Ive been guilty of this as many others. Someone mostly new posters asking a question or making a post that we see as stupid unethical or offensive. Some of us welcome them by pointing out all their faults in a nasty way or putting them in line as we see fit.

Who knows how many people never post agian because we scared them away. Maybe they needed to be educated but since we made them feel so unwelcomed they decided not to come back.

I think alot of people new to salmon and steelheading have been molded as fisherman by this board and have learned good ethics and such quicker than if they learned it on their own. Or have seen the error in their ways by what they have learned here about the fish and fishing.

Just something to think about, some people we unintentionally scare away might be the guys who just dont know any better when it comes to things like CnR of nates and fish handling.

First impressions can be important.

Well put, RichG--you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.

Rich G. Good Post. This board can be very intimidating for us Smolts. I feel people come here to learn and share.(not just steal zipperlip info)
However, some of us are doing more learning than sharing. I share when I can, but more often than not I am learning about new techniques, conservation, and fishing etiquette. These are all important areas and benefit everyone on the water and the future of our sport.

A side note to other smolts, the SEARCH feature is a great place to start before posting a question that has been asked several times.

Go Fish.

thats what this board is for, information and knowlage ive seen to many times people ripping someone because of not knowing or something they said, well there asking because they want to know, and not be one of those undesireables you see all to often on the water, help educate and make the waters a place where we all will want to spend more time,

I say burn them all. HA HA HA HA......
devine

May make an additional comment? If you are going to reply to someone to try a search first, help them by giving a word or two to use.

Just as an example....believe it or not...some people are a little afraid of these 'puters and don't know how to do a search, or may not know what best will narrow down the search.

Great post! If we can come together I believe that we can make a difference and improve our fishing.....

good post Rich!

I for one am one of those new guys just sitting back and learning all I can about this GREAT sport from all you veterans out there. Sure does beat asking questions to someoone who doesnt necessarily want to talk to you on the beach!

If I ever come off as one of those "undesireables" you "Returning Adults" please dont hesitate to put this smolt in his place...ok?

tight lines!

.02 cents....

All too often some folks use the computer to "hide." When comments start to fly on the BB, how many folks on the board would actually say the very same thing if they were standing right next to them?

I know first hand what it is like to get flamed sprayed. What bothered me about this particuliar incident was the fact this guy was a coward and attacked me in the manner he did.
He doesn't even know me as a person... If I ever meet this guy, I already have a first impression...

Downriggin'

DR, you're absolutely right.

Too many people probably do exactly that. I think I remember you posting something about some guy getting all bent out of shape because you were talking about "his" zipperlip spot. What a shame....he was a nice guy once...

Maybe we feel a little less "green" by asking veterans about something here than in person. More because I dont know too much yet but have a lot of enthusiasm.

Rich
Good post, and good advice!!



WW

Rich, well said. Sometimes it is easy to rip into somebody we can't size up personally. All of us are teachers and learners due to the fact we all don't know it all and can always learn something new. <img border="0" alt="[wall]" title="" src="graemlins/wall.gif" />

Hey all,
Very good point brought up.Most guys who ask stupid questions don't know they're stupid questions. And as a newbie to the gear scene, this includes myself.
I think the best way to handle a stupid or overly-revealing question is simply to not answer it. Most will assume no one knows anything about it.
As an experienced fly angler, I put more effort into the skill of adapting to ever changing environments, than any others I posess. I feel that anger about overcrowding to be an admission of ignorance, and ignorance the banner of defeat. Accept any fate but submission!
There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than to have a smoking reel when others around you are feeling the wrath of the skunk.
Adapt-Evolve-.....Fish On!

Larry

Whats a stupid question?
I can think of one.
The one thats not asked.
Remember we all had to,and have to learn sometime.Lets all remember we weren't born as smart as we would sometimes like to think we are.
But by asking questions,and getting advice from people in the know,we can work towards that end.{being as smart as we think we are}