What do you want on a fishing site? What suggestions do you have to make S-B better?

Not too much joking pleeze :bl: but I want to take the next step with S-B to make it better for all of you and I'm looking for suggestions and advice - thanks!

John

free plugs? :lama:

What kind of budget do you have to take the site to next level?

Less :fight:and less :bc: and definietly less :rumble:

but seriously...I would love there to be a technique section....maybe once a week pick a lure and have the members write in the thread the ways and where's (Type of areas, not spots) they fish it productively.

What kind of budget do you have to take the site to next level?


Little money and lots of sweatequity

Good suggestion from TDF. I think articles on different aspects of fishing would be a great addition also.

John, understanding that you have a full-time job and a family, I think you already run a great site. It could remain the same and still be the best Striper fishing site on the net.:btu:

But, since you're asking for suggestions... I'd like to see some articles from some of the very accomplished writers who are members on the site. I know there is an article section already, but maybe post a weekly or monthly article from some of the guys like Basic Patrick, Zeno, etc.... Techniques and tackle stuff would be great, but even short stories like the ones DZ has put up before are excellent. There is so much knowledge and interesting history on this site, I think it would be nice for it to get out there for the members to read more.

I would like to have a network where (not spot burning) but know were they are on their trip up and back….. you know something like they are in RI or at the Cape , Plymouth, Boston, Maine etc. just so we can follow and know when they are coming around on their travels

A lot of people don’t put were they live…… so post that say their here from someone who lives "on the water…..in a house" etc. doesn’t help much unless they say were they live… i.e. Boston, Maine, etc.

Like to have a separate thread on what's catching.
As noted earlier, this may have to be edited to prevent spot burning. However, allowing general info on areas (near the Canal, Duxbury, south side of Martha's Vineyard) would at the very least help avoid trips to areas that aren't producing, and maybe guide folks in the general area of those that are.

fewer nitwits

It's hard to expand and improve without resources. I think a site that paid people to contribute content and paid them well - could become big. The magazines pay so poorly it would not take that much money to become the first choice of contributors. You could then cull the best content from the top contributors - but only if the site had a budget sufficient to do that.
There really is no content-rich striped bass saltwater fishing site yet. Free articles from members can be good - but I don't think you can expect to become the premier content-driven striped bass site via articles and videos that were contributed for free.

fewer nitwits

So you're leaving Paul? :rotf3:

Yeah, I second the articles by Patrick etc.
More awareness stuff.

Kinda shocked nobody has mentioned the Bush bill to make a bunch of marine sanctuaries. :doh:

Less :fight:and less :bc: and definietly less :rumble:

but seriously...I would love there to be a technique section....maybe once a week pick a lure and have the members write in the thread the ways and where's (Type of areas, not spots) they fish it productively.


Thats a great idea!!!

How about a "TOPIC OF THE MONTH" thread, where a certain theme or technique can be discussed and disected, with everyones input. We can learn alot from each other.

Off-topic or BS posts can be deleted.:topic:

How about a dedicated rookie forum where no question is too "uninformed". Those "sharpies" who wish to suffer the stupididity can help out, and those who can't deal with it don't need to look at it.

Another cool thing would be to give folks the ability to post links to/vote for articles, threads, etc they've found that were helpful to them, kind of like Digg.

Just like we do at the m.s.b.a. meetings. Everyone pick a prize to raffle, say high-end VS 250, Stella, or a custom rod or even a two person boat trip in Chatham. Tickets cost $10.00 a piece and when the last ticket is sold the name gets pulled, the prize is awarded. Same amount of tickets sold every time, or the amount of tickets sold to each raffle is agreed upon prior to the raffle. Exess funds go to site. And I'm sure there will be many posts tweeking this post to fine tune it. What do you think?

A lot less jealousy and hate would be a good start. :bl: How can ya share info and show your sucess if the whole crew jumps down your throat??
Some moderators with balls would help too,,,:claps:(I'll volunteer)
I've heard one too many times mods say they should have, could have but DIDN'T... WTF good is that....???:spin:
Not tryin' to offend anyone..just being honest....http://www.mocoforo.com/foro/style_emoticons/default/agresivo.gif

As a non expert I would like to see a map of the east coast with our quarry shown as a blob in the water as they migrate north and south. Fish reports would be given to the web master to correlate and update the map. No spots being burnt, but real visual information. If i don't catch it's because there are no fish here, not because I'm a lousy fisherman. That excuse wont work with the map. Trips could be planned better knowing where their at.
I'm not to jacked about the cute home locations. You're not in a witness protection are you? You never know who could be be close enough to talk to in person. I could be next door to you and never know it when wanting a fishing/boating buddy.
Sorry, but you asked.
BW

Less :fight:and less :bc: and definietly less :rumble:

but seriously...I would love there to be a technique section....maybe once a week pick a lure and have the members write in the thread the ways and where's (Type of areas, not spots) they fish it productively.


:claps::claps:

video section

s-b hat pins by which to recognize members

More things on the off season. The couple of clinics you got going were a great idea. I couldn't go to them but the idea was great. I think one was rod wrapping, forgot what the other was,long distance casting?

Plug fest is great, I don't build I go just to drool as but it's also a clinic.

Other clinic ideas in addition to above to get people together to teach and learn:

reel maintenance/rebuilding/magging
lure modifying/tweaking
knot tying, rigging different rigs
offshore rigging
kayak rigging
boat/motor winter maintenance
jig/weight making

Just like we do at the m.s.b.a. meetings. Everyone pick a prize to raffle, say high-end VS 250, Stella, or a custom rod or even a two person boat trip in Chatham. Tickets cost $10.00 a piece and when the last ticket is sold the name gets pulled, the prize is awarded. Same amount of tickets sold every time, or the amount of tickets sold to each raffle is agreed upon prior to the raffle. Exess funds go to site. And I'm sure there will be many posts tweeking this post to fine tune it. What do you think? I second this :jump:

Not sure if this will be interpreted incorrectly, - i think the site is fine as is, and is only as good as what we contribute to it.
I'm not sure any more structure or content will add value. This site provides me with inspiration when I am busting my butt and getting nothing and then see pics of guys with fish and knowing they fish in similar areas as I do. Its the moral support of a community of fisherman that I value most.

a review section for rods/reels/plugs/boats/and ect.

the clinics are a great idea. it's one thing to read a how to but actually watching someone skilled and being able to interact w/ them and have them tell what works for them would be cool. fishing manners forum. adopt a rookie program - just take a guy or two and give them a few pointers for a day. back in the day i would have killed for some one on one help.

Write-ups on different plugs and how to fish them, where and when and why... written by guys from the site who build them... (F-18 perhaps on round nose metal lips, etc.) I know certain guys build their own and prefer certain types. Or by guys who use a particular type... like Steve McKenna's sluggo info.

Regularly updated reports with specific guidelines that are enforced keeping the reports to general areas (Narragansett, SoCo beaches, Mesquamicut area, etc.) with info about what was caught, what bait was around, what conditions and what was used.

Articles on reading the water, structure etc. with no specific locations mentioned.

Vintage photo section.

However, the site is pretty darn good just the way it is. Thank you JohnR.

reading the water -excellent idea

A thread just for spot burning but you have to know the secret password and/or handshake

Cooking the catch..Similar to the segment in OTW magazine

what about an:
Out of state report section
Photo/video section
Fishing Rendezvous Section
and sections for specific areas IE: Martha's vineyard, RI, cape cod, etc

What about a carpool section. With the price of gas it might get some action, and allow fellow sb'ers to meet up. I like the raffle idea also. Gives people a chance to score some good stuff they otherwise wouldnt be able to afford with the excess cash going to the bossman.

Good ideas - keep 'em coming.

Joe - I think we can be a better community which is more important (and realistic) than being the best site with high paid articles. But you are absolutely right on quality articles and content going a long way. So while high paid articles might not be on the table these days I should have some way to provide incentive for those that do.

Karl - if we were easier on the moderators we wouldn't have to be so swift on any Hari-Kari button :tooth: . I think they do a great job even though they don't get as much recognition as they should get (from the community and from me). Its not fair to think that people should get crahpped on and then be asked why a comment or thread wasn't whisked away quick enough to suit another person's preferences. (In fact, I believe I asked you at one point if you wanted to do some moderating and you said something to the effect of no bleeping way :jester: )

This is all good. Thanks!

John

I don't know how you'd come up with guidelines for using it, but it would be nice to have a spot where people could post samples of their writing and arts and crafts. There are some skilled folks here and though somewhat infrequently posted, I've really enjoyed reading the poetry, fiction, stories about people's experiences (like fishing the blizzard) or when people write about fishing legends. Think of all the "good reads" that have been posted after things people have written and shared. I also like when people post fishing related photos, be it old ones, pictures of wood carvings they've done, or like "shingle art" (that was great) or lighthouses, shipwrecks that appear, sunsets, sand dunes, Eben's glass creations, fish foodies people have plated, what have you. Any kind oif art for that matter. I wouldn't suggest plug photos since that forum is good as it is, nor pictures of fish caught because they belong in the Striper forum, but like I said, stuff that's more aesthetically pleasing to the ear and eye.

another idea would be a section with articles writen and submitted from members.. maybe even some funny stories.

Seems we have a some authors on here maybe a place they can post a chapter to two as teasers for people to buy thier book and to give us some helpful info..

more hottie threads. :musc:

more hottie threads. :musc:

Nebe, I found the perfect girl for you. And there is a photo section on her website.

http://www.anncoulter.com

You know what they say about opposites attracting.:heybaby:

I wouldn't change a thing.It's a respectable site the way it is.Maybe add a link to Paypal so people can donate to the site if they want to.

Reason I told you no farking way is mainly because I'd only last a week... the ax would swing freely :hihi:...

Sorry if I sounded like I was being rough on you and the crew of mods, but... I know I'm not alone in noticing the... disappearing act that seems top transpire once they get the keys....
I won't speak for fishaholic, but it sounds by what Dave said, he kinda sees the same thing.... a quick.... "this is now over".... would stem the tide... IMHO...for a lot of other spin off stuff....and set the tone for what is NOT tolerated...

(in other words... you and the crew are waaaaay too kind and tolerant....)

anyway :D... gimme the hari kari button... or the fast flush lever (the one that dusts and cleans all your posts and pics and junk, and bans your ip)_.... I'm long over due :uhuh:
I know I'm not alone in looking for that option either :)


Now... I'll go try and work on my self control.... :hihi:

Hard not to reply to this one Karl.....being a new moderator is a learning experience for me,...it's kind of difficult to tell a grown man what he can or cannot say....I don't know who you and your friends are refering to about dissapearing, but I havent noticed anyone missing except maybe bassmaster....then again I dont really pay that much attention to what other do anyhoo....
sorry to hijack...back on track
I like some of what Joe is saying....and niko
also less boys club bull^&%$$# and more posting of pix, results, and stories...

How about an interactive night by some sponsors (yeah I would do it) where we can sit online some evening and talk with some of the plug builders or charter/Guides that sponsor or the great Bait and Tackle shops we have that can help with all kinds of great information?! We set a Date/Time/ and sit online in a seperate forum just for this and a topic is chosen and a "Speaker/Guest" or "Victim" and folks can ask some questions of the person and all can sit in and have a round table type of thing going? Might be fun and informative? Great way to learn by picking someones brain?:cool:

How about an interactive night by some sponsors (yeah I would do it) where we can sit online some evening and talk with some of the plug builders or charter/Guides that sponsor or the great Bait and Tackle shops we have that can help with all kinds of great information?! We set a Date/Time/ and sit online in a seperate forum just for this and a topic is chosen and a "Speaker/Guest" or "Victim" and folks can ask some questions of the person and all can sit in and have a round table type of thing going? Might be fun and informative? Great way to learn by picking someones brain?:cool:


A chat box would be funny on this site.I've had them on sites I've built before.

Humor is good......thinking more informative and helpful!;) We could have fun with it and learn!

How about a Bombamoderator?
I have no other requests. Love it here and have for 7 years!
I also love jugs!:bounce:

Nebe, I found the perfect girl for you. And there is a photo section on her website.

http://www.anncoulter.com

You know what they say about opposites attracting.:heybaby:

It hit it.
















In the face. :rotflmao::rotflmao:

Little money and lots of sweatequity

This is a pretty big constraint, but also one of the reasons I think this site excels.
If $$$$ was the goal things would be quite different. Here you can post links, within reason. If there is spam it gets zapped sooner or later but seems to be mostly ignored(the best solution to a lot of internet BS)
We all have the power to make this site better.
If you want to write an article, go for it, you might be the next Frank :deadhorse:
Ok, that was a cheap shot. But it is probably your best opportunity to get to know or be known by a magazine editor. I have seen articles by authors that I know had a ton of editing before they were ready. So don't be afraid. Myself, I would rather read something that is honest and from the authors heart and experience and full of BM lingo or Zenoisms than a polished piece from a professional "author" based on research, a little experience and the need for money.
There are some great "articles" here already some are in the http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripertalk/forumdisplay.php?f=33 and some are in threads somewheres here.
I would like to thank John R very much.:thanks:

{!] i agree with F-18 about having balls ;;

[2] we need that site back >i Forgot the F#$%^&*() name .. >> but it was r-rated ::::


[2] We should have a seperate section ..dedicated to the destruction . && the ways to elimiate [sp] the F $%^&*() bluefish population ;
& that way the Save The Bluefish CLUB >> doesn,t have to see it or have any input in it >>::
two hatchets & a machet :lossinit:

Some sort of store/auction page. Some of the guys who have plugs and arent selling them make some of the nicest ones I have ever seen, and it would be cool if they posted them for sale or whatever on the site, and John would get a percentage to keep the site running. I know setting up a small online store is somewhat time consuming, but it is very cheap. The only problem i see is how to get the different sellers the money. Paypal prolly has a solution for that. Just a thought

How about a Classifieds sectuion with the comments LOCKED OUT so that Diggleberries can not degrage posts in the proverbial rodents orface with derogatory replies to classfied Ad Posts.


How about a Monthly Giveaway of something Sportsmen related? (Ill donate a nice Codfish Zippo for the first prize)


How about a realtime chart section where you can enter your NOAA Chart number and a lighted dot will show where fish species currently are. Green dot, Mackeral , Blue Dots Bluefin, Yelow dotsFlounder, Striped Dot Stripers, etc....etc....



http://www.hoax-slayer.com/images/tampa-sea-monster.jpg

more hottie threads. :musc:

:kewl:

John.
It's pretty good the way it is.

More freedom to share info b.c you aren't selling your own gear. I think sponsors get a lot of press from the site, so the occasional link to a sale or something is a good thing, and isn't instantly banned....

I think there is a lot more childish BS other places on the web.
Lets keep it the way it is here!

I like BigFish's idea.

How about taking it one step further with incorporated podcasts or something. Have one night a month where some of the more experienced guys sit around and talk about fishing structure, certain plugs, whatever, and record it and attach it as an audio file?

Tackle reviews are good too. Plug reviews, etc.

just my .02

How about a Classifieds sectuion with the comments LOCKED OUT so that Diggleberries can not degrage posts in the proverbial rodents orface with derogatory replies to classfied Ad Posts.


How about a Monthly Giveaway of something Sportsmen related? (Ill donate a nice Codfish Zippo for the first prize)


How about a realtime chart section where you can enter your NOAA Chart number and a lighted dot will show where fish species currently are. Green dot, Mackeral , Blue Dots Bluefin, Yelow dotsFlounder, Striped Dot Stripers, etc....etc....



http://www.hoax-slayer.com/images/tampa-sea-monster.jpg

Walt - reply to your PM

I agree Brian - we have a good crew here with (I'm told) less than average amount of BS. What I don't want to do is make the site less community driven, but more community driven. Not change for the sake of change, just make it a bit better...

I too must defend the moderator comments. It is a learning process and if anyone thinks you get the same from the site once "given the keys"...well let me just say its not all bubblegum and candy when your just browsing the site to make sure there are no out of control flame wars going on while you were at work all day.

When the site was new I met some of the original members but have not met many since. Often times I must read through an entire 45 post thread before coming to a conclusion as to edit or not. Why? because there are many little friendships and enemies around here. Its often hard to know if people are busting stones with their buds or seriously having a beef with each other. Quite frankly I dont know enough people here to know which is which and I am not about to start keeping a notebook on it either.

What offends one may not offend another. 50% will be upset if you delete and 50% will be upset if you dont. Those are the facts.

Maybe I should let the ax fly like so many seem to want. How do you all think it would go over if I deleted anything and everything that bothered me about a "hottie" thread? If I so much as make a move there I would be crucified by the masses......

Its impossible to get it right everytime. Sorry to dissapiont.

the clinics are a great idea. it's one thing to read a how to but actually watching someone skilled and being able to interact w/ them and have them tell what works for them would be cool. fishing manners forum. adopt a rookie program - just take a guy or two and give them a few pointers for a day. back in the day i would have killed for some one on one help.

I like this idea. Another post mentioned "reading the water". As someone who is pretty new to striper fishing I have a ton of questions and not enough resources to get answers. I would definitely be open to being "adopted" for a day. I learned that it is pretty pointless to ask people for spots, so I am now constantly looking around on maps and while driving in my car for what I think might be a good spot, but still the only time I have caught anything is when I was brought someplace by someone who knew what they were doing. Also, I have read about a lack of etiquette going on out there; other than not standing in front of someone already fishing, I wouldn't know the first thing about fishing courtesy. I fully understand that the best way to learn is to get out there and do it, but a little education might be advantageous for us rookies and for the sharpies...a "sharpie" is a little magic marker, right?

It hit it.



In the face. :rotflmao::rotflmao:

I think thats why she was wearing the eye patch for awhile...:hee:

fewer nitwits


hey us nitwits like to hang out and fish too .

less arguments and more levelheaded winters ( sorry you dont control that )

also being nicer to those that havent fished or learned enough yet . newbies keep us strong and the sharpies looking sharper . extra fine !!!

I too must defend the moderator comments. It is a learning process and if anyone thinks you get the same from the site once "given the keys"...well let me just say its not all bubblegum and candy when your just browsing the site to make sure there are no out of control flame wars going on while you were at work all day.

When the site was new I met some of the original members but have not met many since. Often times I must read through an entire 45 post thread before coming to a conclusion as to edit or not. Why? because there are many little friendships and enemies around here. Its often hard to know if people are busting stones with their buds or seriously having a beef with each other. Quite frankly I dont know enough people here to know which is which and I am not about to start keeping a notebook on it either.

What offends one may not offend another. 50% will be upset if you delete and 50% will be upset if you dont. Those are the facts.

Maybe I should let the ax fly like so many seem to want. How do you all think it would go over if I deleted anything and everything that bothered me about a "hottie" thread? If I so much as make a move there I would be crucified by the masses......

Its impossible to get it right everytime. Sorry to dissapiont.

you could post your own hottie thread . we dont discriminate . I bet some of the other ladies here wouldnt mind . I have a few of me in..... never mind .

your doing fine Jenn you have never squashed me ( you probably wanted too ) yet .

Chris....it's not about HAVING a hottie thread....that doesnt bother me and I try to be understanding to the fact that its a "guy thing" but does some of the conetent bother me? Sometimes....

My point was more making an example of whats to be expected from moderating and the point that no one will (or can be) the perfect moderator!