Your thoughts on getting more out of the WC experience

[RandyG]

I really like all the sharing of information that goes on here, however, most of it happens anonymously and at arms length.

Personally, I don't know enough "nice" people that are "serious" about fishing or hunting. I think that most of the people who use this site exhibit seriousness and given the responses I've seen in some of the postings here most people seem very sensitive to fairness, conservation and other qualities that I value in my fishing friends. If you feel the same way, then below are some of my thoughts that could enhance our experience at WC. What do you think and what are your ideas.

My suggestions are voluntary and don’t affect the way the site works, so, if you are content with the way things are
then you don’t have anything to contribute here so please
don’t pollute this discussion, Thank you!!!

1. Unless offered in a specific posting very few people volunteer their location as a part of their username, signature or through a profile. This simple act could lead to
prompting for additional fishing info in your area. It could also lead to finding a new fishing partner.

2. Meet and Greets. It might be nice to get together
occasionally as a group to share info, have a tournament.
or whatever! This is currently being done in a couple of areas.

3. I don’t understand why people use fictitious names. Putting a real name and location to users in your area would promote trust and through their postings an understanding of their character. As my profile states, I’m Randy Gardner of Whitmore Lake, Michigan.

4. It just occurred to me that what I’m suggesting might be the formation of WC chapters by areas.

Please share your thoughts!






Thanks,

Randy

[SLIPKNOT]

>1. Unless offered in a specific posting very few people
>volunteer their location as a part of their username,
>signature or through a profile. This simple act could lead
>to
>prompting for additional fishing info in your area. It
>could also lead to finding a new fishing partner.>

I agree with this, and I think more people should register and always be registered so you know who people are and can remember them by their avatar or something. I also think you should have your user profile avaliable for other people to view (that little head in the top box of your post). You also suggest this but you don't show yours?!

[JBL]

My personal info is out there for anyone to see, I'm always glad to hear from other fisherman, local or not. Some people are just more comfortable posting anonymously, and that's ok too. I think there are a lot of professionals on here that post without without letting on who they are. Only a few people "in the know" are aware of their true identity. I think the reason for this is because every time a pro recommends something, someone jumps on and accuses them of pushing their sponsors product, or ripping on them for getting something for a reduced price or free.

As far as a local WC chapter here in NE Ohio, I would be interested, because rubbing elbows with people who are better fisherman than I am can only make me better.

[BlackSilver]

Second the motions.

I live near Minneapolis, and anytime the second seat in my boat is vacant, just sit down and I'll show you a couple of things I've learned in the past 50 years on the water, and I'll be trying to figure out what makes your rod bend too.

No charge -- my treat -- I'll fillet the walleyes, you fillet the northerns.

SET the hook!!!

Hans/MN

[KYBOB]

Randy,
I think this a great site. While I like the smallmouth bass as much as the walleye, I have not found a site as good as this one as far as getting and giving of information. It may be out there, but I have not found it yet. I have seen several sites come and go, and for what reason, I do not know. It seems like some business. That is, they work hard for a short period of time to get it built up and something happens. Loose interest, get lazy, already made there fortune, who knows. But ends up not caring about the consumer or customer. And then the busines closes and is no longer there. You already have a great thing here. Do not let up, so to speak.
Thanks
KYBOB

[SUPERTROLLER]

Slipknot, you are 100% correct in your evalution. The first thing I looked for was his profile head icon. Randy, you may have filled in the information for your profile but we can't read it without your permission. I'm not knocking your ideas at all. Just saying we already have part of it available. The mini-get-togethers for a day somewhere sounds like a doable idea. Just as they did in the Minn. ice outing. Someone just has to pick a place and time and those willing or able to show up will be there. Every one pitches in something to eat and you're all set. The hard part is getting a day or weekend that is agreeable for a large number of people. You can't please everyone so realize that someone will miss out because of prior committments and please those that can come. That being said, I more than likely won't be able to make a Mi. gathering due my working 3 out of 4 weekends. I also have vacations and fishing tournaments on some of the weekends I do have off. If you decided to organize something, I'd love to meet a bunch of people but the odds are against me.

SUPERTROLLER (Curt Good, Holland, Mi.)
Anyone can call me any time you're in town. Numbers in the book.

[eyewitness]

OK Hans, I should probably take you up on that offer. Seems to me your second home is on Lake Vermillion. I fish it ALOT during the summer months as my folks live on the end of Pike Bay. If I'm not mistaken, you fish the Cook end. I'd love to learn that end of the lake. I run a fully rigged 18 ft. boat and if you're willing to show a guy that end of the lake I'd even be willing to drive. Of course, if you'd like to learn the lower end sometime it could be a fair trade.

[Cangl]

Randy you may find that all registered "handles" block any posts as aliases of the actual WC'r so with the buddy list and your registration you can connect with about anybody on this board with their permission. My handle shortens my user name by a long shot and I am not much for "selling myself" I understand why most provide handles, it's still safer with this being the internet and all and this site has less "telephone yit yat" because of it and it's moderators.

Not meaning to "pollute" but I am more then content with this site ;)
as most of us are. :)

[s.f.]

i'm relatively new to this whole thing (six months) and have always wondered about the 'handles'. why, i thought,not be able to know who is responding or you are responding to. or where? after reading some of the reaction here, i conclude it is probably better the way it is. voluntary identification is best.
i see merit in the wc chapter concept. but beware that any club exists because of a small percentage of members doing a high percentage of the work and organizing.
great post..i have had the same questions.
also, the referance made to pro fishermen not being forward with their names...if they use an npaa number as identification, you surely can access the npaa site right off the mainpage here and learn all about them. (maybe just 1-100)

steve fellegy
northshore, mille lacs lake, minnesota
#49

[RandyG]

I have been coming to this site for a couple of years, hats off to Scott for all his effort and dedication to this site.

I think there is a tremendous opportunity to build on what we have here
by forming local chapters of WC that are part of a larger WC organization. Most clubs are only local and have hard copy newsletters and physical meetings to stay in touch with its members; with WC as the nucleolus we have a 7x24 virtual newsletter and meetings. Couple that with local activities and brother/sister chapters throughout the country, think of the benefits for the users and the impact we could have on fishing management with the states and feds.

A few facts, I recently heard a statistic on CNBC that 60% of Americans have a computer and 56% of those are online. Fishing is the number one sport in the US, more people fish
than any other activity.

Look at other organizations like Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation and
see the things they accomplish by virtue of there size. Imagine the possibilities for fishing!

It is as much about putting something back as having fun. It is also about a new way to
facilitate our goals through an Internet based club. Every member would have the opportunity to participate and vote on club endeavors through virtual meetings.

I’m going to start a new post “ Is it time for an Internet based Fishing Club”


Thanks,

Randy

[Backwater Eddy]

Maybe the question ought to be, "Should the established Walleye Clubs see fit to link up to WC.com as a working partner enhancing the sport as a whole?"

There are many great clubs in the USA & Canada already who could benefit from this exchange. As would all the folks who currently use WC.com for walleye fishing interaction.

Spinning off more clubs may not be as advantageous as enhancing the existing clubs?

Just a thought.


Backwater Eddy ~ ~ ~><sUMo> ~ ><>

http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/backwtr1/home.html

[BlackSilver]

Hey, it's a deal! I'll drive on the west end -- you drive on the east end. Haven't set any firm dates yet, but we'll likely spend several weeks on Vermilion this summer.

SET the hook!!!

Hans

[AquaMan]

Randy, there are currently no less then 50 "virtual" fishing/hunting clubs out there. The bulk of the fishing revolve around the saltwater industry. Right off the top, I can think of several that you may know. Field and Stream offers a "club", Walleye In-Sider does, as does North American Fishing.

What these "Clubs" do not offer is a good forum for sharing ideas in a clean, fast and limited restriction format. I think that if you try to force anyone here to pay for this service, it looses all its appeal and freedom.

I don't think we need or want another "club" environment. Personally I am bombarded by these groups and find this forum a refreshing escape from the pesky "Save the waters, fish, bears, deer, ducks, pheasants, grouse, elk, dove, sharks, mosquito" campaign. I make my mark where I think it counts. I am sure there is a group out there that would satisfy your need to feel active. I would highly recommend the MN Walleye Alliance. Ask Dave from MPLS about it. I just wish all the dollars that the politicians sold you on would go to the group it was intended for. Now that is an issue worth getting behind! ;-) I dunno, what do you think?

As far as disclosing the personal info of each person, it has been debated since the beginning of WC and the conclusion is that it is better to have less restrictions and put up with the occasional rogue poster then to have a tight small exclusive group. That would be boring. Don't you think?

Most people have all the info you want listed under their "profile" Click on the icon of the head in the top right of each post and view away. I like my handle and I know many others like theirs too. It is not a disguise, but a way to have fun.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It all begins and ends at the water's edge...

[eyeswon]

I think that would be a great idea. Someone could get to know if there is anyone was close to them or the place they fish.
This is eyeswon from Des Moines Iowa name James Nell... Retired and fish all the time Weather permitting. Leave some 4 seed.

[wiley walleye]

At first I wondered about this post and where it was heading, but it has brought out some good discussion.
First this is Joe Wiley from Fort Wayne, IN. No secret. I think the handle thing is ok and originated in the old CB days and on the Lake radios (sometimes I think they may have good reason for not being Id.)There is also some fun in the creativiy of the name. Mine started 30 years ago as I took many new fish people up to Canada, Eh!
I am new (6 months) and respect the intent of those that came before me. Scott "perchjerker", Den and crew have been of great assistance as I have set out to learn more about walleye fishing.
As a beginner on this sight I have learned and am still learning some of the ways to use the icons, characters and protocol by trial and error. I have read the postings on registration and charter members and must admit I am still confused. I am not to bad as an end user on the computer but every sight and program has it own way. It may not be a bad idea to have an instruction sight (help) like many other programs.
I do not object to being registered with real identity but possibly those who are involved commercially could have good reason. You guys are good about picking up on the fakes anyway.
I have also inquired about starting a walleye club in NE IN. If we decide to, there would be no hesitation in helping where needed. I would let the WC lead since this is their baby.
Only my thoughts as a newby.
Joe Wiley
wilwal.jlw@verizon.net

[perchjerker]

Wiley-
Thanks for the kind words. I have met some GREAT people hanging around here. I havent been registered that long myself, but everyone has made me feel very welcome. The get together at Huron last fall was the most fun I have had in a long time!!

Anyway, if you need any help figuring out how to use this site, dont hesitate to drop me a line, I would be more than happy to help yoo out.

perchjerker1us@yahoo.com

[wiley walleye]

I'll take you up on that. I get to peek at the sight during lunch at work, so I'll get into this more when I get home.
Thanks
Joe

[NateW]

First a couple observations:

This is the most complete and informative outdoor-related website I've found, and I also spend time on bowhunting and turkey hunting websites. I cannot believe the amount of information I've picked up here, and the civility between the users is unlike anything I've seen elsewhere. Even though my profile has me as a new user, I've lurked this sight and posted as an "guest" for four or more years. WC keeps getting better.

My comment might be more towards to less experienced of us. A large portion of my job is spent educating beginning deer and turkey hunters, so I'm always focusing on those "new" to a particular sport. Perhaps a "Walleye Fundamentals" area for those beginners to get up to speed at their own pace might be usefule to many. Usually things of this nature also double as good back-to-basics tool for "veterans as well.

Just a thought...this is a great website!

[RANGER]

RandyG,

My personal take on this is a combination of AquaMan's and Backwater Eddy's statements. This forum is, and has been, working nicely because it is structured the way it is, THANK YOU Scott and Company! Now, don't misunderstand, I am not a Dye-in-the-wool type person and change can be very beneficial. I like the concept that Backwater Eddy has put forth with associations as an extension of WC or partners. That's a good idea. I have been to many other outdoor sporting sites and this one, by far, stands out among them! Yeah, we get some trollers in here and we have strong opinionated people BUT I live and work with these same types of personalities, it's no big deal.

Thanks to you too for giving us some ideas to kick around! Handles? I use mine because my friends use it too. My info is there for registered folks to look at whenever they care to.

[Peluso]

I have a problem with people hiding behind the screen of a computer. In fact, I just posted a deal on another website about the same thing. I don't think people should have to register, I just feel if you have something to say right or wrong, good or bad, be accountable for it. I love the chance to read everything here at WC and I hope it continues the way it is. My suggestion would be to keep your handles (Slapshot) but post your full name at the end of your postings. I was brought up to stand behind what you say and always will be. Good fishing and don't forget to shoot the puck. Mike Peluso #999

[Peanut]

I "discovered" WC about a year ago, and am now hopelessly addicted.

Seriously though, I have found no better place, and no better people with which to share not only fishing-related topics, but life as well.

This past year we have dealt with deaths, divorces, illnesses, operations and even Sept. 11. I have given, but mostly taken, advice from people I consider good friends, even though we've never met.

The handles don't bother me, so long as you're not hiding behind them. Those that do are ferreted out quickly. Like many registered users, my personal info. is available for all to see, however, I know these people for who they are on WC. Aquaman is Aquaman, Ranger is Ranger, real life names are less important. I could check this info, but I rarely do.

Whether you are Canadian or American, pro or rank amateur, everyone starts on WC on an equal footing. Whether you become another REW, or flame out in a week is totally up to you. Any informal standing one has here is earned, and is put on the line with each post. I like that.

So, I guess I fear that WC-sanctioned chapters may all of a sudden divide and rank us. Suddenly some of us will be club presidents. Right now, we are a group without rank or subdivision, geographic or otherwise. That is very rare in today's world, and is maybe what makes WC special.

So, even though I would personally oppose the idea of local chapters, this was a good thread - it is really the first time I have had to sit down and really figure out what it is I like about this place. That's good. It also reinforces the great job our site admin guys do - thank you.

Welcome to WC - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

derrek.

CANADIAN WALLEYE OPEN UP AND SAY "EH"!

[AquaMan]

Mike, I understand your point about accountability, but if someone can hide behind a computer screen name, what makes you think providing their name will change accountability? What if the name posted is not their name. And, more over, what if it was their name, what do you want from them anyway? The only ones that worry about their reputation are those who's name recognition IS important

Me? I'm just an average guy with a wife and kids. Your basic consumer. I have no brand recognition or company paying me to carry their name. What I have is my handle and dignity and a good sense of morality and loyalty. Beyond that what accountability do you want from me or any other poster for that matter?

Who cares if someone gets on here and claims to be Fred Flinstone and starts slamming Mr. Slate. Enjoy this board and its freedom as it is possibly one of the last bastions of unaccountability.

But I see your point...and raise you one.

Eric Stander

:-)

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


It all begins and ends at the water's edge...

[TBO/MN]

I have just beens sitting back to watch this thread, and many great ideas have come out. I truly think this is the premier fishing site on the web. I have been here almost since day one, and find that being addicted to this place has afforded me the opportunity to meet some great people. I have fished with about 30 people I have met here on WC. About a year ago, I was presented with the opportunity to moderate the boards, and at the time, wasn't sure if I wanted to jump into that. Well, I did, and have enjoyed this place even more. I think the people that use the boards are generally people of integrety, morals, and a sense of fairness. Believe it or not I read every post on this board and the Boats and Motors board. I love it! If left to me, I would leave it just as it is. I know that change can be good, but being the best on the web, is as far as we can go...we just need to stay there, and with all the great posters, that shouldn't be hard. To all of you, THANK YOU!! for being just who you are, real names, or handles........makes no matter to me.

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[Box]

I agree Nate. I have been around hunting and "computer gaming" message boards, and here on Walleye Central, for lots of years - - and what people call bashing here is nothing compared to what you see other places. This truly is a "nice" and informative place.

I used to post a ton in the early days, when there were only about 5 or so messages per day. Now I mainly sit back and learn from others, or post if I have knowledge about something in particular.

I still have one of the first sets of WC stickers Scott made up several years ago. :) I really like this place, and all of the people here it seems like you know them. :)

-Box
(Chris Boxmeyer, WBL, MN, but I just go by "Box" here and in real life...)

[Den]

TBO, well stated, and i agree with leaving it as it is. I too have met a ton of people from this board, and a lot of people have called me too. i cant say that i have met anybody that hasnt mentioned their handles, as well as their real names. there will always be someone who doesnt like the way things are, or what we could do, and some of it is very interesting, but i for one dont really use a handle, but i see nothing wrong with it, but then if i dont agree with somebody, i can still state that, as i know that not everybody agrees with me either, and i still can take that also. that is what this board is all about, different opinions, and techniques of different things. it has been interesting to read also. good luck and good fishin, or shoooooot der puck harder, mikie.
Den
Denny Braun

[WAeyes]

Why fix something that isn't broke? This is the best outdoor sight that I have found...bar none! I believe the some of the reasons are:

1. Volume of people frequenting the sight. The more rules you make, the less people will show.

2. Because of this volume of people, you get the most volume of information from the most qualified people.

3. The option to sign in as a member or not. Some people do not want to sign in everytime they post(myself included). Some people do not want their name in print all over the internet. If you watch this board very closely, you will notice there are alot of familiar handles that post very informative posts that are NOT REGISTERED MEMBERS. Do you really want to leave these people out?

4. For the vast majority of the time this board can patrol itself. Most people are respectable and informative and that is the sign of an outstanding sight. I don't think you want to mess with something that is working so well.

[RANGER]

AquaMan,

I could not have said it any better! Mike, I agree with you to a point but consider what the logic is behind Eric's response.


Bob Dadey

aka

[RD]

I suspect many users are like me who tend to view this site in spurts then maybe not for months. I think this is a great forum especially when you are looking at trading boats or want to add some new toys to the old one. I have gotten some great advice here. I like reading the varied opinions and where else can you go when you want to hear from somebody that has tried a product you are interested in. Of course you always get a few that can't take someone eles opinion for just that. An OPINION. I have not used my real name because I have never taken the time to register, didn't think it mattered to anyone, my initials are shorter, and I don't know what the icons even represent. I especially like this board because it represents so many areas of the country and all levels of experience from novice to pro.

Keep responding to all those questions!!

[Peluso]

I agree with you on someone using a different name if he or she wants. The problem with a registered forum is people can still hide doing this. I guess I am way too honest of a person? If someone wants to say something and hide or use someone else's name, it just explains my point even more. The nice thing here at WC is we have some great people who are very honest and wouldn't do such a thing anyway :). I do like the one above "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Good fishing and don't forget to shoot the puck. Mike Peluso #999