A few questions regarding the GTA.

[a1Bogey]

I have been a member of the GTA for about 16 months.   In that time I have seen some mighty fine persons here, helpful and of good cheer.  But,  I have read some comments by some (that are usually new to the GTA) make posts that are for all intents and purposes an outlet for thier frustrations in/of life.  I have a suggestion on this area.   Why not have all new members subject to a probation period?  Maybe 30 to 60 days of good behavior.  And maybe limit thier access to several of the Gates that  seem to excite them the most.   Such as the Back Room, the Hunting Gate, and the Gate for Politics.  And absolutly no name calling or insults.  Individuals that want to join the GTA just to sound-off with thier prigish idealogy need to find another venue.

Perhaps some sort of pledge/contract to adhere to.  If they violate the contract the ability to log-on is severed after a warning.

Being a member here is not a Right......it is a Privilege.

Bogey

[Big_Bill]

Your Correct Bogey,

And the GTA does have a short list of Rules !

And name calling and insulting other members is NOT permitted !

And regardless of how long you have been a member, if you begin having bad behavior, and do not correct it, you will be DELETED "BANED" !

This is always done as a last resort, as we do not enjoy banning people, but if we must, we will !

Bill

[uncle paulie]

I haven't been a member all that long, but it seems every time one of these "ranters" shows up, they are fairly quickly and politely rebuffed. Either they change their ways or they go back to wherever they came from. The "rules" are really nothing more than a reminder of what common decency is all about. Maybe we should just make sure all new members actually read the rules and "AGREE", just like we do when installing some new software on our computers.  

pv

[Rocker1]

This is family orientated forum, The purpose here is information and friendship and for the promotion of this fine sport, granted we all have our opinions and what works for some want work for others. I will not tolerate  abusive  behavior  or incorrect information on my watch. There are some mighty fine folks on here and as far as I am concerned if you can't find it out on the GTA  your in deep trouble.I don't know near what some of these folks on here do but I will make every effort I can to answer anyone that directly asks me about a problem with any ag. Bogey , yes it is a privilage to be a member here and for me to be a moderator is a HONOR  and I don't know it all at the least. I am learning just as you guys.  Thanks David

[RedFeather]

That would be difficult, at best, to monitor and enforce.  I don't participate in every forum but have, on occasion, seen what's cooking in, say, the Crosman section and posted once or twice.  Sort of what this forum is all about - the free exchange of information.  As said, when someone steps out of line, it isn't long before they are reminded of where they are. And one person's definition of "priggish idealogy" may not be anothers.  Besides, there's the R&P for "serious" opionating.

[CharlieDaTuna]

The way Gene and I look at it, it makes no difference whether someone is new or has been with us over the last five years. We don't need a probationary period. Either you abide by the rules or you don't. If they don't, we contact that person and give that person a fair warning. If they ignore the warning and continue to be abusive,  they are removed...period. In over 5 years, I don't think Gene and I have banned but eight or ten people.

[bart the fart]

well bogey i agree with you 75%....the "politics" or current gate...i feel it should not be on here...i always say politics and religion should not be talked about in a bar or a poker table...and now i add AG forums...people get REAL HOT! on these subjects.....opinions are what get people heated....."!my opinion is RIGHT!"...."!!!NO MY OPINION IS RIGHT!!!".....and then a fight...your right in your mind and i'm right in my beliefs...as far as new people let them talk and have their opinions....you will know quickly if they are stand up guys or little trolls and just disregard them as side mouth talkers...my 2cents or "opinion" bart

[RedFeather]

Bart, I couldn't agree with you more on the R&P sections but they are there, whether we like it or not.  Just don't participate.  I don't care who you are, Joe Blow or the Dali Lama, you'll get PO'd, sooner or later.  And, to be frank, I've seen opinions expressed on a political forum (not here) that caused the poster to lose all status in my eyes.  Kind of like getting ugly drunk around people you know.  Who needs it?  If I want to get disgusted, I turn on the news.

[daved]

The way Gene and I look at it, it makes no difference whether someone is new or has been with us over the last five years. We don't need a probationary period. Either you abide by the rules or you don't. If they don't, we contact that person and give that person a fair warning. If they ignore the warning and continue to be abusive,  they are removed...period. In over 5 years, I don't think Gene and I have banned but eight or ten people.

I've been here almost since the beginning, Bob, and I'm pretty sure the number of people banned is more like half that.  And most of those were WAY overdue, in my opinion.  It takes real "talent" to get banned here, but if you manage it, you might want to look at it as a wake up call for the rest of your life.  If you get 86'd here, chances are good you've got major social problems elsewhere.

R & P is just that, one man's religion is another man's belly laugh, ditto for politics.  Not being rude, just realistic.  My beliefs and ideas are MINE, I don't see any reason to inflict them on anyone else, nor do I appreciate anyone else inflicting their ideas/beliefs on me.  That's the reason I DON'T cruise the R& P gate.

As to a probationary period, either you fit in here or you don't, and it really doesn't take long to figure out which is which.  There are a few here I consider friends, even though I've never met them face to face, and probably never will.  Most I consider friendly acquaintances, and a few I can't stand :-).  For the latter, I just ignore anything they post.  But that's just me, I'm sure others like the ones I can't stand.  So how do you decide who survives probation, and who gets trashed?  Those that really don't fit usually seem to go away on their own, which is as it should be.  But that's just my opinion, and maybe I should have been 86'd long ago :-)!  Later.

Dave