question

[IRONHEAD]

where is gradyman's thread? a defining moment. I cannot open it. :confused:

[biggsy]

It was moved to the garbage can by one of the mods.

The redirect is still there and it's an area that only be accessed by the mods and forum admin.

I'll see about removing the redirect.

[IRONHEAD]

why would a mod toss one of his threads? Len has never posted any offensive materials on this site. I would like to know who did it and why.

[biggsy]

why would a mod toss one of his threads? Len has never posted any offensive materials on this site. I would like to know who did it and why. Efforting...stand by.

[Gradyman]

This should be interesting...Tony was looking into it for me as well, but was in the middle of other things at the time. Last thing I want to do is bust balls or cause problems. The thread ended inviting folks to share some stories of life changing events that occured...things that made them better for having gone through it. Some might include God some might not. Of coarse being a Christian the thread started with my personal feelings about living a life of making decisions without Gods input & His wisdom.

[IRONHEAD]

well for the record i didn't even see it, i just saw that it had been moved out of light for anyone to see. I know Len is respectful on here and i was curious why it was moved like it was. I had not even talked to len prior to posting this thread, I just would like to know what the deal is.

[IRONHEAD]

I guess it is safe to say that threads can just be deleted with no explanation? hmmmmm

[Gradyman]

When it comes to sharing the riches of Gods glory and all that He has for us there will be "opposition". No matter how non "threatening" you say it. Christianity gets a bad wrap and a lot of it is because many who claim to be followers of Christ have been led of their own desires and mis represented Him...so people are leery of what someone says when they claim to be a Christian. Now a days it's even harder with the drift of our nation away from biblical principles and the politically correctness everyone who speaks publicly has to be so cautious about.

I know that there are a lot on the board who enjoyed what I was led to write in the devotionals; it has been proven to me by the PMs and phone calls I received. It's sad that one of the very reasons this forum was created is being obscured. There are a lot of posts all over the board that not much if any response or debate is warranted...they're just simply good (or bad) info or opinion that folks wanted to share.

[wvandeman]

I agree with alot of recent opinion that there is too much non-spearing talk on the board when it comes to endless, pointless debates that don't change anyone's opinions;posting political/religious/locational/etc. troll posts just for the sake of egging guys on or making a case for your own "limited" view as the only way to see things. I have seen why some guys have gotten turned off by this and why some guys have tuned out. I realize I have been guilty of debating and I have come to the conclusion the past few months that alot of guys who have been on the board longer have already known.

It gets old pretty fast.

That being said, I have always appreciated that Len brings his views and experiences in a humble, accepting and conversational way. His faith is just part of who he is, and it has encouraged me to take a less confrontational stance in my own expression. I also know he is not just "parroting" something he heard in Sunday school, but expressing deep convictions that have come tested by fire and tragedy in his life.

Please don't take this as trying to generate Drama and Controversy: This is not my playground and not my rules.

I just wanted to recognize a strength and balance that a genuine guy like Len brings to the board with his posts.

[wvandeman]

It was moved to the garbage can by one of the mods.

The redirect is still there and it's an area that only be accessed by the mods and forum admin.

I'll see about removing the redirect.
Thanks, Biggsy!

[Spearchucker]

It's sad that one of the very reasons this forum was created is being obscured.

Actually Len, the board was NOT created as an avenue for you to recruit. I was one of the first half dozen people that joined this board in September of '02, and we created this board to talk about spearfishing, booze, and women.

Ironhead - Since when are you owed an explanation, either by the mods or Tony, for anything? Do you pay a fee to post here? Your attitude that you are OWED something simply baffles me. Don't like it here? Go start a "spearing for Jesus" forum. wwwspearingforjesus.com is probably available.

As many PM's as you may get Len, regarding your revruiting, the mods and Tony get just as many bitching about the religious fanaticism going on. Worse yet are the PM's that we do not get. Those are from the people that, rather than be preached too, just left the board and do not post anymore.

I suggest you two worry a little more about spearfishing, on a spearfishing website.

[Gradyman]

Actually Len, the board was NOT created as an avenue for you to recruit.

Didn't say the "board" said the Pol/Rel forum. Not recruiting in any way...just sharing the wisdom that has got me through & filled my life with joy. I've never told anybody publicly they should go to my church or become a Christian. I've plainly stated what I've recieved from God to have a better life...if you want it take it...if you don't then read another post. If I want to share an opinion or thought it should not be "thrown out" because it speaks about God in an edifing way. Why does it get under your skin so badly anyway? Who are you protecting and from what?

[Gradyman]

and we created this board to talk about spearfishing, booze, and women.

I never read the booze & women part in any of the boards statements...if it's there I missed it. When I saw the relgious debates and questions arising I saw it as an opportunity to share what the Lord has done for me. To encourage and maybe enlighten...not recruit...that's not my job...if while I follow Jesus others want to come that's their decision. I posted spearfishing reports for over a year before any "religion" posts. Before the forum was created I never even posted in the off topic area.

[Spearchucker]

Why does it get under your skin so badly anyway? Who are you protecting and from what?

Thats it Len, you got me. I am recruiting for the devil and you have been a royal pain in my ass. :rolleyes: :mad:

Like I said, www.spearingforjesus.com is available. The rest of us, frankly, are tired of it. and for the record, I was not the Mod that deleted the original post, and have commented VERY LITTLE on this whole subject. But enough is enough, you and your cabin boy, Ironhead, are flat wearing me out.

[Gradyman]

Spearchucker,

My post are not intended for everyone...only those that are interested would want to read it...it's not like they're posted "front & center" on the board. The freedom of the Off Topic area is restricted by limiting/censoring the posts to booze and women, so that's why the other forum was created and is experiencing success. The board is growing and becoming more diversified since you and the others began it. It's just growing pains...you and others know what my posts in that section are about, so if you don't have the interest in it why click on it, just skip over it. My posts are not redefining the board just adding a new demension to it.

[IRONHEAD]

Actually Len, the board was NOT created as an avenue for you to recruit. I was one of the first half dozen people that joined this board in September of '02, and we created this board to talk about spearfishing, booze, and women.

Ironhead - Since when are you owed an explanation, either by the mods or Tony, for anything? Do you pay a fee to post here? Your attitude that you are OWED something simply baffles me. Don't like it here? Go start a "spearing for Jesus" forum. wwwspearingforjesus.com is probably available.

As many PM's as you may get Len, regarding your revruiting, the mods and Tony get just as many bitching about the religious fanaticism going on. Worse yet are the PM's that we do not get. Those are from the people that, rather than be preached too, just left the board and do not post anymore.

I suggest you two worry a little more about spearfishing, on a spearfishing website.

I find it quite ironic how some viewpoints can be shared by some and others don't get a chance to see the light of day. as far as an explanation I do kinda feel that there should be something, at least in the way of a personal message to the original poster letting him know where he crossed a line. I could care less wether you were the first half dozen people to join this forum, bottom line you do not own it either and until you do you really have no more say then the next member. if this site was made to discuss spearfishing women and booze then why is it that the bikini thread has to be moderated at all? is it because the forum has grown some since the original members had created it?. I feel if someone takes time to make a thread then whoever decides it doesnt belong on here should have the decency to at least tell the member that posted the original thread why he had removed it. I am guessing that person is happily hiding behind their keyboard on this one. I don't think len was out here recruiting anyone he was just offering some good things to live by and I don't see what that was hurting. as far as the spearfishing goes both me and len carry our own weight on this site for trip reports, can you say the same thing?

[intowin]

hmm

What exactly was this forum created for again?

Apparantly you can talk about god, as long as he fits in the box spearboard has created for him.

If you are going to talk about a God that changes lives then you have the
wrong religion forum...

[gumshoe]

I'm pretty sure nobody gives a rippin' crap what I think, but I'll say it anyway.

I'm not sure of the exact number, but I was an early member as well. This place used to be a safe haven to talk about killin' stuff, get and share advice, etc.

Whether it's a normal progression of internet sites to go this direction, the context of this thread details exactly what has happened to this site.

A lot of valued original posters have left because of all the BS Bickering, political threads, etc.

I hereby swear that if I didn't have one of the most boring jobs on earth that happens to come with a high speed internet connection, the BS would have sent me packing long ago.

Like it or not, spring will be here soon & I'll be posting pictures of lobsters and dead fish - not that anyone notices that type of thing any more.

[IRONHEAD]

I'm pretty sure nobody gives a rippin' crap what I think, but I'll say it anyway.

I'm not sure of the exact number, but I was an early member as well. This place used to be a safe haven to talk about killin' stuff, get and share advice, etc.

Whether it's a normal progression of internet sites to go this direction, the context of this thread details exactly what has happened to this site.

A lot of valued original posters have left because of all the BS Bickering, political threads, etc.

I hereby swear that if I didn't have one of the most boring jobs on earth that happens to come with a high speed internet connection, the BS would have sent me packing long ago.

Like it or not, spring will be here soon & I'll be posting pictures of lobsters and dead fish - not that anyone notices that type of thing any more.
For the record, your not going to offend anyone by talking about killing fish to us, the site in my opinion is not any different, still plenty of trip reports in any section you like. I don't see how people want to get all drama queen and leave a site because some people choose to also talk about other things like politics and religion, that is why it is in it's own section. people who don't care to discuss those events should then just not go there. I don't choose to talk about spearing sea bass in a speedo in a kelp forest so therefore I stay out of the california section of this board. I think leaving spearboard because some people that choose to follow christ buddha or allah are making posts is a pretty lame excuse to leave a great forum. the whole point of this thread was simply to find out why something a friend had posted was deleted before anyone could even respond to it. I do not see why that would happen being it was put in a section of the board created specifically for such a thread.

[StabbinBoy]

My first and last post on the "Politics and Religion" thread:

The absolute WORST part of coming to this site anymore IMHO is clicking on "New Posts" and seeing 100+ entries a day that have nothing to do with hunting. Too much noise.

Hunt more

Post about hunting more, and take the rest of it to other sites

Use this site as it was designed: to learn and improve, to network, and to thump your chest or Ironhed's skull as the need applies...

[IRONHEAD]

My first and last post on the "Politics and Religion" thread:

The absolute WORST part of coming to this site anymore IMHO is clicking on "New Posts" and seeing 100+ entries a day that have nothing to do with hunting. Too much noise.

Hunt more

Post about hunting more, and take the rest of it to other sites

Use this site as it was designed: to learn and improve, to network, and to thump your chest or Ironhed's skull as the need applies...
kinda like the menstration thread? :D

[StabbinBoy]

kinda like the menstration thread? :D

Dude - that was totally on topic, combining the following:
1. Spearfishing
2. Links to a site about shark attacks
3. 'Ragging' on Petra :D

Now you've made me post twice in a non spearing related thread.
I'm not coming back to read any more of this non-spear related dribble.

[IRONHEAD]

addicting isn't it :D
you might as well skip the east coast thread and head straight here, we invoke your name stabbin we speak your name :D

[Mutt]

[QUOTE=Spearchucker]Actually Len, the board was NOT created as an avenue for you to recruit. I was one of the first half dozen people that joined this board in September of '02, and we created this board to talk about spearfishing, booze, and women....."

....and hopefully football.......tell me that is so......

[QUOTE=gumshoe]I'm pretty sure nobody gives a rippin' crap what I think, but I'll say it anyway.

I hereby swear that if I didn't have one of the most boring jobs on earth that happens to come with a high speed internet connection, the BS would have sent me packing long ago..."

dude...u need a new job!. :D

[Mikerotch]

I've seen a lot of interesting discussions on "Spearboard" but this one takes the cake. Gradyman, how in the world did you think it permissable to post a thread concerning your relationship with God in a forum entitled "Politics/Religion ? (sarcasm intended) On the other hand, without throwing gas on a fire, Spearchucker, what in the world did Gradyman ever do to you to evoke such a hostile reponse. I mean, look at the facts : Even if everything Grady believes is false, and no one can prove one way or the other, and even if he is in fact "recruiting", what would the problem be? Clearly, even if he was/is recruiting, his motivation would be purely out of love for you and other spearboarders. He obviously has no vested interest (worldly anyway) in whether or not you accept the Gospel. He gains nothing in this world either financially or otherwise. If I saw you about to step on what I believed to be a dangerous snake and I knew a safe, better way around it, would you hold that against me if I tried to tell you? Assuming you have a taste of his character, (I'm certain I do and I've never met the man) could you honestly think that he would say any of the things he says without the intent of helping you ? He (and I) may be totally wrong about God and his love for all of us, but that doesn't change the fact that Gradyman cares deeply about you and everyone else on this board. If the thought of someone caring about you bothers you that much, I would really recommend you giving it some thought as to why. If the idea of thoughts about God are that disturbing, be they right or wrong, I would suggest avoiding the "Politics/Religion" portion of the board. I, for one, find this section enjoyable, even though I probably disagree with more on it than I agree with. That is, so long as some things are left up for discussion.

Mikerotch, heathen gratefully saved by grace

[rigdvr]

Why not just do away with the politics/religion thread....its the downfall of all sites eventually. Plenty of dedicated places to discuss those things, however there is only one worthy place to discuss spearfishing.

[IRONHEAD]

how is it the downfall? I don't see how having discussions with your friends about other topics than the main purpose of this site is something negative.
If you go out with your spearing buddies do you only talk about spearing? or do you have friendships that go outside the realm of diving and shooting fish? I think of this site not only as a wealth of information but a place to hang out with my friends while I am at work / home during the week. making spearboard only one dimensional to me would be the downfall of the site. even spearchucker himself who is a self proclaimed pioneer of the board said it was to discuss spearing, women and booze, well the site has grown alot and people want to discuss other things as well. I have learned what laptop to buy, tv to buy, how to fix things around the house and many many other things on this site. if we limit it to only spearing fish I think things would be somewhat boring unless people were out slaying giant fish daily. we can all agree that the weather prevents that from happening alot of times. I for one like the fact that almost anything i need to know something about that a fellow spearboarder has my back and will share what he knows. just the other day bigsy needed help with an autocad problem he was having at work, although I was late seeing it he got the help he needed and I would most definitely helped him if someone had not beaten me to it. to me it is alot easier to go to one place for information than 50 different ones. I do consider many of the members on here my friends too as I have dove with quite a few of them and talk with them daily.

[Mikerotch]

Rig, that is certainly an option for those who own/run this thing, but I must take exception to the idea that Len's posts are likely to be the downfall of Spearboard. If he were a politician trying to buy votes with ARS law manipulation, I could see it. But trying to provide an eternal perspective to the trials of this life ? I doubt it.

Mikerotch, still trying to grasp the problem

[bgbill]

Why not just do away with the politics/religion thread....its the downfall of all sites eventually. Plenty of dedicated places to discuss those things, however there is only one worthy place to discuss spearfishing.

If you don't want to read the posts in the Politics/Religion Forum, Roland has figured a way out to exclude the section from your serach, I am sure he can explain how to avoid it, otherwise just don't read the posts.

[bgbill]

I'm pretty sure nobody gives a rippin' crap what I think, but I'll say it anyway.

I'm not sure of the exact number, but I was an early member as well.

You are member #61.

[dagodiver]

I'm pretty sure nobody gives a rippin' crap what I think, but I'll say it anyway.

I'm not sure of the exact number, but I was an early member as well. This place used to be a safe haven to talk about killin' stuff, get and share advice, etc.

Whether it's a normal progression of internet sites to go this direction, the context of this thread details exactly what has happened to this site.

A lot of valued original posters have left because of all the BS Bickering, political threads, etc.

I hereby swear that if I didn't have one of the most boring jobs on earth that happens to come with a high speed internet connection, the BS would have sent me packing long ago.

Like it or not, spring will be here soon & I'll be posting pictures of lobsters and dead fish - not that anyone notices that type of thing any more.





Yep.!
The threads with the dead fish go away to quick and the threads with all the BS stay araound waaaaay to long.!



Dago.

[IRONHEAD]

I think the real problem lies in how you open spearboard, I do not use the new post deal ever, I go to the sections I want to see only and look at the areas that are highlighted in bold black as new posts. this eliminates me seeing anything in all the other areas I do not care about. myself I like the florida east coast, west coast, general spearfishing topic and the off topic sections. once in awhile i like to see the hawaii pics too and recipes are great as well. I guess if i was doing new posts and posts like this were always on top i too would get somewhat frustrated i guess, but i don't use that option so I don't see the problem. just my .02 on this issue

[Megabeast]

This thread makes me sad on so many levels.

Go spearfishing folks.

[riplipper]

Actually Len, the board was NOT created as an avenue for you to recruit. I was one of the first half dozen people that joined this board in September of '02, and we created this board to talk about spearfishing, booze, and women.

Ironhead - Since when are you owed an explanation, either by the mods or Tony, for anything? Do you pay a fee to post here? Your attitude that you are OWED something simply baffles me. Don't like it here? Go start a "spearing for Jesus" forum. wwwspearingforjesus.com is probably available.

As many PM's as you may get Len, regarding your revruiting, the mods and Tony get just as many bitching about the religious fanaticism going on. Worse yet are the PM's that we do not get. Those are from the people that, rather than be preached too, just left the board and do not post anymore.

I suggest you two worry a little more about spearfishing, on a spearfishing website.
WTF???????? :confused: :confused: If all you and the other mods want is spearfishing talk ....do away with all the other BS forums and make the rules that only spear talk is allowed........until that point in time....you should change your attitude toward some of our members who both contribute a lot of spearing pictures and threads.....

By the way....I for one would love it if it was only spear talk...but that is not how it is currently set up now, is it???

Of course keep the bikini and boat forums :D .

[IRONHEAD]

This thread makes me sad on so many levels.

Go spearfishing folks.
don't be sad big buddy ;) the winds will die down and we will sling again :thumps: untill then please listen to some dashboard confessional and dream about mango's on the shaft crying out to the world. :D

[richhermes]

I could give a shit about the bible thumping that goes on here. But when your main purpose of visiting Spearboard is get your daily bible reading, something is wrong. And then to bitch about the absence of your bible passage on a SPEARFISHING site?? :bang:

And it's not "self-proclaimed" Ironhed, it's merely a fact.

[IRONHEAD]

I could give a shit about the bible thumping that goes on here. But when your main purpose of visiting Spearboard is get your daily bible reading, something is wrong. And then to bitch about the absence of your bible passage on a SPEARFISHING site?? :bang:

And it's not "self-proclaimed" Ironhed, it's merely a fact. where you guys are missing the message is there are nearly 8,000 members registered on this site. many people have things they want to discuss outside the realm of spearing fish, we all have the spearing in common which is our main focus of this board, but we also build friendships on here and when your with your friends you do tend to have other things to talk about. my original post was to find out why that part of spearboard was censored like it was and knowing Len personally I was curious what it was that he posted in the politics and religion section that was removed. isn't it a section put here for discussing such topics? or am I mis reading it. I am sure there are topics that you discuss that I could care less about but you don't see me complaining about it, I just don't read them. As far as me saying spearchucker is a self proclaimed pioneer of this site might not have been the right choice of words but I feel like this, so what if your one of the first here. who really cares if you were in on it early on, if you guys felt that way about all this why would you allow everyone in? why not make spearboard a private message board and only invite your friends. as it is now you allow everyone here and it seems to me that more and more you welcome people in but then don't allow people to be themselves. yes it is a spearing site but yes it is a forum and last time i checked the spearboard tavern was a place to discuss things outside the realm of spearfishing.

[f94gator]

Wow. You REALLY have nothing better to do with yourself, do you? :soapbox: :soapbox: :wtf:

[IRONHEAD]

well I am at work, I have alot of time to kill and the weather really has been bad lately and I am nursing another ear infection. so I guess your right :rolleyes: I like what it says below your screen name it is quite fitting for this thread thanks for posting :D
This thread could have gone away with a simple answer and not even to me but to Len in regards to the original post in QUESTION. I guess it is more fun to drag it through the mud though.
let me ask it again in case you didn't read it the first time.
Why was a thread deleted that was put in it's proper place and was not offensive in any way? Who deleted it and why. That is all that needs to be said. I don't even need the answer myself but it would be nice to know what the guidelines are in this matter. I am guessing one of the mods that has not come forward was in a bad mood and decided to go against everything and just delete at will for no good reason according to the spearboard guidelines.
I have it saved so deleting it won't make it go away :D

[Nsearch]

http://www.home.no/nekholm/pics/funny/forumpics/thisthreadisgay.gif

[richhermes]

Len can repost his missing sermon if he wants. If he doesn't want to so be it. But this thread is done.