Not, sure, if this is the "right place" for this, but.......

FAOL Community Sound Off
1

I’m not sure, where this would best be posted on here, because it probably only makes any sense to me, anyway!?!
But, I just left another Fly Fishing forum site I’d belonged to and contributed to, for some time because it had become a “name calling, insulting, rude, “battle field” of people”, instead of the basic ideas the site was started on… "Fly Fishermen/women, exchanging opinions, ideas, tips, tricks and thoughts on our sport.

So, I suppose, what I’m stumbling around HERE, trying to say is, “I’m glad to see and read, as huge as the membership IS on this site, that none of that really takes place, here”. Maybe it does, and I just haven’t stumbled onto those particular postings, yet, I don’t know. But, from all I’ve seen and been involved in posting on, this site has one of the greatest groups of fishermen on the Internet.

Of course, we “debate” here, that’s part of the overall fun and reasons behind sites like this one and others. A lot of us, also have very set opinions and ideas, on certain topics pertaining to fly fishing and can’t be swayed, no matter what points are brought up. But, again, it’s done here, with maturity and intelligence and best of all, respect and HUMOR, usually.

The recent long post on the Helios rod, is a perfect example of what I’m not saying too well… it’s gone on for about 9 pages now and has its defenders and opponents. Personally, I got bantering back and forth, with one of the young ladies on the site. Both, had varied and different, opinions on the Helios rod… she for it, me not seeing the reasons for its high cost. But, the entire running, posts, were done, (like all were, on that thread), with respect for each other’s ideas and opinions, whether or not, we agreed.

This is a great site, with a very wide and diversified group of individuals. I hope, that the respect shown, the humor, opinions and ideas that are shared and the overall tone, never changes.
Paul

2

Paul,

Very well said and I feel will be appreciated by many here. We do have a great bunch of members and if we do start to get out of line, a moderator will step in and put us in a corner for awhile! :slight_smile: I really enjoy this site and hope you will too. I know what you mean about some sites and I honestly feel that our moderators will not allow this site to go that route.

Welcome and enjoy!

3

Paul;

I’ve been coming here for a while now. Longer than I thought I had. Every once in a while we get some people who jump in and start acting badly. It all gets straightened out pretty quick though. There are just too many people who refuse to stoop to that level to allow it to go on for long. That’s what keeps me coming here and hardly anywhere else. . . .

4

Paul,
This is one fantastic COMMUNITY! It is NOT a “crowd”. We have many differing opinions, but, as in a good marriage, the other’s point of view is always respected. This is home!
Mike

5

Good Thread Paul, very well said.
One thing that I’d like to add. I’ve met many of our members and have found them all to be true and honest people. A diverse group from all walks of life and all are welcome to my home.
So if I should say something like “If only ohiotuber could cast like he makes peanut butter fudge he would be the greatest fly caster ever”!! It’s because I know the man, we’ve fished togather along with many other adventures. I’ve chased Grouse with Rainbowchaser as well as 'bows.
If sometimes our response to a post seems a bit “Out of Line” it may be because we are also good friends.
Yes, this is one great place to be.

6

Flybinder,
I did hear there was another fly fishing site out there somwhere. Thanks for confirming . I thought it was just a rumor. In any casy, nice writeup.

Mark

7

Welcome! I’m sure you will enjoy being here. Everything you say about this site is spot on.

8

Flybinder,
Welcome!!
Doug

9

Hey Doug,

It sure is nice to have you back!!!

Marty

10

This I say to all of you who are a part of FAOL… I’m relatively new here, and haven’t met any of the group face to face. However I “lurked about” awhile like another fella said, and now that I’m a part of it, I’ve done some swaps, and traded some materials, and read stuff, learned stuff, and generally experienced FAOL for what it is. I have spoken on the phone with a couple guys, and traded Emails with some others, and I know a little about many of the guys, ( and gals ) here. This a group of folks who are for real, they are mature, and they are altogether a joy to be a part of and share with. Positively a joy to be part of, and I’m blessed to have stumbled across it. Thank you all for having me a part of it, and inviting me in swaps and to fish ins, and such. I fugure to be here awhile…Modoc Dan
…and a hearty welcome to you Flybinder.

11

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"Thank you, ALL, for the welcome messages you’ve posted here, aimed towards me!! I, DO, enjoy this entire site, as well as the forums of course.
I’d guess, that many of us, have, or still perhaps do; “belong to other fly fishing forum pages”. But, when done comparing, this site to others, it’s like “apples and walnuts” as far as I’M concerned!

13

Welcome Paul,

And, I too feel lucky to have stumbled on to this site. And I have gained MUCH knowledge from the good people here, who are more than willing to help, suggest, and from time to time offer a little friendly jab. It truely is a community, and I enjoy being able to participate. Altough, I have not met any of the members in person…yet! I do feel that someday, the good Lord willing, I will, and I beleive I will feel as if I am among friends…AND, they don’t laugh at my stupidity!!! :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

BTW, welcome back Doug…I have missed the smilies 8)

14

More to come!

15

Mr. :shock:. Is that you?
Sorry for the hi-jack. :shock:

16

YES??

17

I agree with the above expressed sentiments, and would add one more. Not only is this a diversified group, but it’s very widespread, with a massive knowlege base. Want to know about Redfish in Louisiana? Have a question about a saltwater flyreel? What’s the best method for catching Dorado in Argentina? Someone on here will know, and won’t be reluctant to share. Sometimes the toughest thing to do, is to sort through the responses you get to questions like "I’ll be coming to Missoula, Montana in July of next year. Where can I go to get in some fishing? You’ll be flooded with responses to wade through, accompanied by websites to check out, and advise about conditions and accomodations. You couldn’t buy that kind of information. I check in on a local website occasionally, to see what’s going on, and I find people ripping on each other, foul language, and heaven forbid that you ask where to go to get in some quality fishing. You’d come away feeling like a scalded dog. Keep up the good work FAOL’ers. Thanks Jim and Dee. Get yourselves feeling good, and get out amongst them again when it warms up.