Ladies and Gentlemen,

As some of the recent posts indicate, the internet is an open invitation to all manner of characters.

Because of Saeed's view that this forum should be as open and unedited as possible, occasionally we do end up with topics that are divisive. I have been here long enough to have experienced several rounds of these kinds of topics. Eventually everything cools down and we get back to normal.

I say we get back to normal, but in my view, this forum is far from normal. It is the most informative, educational and entertaining hunting and shooting forum on the internet.

For those of us who have been around awhile, we tend to forget just how much we have benefited from this forum. For our new members and numerous non-registered guests, it may take a little effort to sort through all of the information on this website. Nonetheless, there is a wealth of information available. I like to think of AR as the encyclopedia for hunting and shooting information.

I can't begin to estimate how many people have gone on safari to Africa (or plan on going) because of this website.

First we owe Saeed an enormous "Thank You" for his financial support of this forum. More importantly, we owe a debt to Saeed for setting the tone of this forum. An open and uncensored format, unencumbered by commercialism, that promotes honest and frank discussion.

Finally, and blatently self-congratulatory, we owe the Moderators our gratitude. Where else do you find such helpful and informed people who are willing to spend the time to see that these forums run smoothly?

Regards,

Terry

Very well said Terry. Thank you Saeed, for letting me ramble on as old men do trying to teach the young and inexperienced. Thank you Saeed for not booting me when i posted semi funny things in serious posts. Thank you Saeed for letting me talk about........... you see what i mean about rambling? Thanks Saeed, and thank you Moderators your job is not a pleasent one, i only hope your paid well Charlie

I completely agree Terry. I wouldn't want your job here!! Kind of like being a kindergarten teacher sometimes. There have been some "heated" exchanges here lately. Still, I for one have learned a great deal about African hunting on these forums. I got my first .458 Lott because of the advice given here. Keep up the good work!! Don't let a few bozos try to ruin it for all of us.

Spot on Terry, spot on. I have booked two dangerous game hunts with Wendell Reich, spent a fair amount of $$$. All from this forum. I feel as confident as a christian with 4 aces that this is a damn good place to be......JJ

Terry

Wonderful forum wonderful Saeed and wonderful moderator ...

What really makes my (rednek day) is when the moderator by the stroke of his mouse either transfers or deletes non relavent extraneous bull..it threads which a few (nameless brainless geeks) try to perpetuate ...

Freedom is only for those with a brain not a personal vendetta to disrupt good debate ...

Keep up the good work and (dont be afraid) to delete appropriately as you see fit to maintain the unique character of these forums ..

You have the ultimate power in your hands please use it to keep the silent majority happy and not the flamers

Peter

Terry- Always the voice of reason!

Saeed- Thanks for such a great place to visit and chat about our favorite things!

Moderators- Thanks for your patience!

quote:

Originally posted by Balla Balla:
Terry

Keep up the good work and (dont be afraid) to delete appropriately as you see fit to maintain the unique character of these forums ..

You have the ultimate power in your hands please use it to keep the silent majority happy and not the flamers

Peter

I agree the African forums are a great source of information. They used to be a pleasant place as well.

At the moment the "pet troll" has one of his aliases flaming me with every post he makes.

What does one do? Create a fight and disrupt the forums, or just let it be?

Nitrox,

Is it the alias holding a pair of shotgun barrels?

Thanks to all as the information is vast.

quote:

At the moment the "pet troll" has one of his aliases flaming me with every post he makes.

What does one do? Create a fight and disrupt the forums, or just let it be?

NitroX,

It is simple, IGNORE HIM! Eveyrtime you respond to one of his idiotic posts, he just sets back in his chair and laughs. Stop taking the bait and do not respond. He gets his pleasure from the power he feels everytime you respond. Take the control away from him.

Regards,

Terry

I love this place and have gained a lot of knowledge from those who visit here. I have chosen to ignore those who attempt to derail this great forum.

Terry and Dan, PM sent. Everyone, please ignore my post and carry on. I do not want to disrupt the African forums more.

I do not attempt to speak for any other than myself...as a dreamer of an African hunt for over 40 years and hopefully to finally attain it after my return from Iraq it is with the greatest thanks to all of you on this forum, especially Saeed for providing it.

As with all types of groups there are many and varied opinions, feelings etc. We, both hunters and those with just a love for Africa, should rejoice in the fact that this forum is so open. I have learned much from all of you and would never request any change to this forum.

In the main, most are treated respectfully and if someone has an off day with a little vening on the forum it is usually settled rather quickly.

I do not post often as I have nothing to contribute in the way of experience but have spent many a night here these past four years and have posted questions that may have sounded dumb to many of you, however; your'e responses were never derogatory in any way. I appreciated all the posts.

Thanks to each of you.

Larry SFC E7

I'd like to echo the positive sentiments about this site. Saeed has provided and continues to provide what I believe is THE best location for those of us who enjoy hunting and shooting sports to come together, share some information and enjoy the passions which bind us together. The moderators have done a marvelous job sifting thru some of the "stuff" that appears from time to time.

I have derived a great deal from these boards and the men and women who post here. A very successful and enjoyable first safari, great reloading tips including some of my best ever handloads derived from others sharing their knowledge and many hours of enjoyable reading and laughs at the antics of some of the characters here at Accurate Reloading.

Keep up the good work everyone!!!

Phil

Terry,

Very good post, and I am glad you are here to keep us going. Thanks to Saeed for providing a place for us to share and gain knowledge. I found the forum very helpful in my transition from plains game hunting to dangerous game hunting. Also have met some good guys in the DRSS group. Keep up the good work.

CFA

quote:

I do not post often as I have nothing to contribute in the way of experience but have spent many a night here these past four years and have posted questions that may have sounded dumb to many of you, however; your'e responses were never derogatory in any way. I appreciated all the posts.

Wrong. Anyone who has lived to make E-7 in SF has quite a bit to contribute.

It was a wise old SF E-8 who once told me (26 years ago) the three requirements for a happy and productive professional career:

1. Avoid the press.
2. Don't screw the help.
3. Never work for free.

The Air Force version is, of course:

1. Don't do airshows.
2. Don't screw the help.
3. Never fly for free.

lawndart

A big thank you to the Administrators and Moderators for their hospitality. There is a fantastic amount to be learned on these forums and I cannot quantify how much I have learned and how wonderful the experience has been.

Thank you, gentlemen, and good hunting!

Terry, to you , Saeed, and the other moderaters here!!!!!!!!

Gentlemen,

My friend Terry's post touched on two different facts of the Internet.

On one hand we have a large number of people - the majority - who have given, and continue to give, their time and knowledge so otehrs can benefit from them.

On the other hand we have the few - very few - who use the Internet to get something they lack in real life.

I know I don't say it often enough, but, I wish to express my gratitude to all my friends who make AR what it is today.

This includes, Don, our Administrator, all the Moderators, and of course, teh countless members who devote so much of their time on these forums to help their fellow hunters from all corners of the world.

We like to think of AR as one large family of hunters.

It makes no difference to us what country one is from, or what form of hunting he likes.

The fact that we are all hunters bring us all together here.

We wish you all good hunting.

PS. Walter called this morning, first to confirm that our friends the Vincents have managed to get on their plane to go back home after a shot visit with us.

And then he said "105"
I said "What?"
He said "105"
I said "105 what?"
He said "105 days left before we are on the plane going hunting!"

I'd like to add my "Thanks!" to Saeed and all the Moderators!

This forum provides a wealth of information and experiences shared! It is the best of it's kind!

For me it's AccurateReloading and NitroExpress.com.

Once again "Thanks!" to the Saeed and the Moderators for all their efforts on our behalf!

quote:

Originally posted by T.Carr:
...Eventually everything cools down and we get back to normal...

I hope you are right Terry... I have always enjoyed the passionate, interesting, and educational dialog on AR. As others have said, AR and the African Forum in particular for me has been a wonderful resource and continues to offer a wealth of knowledge, up to date information, hunt offers, clever ideas, new products, etc, etc, etc.

Lately, however, the "tone" has been increasingly negative, and as such not as much "fun". I hope the core users of AR - as well as the casual members and guests who have a lot of info and fresh perspectives to offer - are still out there, and we can rise above this recent round of garbage.

And maybe a "little" active-moderation would not be that bad either, such as moving crap-threads quicker and not allowing the integrity of posts to be obviously corrupted (jmho). Some self-restraint among members, and [or] the IGNORE feature wouldn't hurt either!

Thanks to Saeed, Don, the Moderators, and the long-time members of AR who have been an incredible source of information, inspiration and entertainment. Here's hoping for some interesting, respectful and enlightening posts and topics!

Hear, hear!

Saeed, thanks for providing us all with such a marvellous platform to obtain information (and just plain BS, from time to time). A big hand to the moderators, the unsung heroes of this forum, and to all who contribute incredible amounts of information, to the benefit of all of us who know less, but strive to learn.
- mike

There ain't enough time or space to properly thank Saeed and gang. Enough said. To NitroX-No one wishes for you to go away. I have learned from and enjoyed your postings. We all need to stop rising to the bait when it is trolled in front of us.

Thanks to Saeed and the Moderators. When I first hunted in Africa, this resource was not available and I was not familiar with SCI. What I knew about Africa came from a few books, mostly Capstick and Ruark.

Saeed has given this forum an insight to the term "freedom of speech" by accepting posts that are perhaps offensive to others. The worlds politicians could learn from him

NitroX,

I would not worry to much about the flamming as all those persons are doing are digging themselves a bigger hole to bury whats left of a thread bare reputation in. Don'tlet them drag you down with them mate, because I know your better than that!

To others I would say that please remember that free speech here is a privilage not a right, and that many of these trolls are simply trying to get that privilage eroded and cause disruption.
Replying to their posts, in whatever manner, simply aids them in their plans..

Regards,

Pete

I think the moderators are just swell. Except for Terry, of course!

P.S. Freedom of speech is a God given right not a privilege. Maybe some "freedom of speech" will be banned here or elsewhere, but it is still a freedom of everyone, whether you like it or not.

P.P.S. I don't understand those that criticize Carmello or anyone else, when it is the very same folks that keep blowing on the flames.

Will,

Whether you like it or not, Freedom of Speech *here* is down to Saeed...if he wishes he can impose rules which would curtail it...

If he did, you could do nothing about it other than go else where..that is my point...

You have to go a long way to get a post deleted here or for a member to be banned, but it is not so on other boards...

The owner of each forum tends to have their own ideas on what is tollerated or not; we are lucky that Saeed is a firm believer in free speech, but I do hate that being blatently abused by some of the trolls here...

Regards,

Pete

PS By some Frueden slip I clicked the "edit button" instead of the "quotes button" when replying to you...Very ironic slip considering the subject, but I was not trying t edit your post (unless I was subconsciously! )

Terry,

With all due respect the implication that every single disagreeable thread that gets created here has something to do with me is simply hogwash.

Rather than perpetuate that type of disinformation, Terry as moderator you have the ability to verify aliases, what IP's they originate from etc.

Again I have not created a single one of these Carmelo threads.

I am sure one of my good friends will chime in with a lovely comment or two but those facts remain. Secondly what goes on in my forums is not of any concern here.

I don't mind whatever is said about me, or what any member of ANY internet forum thinks of me.

You have made up your minds as to what is what and your decisions are yours.
I do thank Saeed for creating a level playing field. I am glad the particular flame threads were moved to Misc. This way those of us that wish to be amused by them can read and post there without interrupting the African Hunting forum.

Again think of me what you wish. I really don't care.
Just my two cents in the manner.
Thanks for listening.

KISS - THANKS!

Saeed

Thanks for making AR available. I see it as a unique opportunity for people with all levels of experience to meet and share knowledge.

I do appreciate the staff even Terry who has on a couple of occasions shown me that I wasn't so smart after all. Heck! I've even enjoyed getting my butt kicked.

Many thanks!

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by T.Carr:
I can't begin to estimate how many people have gone on safari to Africa (or plan on going) because of this website.

Me for one, though Africa was always a dream of mine. It was not until I read all the reports and stories on here that I got off my ass and made it happen.

john

Pete E,

I never said there was freedom of speech on AR. Saeed, bless his soul, can limit anything he wants.

I thought I made it clear that freedom of speech is just that, free.

Now moderators may want to define allowable speech, but that is not the point. Anyone with a little power sometimes get carried away with their authority or self-imposed powers. Not that that applies to you! Except that you do not know the difference between "edit" and "quote."

I try to ignore most of the irrelevant posts, but everyone has an opinion about everything. It is just that many bring nothing to the table. Maybe I need to define a new acronym...Just What Are You Bringing to the Table? Maybe WAYBTTT.

AR is the best forum on the internet for hunters for a number of reasons, but most importantly I think it is the freedom of expression that we all enjoy here. And many thanks are due to Saeed et al. for that.

Anything can be said--but if the poster wants respect, it will be said with grace and will be backed up with experience. And I really do enjoy the wit and humor on this forum, too.

Freedom of expression can be and is abused by some on this site, but it does get sorted out. In the all too frequent exchanges I have seen, the trolls and flame artists get found out. We have many astute people posting here who know them when they see them. And they always seem to show their true colors--they can't avoid it, it seems.

Then, they can be ignored--although without the "Ignore" function built in to the software, I will admit that it can be difficult at times.

Damn I miss the "Ignore" function!!

quote:

More importantly, we owe a debt to Saeed for setting the tone of this forum. An open and uncensored format, unencumbered by commercialism, that promotes honest and frank discussion.

Well said Terry!

While we may have our difficult times, with this format it always easy to distinguish the wheat from the chaff. I'd much rather have the opportunity to decide for myself who's / what advice to embrace and which to ignore, than have someone do it for me.

Long live AR! I'd feel lost without my "home away from home".

Cheers,
Canuck

Terry and Saeed... Well said and a huge THANK YOU for providing us with the greatest forum I've ever seen on the net for our beloved shooting/hunting sport. Thanks to all our moderators too who work hard to keep it running, as I'm sure that can be a challenge at times. This forum also runs more smoothly and reliably than any other forum I've seen - a tribute to your hard work...

Don't change a thing, we're a huge family of brothers and sisters and this site is a part of my daily routine - I think I'd be lost without it!

quote:

Originally posted by 458RugerNo1:
Terry and Saeed... Well said and a huge THANK YOU for providing us with the greatest forum I've ever seen on the net for our beloved shooting/hunting sport. Thanks to all our moderators too who work hard to keep it running, as I'm sure that can be a challenge at times. This forum also runs more smoothly and reliably than any other forum I've seen - a tribute to your hard work...

Don't change a thing, we're a huge family of brothers and sisters and this site is a part of my daily routine - I think I'd be lost without it!

I agree

Partipating in this Forum keeps me "alive" between hunts. I have had the luck to meet personally some members and we are today close friends.

Also here in Uruguay nobody knows much about african hunting, so here I'm able to share my experiences with people who KNOW of what I'm talking about, that's half of the enjoyment of hunting, planning hunts and discussing the experience is great only if you have someone to do it with, and here there are lots of "someones" !!!

I think we have become something like a "brotherhood" that will survive many of us...

Thanks Saeed, Don, Terry and all of you that give us, hunters of very far away countries, the possibility to learn and be in contact with people from ALL AROUND THE WORLD, who shares our most important passion....HUNTING !!!!!

L

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Anyone with a little power sometimes get carried away with their authority or self-imposed powers.

Will,

now that Don has given us the "edit" button and the icon, you don't know how hard it is to be restrained sometimes!

Regards,

Pete

Pete,
Don´t be so shy...give them hell!!!