100acre
Adventurist
^^Wait.... did a mod just moderate a mod? (That is meant to be humorous, since we just discussed the moderators and editing and deleting and how that doesn't happen here. Please take that as such)
Ok....now I'd like to start over....
I enjoy this forum, there's a lot of great stuff on here. I tossed out a few of my own feeling/comments and the small ball of snow became an avalanche. That was not my intention. It was not meant to be a "you're wrong and I'm right". Ripping the mods, the ideas, the site or anyone personally is never my intention. It's just not who I am. When I'm asked my opinion, I give it. Possibly to a fault. I also won't blindly cheer on with the masses to appeal to some one or some thing. I get the distinct impression that this group is the same way and that's one of the things I was immediately drawn to.
We're all adults. There are no hurt feelings or egos here. I fully understand that this forum is a labor of love and hard work. It doesn't run itself, and it's only free to those of us who have no affiliation other than being members. I'm guessing that at some point you'd like it to be a money maker through advertising. Even the largest pile of money gets smaller if you're only taking from it and not giving to it. Someone here is spending money on providing this service, but the goal is certainly to have this forum pay for itself and maybe put a little extra coin back in your pocket, you know....for the effort. #billmurray
The way to increase advertising is by showing the advertisers the number of people they can reach by buying ad space here. That requires members like me and anyone else who is just a lurker, poster or finds the site through happenstance. It's also a way to build a community and host events where you can truly give back. Believe me, I get it. I'm not here to give my resume of trails or events, but I respect that aspect of it immensely. PM me for the details of how/where I give back to our community, our trails, our rivers, and our efforts as outdoor recreationists.
All that to say, I had a hard time finding a fit here. It felt to me that everyone knew everyone and all the posts were inside jokes. It was hard to find an opening to jump in. Like a double-dutch game with two people already doing the jumping. With that being said, I'm a member of other forums where I've been for a while, have friends and I'm often sought out through PM for help or assistance or advice. For that reason, being a newbie here was a change. New people, new knowledge.
My remarks, comments and feelings about the subjects in this thread are my own. They do not represent OutdoorX4 Magazine. I'm an Air Traffic Controller at Denver International Airport first and a staff member at the magazine second. If OutdoorX4 wants to give me a massive pay raise, we can talk....but I don't see that kind of growth. Regardless, I'm a staff member of a growing publication. A GREAT publication. Did the comments about the latest issue sting a little? Sure they did, but my remarks here were not "return fire", they were my own feelings. My involvement at OX4 is not paying my mortgage. It's born out of my love of writing, photography and the outdoors. I never want to do anything that reflects poorly on OutdoorX4, but more importantly, I never want to be accused of being overly critical or too harsh or accused of intentionally hurting someone or something. I felt Dave's comments about me poorly representing OX4 were unfounded. I PM'd him to see how I could make it right. I went back and re-read everything I've posted on here... all 50 of them. I cannot find anything that makes me think I was disrespectful or overly critical of this forum or anyone associated with it. Mitch and I don't have to agree on what's been posted here. That doesn't mean we can't clink bottles together at the next event and share laughs around a campfire. Like I said, no egos and no hurt feelings here.
No one wants to be "That Guy". Every forum has one and I won't allow it to be me.I've been pulled into this community so I will continue to lurk, post and comment. If we disagree on a subject in the future, so be it, we'll work through that one too. If I need a hand with a trail repair at an event, I would expect someone here to jump in, just as I would for you. You can pretty much take an entire 100 Series Land Cruiser apart with a 12, 14, 15 and 19mm. Plus a 54mm hub nut socket. If you guys could have that stuff handy, it'd be great.
Not much else to say..... those are my cards on the table.
I didnt know anyone here at all when I joined. I came over from the portal ( lette ) site. I begged Dave to help me log in because I'm not very computer savvy and was having difficulties logging in. I never even met anyone until the west expo where I made a number of friends and a few more at the east expo. I am a bit of a social sore thumb and for a while was very adamant about certain things I didn't agree with about what the world was doing. I was given a bit of a hard time for it too. I learned to keep me mouth shut and listen for a while. I've grown and changed more for the better because of it. I may not exactly "fit in" and that's okay because I like being different and having a good time being silly. I now feel like I'm part of the team here and in my own odd way I do fit in. No matter what, I'd be happy to be your friend and offer you support and you don't even have to pay me. Dan
