Another vote for no separate fly fishing forum, and I'm an avid flyfisherman. Dave's point about too many forums is spot on. If you get too many, each one gets 2 posts a week, and they wither and die. This is what happens in the specialty groups in Usenet. The current volume of posts is what makes this forum interesting.

I don't know if the software can handle it, but it would be nice if the threads and subthreads could be visible, ala what the Virtual Flyshop has. See www.virtualflyshop.com/bulletin/

The essence of success for a community is participation and activity, both of which exist here. I'd be cautious about dividing any of that.

I'll bet the software allows for increasing the page size, or number of currently displayed posts, which would address one of the concerns discussed.

I think that it is good as it stands. I go to a few other sites for info also. I like to fly fish also but don't add another link. I get what I want from here. Jim S.

Keep it simple is what I say. I don't like a use
and them type of forum. I like to shop around a find what interest me. I want to have my choices
in one place so that I can compare them with my
needs. If I see a thread is fly related, it could
interest me or the same if its gear related. I am
primarily a gear fisherman but by having threads
relating to fly fishing I gain more knowlege about
fly fishing. I still believe most fisherman are
still gear fisherman. There are sights that are
more fly fishing oriented and they just don't have
that down to earthness this site does. Its is easier to qualify as a steelheader or just a plain
fisherman if you use gear. Its a lot cheaper and
better understood. This forum has made people feel
qualified and welcome because of the similarities and not the differences. I say let the threads fall where they may so we can continue to enjoy
this forum. Fly fishing sponsors will welcome
the opportunity to find groups of fly fisherman
to show there goods. The majority on this board
don't buy $600 fly reels and $700 fly rods. That
sort of gives it and elitess feel. If they would
reach out to the gear fisherman and support the
site in totality I would be glad to check out
there adds.Its OK to tweek a few thing but be
carefull when you move us around. Some of us are
stuborn and old school.

FLY FISHING SUCKS!! WE don't want their kind on this board! Next they'll want to move in next door to us! JUST KIDDING!! I fly fish also and I suck at it, that's why I stick mainly to "Gutt Slinging" Seriously, I like PappaFish's idea about a topics lists, say the top 5? Keep it small. Something easy to click to. Add WFDW updates and special rules? I guess your trying to slow this forum down alittle? Topics get pushed to page two real fast don't they? I use the "search" for topics but don't like to because it's too time consuming (like most we only have one phone line) and I perfer the interaction. I'd like to see more action at Lakes.com. Fly Fishing, ect. But in a nutshell, this is an awesome board and I'm on it every night.

Bob, first of all THANKS for a great BB. No specific advice here. In fact, the general tone of the board makes it great. I can read anything from egg, to anchors, to rods and broads - woops, I really haven't seen much broad stuff. Keep up the good work. If I ever get a chance to fish the OP, you'll be the first guy I call.

along the same line with Randy--possibly a thread on where to find backer rod? This could really take off.

I enjoy the site as it is. Wouldn't add a separate fly fishing forum. Then, plunkers might demand their own place for discussing issues and innovative techniques I would second the motion for a general discussion forum where most of the non-fishing topics could be posted. Recent topics such as "Shoot the dog..." and "Sergio..." would fit well in such a forum. A Ford board I visit has a general discussion area and it is heavily used. Thanks for all your work on the site, Bob.

[ 01-16-2002: Message edited by: CedarR ]

Make the sports topics a seperate forum, after all this is a fishing page, if I want sports I'll go over to ESPN.

make a "say what" section like they have on gamefishin.com for peoiple to talk about other things besides fishing. not that ayone would want to but its a thought.
tyler

Please no "Open Community Forum" board. I don't have time to make an a$$ out of myself on more than one board at a time.
Stew

This board rocks! It's your call Bob but don't change anything for me. And thanks for asking.

Excellent site!!! No need to re-invent the wheel..it's still round.

I agree with Stew. You don't want him talking in an Open Community Forum

~ Dr Pepper

If it ain't broke......I came to this board a few months ago and was surprised and delighted to find a board where fishermen talk to other fishermen.....not flyfishermen to flyfishermen or some other subgroup. The people on this board are capable of more than one thing and that's a huge plus. I suppose one might call this board integrated or diverse and I think that's a plus. After all, you don't have to click on a certain subject if you don't want to. I also like having conservation subjects on this board. I think it promotes awareness of the issues. Incidently, I'm not visiting the fly-only site I used to participate on as much lately.

I would also like to vote for "if it aint broke don't fix it"

Tight Lines

Paul

Thanks for all the input everyone .. the tribe has spoken

Looks like I'll leave the main board as planned and add two: a hunting section as many are involved in both activities; and an announcements area ... something I had thought might be nice as the board is active enough that topics get buried easily.

Don't think I'll make a "Community Chat" area as I like having a little mix in the main board every so often to keep things a little more lively.

Any thoughts?? Thanks!!!

You have my permission to continue on with the above-listed changes.

Hi Bob: I may have missed the cutoff point but will add my 2C worth.
Ive only been here a short time but I`m impressed with this board.
I offer only one suggestion :p ost all threads to a single board,however when a thread reaches the bottom of the board segregate them into topics on individual boards. This would make searching for a particular area of intrest ;easier. To spare you the work of segregating messages ;each person initiating a thread would be expected to classify it into whatever catagories you might wish to maintain.
Its a great board Bob Keep it up.
coot