How much longer will this forum survive inactivity

[Moe M.]

  I know, I've said this before in several different posts and several different ways,  but I'm going to try it again,  it's been seven days since the last post anyone has made on this forum,  at one time my post average on this forum was about six posts per day, and I wasn't the most prolific poster,  wolfy had and probably still holds the record of total posts.
  I know we had a different overall demographic back then with apparently different interest,  we've lost many of the people who kept this place jumping with interesting topics and conversation, and it wasn't without a healthy dose of debate or controversy as well.
  Discussions included knives, recipes, hiking and gear,  hunting, fishing, and shooting, we even had a thread going about chicken tractors, bigfoot, and how long eggs will remain fresh when stored properly,  we talked motorcycles, pick up trucks, off road toys.
  Now all that interest has gone away,  I can't help but wonder what did it, did we loose all of out interesting people, have our lives taken different courses,  have we outgrown having fun,  or have we lost interest in lively conversation ?
  I don't think this forum was ever the center of anyone's life,  but it was a great place to unwind, share your concerns with fellow members (friends), a place to joke around, and to exchange useful information or ask for help on how to do something. 
  I guess all good things come to an end in time,  kind of like the closing of your favorite local store,  you get used to not having it in time, but you always kind of miss it's being there.

  So, what's your best guess ?

[windy]

Summer, fires & woods closures, vacation trips, world collapsing around our ears--and the politics have gotten so deadly, nobody wants to start up a fight...I've been down the Oregon coast, celebrating the reopening of seafood restaurants and antique stores; back now...can't get any 209 primers, but I've still got about 80 boxes of trap loads and powder and wads and a little bit of shot...winter wiped out some of my roads; I'll be going up in the national forest if they'll let me, with my picker, my garbage bags, 6 gallons of water and a bucket (my Indian pump stopped pumping), shovel and pulaski to spruce up what's left of 'em, and make sure the weekend campfires got drowned...flies this time of year make it tough to wait out a trout...women on the Oregon beaches were still lovely, but I can't seem to remember why I used to care...ran into a guy who might wanta buy my 1800's knife collection...I still check out this site, about daily, but I got nothin' to add 'cept what I just wrote...hope you'tr well, and solvent.
windy

[boomer]

We live in interesting times. In the normal course of events things change, sometimes in unpredictable ways but rarely to the extent  we have recently experienced.

It may be that bushcraft as a hobby or abiding interest has run it's course nut that doesn't seem to be the case judging by the growth of other venues. The continuing Covid pandemic likely had some effect but that is still playing out and outdoor activities of all types have reportedly increased.

When participation was greater there was more diversity of opinion and potentially broader inclusion of differing views and opinions. Granted there was a consistent attitude and editorial stance based in a specific political bent but conversation was possible. Fair enough. Thats free speech at work and I'm  all for it.

It is reasonable to say these days we are in new territory just about everywhere. Our fact free environment, highly manipulative "reporting" and overt propagandizing presented as "opinion" certainly play an important role in fostering tribalist notions and responses but these are the waves not the water. Our recent pathetic failed coup attempt, while significant in itself, really speaks to a dysfunctional political system. The structural inequities in law, economics and other social relations affects us all. And the list goes on. But again these are the waves and not the water.

The thread running through every aspect of our current problems and the larger dilemma is climate change and the human contributions to it. This is "the water" and the extent and nature of the changes that are and will be required of all us are very difficult to contemplate and more difficult to accept. Collectively we are way past the point of any tribal perspective being remotely functional. We must widen our gaze in order to see the reality of the potentially existential threats we face.

Unfortunately in many areas we ignore the obvious and choose instead the familiar. When 600K and counting of out fellow citizens are dead from a single pathogen wearing a face is not an infringement of liberty it is basic medical and common sense. Similarly, when our few self identified elites tell us what we are living through is not happening or pointy headed researchers all over the planted are misrepresenting peer reviewed published data for whatever fantastic reason we choose to accept those self serving lies for emotional not logical reasons. The technology that is contributing to our problems proposed as solutions is childish fantasy.

There is an organic cycle of group formation among humans that requires certain conditional  and actions. Likewise, there is an organic process with different attributes involved in group dissolution. Tribalism is an expected response but one that is self limiting. And it is the tribalism here, on a much smaller scale of course, that has effectively limited participation to the point of potential demise. 

Please note that at no point is there a mention of specific political dogma, party or platform. Nothing political is intended or inferred. We are past that point.

[Icepick15]

I haven't got out into the woods in a very long time.  My wife's health requires me to care for her 24/7.  That said, my knees and back are so bad, if I tripped over a root, or stepped into a gopher hole, there's a good chance that I wouldn't be able to get up (That according to the neurosurgeon I went to)  About two years later some hunter would likely find my skeleton and a free gun.  Probably rusted, but free.

Due to the above, I don't have much to post.  I don't think it would be very entertaining to the members here to read about my trip to the drug store drive-through to pick up a couple of prescriptions today.  Just in case anybody is wondering, cholesterol med and back pills...very weak back pills, not even a controlled substance.

However, I somewhat vicariously experience the outdoors through the posts here.  I miss the time when there were several posts a day to read.  I, too, have no explanation for the absence of activity.  Surely there must be some of the membership who wander the woods??  (OK OK...I won't call you Shirley again.)

[Moe M.]

  Thanks for the replies, but just for the record,  this forum has never been exclusively about blades or about bush craft, oh yes we have discussed knives, backpacks, camp stoves, and many other subjects that are included in outdoor recreation, we've had members who posted about their trips, events, and wonderings,  we've brushed the subjects of friction fire,  tents and tarps, and survival skills.
  But mostly we discussed many topics associated with just plain living,  It doesn't have to be just about bush craft, politics, or special events, one of the subjects that was very popular here in the past and one that still interests me is cooking and recipes,  one of our favorite recipes at our house is for Depression era chocolate cake that contains no eggs or milk, the recipe was donated by Smoke Walker a good many years ago before he left the forum,  he also has a great recipe for Southern Sweet Tea done the old fashioned way, it's hidden away in our archives somewhere, wolfy also had some great recipes for home made sausage and Cast Iron cookery,  another lost member who was just a joy to have around was Woods Woman, always full of fun and full of questions about recipes and foods and just a little bush craft.
 I my opinion what made this place so lively was the friendship we all shared and the easy ability to discuss or share   just about anything one cared to talk about,  I don't know if we can ever get that interest back given the seriousness of the trying times we live in,  but it sure would be nice.       

[wsdstan]

I posted four of your photos last night Moe.  It has been viewed 14 times without one comment. 

[Moe M.]

I posted four of your photos last night Moe.  It has been viewed 14 times without one comment.

 And a good job you made of it,  most of the time I don't think about it,  but there are times when I wish I understood more about computers and electronic devices, I still have trouble navigating my flip phone,  they say ignorance is bliss, and maybe a bunch of years ago that was true,  but in todays world, not so much.
 Anyway, to the pictures, well as of this morning there are two replies, both flattering which I appreciate,  I doubt that there is anyone that doesn't like recognition of their crafts,  but,  folks can't comment when they don't see them, and I'm pretty sure that most of the 14 views were from non members who can't post anyway. 
 If it's not a bother keep putting them up,  I like to looking at them from a different perspective,  and if they encourage anyone to get into historical archeology or exploring their own skills through crafting things that interest them it'll be worth my sharing my stuff with others.

 Plus, this forum has been pretty inactive lately,  so anything that we can contribute to liven it up a bit is a good thing, what's up with Craig lately,  I kind of miss his quick wit and contrary ways.   

  Thanks a bunch Stan for showing an interest and taking the time to post the pictures.   

[PetrifiedWood]

The reality is that a forum is hard work.  I had some help early on by some great folks who were interested in seeing the forum succeed, and a few of them are still hanging around.  But it does require a constant infusion of interesting, engaging content. 

The nail in the coffin was the name change.  It couldn't be avoided without thousands of dollars worth of attorney's fees, which I didn't have at the time.  And just like bitcoin, if you get there first, you can succeed where better alternatives do not.  We are better, but we weren't first.

The only way to save this forum would be a complete overhaul, name change, new forum software, and a team of 20 or more people constantly adding interesting and engaging content several times a day.  Ultimately, forums are a form of entertainment.  You have to compete with TV, radio, other websites, etc. for people's attention.  The only way to do that is to find a niche and fill it faster than anyone else.

The bushcraft niche is full of people who are young and have a lot of time on their hands, jobs and family dynamics that afford them a lot of free time.  When I started this forum, I had a young family and a lot more free time than I do now.  Plus I do have other hobbies and interests.  (Don't we all?)  I was making knives and firesteels, ferro rods, leather sheaths, doing reviews of gear, making alcohol stoves, etc.  But now, I get the time to do stuff like that only a few times a year.

When the kids are a little older and more autonomous, I'll have more time on my hands.  But that won't happen before the tumbleweeds roll through here.  In the interim, I'll continue to keep this place up and running as long as I can, for those who want to use it. 

[crashdive123]

Well, I'll put in some more effort to add content.

[Phaedrus]

I hope it sticks around!  I still love this place even when it goes through slow periods. Summer is always tough.  Here in Montana we have about four months from when snow melts out of the high places til it's snowed back in again.  So it's a busy time of trying to get trips in.  That's extra tough when there are so many fires raging.

[Mannlicher]

every segment of the American experience is in the crapper right now.  For what it's worth, I am heading up to do some 4x4 trail riding in the Osceola NF tomorrow.  Lunch in the wilderness,  some hiking in the swamp.  I recently did a lot of repair work on the old 4Runner, and need to test it.

[Moe M.]

every segment of the American experience is in the crapper right now.  For what it's worth, I am heading up to do some 4x4 trail riding in the Osceola NF tomorrow.  Lunch in the wilderness,  some hiking in the swamp.  I recently did a lot of repair work on the old 4Runner, and need to test it.

  Have a great time, be careful,  and let us know it went. 

[crashdive123]

every segment of the American experience is in the crapper right now.  For what it's worth, I am heading up to do some 4x4 trail riding in the Osceola NF tomorrow.  Lunch in the wilderness,  some hiking in the swamp.  I recently did a lot of repair work on the old 4Runner, and need to test it.

You never call or write.

[Mannlicher]

every segment of the American experience is in the crapper right now.  For what it's worth, I am heading up to do some 4x4 trail riding in the Osceola NF tomorrow.  Lunch in the wilderness,  some hiking in the swamp.  I recently did a lot of repair work on the old 4Runner, and need to test it.

You never call or write.

I rarely know what I am going to get into due to my complicated work life.   Today will probably be cancelled due to heavy rain though. 

[zammer]

The reality is that a forum is hard work.  I had some help early on by some great folks who were interested in seeing the forum succeed, and a few of them are still hanging around.  But it does require a constant infusion of interesting, engaging content. 

The nail in the coffin was the name change.  It couldn't be avoided without thousands of dollars worth of attorney's fees, which I didn't have at the time.  And just like bitcoin, if you get there first, you can succeed where better alternatives do not.  We are better, but we weren't first.

The only way to save this forum would be a complete overhaul, name change, new forum software, and a team of 20 or more people constantly adding interesting and engaging content several times a day.  Ultimately, forums are a form of entertainment.  You have to compete with TV, radio, other websites, etc. for people's attention.  The only way to do that is to find a niche and fill it faster than anyone else.

The bushcraft niche is full of people who are young and have a lot of time on their hands, jobs and family dynamics that afford them a lot of free time.  When I started this forum, I had a young family and a lot more free time than I do now.  Plus I do have other hobbies and interests.  (Don't we all?)  I was making knives and firesteels, ferro rods, leather sheaths, doing reviews of gear, making alcohol stoves, etc.  But now, I get the time to do stuff like that only a few times a year.

When the kids are a little older and more autonomous, I'll have more time on my hands.  But that won't happen before the tumbleweeds roll through here.  In the interim, I'll continue to keep this place up and running as long as I can, for those who want to use it.

That pretty much sums it up right there.....

[boomer]

every segment of the American experience is in the crapper right now.  For what it's worth, I am heading up to do some 4x4 trail riding in the Osceola NF tomorrow.  Lunch in the wilderness,  some hiking in the swamp.  I recently did a lot of repair work on the old 4Runner, and need to test it.

True things could be better but they've also been worse. Stuff happens.

In the Southwest folks have gotten used to heading out a lot of the year understanding there will be no campfires. What's a camp without a fire?? Well, its different and took some rethinking.  Still good to be out though. Favorite fishing rivers are changed as drought continues but trout were never in that much danger from me anyway. When the forests are open it's still a good place to be. Other parts of the country (and world) have their own problems. Just like always.

We may live in inconvenient even trying times. The expontial proliferation of "news" outlets require controversy and bad events to keep revenues up. There are more than enough of them to satisfy just about any opinion even to the point of the patently absurd. We all have the choice to simply not look or listen though. And our commonweath remains to sustain each in far more healthy ways.

Things are changing and will continue to change. Just the way of the world. All we can really do is try to leave a better world for those who follow.

But that's always been the case.

[OutdoorEnvy]

I pop in and look around from time to time.  Not as much as I should but have noticed the fall off of activity and post.  I am guilty as well.  Life has been busy as the kids are older, 9 and almost 13, lots of sports and things taking up time.  A couple work promotions has me much busier during the day.  I use to have lots of down time during work that I would do longer posts on but that time has gone away. 

I haven't been bushcrafting in a while.  I still do things here and there with axes and have had some projects.  But most of my outdoor fun time has been lake trips.  I did get a wheel horse garden tractor a while back and that has been fun to play around with.  Might post on it if there would be interest.  But I'll try to pop in more and post when I can.  It would be a shame to lose this place but it's nice PW seems to want to keep it up and going.

   

[wsdstan]

OE I would like to see a couple of photos of the Wheel Horse garden tractor if you should decide to post any.

[crashdive123]

Who wouldn't want to see pictures of a tractor?  Heck yeah, post em.

[hayshaker]

one thing i do know is if the fourm dies so to speak it trully will be everyone;s loss,
and a great one at that.      I know i have'nt posted much over the last three years, that's on me.
over the years we've lost members and gained members    , but sadly the downward spiral
of activity seems to be taking it's toll in some ways.    just think for a moment

how many friendships we've made here really the meet-ups gift exchanges  . i for one can say I do'nt
think i could have made it those years while caring for my wife.  so many here were there for me.
you can't ask for more than that. that alone is a reason to keep this fourm alive.

                                                                                                                             sincerly hayshaker  aka mikey

[Moe M.]

one thing i do know is if the fourm dies so to speak it trully will be everyone;s loss,
and a great one at that.      I know i have'nt posted much over the last three years, that's on me.
over the years we've lost members and gained members    , but sadly the downward spiral
of activity seems to be taking it's toll in some ways.    just think for a moment

how many friendships we've made here really the meet-ups gift exchanges  . i for one can say I do'nt
think i could have made it those years while caring for my wife.  so many here were there for me.
you can't ask for more than that. that alone is a reason to keep this fourm alive.

                                                                                                                             sincerly hayshaker  aka mikey

   

[wsdstan]

   Mike

[wolfy]

 

[OutdoorEnvy]

how many friendships we've made here really the meet-ups gift exchanges  . i for one can say I do'nt
think i could have made it those years while caring for my wife.  so many here were there for me.
you can't ask for more than that. that alone is a reason to keep this fourm alive.

                                                                                                                             sincerly hayshaker  aka mikey

Yeah I've never met anyone from here but thoughts come and go from some of you all.  And hayshaker I still use your knife weekly as my main shop knife,  I keep it high between two stacked flat items so the handle sticks out ready to be grabbed at any moment.  Still going strong!  I think of you and this place often when it's in hand... I've used it as an example to my son of genuine generosity and kindness to others from strangers...and that it helps spread a legacy and encourages others to pass on the kindness.... he thinks it's pretty cool 

 Really is a great knife and excellent handle geometry too 

 

[xj35s]

There are two mian reasons I'm rarely on here.

Guilt. I had a giveaway and the winner was in Canada and I never even made an attempt to send the box. Hayshaker sent me some goods and I never sent him anything. I want to but he has everyting. Then with my two incidents and getting fired fom a fantastic job put me into a depression.
Second I hate having to use a hosting site to share photos. I stopped sharing on hammockforums too because they are always turned sideways, despite doing everythign in the 3 page tutorial on how to correct it.
I also have to admit I have crept back to that "Other" site. Trying to keep a down low profile so my alter ego isn't discovered as a banned member. Now I don't really care and I don't think the mods do either.



Now having said all that. Can we increase the forum membership cost enough to get a new platform where we can share photos direct from our comp or phone? It would make sharing incredibely easier. Or upgrade this one for hosting? My membership expire? hmmm....

[Moe M.]

There are two mian reasons I'm rarely on here.

Guilt. I had a giveaway and the winner was in Canada and I never even made an attempt to send the box. Hayshaker sent me some goods and I never sent him anything. I want to but he has everyting. Then with my two incidents and getting fired fom a fantastic job put me into a depression.
Second I hate having to use a hosting site to share photos. I stopped sharing on hammockforums too because they are always turned sideways, despite doing everythign in the 3 page tutorial on how to correct it.
I also have to admit I have crept back to that "Other" site. Trying to keep a down low profile so my alter ego isn't discovered as a banned member. Now I don't really care and I don't think the mods do either.



Now having said all that. Can we increase the forum membership cost enough to get a new platform where we can share photos direct from our comp or phone? It would make sharing incredibely easier. Or upgrade this one for hosting? My membership expire? hmmm....

  Sounds like you're in a dark place,  I think many of us can say "Been There/Done That",  that may or may not help right now, but just know that you have friends here that care,  It's ok to feel guilty if you think you need to,  but I think I can speak for many of us,  we aren't judging one way of the other,  so there's no reason to stay away.   

[hayshaker]

it's never about getting something back it's the love of giving i enjoy . xj35s and all
i'm endeared to be blessed to have others recieve gifts I have sent.
and with that that is to me the blessing.
thank goodness for this fourm. uncle shakey

[hayshaker]

outdoor envy posting a pic of one of my early knives
wow it means so much to me thank you so much really.
given i have'nt made a knife in three years makes me want to
do another knife GAW. honest to goodness

[Electric Cowboy]

xj35s Nailed it for me.........."Second I hate having to use a hosting site to share photos".

I enjoyed coming here, but not being able to post a photo killed it for me.
Good people here so I don't want to sound harsh, but this is just a Bulletin Board
until posting becomes available.

I would like to see that simple upgrade............ .....

{ Imagine A Photo Here }

Stay Safe.

[wsdstan]

While I understand the dislike of having to use a photo hosting site it is so easy to use Imgur and post the photo, copy for posting to a forum and be done with it that it has become a non-issue for me.  That is just me. 

I would like it to be just an attach button to a photo you have on your hard drive but I fully understand why it isn't going to happen in the current scheme of things. 

[crashdive123]

Something to consider is that upgrading to allow more photo capacity costs $$$. I doubt PW is making any money off of the forum. I understand the reluctance to use a photo hosting site, but most all forums are in the same boat when it comes to photos.

[MrFixIt]

Not sure if any of you remember me but I just logged in to see what was up and to say hello.

Adding to the discussion having to use a host party to upload images was the only reason I let my supporting membership lapse. May sound petty to some but my photos are MY photos. After the photobucket scandal (?) I couldn't load images.

Anyways, I hope everyone is well and you all have a great day.
J.D.

[wsdstan]

I remember your name and I think you made some nice short bladed knives.  Been a long time gone but glad you said hi.

[crashdive123]

Welcome back.  Hope you stick around.

[Sarge]

I'm one of the guilty parties! I found this forum when I was just starting my knife making adventure. Also, I had not camped since I was a kid and was just starting hiking, backpacking, and camping. This forum was exactly what I needed. I was on board day and night. I received so much encouragement and motivation when I posted my very first knives here. I am forever grateful! I remember asking Red a question once about grinding and he said to hold on a minute. He went out to his shop and made a video at his grinder to explain the answer to my question. WOW! I then was honored to receive one of his "sub par" knives in a knife-in-the-hat exchange. I still have it and it is still awesome! I have sold knives, gifted knifes, been gifted knives, hatchets, and other stuff.  I've talked to a couple guys on the phone ... sorry I haven't checked in with them lately. I have only met one guy on here so far - I met 1066vik at a couple Beckerhead gatherings when Mr. Becker lived in Tennessee. He is about as good a dude as you'd ever hope to meet. Maybe I'll meet Spyder or Tony or Crash one of these days when they are in Tennessee. Or I'd really like to make to KICCO one of these days.

So I used to have a lot of down time at work and checked in several times a day. The past few years, this old beat up, broke down sarge has spent most of his work days and a lot of off time begging people to work overtime to meet minimum staffing. Clueless, disconnected command staff wonder why arrests and citations and DUIs are down. Homicides are at record highs like in many cities - most ever last year and we've surpassed it already this year. Lil' ol' Knoxville is in the top 50 U.S. cities per capita for murders. Instead of checking in a few times a day, I barely check in once a week and hardly ever post anymore. Hope to retire in a couple years.

I was in a knife making slump for a while but have finished a few recently. Still making the Kephart reproductions and other stuff. I recently experienced a knife possessed by a demonic spirit.  I split the first block of wood I was trying to fit on a hidden tang knife. Second attempt, I drilled through the top of the block. Third attempt I fitted and finished the rosewood handle but I didn't like the lines so I cut it off. Fourth attempt, I shaped and sanded and polished the ironwood with red/white/blue G10 spacers until it was beautiful. Looked like a piece of fine furniture. While setting the single 1/8" mosaic pin ... I broke off half the tang inside the handle filled with epoxy.  I'm throwing the handle, blade, guard and everything in the trash. It only took 4 times for me to learn my lesson. I first thought I'd avoid hidden tangs for a while but I really should immediately start another hidden tang.

I hated the Photobucket hijacking but I don't really mind photo hosting. I just got lazy and stopped sharing pics of knives, camping, fishing, etc. I don't even care if there are political posts/debates on here - I usually just scroll on past them anyway. This is my escape from chaos and conflict and contention and what-not. I will make an effort to post more and contribute more. I just renewed my membership.

[MrFixIt]

I remember your name and I think you made some nice short bladed knives.  Been a long time gone but glad you said hi.

It's been a minute since I've made any knives. Thank you!

[MrFixIt]

Welcome back.  Hope you stick around.

Thank you sir. I'll make it a point to pop in from time to time.

[madmaxine]

I pooped in the woods with my dog Tellico.  Does that count as content?

[wolfy]

You know what they say....."pictures, or it didn't happen."

[crashdive123]

Don't encourage him.

[madmaxine]

hmmmm.  Lemmee scroll down and see what's here.  Purty shur I've showed my ass once or twice...

[boomer]

Have to appreciate the irony given recent exchanges on this aptly titled topic

[madmaxine]

Geez.  I don't know. Why do all your post reek of arrogance?

[boomer]

Deleted

[boomer]

Geez.  I don't know. Why do all your post reek of arrogance?

Said the man posting scatological "humor".  LOL

See, that was a joke. A reference to the word "reek". Seems my previous post was misunderstood so I explained this one.

[madmaxine]

Ooopsy.  I am big enough to apologize when I'm wrong.  I've learned the hard way sarcasm is ripe for misunderstanding on the net. 

Sorry. Beer didn't help.

[boomer]

Ooopsy.  I am big enough to apologize when I'm wrong.  I've learned the hard way sarcasm is ripe for misunderstanding on the net. 

Sorry. Beer didn't help.

t

No problem. Thank you