Remembering members we lost this year

[yorketransport]

As the year comes to a close, I think it's worth looking back on the members who're no longer with us. Not the ones who've died, that topic is played out and a little depressing. I'm thinking of the valuable intellectual resources lost through the permanent ban of forum members. 

The reasons for the permanent bans aren't particularly relevant and neither is debating the validity of the bans. The point is that the bans seem to stem from an inability to understand the differences between enemies and opponents. I've brought this up before in other topics but it's just as relevant here. I've watched as forum members escalate a difference of opinions to a declaration of war. In some case it's a literal declaration of war against an opposing point of view. It's a disturbing look into the psychology of an individual when they can take the personal opinion of a relatively anonymous individual from the internet and allow it to affect them on such a personal level.

As an individual who loves a passionate debate, I'll often push a person until they break just to see how they compose themselves when their views are truly challenged. Watching how they respond tells me more about the person than the content of the response. I've seen members on here respond well when pushed and I've seen them break until their true character comes out. I'm not the only one who enjoys the sport of a good debate and it seems like a love of the "sport" is what leads to a ban in many cases.

With all that said, I think the forum has lost volumes of information with the permanent ban of both BiggerHammer and Jay-Sharkbait this year. Those familiar with them are well aware of their contributions to the knowledge and experience on this forum. While I met both of them here on HuntWA, I'm fortunate enough to know them both outside of the forum as well. Maybe that's why I have a different view on the events leading up to the ban of both of them. Love them or hate them, they were nothing more than sportsmen who were both victims of their passion for the "sport" of internet trolling.

So, here's to another year down and to members and friends lost here on the forum. I'm sure there are a few more victims of the lifetime ban this year. If you have somebody you'd like to remember, feel free to join in.

LLBH, LLJSB  You will be missed


Edit to add: I need to step up my gun porn game; the Guns and Ammo section is slipping fast!

[BULLBLASTER]

Dang! I didn't know sharkbait was gone now too!

Sharkbait and hammer were some of the posters I looked forward to reading their posts...

[Bean Counter]

I had no idea either were permanently banned. What did they do?

[jackelope]

Just to clear the air, Jay.sharkbait's ban will expire in a couple days.
People wouldn't get temporary bans if they didn't call people names.

[Jason]

I say we should throw some pardons out there, way worse people have been pardoned in this world!

[BULLBLASTER]

Just to clear the air, Jay.sharkbait's ban will expire in a couple days.
People wouldn't get temporary bans if they didn't call people names.

glad he isn't gone for good!

[yorketransport]

I had no idea either were permanently banned. What did they do?

BiggerHammer was banned in January, Jay-Sharkbait was just a few days ago. BH's troubles with the forum and a few members on here was the subject of a few heated threads, many of which have been removed or heavily edited. There's a decent summary on about page 5 of this thread, the whole thread is fairly entertaining though.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,190317.0.html

Sharkbait's ban is a bit less clear given the reasons I'm aware of. He's not entirely certain what prompted the permanent ban as the explanation he was give hasn't been relevant for nearly a year as far as we can tell. I have other thoughts on what may have contributed but they're nothing more than speculation on my part. I will say the Sharkbait's (and BiggerHammer's for that matter) opinions are very closely in line with mine on many issues. It seems to be nothing more than method of delivery that ultimately got them in trouble with the mods. I tend to word things in a way which sugar coats my condescending and pretentious tone a bit better than some other folks' more direct approach.

The reality is that the forum mods will do what they feel is best for the forum I suppose. It's been said before that the mods are individual people with individual personalities. From my perspective the bans often stem from a difference of opinions from strong personalities. Ironically they ultimately share similar opinions but they're just expressing them differently.

Just to clear the air, Jay.sharkbait's ban will expire in a couple days.
People wouldn't get temporary bans if they didn't call people names.

If that's the case, then I appologize for the misunderstanding. This is the information that we have; it was originally temporary but then changed. I removed the reason listed in the message since that's not relevant.

[Bob33]

I'm personally thankful for the many members on Hunt WA who contribute so much, like Yorketransport. Their ability to provide knowledge and experience, and to constructively challenge and debate others without creating excessive drama and controversy is appreciated.

[Happy Gilmore]

Always cool when folks who are a touch handier with the pen than others troll them to get a reaction or, to see how they react. I'm confused on who in this scenario has the psychological issue. The troller or the person responding. Weird thing for a person to publicly post about themselves.

[yorketransport]

Always cool when folks who are a touch handier with the pen than others troll them to get a reaction or, to see how they react. I'm confused on who in this scenario has the psychological issue. The troller or the person responding. Weird thing for a person to publicly post about themselves.

It's the person responding. The reality is that getting a passionate response is always entertaining and ultimately the goal. On occasion the responses take a dramatic turn giving a more accurate portrayal of the individuals real personality. It's kind of like interacting with a co-worker outside of the workplace. Who I am when I'm with my kids is the real me, who I am at work is often very different. There are occasions where the two "personalities" cross giving my customers a slightly different view of who I am. Fortunately for me, my true personality is a better version of the work me. On the internet I've found that more often than not an individual's "true" personality is much less appealing than their online persona. I could give specific examples but I don't think that would accomplish much here.

Think of it like internet dating. Everybody posts their most desirable pictures and thoughts on a dating website. When you see the reality though you get instant buyers remorse!

[boneaddict]

I suppose the babysitter might have a different opinion than the drama club seeking cheap entertainment no matter the expense.   Expertise has been noted but there seems to be a lack of social skill out on the playground.   

[Happy Gilmore]

Twisted perception of an internet reality dude.

[rtspring]

I'm still here

Its simple, Dales site=Dales rules!

I learned real quick!

[rtspring]

I'm still here

Its simple, Dougs site=Dougs rules!

I learned real quick!

Doug, Dale, what's the difference.
Unless bone bought out.....

Oops! Fixed it.. Ha ha

[92xj]

Oops! Fixed it.. Ha ha

Deleted my post