including zombies, the threat of SHTF and TEOTWAWKI is real IMHO. I'm sure this is up for debate, and cause many disagreements so I understand the prohibition. But realistically things involving SHTF (riots, civil unrest, calamities, etc) are REAL.

Just wondering.

[gfanikf]

I will say it here only since we are on the topic.

Why are SHTF topics not accepted? Not including zombies, the threat of SHTF and TEOTWAWKI is real IMHO. I'm sure this is up for debate, and cause many disagreements so I understand the prohibition. But realistically things involving SHTF (riots, civil unrest, calamities, etc) are REAL.

Just wondering.
Because its usually an excuse for people discussing illegal acts under the guise of SHTF...since its not likely to happen in way that is widespread or sustained. Also you generally come off as a crank...plus it often goes into off top tin foil politics.

More so civil disorder does not become a freebie to go full auto or do things unallowed in times of civil order that are normal topics here.

A person in Ohio once during a Mosin review saying its their shtf wrol hunting rifle...despite them then pointing out rifle hunting is illegal in the state.

[blarby]

I too, wish that sometimes SHTF could be discussed in a THR like manner.

I frequent many of the OMG forums about once a month or so looking for various info... Its not like home, lemme tell ya.

There is some info there, but its trapped under a pile of Tinfoil, BS, and juvenile hijinx.

Some of that stuff is more valid than you'd like to believe. Maybe 10% of it.

I can only imagine what those threads would look like, and reveal here, if moderated correctly and with some sort of scope and focus.

ALAS... THR is about RKBA, and all its trappings. TEOTWAWKI is more about all the trappings, with a decent smattering of 2ndA stuff- but not in the way we want it.

Not all SHTF is TEOTWAWKI.... those are the parts I think are worthy of discussion. We have enough man-made and natural disaster issues in this country that involve 2nd A issues- and it gets touched on here once in a while- which is nice.

*hopes one day a decent forum for non maniacs opens up, to discuss such things*

[gfanikf]

Well the question is can you phrase the question in a non SHTF context? Unless its something illegal, you should be able to. For example a thread on most common calibers and least likely to be affected by price increases or component shortages. You could easily see how that could be a shtf question, but it's not and free to discuss here (unless I'm missing something).

[Fred Fuller]

blarby,

See if this helps...

From the rules for ST&T ... http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?f=5 (Don't forget, access to ST&T is limited to registered THR members who are logged in at the time)

... SHTF, TETOWAWKI, and fantasy/zombie scenarios will not be entertained here, nor will we engage in discussions relating to the preparation for possible societal breakdown, foreign invasion, and so forth.

Since defensive tactics and strategies applicable the event of realistic emergencies such as storms and floods are inextricably related to other aspects of survival in such circumstances, what to have on hand or to take with you are acceptable subjects of discussion. For example, limited, constructive discussions of the appropriate contents of “bug out bags” are acceptable, as long as they do not turn into “show and tell” exhibitions.

However, broader discussion of “survival” issues, such as the laying in of long term food supplies, water purification, alternative energy, etc. fall outside of the scope of our mission here at THR.org.

...

[gfanikf]

I am upset now after reading that we can't discuss Red Dawn/InvasionUSA/Modern Warfare 2/3 scenarios. :(

[towboat_er]

Its their forum. But it would not be much of a forum without its members.
Its a good forum, but sometimes I feel it is over modded. Is that a word?

[justice06rr]

Well the question is can you phrase the question in a non SHTF context? Unless its something illegal, you should be able to. For example a thread on most common calibers and least likely to be affected by price increases or component shortages. You could easily see how that could be a shtf question, but it's not and free to discuss here (unless I'm missing something).

I guess it can be discussed under "Prepping", if that passes.

But it can be construed as a pre-cursor to SHTF or whatever. Are Prepping subjects even allowed under THR rules? I guess i'll have to double check..

[gfanikf]

I guess it can be discussed under "Prepping", if that passes.

But it can be construed as a pre-cursor to SHTF or whatever. Are Prepping subjects even allowed under THR rules? I guess i'll have to double check..
Looking at the rule above, no, along with plans for defending PA from Candian invasion.

[Trent]

And I really like my 5.7x28. :D

Damn straight!

My travelling companions.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/621429_442367202460882_467202849_o.jpg

Because... you just never know what'll happen when you're a thousand miles away from home. :)

[gfanikf]

Damn straight!

My travelling companions.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/621429_442367202460882_467202849_o.jpg

Because... you just never know what'll happen when you're a thousand miles away from home. :)
As an FN fan who loves there stuff but can afford it I am very jealous of the the things on that table.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[saltydog452]

Other than the racy furniture and the possibility of reloading the fired cases, what is so ultra-modern about a ctg that has the interior balistics of a .22 Magnum?

Lots of time and effort were invested in this ctg and the folks who did that aren't dummies. What is the attraction?

Thanks,

salty

[TAKtical]

IMO, mods let many threads stay open that probably should have been closed. Like this one... Lol

[JShirley]

Folks,

To be clear, almost anytime a "new" member complains about how the forum has changed...they're not actually a new member. I could go back and compile statistics if I wanted, but a quick guess would be along the lines of 95% or higher prior registrants. This is a historical trend that I have watched for 10 years here, and for a couple of years before that as a mod on TFL.

Multiple registrations are not permitted.

John

[bikerdoc]

If any of you were around in 09, you might remember a spate complaint threads here in technical, usually on a thurs. It became almost a running joke that thurs was complaint day.
I, along with about a 1/2 dozen co-sponsors, started a monthly Mod Appreciation thread and ran it on the 1st thursday of each month. It was fun to see the positive comments not unlike some in this thread. Even the not so positive ones were civil and offered an opportunity to give some education of our purpose and mission, just like this thread.

At one time it was jokingly preposed we should have Moderator of the year poll.

Anywho, threads like this are healthy and needed once in a while as a tool for new and old members alike to lean the how and why of what we do here, and that what has evolved, works.

[Trent]

Other than the racy furniture and the possibility of reloading the fired cases, what is so ultra-modern about a ctg that has the interior balistics of a .22 Magnum?

Lots of time and effort were invested in this ctg and the folks who did that aren't dummies. What is the attraction?

Thanks,

salty

^^^ See, my point is proven!

:)

Salty - ability to load cleanly in box magazines, for one, without the typical jam-o-matic characterists of rimmed 22's. I've shot over 10,000 rounds of 5.7mm out of P90's and FiveSevens and never had a single jam.

Haven't had such outstanding "luck" with any of my 22's.

[Kleanbore]

Why are SHTF topics not accepted? Far too many aspects, only a few of which pertain to firearms or non-firearm weapons.

But realistically things involving SHTF (riots, civil unrest, calamities, etc) are REAL.So are road rage, earthquakes, water rights disputes, forest fires, epidemics, food shortages, monetary system issues, and many other things. People who are interested can look elsewhere.

[gfanikf]

Far too many aspects, only a few of which pertain to firearms or non-firearm weapons.

So are road rage, earthquakes, water rights disputes, forest fires, epidemics, food shortages, monetary system issues, and many other things. People who are interested can look elsewhere.
What about BHTF?*

Bigfoot hits the fan? :)

[saltydog452]

Is there a simile for smirk? Bigfoot would require a wood chipper.
sd.

[PTMCCAIN]

I have to speak up in defense of the moderators....

I behaved VERY badly a week or so ago toward a moderator and deserved to have my kiester booted, but instead, they let it go, with, of course, an appropriate warning.

This is one of the very few forums where I feel the moderation is reasonable and fair and not a bunch of amateurs power tripping with modetorial powers, as is the case with smaller, less frequented forums.

[Thumper]

There are plenty of online gun forums that encourage adolescent silliness. Heck, I roll around with the pigs often on other boards.

I like that this place holds itself to a higher standard. When it can't, I appreciate that there are more patient folks than myself here to take out the trash.

[Arkansas Paul]

I would say that the simple fact that this thread is still open is proof that the mods are not in fact, overzealous. :)

[Ridgerunner665]

I prefer talking guns (specifically rifles) over talking speculative, often obsessive SHTF crap...just my 2 cents.

I can appreciate THR's mission in the activism and S&T forums (for example)...that mission, in essence, is to keep it "real", otherwise it degenerates into a bunch useless, wasted space. I tend to steer clear of those areas...I don't have time or resources for activism (wish I did), S&T I might be able to offer some advice on....but every time I tried, it never ended well.

Forums are a funny thing...I enjoy them...but they do make me laugh at times, the things some people get wrapped around the axle on...

I've even done it myself a couple of times, so I'm not casting stones...just sayin.

I've been a mod, still am technically, but never here...and don't wanna be, here or anywhere else...its not an easy job.

[blarby]

its not an easy job.

Especially for free.

[Alaska444]

+1 blarby. Good point. I am thankful for THR.

[hyattnc]

The moderation here is top notch and all of the various forums, except for the legal section, seem under control. The only issue is one of culture. The mods are a little bit older and they come from the old guard.

I remember Captain Charlie for example on the TFL who had a lot of knowledge and great stories. I learned a lot from him and, except for his choice of 1911s, I agreed with how he thought. However you had to be careful with the new guard thinking otherwise you would find your thread locked. Charlie is one of those guys that goes on the hunt in the big red flannels while us new guardsters go on the hunt with our plate carriers. Two different styles and schools of thought...neither is good or bad just different.

So the moderation is top notch just explain yourself and be careful with new concepts. Using a crossbow is new guard thinking. I personally thank the mods for taking the time and energy. Their effort is noteworthy.

[Sheepdog1968]

When the electrons aren't flowing, there are these paper thingiess that come in quite handy for learning. Authors such as Awerbuck, Cooper, Grossman, Cirillio, etc are timeless in what the offer and worth reading.

FWIW, many SciFi books deal with the day the power goes down and the dusty books in forgotten and unused places saves the world.

[Art Eatman]

Okay. Probably more than enough snark for one week. :)