The factors which determine THR worth are...

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I did a little (I thought) harmless kidding a while back & was called for it by the staff. I did not mean any harm to the poster but I guess I offended some one. I was shown the error of my way's & I was no way put off by being edited. I ment no harm, but I will be more careful from now on. This is probably the best forum I belong to. I feel that for the most part the member's & staff are interesting, have a abundence of knowledge & at time's are extremly witty! If we as member's keep it clean & friendly we will be able to continue to enjoy THR for a long time to come. :) :cool:
 
Oleg, there's no reason to threaten to ban me. I told you I'd return your Glock on Sunday! Heck, I don't even like the durn things. :neener: j/k, folks.

Seriously, Oleg, I think THR is the best run RKBA website on the net. That's why I'm here, and why I consider myself lucky to count you as one of my closest friends. Heck, in my opinion, you're one of America's best friend's! We just need to do something about your cooking and your (in)ability to decorate your apartment. (Birthday balloons look great on the day of your birthday. Two months later is REALLLLLLY pushing it, brother.)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Oleg, thank you very much for THR.

Oleg, if there's ever anything I can do to help THR, you know to call me. I'm willing to do whatever I can.
 
Just a thought....

if someone is somewhat out of line, perhaps making a public note in their reply box to the effect "Post Deleted Due to Conflict with THR Rules" would suffice. That would not be particularly cruel to someone who made an inadverdent boo-boo but still let them know to straighten up their act. You get say 3-5 of those and your membership is up for review. It would be their warning, and also remind other members to watch the input
 
...

Good choices for new mods; especially Xavier Breath, After reading a few of his post about "technique" my shooting has improved greatly (no one ever taught me to shoot, my dad handed me a gun and some ammo when I was 8-10 and said "don’t shoot anybody":D ) this site has helped me a lot!


Keep up the good work:)
 
Oleg started this thread telling us what in his opinion were the things that made THR valuable.

To me what makes THR valuable is its use. In other words if it is not used and enjoyed by its members it has no value at all.

The thing is " that hard to define value to the members " is a moving target. As time passes and the membership changes, the desired "product" and use will change with them.

Here is the hard part..... and understand this is coming from someone that has been here almost from the beginning (joined Dec 2002). The sense of ownership plank holders feel for THR is sad at best and counter-productive at worst.

There is only one owner, that is Oleg of course. But he owns a handful of nothing with out the participation of the members. For many old members here time has passed them by. Internet culture and communication is NOT like Art's grandma wants it to be. This is a problem for nobody but Art's Grandma and the people that cling to that world. Adapt or Die.

The world is faster, harsher, more exposed, raw and bleeding. It is no longer polite, and understanding of delicate sensibilities. Adapt or face irrelevance.

THR should be exactly what its members want it to be. That should be determined by the actual behavior of the members. People should be free to come here and just as free to leave. Thats right, I have been here since 2002, and if I don't like what the forum has become, I should move on. The future of THR is not the old curmudgeons that walk the the hallways looking for perceived behavior infractions or violations of style.

I for one am against the formation of the knights templar. Oleg let it breath.
 
bigjim nailed it.

A forum is nothing without the folks that use it. If you only want certain types of folks to use it and enjoy it, then you're heading in the right direction. There has been a noticeable change in the way the old MODs operate and act, and it leaves a slightly bitter taste in my mouth...that's not even getting into folks that aren't MODs that act like they are.

This is a great forum, but if it fails to adapt as the next generation comes in, it will ultimately be reduced to a bunch of old farts crying about the way things were and wondering why no one is here to glean some valuable insight from their considerable experiences and knowledge. The next generation doesn't hold the same values that the old guard does, and that creates some conflicts, it's your call how to handle that in the end. There's a difference between mentoring the 'other folks' and helping to guide them to a better way and simply stating "you're not welcome here, conform or get out". Sometimes, some of the things said by the main proponents of this realignment of principle come off as the latter, that doesn't help anything. It feels like we're now saying "if an anti comes here, put on the kid gloves and let's bring the fence sitters over to our side as well, but for those that are on our side already but don't follow the Borg mentality of what we think THR should be, the hell with them, let them hang out elsewhere."

I know that's not intentional, but intention's got nothing to do with it.

Thanks for the forum Oleg, it's been a pleasure.
 
So bigjim, are you saying that the world is in flux? Truth is relative? There are no standards? Am I reading this correctly?

Regardless of what the supposed internet culture may or may not be, I don't buy into the free-for-all that some wish it to be.

Respect for others, respect for differing opinions, polite discussion, are still as relevant today as they were 50 years ago.

The part that you have forgotten is that while some of the physical aspects of our world have changed, the psychological aspects of humanity have not. Civilization is not anarchy. Freedom of expression does not include the vulgar. At least, not in civilized discourse.

I flately reject your "Brave New World," your minimalist "Clan of the Cave Bear."
 
Lured out of the shadows

Hello, I'm along time lurker who posts infrequently. I don't think big jim is correct stating that THR is the property of its members. It is Oleg Volk's property. When the members pay the freight then they can run it the way they wish. I have never sent in a contribution so I will never say that Oleg should run things a certain way.

I don't mind that the conversation is civil and courteous and if that is too old fashioned so be it. I don't think that is true. I've met rude older people as well as young ones. Having discipline in the presentation of your argument I believe forces you to have discipline and rigor in the content of your argument.

I worry about losing a diversity of ideas. Even in my own life I wonder if I'm living in an echo chamber but it is so hard to have a civil talk about important ideas nowadays. Even in the old days the shooters bulliten board had a wider range of opinion but it had a much higher range of unpleasant behavior.

Maybe I am being naive but I feel that I could meet someone in reality and if they said " I'm a high roader" I would know they were a good guy. Let's not lose that
pete
 
For many old members here time has passed them by. Internet culture and communication is NOT like Art's grandma wants it to be. This is a problem for nobody but Art's Grandma and the people that cling to that world. Adapt or Die.
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Or, and here's an concept to chew on, choose only to associate with people who are willing to keep their conduct (and language) confined to a defined set of civilized rules. Seeing as this is a privately owned and run forum people can either abide by these rules or leave.

I can't claim to be an original member of THR, but I discovered it shortly after it opened. I have learned a great deal here and value this site greatly in no small part *because* of the rules of behavior that are enforced. Congratulations (and condolences ...) to the new mods.
 
The world is faster, harsher, more exposed, raw and bleeding. It is no longer polite, and understanding of delicate sensibilities. Adapt or face irrelevance.
Click to expand...

Nope. Civility, reason and debate over discord are never irrelevant.
 
Nope. Civility, reason and debate over discord are never irrelevant.
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I'm not sure if Discord was the word you were looking for, but if you're taking it in the extreme , I don't think anyone that has responded in this thread is saying they want petty bickering or animosity. Just a thought.
 
I've pretty much given up on other sites, some of which are very well known and have very high participation

I'm 55 and went thru the CB radio revolution of the 70's. First it was a bunch of nice people that wanted to communicate and couldn't (at least at a reasonable price) due to long distance phone charges. The CB was free.

Then it moved to the hobby stage and people would hang out at the radio to get in on the gossip

Then it moved to a widespread communication tool on the highways

About then, the scum started using it as an outlet for their perversion. If you listen to CB today, you'll hear what I mean

Internet is going exactly the same route except you type instead of talk, and it's worldwide

If you don't like to play by the rules in this sand box, take your bucket and shovel and find another. While I am far from a prude and have used far more than my share of colorful language, I for one appreciate the fact that discussions here are for the most part factual and personal attacks are curtailed.
that's not even getting into folks that aren't MODs that act like they are.
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I guess I'd like to believe that I've made some positive contributions. And yeah, I've never paid money but I'd like to think that my input gives some small amount of ownership in some very small way. One of the things that I REALLY appreciate is that comments that are rude or pure BS get called out quickly.

If you come into my house, you remove your shoes, you treat others with respect, and you don't swear in front of the grand kids. I own the roof, and I make the rules. They are non-negotiable. If you don't like the rules, the door works both ways. Seems like the same set of rules here.
 
I've been around since THR started up when Rich dismantled TFL. I had stumbled upon TFL shortly after I decided to buy a computer. I was intrigued by the notion that one could carry on friendly conversations about guns, hunting, different types of firearms, spar about politics, mores, lifestyles and even a little religion tossed carefuly in with folks all over the country and even the world. I was attracted to the firearm sites because it became evident that folks who appreciated guns for whatever reason, usually supported things that I was interested in, both pro and con. The discussions were sometimes intense and funny too. I learned some things and even changed my mind about things. I also found some opinions I held were reinforced.

The most evident observation was the behavior that was exhibited. I appreciated that for selfish reasons as well as the example we were putting out there for folks who did not understand things as most of us did, or were sitting on the fence.

Now I'm not a guy who is well versed in the minutiae of firearms. I just like to shoot 'em. I also appreciate the freedom that is necessary for me to be able to shoot, hunt, buy, sell, clean and play with my firearms. I have been amazed at the wealth of knowledge on this board. Again, I have learned things. I am opinionated and never have been shy about sharing my opinion. I hope I have been generally polite about it. I know I have been direct. I probably will continue to be so. I've never been chided by a moderator. I don't think anyone else brought me up short either. I know I have moderated myself from time to time. I've had folks disagree with me, and even reddened my neck a bit more than it already is. But, it was fun and funny sometimes.

All in all, THR, TFL, APS have become a part of my daily deal. Even more so now that I'm retarde...er, retired. It's by choice I come here. It's by choice that we all come here. We don't ever have to always agree, but we need to respect our friendships that have developed. The amazing thing about some of those friendships, they are cultivated even tho one has never met. Whether you're a poster with thousands, or tens of thousands, or only tens, or are primarily a lurker; we are an association of respectable folks and I have appreciated that very much. We should always strive to keep that association and that respect. I've even purchased and read a couple of good novels written by members, who sent me autographed copies of their books. Wow!!

So, thanks Oleg, thanks moderators and wecome to new mods. Most of all thanks to all of you members for opening up the horizons of a 62 year old fart and adding a bunch of value to my day.

Dick.
 
The adapt or die comment has some relevance. Exactly the opposite of what the poster meant it to have, though. Membership in THR is voluntary given that the member ADAPTS to THR culture. Part of that adaptation is keeping Art's granny happy. Banning can be considered to be the Internet equivalent of death. You failed to adapt. You were not fit to survive. Good luck in your next reincarnation on another plane of existence somewhere else on the Internet.

I don't think THR has degraded very much. Some, yes. The current push is aimed more at stopping any decline from proceeding further.

One thing y'all need to think about, though. Even with the new moderators, we can't read every post on every thread. Using the 'report this post' button is necessary to allow moderators to put the brakes on unacceptable behavior in a timely fashion.

As far as being PC and marching in lockstep goes...hey, I'm a moderator. But, folks, there is a difference between being PC and being civil, mannerly, and polite. Now, if such behavior is irrelevant in your world and you will not make the effort to adapt to this environment...that just might be a clue that THR is not a good fit for you. If so, good luck in your future activities and,
"sayonara."
 
to whom it concerns,

What part of " THE HIGH ROAD" Do you not understand?...

i know little, but i open myself to the possibilities of learning from others; Both, what i want to aspire to and more important, what i don't want to become. i appreciate the efforts of the owner, as well as of Y'all...YKWYA. my memory fails me sometimes, but i read somewhere; something along the l.ines of " Seek first to Understand...then/than to be Understood." YMMV in my opinion, Behavior is everything...Words...well!!! ;)

many thank yous from Texas...
 
The World IS Faster, Harsher & more Exposed. How did that happen? Maby if we together or as individule's started acting more responsably & mature around our kid's & in public, the WORLD would see a change in the way's of life!:) :)
 
Just What Is THR?

proven oxygen thieves
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Uhh, I wasn't stealing it, I was borrowing it. I wuz gonna bring it back when I was done! :neener:

Ok, seriously.

I haven't been at THR as much lately, but it has nothing to do with "degradation", perceived or real. A lot has to with a separate sited APS. I totally agree with the reasoning for moving it, but I don't automatically hit THR after checking in "over there". I'm also exploring more non-gun topics lately, and I know not to bring them here.

A lot of people forget this is Oleg's site. He can do as he wishes. But I also think a lot of people don't know the difference between "libertarian" and "anarchist" (or between "anarchist" and "troll", FTM).

If this sounds disjointed, it's because I'm the verge of sleep. :eek:

Oleg, as the founder, I don't know if you see a larger picture around THR. While rudeness, crudeness, and "low road" behavior are best stamped out early, I think what you're seeing is more akin to evolution, or growing pains. How many THOUSANDS are registered here? Over 30,000! Oleg, if THR were a physical place, it would qualify as a small to medium city! Something that big is bound to change.

But change into what? I said I've been spending more time at other sites, many with non-gun foci. And I grow increasingly less surprised when a core group of participants, or even the forum founder, is a THR alumnus-and that these High Roaders work to create intense, honest, and yet still polite places for discourse.

For lack of better words, it seems as if THR is on the cusp of becoming more than just a forum. A movement? An instrument of RKBA/Political change? An "active" membership of over 8,000? My hometown was about that size. How many elections have been won or lost by far fewer numbers?

What do you (and, on down the line, the mods, members, and visitors) want THR to be, or to become? (I like the sound ofThe High Road Institute-the Net's First Think Tank ;) )
There is a momentum, and if your thoughts are similar to mine you won't necessarily tell us everything, publicly.

***
OK, eyelids drooping. Tomorrow.
 
The_Antibubba: I think what you're seeing is more akin to evolution, or growing pains. How many THOUSANDS are registered here? Over 30,000! Oleg, if THR were a physical place, it would qualify as a small to medium city! Something that big is bound to change.
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Actually, THR would be akin to a tiny beach town next to a highway -- with about 400 full time residents, another 600 part-timers and about 27,000 people who've "registered" at the motel at one time or the other (but most without saying anything to the locals).

The suggestion that THR is evolving due to its size is a fallacy. :)
 
My two cents

I'm afraid, offenders (oxygen thieves) are not the only problem. I respect The Highroad very much, I'm actually proud to be a member, but... I frequent the forum less and less. By no means because of the offenders; I barely notice them. It's just that I already know about Sarah Brady, Your Favorite Gun and a lot of other similar stuff more than I really care to know. The problem of walking in circles is a plage of any forum; by the way, on The Highroad it is not that pressing so far... :) But it is not likely to vanish after any number of purges. It's boredom, not the lack of decorum. I mean, cracking down on the oxygen thieves is not going to bear precisely the expected fruit, IMO.

Best regards, Alexey
 
proposed rules:

1. No question should be asked and answered more than once.

2. Everyone has the right and obligation to be offended. Offended Moderators have the additional right to puinish you for offensive behavior, based purely on feelings. Moderators do not need to knock before being offended.

3. Nobody has the right to be offensive unless that behavior happens to be very popular.

4. The rules will be consistant with a OLEG-archy

5. Anybody that does not like it can leave.

While the above was meant in humor, despite being true.
 
A few seconds on one of the more “popular” sites .....
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?????? If there are more popular sites I don't want to know about them. This is a 'Class Act" Forum, thanks Oleg. I do check a few others out, some because of special interests of mine, i.e. 1911s, (but not M1911, I prefer Pro-U.S.A. sites) and some out of pity.

I see some folks that take things personally, and some folks that mean things personally. Personal attacks aren't desirable and mostly they seem to be ignored.

I like a "little" leniency in language, sometimes "gosh darn" just doensn't cover the sentiment. But mostly I don't see much vulgarity and I think that shows that most members have a large enough vocabulary that they don't have to be crude, or too crude anyway.

It's just a better site than others.
 
THR and TFL are Global Resources as we all know by now. Simply because TFL raised the bar for all Internet Forums and THR continues this challenged tradition.
We get many folks to visit after doing Search Engine searches, - whether they are like minded, fence sitters, or against us.

Yes we have Members that were once Anti's, and Fence Sitters that have become Pro Gun, and Represent the Misson Statements of THR and TFL. These folks have taken training, instruct, have opened other Sister Sites, Weblogs, and other means of representing THR, TFL Misson Statements.

Yes we have Trolls and those representatives of Tyranny that disrupt Misson Statements of THR and TFL.

Being Blunt : we have too many folks that are supposed to be united in like mind and spirit in regard to THR , TFL Misson Statement doing more harm by bickering, bashing, and being uncivil - than the Anti's do us.

Who really gives a tinker's damn if someone chooses Brand X caliber over Brand Y? I don't , if the gun fits, the shooter is trained, and can get quick accurate hits - sounds good to me.

Do I mind a bit of sarcasm when a one of our own - pax at www.corneredcat.com - shares how to totally turn off a lady wanting to learn to shoot, and which gun she needs?

Nope.

I have to admit, I have worked with Ladies and they make better students. I have worked with folks and it does seem to me, from my experiences, having a penis and being able to stand to tinkle affects the bigger head in thinking, listening, follow instructions and other matters serious to Responsible Firearm Ownership, Use and Passing Forward to other shooters as Ambassadors of Freedom.

Maybe guys need to start squatting to pee, maybe that will help...

Hypothetically Speaking

What do you think about having a page, where all the FAQ's , Most often discussed Topics were addressed and answered?

This is where everyone from Anti's, to Fence Sitters, to New Members, those of Like Mind and Responsible Firearm Owners could go to gain information.

Being set up as a Page only viewable, there could NOT be any postings. Just a Resource.

No postings means no trolls could dispute any documented cites and information contained therein. No Postings would mean no flame wars, bashing, uncivil behavior.

Integrity of THR/ TFL could NOT be tainted - nor could any quality posts ever be diminished in quality of information.

Public Forum could simply link to this page to a new member not aware, or forgot.

Public Forum could have new updated topics, of course and discussed as we should have. Continue as we are - still...

How do you feel about alleviating some problems by freeing up bandwith using such a Resource page?


Steve
 
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