Thanks, but no thanks.

[steelhead22]

Well, that does it for me. At first this Ifish thing seemed like a great way to meet people that liked doing the same things as myself. I decided to watch the board for a couple weeks to try to get a feel for this thing and to think of a decent first story for your guys. As it turns out, I don't want to be part of this at all. Too many,"I received a nasty email today because of my post..." and "zipperlip river" stuff for me. Thanks, but no thanks, I guess I'll stick to meeting you guys on the river. I'm sure this doesn't mean a lot coming from a first post "newbie" and I wish you the best of luck with you so called "community". For those Ifishers that I've met these last few weeks (you know who you are), i hope to see you again, you all seemed like great guys, but it won't be here. Good luck to all on the river. :hoboy:

[MasterCaster]

Sorry to hear that steelhead22 there seems to be alot of garbage going around right now I agree. You are the third or fourth person Ive seen this exact reaction from in just the past couple of days. There are alot of trully good people around here but it seems as though some people cant stand the fact they have to share a hole with a few fellow fisherpeople and seem to want the whole river to them selves.

Its truthfully sad that this stuff has to happen.

Some people on this site need to get a grip and think twice about the e-mails they send or posts they make.

Jon :smile: :grin: :smile:

[wetonwhite]

I feel the same way, last week it was one thing, and now its the zipperlip bull. I hope that everyone can get back to fishing and being good to each other. as far as first storys go i dont have one, less you want to here about how much i enjoy fishing, and I hope everyone here has that story

[Jennie@ifish]

Why would someone come to a place they don't want to be and post that they don't want to be here???

:whazzup:

Sorry... But when I don't want to go to a place, I don't go there anyway just to say I don't want to be here. :smile:

I KNOW! I'm going to make a new forum on ifish called, "I don't want to be here!!!"
:smile: :smile: :smile:

Jen

[ 02-22-2003, 06:59 AM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[ampersat]

it's kind of got me down too. lot's of bickering and negativity. seems to me it gets like this when the fishing gets thin. there's no fishing to talk about so we start the infighting. it'll ease up once the steelies start to show in good numbers and the springer fishing gets underway.

hang in there. it'll get better.

[Thumper]

Jennie --- Sometimes you break me up!!!! :grin:

[Pete]

Steelhead22, I guess we need a fishing story, OK? Spin us a yarn. You may find that contributing to the community with an introduction will improve your reception. Lurking and snatchin' trips with folks is not exactly contributing.

[cully]

can you steelhead22 bashers spell constructive criticism

[Fish-n-Fever]

ifish is a community and as in any community people are different. Sometimes personalities clash and the person I see as a great friend might be viewed entirely opposite by someone else, that's how life is. People have a right to their own opinion if we were all the same or agreed on everything what a boring world we would live in. We can disagree and still remain civil. With over 4000 registered members I think ifish does a great job of giving different points of view on many subjects and when these discussions get heated to the point of crossing a line the mods step in and remind everyone where that line is. Stick around a while and skip the stuff you don't like and focus on what you do, you'll find a lot more useful info here than you will negative.
Enjoy life because the alternative is very gloomy.
Ron

[crabbait]

Sorry to hear that you feel that way, steelhead22. It takes a certain amount of courage to post to an internet site. It is like stepping up to the microphone in front of a very large group of people. Expressing yourself publically is one of the most frightening things you can do.

I remember when I was first considering an opportunity to speak to a large crowd. I was really nervous. My Dad told me, "They can kill you, but they probably won't eat you." Sounds silly but his point was that the worst thing that can happen is probably not as bad as you imagine.

Like speaking to any large group, there will be people who agree with you, people who do not agree with you, and people who will pick everything about you apart, from the clothes you wear to the way you part your hair, to the fact that your momma must have been ugly for you to look like that!

So why do people act like that? There are many reasons. The big ones as far as I am concerned are:

1. Insecurity in themselves: And they are going to feel a whole lot better about the weak little thing that they see themselves as, once they take you down a peg or two!

2. Jealousy: And who is he to look that good and come up with this stuff and think he is right all the time anyway! I could have said that or done that or been that....sorta.

My point is steelheader22, don't let the whinners change your life. Step up to the mic! Speak with pride and conviction! Anybody can lurk. It takes a little courage to post and speak your mind. Yeah, some jealous and insecure people may not like you or like what you have to say. So what! Give them the opportunity and they will get over it!

Welcome aboard. Glad you took the the chance and stepped up to let us know what you had to say. You probably expressed the opinion of a lot of other people who did not have the courage to say it!

Now stick with it and you can be a positive influence on ifish. This site is what we make it and more people who are not willing to quietly accept the whinning are always welcome. :wink:

[ 02-22-2003, 08:32 AM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

[Jet Drifter]

graemlins/applause.gif Fish-N-Fever and Crabbait graemlins/applause.gif
Very wise advice and experience. Thank you.

[Finn-icky]

Steelhead 22, look at it this way. Every crowd will have at least one MORON. Sometimes the bigger crowds have more. Just consider the source of the criticism and try to not only learn from this forum, but perhaps share. That is what this kind of forum is for most of us. Hang in there. :wink:

[Kruechief]

FnF and Mc,

graemlins/applause.gif graemlins/applause.gif graemlins/applause.gif

Cb, I'm still upset with you (but i am getting over it). You really are one smart crab cake.
graemlins/applause.gif

Stl22,

You take the good, you take the bad, it's the facts of life (wasn't that a sitcom?) and you just have to deal with it. At least, most of the time here at ifish, you can express your opinions and get pretty good feedback from a large group of mostly awesome people.

Just my .02

Krue

[DAB]

Steelhead 22,
What I do to keep my sanity while on ifish is I look for what might be interesting , start reading and if it is not what I like I hit the back button and look at another post ect. ect..That keeps me :smile: . ing. What I see is a lot of frustration in a lot of the posts, mainly this happens when the fishing is poor. Please don't give up on us? We are 99% good, its to bad the other 1% can stain the other 99% of us. I have been in other clubs, radio, gun, fishing, hunting, and I find the same thing ,,,,,99% good 1% not so good.
I just stay away from the 1% that I don't agree with and the ones that don't agree with me stay away from me and we all live happly ever after. As you stated that you have met some of the ifishers and they seem to be ok, the same with me.
Well I hope you don't leave us, I need some one to take fishing on the days I don't go out fishing with Boatramp ( he has a nice boat ) I have a boat also but it is an old open 16 ft smoker sled ( I do not have a pump on it so am stuck with the WILLIMET and the CR) lets get together and go fishing one of these week ends , but I must warn you I aint no pro and I am as old as the hills, but for sturgeon and salmon I can equip my self and 1 other person with tackle so how about it? Send me an email at bench_d@msn.com hopeing to here from you .
DAB

[Thumper]

22 --- You are welcome here and will always get a warm, fuzzy reception, especially if you are a good Reagan conservative like most of us. graemlins/applause.gif

[crabbait]

Thumper - That should read "a few of the most vocal of us". And we are doing everything we can to reform them! :grin: :wink:

[ 02-22-2003, 09:19 AM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

[skein]

Me too! I've had it! I've read too many posts about how to rig herring, how to rig squid, how deep to fish, how fast to troll, how to practice etiquette on the river in a sled or drift boat, what makes for good line or hooks, and now the Salty Dogs have caused me to order a new boat! I'm outta here!

This is definitely a BAD CROWD!

...and I love it! graemlins/hearton.gif :cheers:

Skein

[Kruechief]

Skein,

So, what you are saying is that you’re a masochist? :wink:

Hit me, kick me, treat me bad, and make me write bad checks. :shocked: graemlins/hearton.gif

Krue

[BuKuBass]

"I would never join a club that would have me as a member". Groucho Marx

[The Fishing Geek]

The minute that anyone starts to take any of this too seriously is the time that they should step away from the computer and get a lif.....I mean, go fishing.

Really. Eighty percent of conversation is non-verbal, so a lot of what is said in here is probably misinterpreted. There will be differentiating opinions no matter where you end up assembling a group of people. And no matter how wrong, misguided, misinformed, and utterly STUPID that opinion is, everyone is entitled to have that opinion. It also entitles me to feel sorry for them for having that opinion. :grin:

Now, if you thought that iFish was a place where you could get a bunch of information on secret fishing spots in Oregon and Washington, then I'm sorry that you misunderstood what iFish is about. Spilling the beans on a hot "zipperlip" here would be just like if one of the vendors at the Sportsman's show printed a map to a hot (and secret) spot on brochures and handed them out to everyone. Those places are special for a reason, and won't be divulged to the world at large.

Sorry if people are not finding what they are looking for here. Maybe if they hung around long enough they would see that just because we aren't spilling on secret spots doesn't mean that there isn't a wealth of information available, both posted daily and in the archives.

[metalhead madness]

I for one am spending less amd less time @ this site. When I first signed on It was full of great talk about fishing. I have also noticed that the ones that used to post alot, a year or so ago, are not posting nearly as much. I realize that people sometimes need a soapbox to vent frustrations, but I don't know if this the right forum. Fishing should be relaxing and friendly not negative and up tight. It takes me alot longer now to sift through the info to find some good fish talk. Too much NFR topics. I will continue to visit because I love to see the fish pictures and there are some truly great stories out there. I will also keep contributing info on anything I get. Just my thoughts.

Ken

[BuKuBass]

"I would never join a club that would have me as a member". Groucho Marx

[Grant Scheele]

Steelhead22, if you know of a way to make 3500+ people behave perfectly, all of the time, I am sure Jennie would like to hear about it. So would the Army, the government, schools...etc.

Sorry, but you a missing out by being so thin skinned. Since you are already registered, maybe you should give us a try. I bet that you would change your mind. Grant

[Redbull]

All right guys, I can't sit this one out. I have something I'd like to share because it's related and it hit a nerve, and yes CB, it does take a little courage.

I see counselor from time to time and I love every minute of it. It's not covered under insurance, so it's an investment in myself.

He writes a monthly newsletter and I'm going to quote it because it seems appropriate due to the elevated tensions in the world and on good old Ifish. I'm sure I'll take a little heat but - Oh well.

"...the common thread I witness among my clients is the willingness to accept a point of view radically different from their own. They are able to accept the viewpoint of others and they are able to acknowledge the limits of their perspective. This is an admirable trait. It forms a foundation for qualities that are useful in personal growth and healthy interpersonal relationships.

One of the side effects of this trait is the interest one has in listening to others. There is a true effort to understand what is being explained. There is a desire to absorb and integrate the information that is being shared. This makes for motivated listening. It is evidence of respect.

Another side effect is a willingness to negotiate and collaborate. This desire to accomodate is the backbone of positive cooperative experiences. When someone believes the other person has a valid point of view, there is a motivation to incorporate that perspective in solutions..."

Notice there is no mention of right or wrong.

I look at relationships and community exchanges (such as Ifish) much like volleyball. When someone spikes the serve - game over. When there is a nice long volley where both team are fully participating - game on, and it's usually pretty darn fun.

Peace,

Redbull

[crabbait]

Well said, Redbull. graemlins/applause.gif

[RvW]

WHO CARES? if this person has made up their mind not to participate, good, the last thing the board needs is one more person here who doesnt want to be, saying they dont want to be.
Sure theres things about the board that are useless and immature, and the politics of the board are less than admirable at times. If you take it all with a grain of salt...every bit of it is quite entertaining at times.

But its like this...some people fish for fish, some people shop for fish.
Doesnt make much sense to bring a safeway fillet to the river and show it to all the fishermen doesit?

Dont want to play ball? stay OFF the feild!

[ 02-22-2003, 10:53 AM: Message edited by: cirrhosis-of-the-river ]

[Jennie@ifish]

One thing I have found, like anything else, is that you need a break, occasionally, from ifish. AT least, I do.
I find myself wanting to post and read tons of ifish for a couple months, then, all of the sudden, for a bit, I just gag whenever someone says the word "ifish!" :smile:
Ifish takes on a mood and a life, all of it's own. Sometimes we are all headed for good spirits, and it's catching, and sometimes bad...
It's like a family. We have one good day, one bad day. One good week, one bad week... I just hope it doesn't go to one good year, and one bad year! :smile:

I've witnessed many members quit for a while, only to return, refreshed! We all need a break, and you are welcome to take one at any time!

I just wish that I could, sometimes!

I think I am the only one stuck here, and frankly, Scarlet.... I have never regretted it.
I have met some of the most wonderful people in the world. I've seen their good, their bad, and their ugly fish! :smile:
Jen

[RvW]

A "break"? what a concept.... I'm certainly up for one, and Im sure I wont disapoint anyone by taking it http://www.jeffpylenz.com/INCREDIMAIL%20VOL.2/NEW%20SMALL/musicboohoo.gif ..in fact...I got an email ASKING me to take a long one http://www.jeffpylenz.com/INCREDIMAIL%20VOL.2/PIGGY%20SMILIES/neener.gif

[ 02-22-2003, 11:53 AM: Message edited by: cirrhosis-of-the-river ]

[The Fishing Geek]

Originally posted by Hogmaster:
I walked the back yard today and all I found was a pair of front seats from a 1972 Opal GT, some high/low brown black and orange logger shag carpet and a couple of old Milwaukie cans. How does the Geek get over here????? :grin: :shocked: :grin: <font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">When you find the rest of the Opal, let me know. :grin:

I like them po man's Corvettes.

[ 02-22-2003, 02:10 PM: Message edited by: The Fishing Geek ]

[rhansme]

There are lots of folks with different opinions, attitudes, and indiference. It is what makes the world go round. I see lots of posts that I do not like or agree with. If I feel strongly I will say something. If I cannot discuss things in a fair and objective manner I will not post. However, Nr. 1 in my book is enjoying the outdoors and fishing is my meditation. It can be on a creek bank, or a huge hog on the Columbia. So I guess what I am saying to you is take the good with the bad. There is a huge amount of good on IFish and only a small amount of BS. Use your brain to filter it out and enjoy the hobby.

rhansme

[ 02-22-2003, 05:14 PM: Message edited by: rhansme ]

[catchmydrift]

Of couse he's lurking. He obviously wanted responses or he wouldn't have posted. Would anyone have missed him if he hadn't? No, because he'd never made his presence publicly known until this thread. No offense to you 22, but I'll get just as much out of this board as I always have and enjoy it just as much without you. You're the only one that'll miss out.

Just my opinion. With it and a dollar you can a get a cup of cofffee.

Cheers,
Brent

[Lunker]

Sure, this joint isn't perfect...what else is new?

steelhead22, when (and if) you find a perfect fishing forum where there is not disagreements or dishonesty, please let us know. Thanks! :cheers:

[northriver1]

22 not sure why you posted but I am sure you know that old saying don't let the door hit you in the behind as you leave. But, should you decide to stick around, which you should do, you need to be toughen up. I would suggest you move down the board to Life in General and mix it up with the boys and girls there. They will put a litttle extra skin on the bones. Tell Keta, The Geek, and the rest of them that you are a convervative ( even if your not) and stand back. When you live through that you will be a better man. Also remember, in a couple of days this will be forgotten.. Any one can go and hide but it takes more courage to stick around and try to change things for the better.


Jen, a tough couple of weeks? Sounds like it is time for a thank you. This is a great thing you have created and again thank you.

[steelhead22]

:grin: O.K. I'm back for round two. I'll start off by saying to Jennie, this is a great thing that you've done and I'm sorry if I offended you. Just by "lurking" I've really learned a lot and met some great people in the last few weeks. THANK YOU!!!
That takes me right into my next topic. Hogmaster and catchmydrift, my lurking days are over, I would have posted earlier but it's Sibling's Weekend here at OSU (go beavs!) and I decided to get my younger brother (he's 16) out in search of a metalhead or two on the Alsea (oops!). Don't worry those of you who fish the Alsea, "Stick a fork in her, she's done!" My brother caught the only one of the day :grin: but man was it a darky, so we let him go. (Guess who forgot the camera) :hoboy: This run looks to be over.
Moving along, Crabbait, Krue, FnF you all make great points and I appreciate the advice, from what I've seen in the past few weeks you guys seem to really know what you're talking about and are usually right on. graemlins/applause.gif
Salmonator- You're right, though I didn't realize at the time that was what I was doing. By the way, the Seahawks are my team! Favorite player ever:Steve Largent! GO HAWKS!!! :grin:
COTR- I'm staying ON the field.
NR1- I'm conservative. (Geek- Be nice to me, I'm new)
For those of you who sent me private messages, THANKS!
Maybe this can count as my intro story (I know some of you are gettin tired of them. Was this an OK change of pace?) I think I gave you a lot of info about myself. I also fish the Clackamas, Sandy, EC, Wilson, Siltez, T-bay, Nehalem Bay, etc. when I can, but school takes up most of my time.
Thanks for all the replies and good luck on the river.

[Born to Fish]

SS22, have you really given this site a reasonable chance to fulfill your expectations?

I haven't been a member for very long, and agree with you and others that there are some really tedious and obnoxious threads and/or comments out there from time to time. That's life, you pick out what is important and/or of interest to you and make the most of it.

Yeh, I sometimes get frustrated when reading through a thread and then getting into the "zipperlip" references. But you have to respect their individual concerns and reasons for only sharing so much [or none] information because of the potential impacts on their secret/favorite spots, techniques, etc. But then again, it doesn't take much time at all to glean more than enough information out of these threads, from a wide array of great folks, that you could literally write a book, or several books on specific topics.

This winter I had my first opportunity to hook up with a bunch of "ifishers" in the steelhead challenge just as many others did. Our group, from Wahington and Idaho [Team Moose Drool] was as diverse a group of folks you could expect to meet....and some really incredible folks to fish and visit with. Where else do you have such opportunities to make these sorts of connections? :cheers: :dance: :dance: :cheers: I look forward to many other opportunities to hook up with them again, and others [hint, hint :wink: ].

I am not personally into politics and/or arguing my point of view in any thread let alone in person. That's not my style, but I respect the fact that this is important to others and in some cases perhaps a "recreational" pursuit when boredum strikes. So, avoid those threads if that's the case! I admit to periodically checking out some of these threads and sometimes can't believe some of the crappola :sleep: that some folks are actually willing to write or admit to....but then again, they're entitled to their opinions regardless what I think, and there's no reason for me to get upset, it's simply time to exit the thread.

I hope that 1./ you weren't simply stirring the pot; and 2./ you'll give the site and it's many great members a reasonable period of time for you to recognize the worth of ifish. It took nerve to speak your piece, and I don't think that many can legitimately take that away from you, and most apparently want you to hang in there.

Welcome on board. :cheers:

[northriver1]

A BEAVER, GOD FORBID. Lord, smile on this child as he needs all the help he can get.

[steelhead22]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: graemlins/applause.gif

[emptynet]

I have been a member for a while now but have just started to post. I like the set up that you all have here and I like that when I am out on the water, I can put some boats with the names.

Until I saw this site, I thought that I was the only woman obsessed with fishing! I was excited to see that I was not just a freak of nature (that is debateable).

I have seen people post some harsh things, but I just smile and wish that I would have said it first!

As for a story? I have a ton. I am sure you will all get to hear them eventually. In the mean time, I love the site, and enjoy the reads good, bad or indifferent.

See you all on the water! :cheers:

[Bill Monroe]

Umm....OK, now, anyone got a problem with Beavers?
22...got a story?

[emptynet]

I was raised in Corvallis and for the first time in years I can actually wear my OSU seatshirts and not get laughed at. Beaver fan all the way! :grin:

[Mad Mikey]

SH22, I got into this fray a little late.
There are a lot of inside jokes going on in the board known only to the folks who frequent this site. The "Zipperlip controversy" is one of them.
It's a subject which once was a real issue, now beaten to death so much it has become comical and is used with irony and satire for the most part.
Like the GEEK said, much reading between the lines happens, or needs to at times.
Just the style with which someone types or lack thereof can give folks a negative impression of the posters' original intent.
I prefer to lay low on some topics to let folks sending possible mixed signals to get hammered by others on the board and usually their reply may clarify the issue.
Let's not forget the "adult beverage" factor too :cheers: I'm willing to bet there's been more than one time somebody got off work, had a few brews and copped an attitude and brought it to the board only to wake up the next morning and run to the computer to asess damage control!!! :laugh:
On the other hand I suspect that everyone here lives as purely as possible :hoboy: :grin:
so that wouldn't be an issue anyhow. ME??? I'm as pure as the wind driven snow :wink: :hoboy: :grin: ....At least until I'm caught!!!

Stay on for a while and get a feel for the crowd, they're a pretty good bunch.

[skein]

Uh...Hogmaster,

What do you want for the carpet? I'm re-doin' the sun-room in my house - (the only room with a real window) - and it might look real nice in there.

Maybe I got sumpthin' to trade ya for it...

Skein :cheers:

[Hogmaster]

Steelhead22 -

I just back from Corvallis where I took my son down to see and eat dinner with my daughter. Go Beavs!!!

We're glad we flushed you out! Just like the rooster pheasant who clucks once and hides, it might work for a while but there are enough hound dogs on this site that you just can't stay hidden for long!

Welcome back. :cheers:

Oh, and TFG IS conservative! He is making a killing with total disregard to the environment while selling the oil off his scalp! :grin: :grin:

Skein, yer welcome to it. Can I interest you in a box spring and a slightly used refrigerator too?

You just have to come before you know who comes back. He will be SO upset if his blankie is gone!!!

[FishBowl]

hey 22 glad you are back and as for the rest of ya you are too funny :laugh: :laugh:

[Jennie@ifish]

Who from?
Jen

[Fast Water]

Steelhead22,

Regardless of the intent of your post, look at the thread you started.

Welcome aboard. :cheers:

[Trick]

Welcome Steelhead 22. :cheers:

Let's go fishing sometime!

[Salmonator]

After reading 22's first post, I say he could probably stir the **** as good as anybody here and would be a perfect addition :hoboy:

Nothing like saying you don't want attention to get some attention :rolleyes:

[Jennie@ifish]

You guys are too funny!
:smile:
Jen

[RvW]

Im sure you wouldnt want me to post it here, but a member who doesnt like my style, or amount of posts asked me to "back off and get a life"
I cant disagree, I run my mouth a lot http://www.jeffpylenz.com/INCREDIMAIL%20VOL.2/HOTLETTERS/blahblah.gif But its been a nice place to kill time during the last month of troubles Ive had.

I guess this is a good example of the things members might have to deal with here. No big deal with me, I'm quiet and unopinionated in the real world....time to spend a little more time in it!

[Jennie@ifish]

That's unfortunate.
I'm glad you found some solace and fun here though...
Please feel free to visit, anytime! We'll miss you!
Jen

[dampainter]

SS22,
don`t get down so fast everyone has bad days ya know?

[Hogmaster]

Just an observation here, ifish fans,

This is the 35th post. Steelhead22 made one. Only one. The first one.

Seems there are a lot of people in this room singing to the choir!

Oh, well, Thumper, have we started bombing the rooskies yet? :grin:

[Jennie@ifish]

What's wrong with singing to the choir?
I sing better, any old day. :smile:

I don't get your point...

But that's OK! It's the only thread I'm really following today. Don't ruin it for me. What else will I do today? I have no life! :smile: Well, I did just walk on the swollen Kilchis River. I found a lucky spinner that floated down from above! I DO HAVE A LIFE! I DO!!!

Jen

[RichH]

SS22,

I'm sorry to hear about your departure. I'm sure we'll all miss the tons of insiteful posts you've contributed during your brief stay. :hoboy:

Have a nice life.

[ 02-22-2003, 12:49 PM: Message edited by: RichH ]

[Hogmaster]

Just meant that posters might want to be leaving Steelhead 22 references out of their posts. He appears to be a man of his word and has quit the community (though of course he could still be lurking).

How do you know that spinner is lucky?

I walked the back yard today and all I found was a pair of front seats from a 1972 Opal GT, some high/low brown black and orange logger shag carpet and a couple of old Milwaukie cans. How does the Geek get over here????? :grin: :shocked: :grin:

[ 02-22-2003, 12:54 PM: Message edited by: Hogmaster ]

[catchmydrift]

Glad to see u back. Have fun.

[Stz ll]

Welcome aboard & back!! :cheers: