Sometimes... and this is VERY honest.

[Jennie@ifish]

People can be so hurtful.
I guess out of 4000 people, I am bound to have enemies..

But, it's really awful to have essential strangers take pot shots at me... To say really ugly things about me on other boards.

I can't tell you how many times I wish that I'd never started ifish, and that I didn't have it now.

There is so much good in it, but sometimes I don't think that I am a strong enough person to take people posting on my site, and then going to another site to say nasty things about me, when they don't even know me.

I know that I have failings, and I know that I hurt people, too... But it is mostly either because they can't understand what it is like to try and maintain rule and order here, or because they don't want to follow those rules, or because they think I have something against them, when it's actually the fact that other ifishers complain to ME about someone, and I have to do soemthing about it.

Very rarely do I complain about members, but when a group of people start ganging up on someone, it's usually me they come to.

Anyway, I get put in really difficult positions sometimes, and I am the one to confront and... subsequently, take the hatred that comes out of their reaction.

I really, really am thinking of giving up ifish.

I have had offers from people to sell it, and I'll tell ya... I am considering now.

Bill says my health is suffering. I believe that to be true.

I am working harder than I should, and I am exhausted all of the time.

I am in tears now, because I love ifish so much, and it is my baby... I have met so many wonderful people and have such wonderful memories!

But, I just glanced at another site and saw people that post here every day saying really hurtful things about me... They are entitled to their opinion, but damn it hurts. I don't like to publicly read that I'm an awful person. :depressed:

I can honestly say that I have tried to be fair to all. I am so sorry that they have those feelings, and yes, I do take it to heart, and whatever I have done to them... I am so sorry to make you feel that way.

Maybe I am just tired. Maybe it is all really about Andrew and my health that has me so upset and weak feeling right now.

But, the tears are flowing strong, and if your intent on ifish is to hurt me, well... you have.

If your intent is to get me leave ifish, I am considering it.

May someone else who can run it better, step to the plate.

Right now, all I wanna do is go fishing.
I just want to be Jennie again. I've never had people not like me like this... Of course, I've never had an ifish before, either. I just don't know how to deal with it all...I want to smile again. :depressed:
Jen

[ 04-26-2003, 05:38 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[Jennie@ifish]

I know I shouldn't post this... that I should be strong and business like, but dangit... Sometimes I can't be strong.
I'm human, you know... and I'll get over it, I'm sure...
I have just worked so hard on this, and I have tried to make too many people happy, and I guess Ive failed miserably with some.

Here is my sincere apology, and my admission that I fail, too. Sometimes, monumentally.

Jen

[OceanBlue]

Jennie: you gotta know that you can't please all of the people all of the time. Heck, you're doing good if you can please some of them some of the time.

So try not to take it so hard. Anyone who doesn't appreciate what you do here shouldn't be here. It's a free country and they can go to any free discussion board they want. To heck with 'em if they think you owe them something or should run your board differently.

You're awesome. Don't ever forget it.

Let Karma take care of the rest, okay?

Big hugs! [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[Jennie@ifish]

I know who I like, and who I dislike.
If I dislike someone, I will tell them to their face, or stay away.

I just get such a shock out of people who act nicely to my face, and then go somewhere else and say terrible things, in public!!!

In between posts on ifish, they find time to go to another board and say ugly things, and come right back here to post!

Please, if you don't like me, write to me and say so, and why. Perhaps we can fix it. If not, then please, stay away from ifish, and go say whatever you like, somewhere else.

It will hurt, but not like someone that posts here on ifish regularly, like everything is alright, and then slams me elsewhere.

That is two faced, ugly, and chicken.

Fess up. Don't like me? Tell me so.

I've never had enemies, before ifish, and I can be most honest about that.

The only way I can learn to deal with it, is if you are mature and brave enough to tell me so, and why.

... and ps, thanks, Jen. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

Jen

[ 04-26-2003, 06:03 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[trap50]

Jen
I don't know you and haven't been on this site very long. I think you do a great job with this. I would challenge the people who are bad mouthing you to start a thread here and see what happens. Any takers??

[Fshklr]

Jen. :smile:
I have only been on the board since Aug. 2002. I love what you have done here with your baby (IFISH) and truley there is no other site even close to what you provide to the members and sponsors of IFISH, and I participate largely due to the accecptable use policy [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]
Continue to be strong as you know you are and may you continue your love with ifish [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] .
Sincerly Dan.

[ 04-27-2003, 07:13 AM: Message edited by: Fshklr ]

[STGRule]

Jennie: First off, have a bunch of hugs, you need them. Second, some people are just plain ugly. That is their problem, not yours. It only reflects badly on them, not you. You have enough to worry about without mean, ugly people adding to it. They have the option of relative anonymity. They have a bad day, too much to drink, or are just plain non-humans and it is easy to take pot shots. I understand that it is near about impossible to ignore them, but you must. For your sake and the ones you love. Do what you have to to keep you and yours safe and happy. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[CAGEY]

Jennie,
Please dont let those two faced cowards get you down. Chances are they have never even met you. If things are really affecting your health then i would encourage you to dump ifish. But if you do that i also beleave that not having your ifish family would more than likely make life even harder for you. I think you should post their ifish handle and tell us what they are saying. Two bits say's your ifish family will splatter them all over the place. Keep your chin up, and ignore the morons.

Thankyou from the bottom of my heart for this site and all the hard work you and others put in to it.

Ken

[FISHINGUSA]

Jen, I so very new to your wonderfull site, I can only say is stay strong. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] for all your hard work.
chris

[Jennie@ifish]

I know that most of you are very appreciative, and I certainly didn't start this thread for strokes that make me feel better.
(Although it is working.... just a tad... Can't quite type the smiley yet, but I will again, I'm sure.)

I just cried for an entire hour. I haven't done that in ages. It was cleansing.

No, I don't want revenge on them. I don't want apologies from them, or tons of encouragement here. I don't want an ugly thread here.

There are just some people on ifish who work hard to hurt my feelings.

So, right now, they succeeded.

Give yourself a pat on the back. You know who you are. I don't want to hurt anyone like I feel. It's not fun.

I'm just really tired, and my feelings are hurt.

I'm going to bed.

Jen

[TheRogue]

Hang in there!!!

You've been through a lot. I've been posting since almost the beginning. I've never seen anything but a class act from you and yours. If you could survive the (banned members) disaster, you can put up with anything

Don't let the 2-facer's get you down. There's some people who will always be that way. If they insist on continuing, don't stoop to their level and drop names, just simply send them a nice little e-mail saying "please don't come back to my BB".

Or, just ignore them!!

If you feel it's time to move on, go ahead and do so. Get something in the purchase contract about "no popup ads" and "no spam mailing to members" :grin: :grin: . But if you do decide to move on, do it without regrets, and enjoy what the community you've created here.

BTW, if ya want to send me the names of these 2-facer's, me and a few friends will pay some visits

TR

[ 04-26-2003, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

[1pump]

Pilar's Mate beat me to it. You can't be all things to all people, and you can't be everybody's buddy.
I had a corporate trainer tell me one day, "Some people even God can't help." Too True. If God can't help 'em, then you can't either.
If there's 4000 of us, then I would bet there's 3950 who think you're A-OK. That's a pretty good percentage. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[cannonball]

Dont let them get you down. Being stabed in the back is no fun. Please rember that there are many who really appreciate and value your work and this board.

[The Fishing Geek]

It's easy, really. If someone came to my house and was nice to me, and then went someplace else and word got back to me that they were saying nasty things about me, then they wouldn't be invited back to my house.

Jennie, this is your house. If someone's going to say nasty crap, then they don't come back.

[24 on/ 48 off]

All I can add is my personal thanks for giving us something truly special.

I guess that's what you get from a truly special person.

--spud-- :smile:

Jen,

This is all those kind of people really are, really. :depressed:

[Empire]

If I made 4,000 friends and had only a handful of enemies....I would be quite happy.

In with the good, out with the bad. I personally, do not have time to think about the people that do not care for me. I put my energy into the people I care for.

[Jennie@ifish]

I really AM going to go upstairs now, to take a bath.

But before I do, reassure me that this thread won't continue any hateful message. That would just drive me further over the edge.

I probably own whatever they are feeling bad about me, either by truth, or by assumption, or hearsay.

I don't want to continue a circle of hate or nastiness. I'd like to end it here.

I forgive them for what they said... I don't like it, but... I'm just explaining that I have almost had it up to my ears with the pressure of running ifish right now.

I have to make decisions of who can advertise or not, who can post what or not, who can be on ifish or not, and I do my very best to be fair, and listen to what everyone else wants, all at the same time.

It's just a tough job, and right now, at least, I am at my rope's end.

Please, don't try to diminish anyone else's mood or happiness, by saying they are a creep for making me feel this way. It's not only what I read, but what I have to do on ifish, that causes people's hurt feelings.

Obviously, I've hurt feelings along the way, no matter how hard I have tried not to. I can't have every guide on ifish, nor can I have every person happy with my rules on ifish. Therefore, there will be those that will be upset with me.

I also have trouble remembering everyone, and I'm sure when I see them, if I don't recognize them right away, that's gotta sting, too. I have been accused of being stuck up. I'm not. I'm actually pretty shy, and actually lack self confidence in many ways.

It's not amazing to me that it all comes back to bite me.

I own this, and to whomever I hurt, again... I'm sorry.

Off to soak in bubbles.

Jen

[Biteme]

Jennie,
I may be one of the ones some have complained about. I am probably one that has ticked some including you off but I appreciate your work and dont let it get you down. I am a call it like it is person and not much of a group hug type, The fact of the matter is that about 20% of all people dont respect anyone that has a different outlook on things than they do or for that matter they would gripe about themselves if they could get themselves to listen. dont loose any sleep over it and keep up the good work. I know my heart is in the right place and I am sure yours is as well even though we may have different views and priorities.

[Tacklebuster]

Jen,
It's the cost to be the boss. The one person in my life that meant the most to me told me that once. It took me a long time to understand what that simple sentence meant. Leaders pay a heavy price sometimes but that is why they are leaders. You have to pay the cost to be the boss. It takes a very special and strong person to step up to the plate and lead something. Anyone can try to be a leader but it takes a special kind to be a true leader. The best leaders have feelings that get hurt from time to time. Those are the feelings that remind us why we do what we do. Those are the same feelings that drive a person to do the right things. Without those feelings a leader would fail.

I too take things to heart. Just know that for the few that are taking cheap stabs at you there are hundreds that respect and love what you do. The easy thing would be to step away from the plate. You put your heart and soul into this, nothing easy about it. Don't let these "few" drive you away. Do not give them what they want. You have a great site that has become a common household name in the lives of the people I share my time with. We love what you do and what you stand for. Stick to your guns girl. Pay the cost to be the boss.
[img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[ 04-26-2003, 09:01 PM: Message edited by: Tacklebuster ]

[Grantspastor]

Jennie don't let the turkeys get you down. ifish is a class act and it's that way because you made it that way. I don't subscribe to fishing magazines anymore, I don't check out other fishing boards, yet I log on to ifish several times a day to see what's happening. I could care less about pictures of fish. I have caught thousands. At this point, I'm more interested in sharing my knowledge than gaining new knowledge. I'm more interested in other people's experiences than I used to be. It's fun. There are some first rate people on this board, and a few that aren't. Let the good ones be an encouragment to you and disregard the others. I get the same thing being a preacher. So did the Apostle Paul. He said some gave him a "good report" and some gave him a "bad report"...yet he kept going on. It's an occupational hazard when you're the leader.

I just want you to know that I respect you, and I like this board...hiccups and all. You've got a good thing going here. My .02...don't be afraid to crack down on the baloney. Let your moderators do it. Try to isolate yourself emotionally from the hurtful things that people say. Focus on the things that are upbeat, and the people that you know care about you.

Dave

[jimh]

Jennie, you've obviously done more to help the cause of fishermen/women than the bozos that are talking about you. I believe most people agree that there is nothing that you could ever do to overshadow the contribution you've made to our sport.

Thanks!

[Rocky]

Jen sometimes a good crying is good for you. There is 4,000 members here and 99.9 of them are appreciative of this site and the hard work that you put into it. But that is just the members, there is probably another 4,000 or 8,000 that read this and are just as appreciative of what it takes to keep this organizied and a civil place to be. If this is what YOU want to do then do it, if it's not or it's too taxing then move on and no one could blame you, but there would be several thousand folks out there that would feel "lost" without the Ifish and the Jennie that comes with it. Just do whats best for you.

Ron

[Tempered Steel]

Jennie - when someone insults you or your site, it is also an insult to those members that love this site and help make it great (and there are more of us than them ) If someone else wants to act cowardly by spreading garbage on other sites, big whoop. Let 'em. This is sincerely the best site, both in moderation and content, there is on the net.

I hope you choose to stick around, nobody could do it better. If you left there would be no reason for this member to continue to frequent this site. Thanks for doing what you do, we are behind you 1000%. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Silver Hilton]

Jennie,

Gosh, I don't know fully what to say to make you feel better. I haven't seen the other posts, and I'm not really motivated to go look for them.

I think you should look at this as one of the metrics of success. People hate Bill Gates, and say vicious things about him, partly simply because he's visible and successful. You have to realize that you are now a public persona, and people will take shots at you because you are public. If that is too much for you, for where you are in your life now, you should consider giving it up.

However, I think you should stiffen up, and learn that there is a new group of people that you now have to plan for how to deal with. The disgruntled consumer.

That will require measures that insulate your from them. I know that others have advised you on this. I hope you will listen.

I, for one, think you have done a good job on this site, and appreciate the job of community building that has happened here.

Andrew

[Gun Rod Bow]

It wouldn't be I-Fish without Jennie.

Hang in there Jen.

[Straydog]

Jen,

Silver Hilton and many others have expressed it very well.

Remember, jealousy is a vicious trait and can lead to ugly actions.

I chose to stop going to any other fishing boards since settling in here so have no idea what was written but can tell you from personal experience that that which is written or said about you will never really harm you. Trust me, I know.

You can stand tall and be proud of what you see in the mirror. That is much more than can be said for those that hide behind computer screens to spread nastiness.

[ 04-27-2003, 06:52 AM: Message edited by: Straydog ]

[ampersat]

if ifish is costing you your health then you need to do something about it. your health is more important than anything else. you've done great work here and you've got a huge investment. if you were to sell it, i'm sure it would become a pay site, but i'd be the first to pony up my bucks to continue being a member. i get so much out of being here.

don't let the malcontents get you down. keep up the great work.

"my boat, my rules. don't like my rules? get outta my boat. not at the dock? i don't care."

[Lucky Bamboo]

Jennie,

I am hoping that today is going to be a better day for you. Please know how much you are appreciated and actually loved!! [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

Perhaps you could 'delegate' some of the responsibility and pressure to others on the administrative end of Ifish? I take things very personally, too....and it's not easy trying not to be hurt and feel like a 'target' :shocked: You definately should have some 'quiet time'....away from Ifish (preferrably on a river :whazzup: ) Maybe it would change your prespective. Please, please.....don't leave Ifish....There is no Ifish without you!! [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[craigzilla]

Jennie- This is my favorite site on the whole net. Hang in here and know that you are in possession of a great thing. If your health is suffering you need to get it back. I would not like to see the changing of IFish in any way-its the greatest because of you and your high standards!! When the General takes his men over the mountain he may lose a few and their horses. Thats leaderships price. I hope you get that smile back soon. Hugs, Craig

[CAGEY]

Jennie,
I started the post on the ifish community because i felt that perhaps with all of your friends responding in a positive way it would make you feel better. I received an email from a dear friend who is a member of ifish and was kinda told that maybe i should not have started the post. I have read all the posts here and on the ifish community and dont see any thing nasty or hateful. Why? Because the posts are all from your friends and i dont see one post that is hateful. I also dont see any posts from those who have chosen to vent their disappointment or anger on a public board. All i have to say to them is if you have a problem with ifish then dont patronize it.

[Jennie@ifish]

It's OK that you started the thread.
It was out of kindness that you did, I'm sure.
It's really nice to read, and it did cheer me up.
I hope that it doesn't further divide those that have chosen to do those postings on other sites.
In an ideal world, I would like to not have enemies, but I guess that I am not ideal, nor is the world.
It is difficult for me to respond to these nice letters, as I can't begin to thank you all for the nice thoughts.
But... thank you, nonetheless. :smile:
Thanks, Cagey.

[You Betcha]

Jennie:
Please hang in there and remember the 4000 plus members of the Ifish family that are happy and appreciative of all the good work you do. I for one don't find it necessary to browse other fishing boards, as all the fishing info I would ever want is right here. Kind of like fishing when you are the boat catching most of the fish. Most of the other anglers are happy for you and want to learn what you are doing that contributes to your success. But a few want to crowd you off you spot convinced that the only reason you are doing better is that you have the "best" spot. Thanks for all you have done and I will support you no matter what you decision on the future of Ifish.
Steve

[poshie]

Because there have been reference to "the other sites", I would like to clarify that if any negative comments are made on PP regarding ifish or Jenny, Bob deletes them. PP is a brother to sister iFish [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]
Jenny, you will weather this just fine as it comes with the territory. That territory being at the top. :smile:

[wannacatchem]

Jennie...I visit this site every day. I truly enjoy reading your stories and without this site, I wouldn't know how to drift a corkie. Get a computer litterate volunter to take on some of the duties of IFish (didn't you post something about this?)and slow down a bit. Health is your priority, fishing next, then....whatever.

[CAGEY]

Jennie, i think i can speak for all ifishers who have responded with their kind remarks and none of us expect for you to answer any of the posts. We all know how busy you are. We just want you to know that we are all behind you and encourage you to forget the bad things and look on the positive side. Keep your chin up girl and know that we are here for you. Ken

[tag-a-long]

To hell with 'em!

Originally posted by posh II:
Because there have been reference to "the other sites", I would like to clarify that if any negative comments are made on PP regarding ifish or Jenny, Bob deletes them. PP is a brother to sister iFish [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]
Jenny, you will weather this just fine as it comes with the territory. That territory being at the top. :smile:

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Bob is a class act all the way! you should be proud of him posh [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Jennie just keep doing what you're doing. It works! [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[poshie]

Thank you for that Stew....Bob takes care of Jenny.

[Jennie@ifish]

I owe Bob big time.
...and if you have any interest in fishing in Washington, or even with Bob, himself, do go to www.piscatorialpursuits.com.

He is one of the ones who have stood up for me, and also runs a first class site. He doesn't want the ugly stuff on his board either, and I really, really, really, really appreciate it more than words can say!

I think I need to write to Bob and tell him. (again!) :smile:

He and Cory are awesome.

Jen

[Bill Monroe]

Jennie,
You need to stay off the Internet for a while...except here, of course.
The ultimate proof in the pudding is that no one or not many anyway (none for me) has heard of other sites. Especially people who visit here from as far away as Canada and the East Coast just because of your reputation.
You don't build something this good by being a bad girl. Do yourself a favor and quit reading that garbage. You've always had a tendency to put too much stock in emails. In this business, you've simply got to let the water bead and roll off.
I've told you to your face, in my arms (Bill was standing there), on the site, at conferences, in emails and have asked others who called for ads and other things to tell you, too:

This is a special place built by a special person.

Bill

[ 04-29-2003, 05:38 AM: Message edited by: Bill Monroe ]

[blubeast]

Perfectly said Bill Monroe..."a special place built by a special person".

Thank you for putting into words what I have felt and believed since I joined this site.

[ 04-29-2003, 07:59 AM: Message edited by: blubeast ]

[Ryan Pultz]

I have been a ifish member for a long time and it sickens me to think anyone would say anything bad for one about Jenny or two about this site. First off Jenny you bust your butt to keep this thing running smoothly. And who could ask for a better site. I have met friends on ifish and it is kind of addicting cant go a day without my ifish fix.

[Lucky Luke]

Jennie,

We have never met, but I feel as if I know you. Your personality flows through this web site. Sounds a bit ethereal, but this site is a class act and who else could be responsible? Please cheer up and don't let those people get you down. I have met some ifishers that I would not care to spend more time with, others that I believe will become lifelong friends. Some people just thrive on being critical and mean. Can't be helped. You have a lot of good friends here. Take care . Luke

[corkyking]

You know, I just sit back and read this stuff and occasionally put in my .02.

If this is becoming a hassle and someone is offering a good price.........

Might be nice to "sit back and read this stuff and occasionally put in my .02". There are an awful lot of fish to be caught yet.

"Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish."
Ovid (43 BC - 17 AD)

[dahsboard_fisherman]

Jennie,
im only 14 so it might not sound like alot coming from me but i know that you have done everything right here. i cant see much wrong. but as you know something always goes wrong with everything that happens. but you have to deal. you sound like a great person and i hope that you dont give up ifish cause it wouldnt be as much fun without you. feel better cause you do stuff for us that we cant do for ourselves and that is such an awesome thing. you are the creator of this great place. you are an Ifish god.

[Jennie@ifish]

I checked, and so far, if that title were to be given me, I would be a Goddess. :smile:

Thank you, though! :smile:
Jen

[lost_sailor]

Since this thread got dragged back up -

What you really need to do is write a book! Have you thought about that? Some of your stuff on the front page has been just wonderful. There's always room for another fishing book.

[fishisabonus]

Most of the time when people talk trash about someone they are really just projecting their own feelings about themself. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] I have developed a way to deal with people's opinion of me... especially the ones that don't know me and they sit on their porceline throne and pass judgements on me .. just hold up a mirror. That way they can be looking at the REAL person they are talking about.

Don't worry about what people are saying. You know in your own heart what is true. God knows too. That's all that really matters.

So many people, some who I really thought cared, have kicked me when I was down.... this last year has not been an easy one. But if I would have let their words, their judgements, their opinions get to me.. I would have not been able to fight for my daughters health. I just held up that mirror and felt sorry for them because they were so unhappy and insecure about themself.

Someday, they will figure it out, but it is not for you to teach them. Just hold up that mirror so their ugly thoughts are reflected right back onto them.

Take care and know there are many people who love you. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[feisty's wife]

Nice Lady...even when I have been at my most cranky and contrarian self, would never say an unkind word about you, or try to hurt you in any way...you are apreciated...GRRRRR!