quote:

Originally posted by Caracal:
The internet is full of odd campains but that campaign is stupid even by internet standards.
Why should someone pay for Craig's website?

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Something smells.
And it ain't a smell I like!

Craig has posted a link to this site on his Facebook page. So he must be obviously aware of this.

Then the quickest and easiest way of putting the record straight would be for him to post a message here telling us it IS a scam, or not!

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Caracal:
The internet is full of odd campains but that campaign is stupid even by internet standards.
Why should someone pay for Craig's website?

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Something smells.
And it ain't a smell I like!

Craig has posted a link to this site on his Facebook page. So he must be obviously aware of this.

Then the quickest and easiest way of putting the record straight would be for him to post a message here telling us it IS a scam, or not!

Saeed:

You didn't free 500 Grains, did you? Maybe he is behind all of this.

No dog in this lynching, but it might be some what civil if Mr. Boddington were given the chance to offer some sort of explanation. Just an opinion.

interestingly, the video link in the website has now been removed. this whole thing stinks to high heaven!

i went to the Facebook page and was astounded. almost all of his comments were directed at selling something- rifles, gun safes, autographed pictures, knives- well, you name it. rather sad.... in light of all that, the original plea for money for "his" website doesn't surprise me.

quote:

Originally posted by Crazyhorseconsulting:
No dog in this lynching, but it might be some what civil if Mr. Boddington were given the chance to offer some sort of explanation. Just an opinion.

Too bad Greg Rodriguez wasn't able to do the same when you attempted to smear his good name when he was murdered.

quote:

Originally posted by Scottyboy:

quote:

Originally posted by Crazyhorseconsulting:
No dog in this lynching, but it might be some what civil if Mr. Boddington were given the chance to offer some sort of explanation. Just an opinion.

Too bad Greg Rodriguez wasn't able to do the same when you attempted to smear his good name when he was murdered.

+1

Posted by Craig Boddington Sept 26, 2012.
http://gametrails.org/wheres-craig-boddington/

quote:

I’m happy to report that my domain name website has been taken down…it has been extremely cumbersome, and we intend to redesign a simpler site. But for now it’s hunting season, so I’ll keep up here as best I can. This does leave a gap in our ability to provide autographed copies of my books. If you need a book for a gift or whatever, just send a private message (via Facebook) with your phone number or email…Donna or I will get back to you and can take your order. Meantime, hope you’re having a great fall.

One has to wonder just how much money be has spent on hunting ? Hasn't he been on something like 200 safaris? How much has he spent on divorces? It has to add up to astounding numbers. How much does a writer make? How many could afford that amount of hunting? Even a $1 million a year would never provide enough to hunt that much?

I am not trying to hammer him. Just thinking.

Gentlemen,

It would help if we could keep this thread on the subject being talked about.

There are several threads on the untimely death of our friend Greg Rodriguez, may be we can keep discussing him on those threads?

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
One has to wonder just how much money be has spent on hunting ? Hasn't he been on something like 200 safaris? How much has he spent on divorces? It has to add up to astounding numbers. How much does a writer make? How many could afford that amount of hunting? Even a $1 million a year would never provide enough to hunt that much?

I am not trying to hammer him. Just thinking.

Larry:

I like his writing. I really do. But he has never been very transparent in terms of who is paying for what. He took us to task when we brought up free hunts, even writing a story in Petersen's HUNTING about internet jabs. He implies/claims he doesn't accept free hunts, but as you point out, the numbers just don't add up.

He is not alone. What is so hard about simply acknowledging who is paying for what? It is rather obvious with TV, but with writing, it is not, especially with him, because he does pay for some of his hunts.

I said this many times before...the FTC has ruled that if you are going to endorse a product in an way other than direct advertising, you must acknowledge if you are being paid or receiving free products and services. I took Tim Herald to task on this once and he came back and acknowledged who paid for what. Good for him.

Any writer care to speak up about why that rule is widely ignored? Dave Fulson has been very upfront (not perfect, but perfect is a tough standard), and Tim Herald has done a reasonably good job as well, although none of these guys tell us exactly what they paid for their hunts. It is no secret they often get a discount, because I have often asked the outfitter after watching a show, and they tell me the straight scoop. So why not be upfront about all of this guys?

Some of you may not care, but the very best suppliers of hunts, rifles, actions, etc. don't have to give away anything for free. Those trying to either fill space or increase their price of admission do.

A lot of you guys talk about integrity. My definition of integrity is telling us exactly who gave you what for free. Anything short of that is at best disingenuous and surely not the mark of integrity.

I too saw the Facebook plea and thought it odd. I have been thinking of ordering some more of his books via his site, but I think I will hold off until this is sorted out.

Lonestar no offence but this is your first post in 18 months

Tell us a bit more about yourself ?

I am sure a few of us here will be curious

Secondly it is not difficult to hack into Facebook page and make up anything

A few of us here have access to people who knows Craig

Until we here from the horses mouth directly

I think we should refrain from speculating

Perhaps this exactly what the poster wants

Agreed boys ?

About 18 months ago

I received a PM asking for help to find an apartment in London for CB's daughter who is supposed to be arriving at short notice

I managed to do so and got a very good deal and after that no news at all

Unfortunately I have deleted my PM messages from that period

Come to think about it this might be the time you joined this forum just before christmas

Can a moderator look into my pM history and find out who PM me ?

Did anybody else receive a similar PM as well ?

quote:

Originally posted by londonhunter:
Lonestar no offence but this is your first post in 18 months

Tell us a bit more about yourself ?

I am sure a few of us here will be curious

Secondly it is not difficult to hack into Facebook page and make up anything

A few of us here have access to people who knows Craig

Until we here from the horses mouth directly

I think we should refrain from speculating

Perhaps this exactly what the poster wants

Agreed boys ?

About 18 months ago

I received a PM asking for help to find an apartment in London for CB's daughter who is supposed to be arriving at short notice

I managed to do so and got a very good deal and after that no news at all

Unfortunately I have deleted my PM messages from that period

Come to think about it this might be the time you joined this forum just before christmas

Can a moderator look into my pM history and find out who PM me ?

Did anybody else receive a similar PM as well ?

We do not have access to members PMs.

Anyway, PMs are kept on our server for 12 months only.

I think the starter of this thread only interest is to clear what he has seen on that link posted above.

None of us want to see Craig get into a bind, and as someone has already mentioned, he is apparently aware of this discussion.

And the easiest thing to do is post something to clarify the matter.

quote:

at least part of the time my editors pay me to be a jerk. Like with the story in question!

CB-here, Aug 18, 07
Translation: I'll be a jerk for the money.

Craig has always been for sale, and at least has always been up front about it. He writes the words he's paid to write, no more, no less, so I for one am not disappointed at all. It is EXACTLY what I expect, and I at least respect him for not being coy about selling his opinion to the highest bidder.

Anyone here remember the glowing articles about the CA Rigbys made by his Marine Corp buddy, business partner (no conflict there!) and Navy Cross winner friend Geoff Miller who shared an office with Craig? Except they were reworked shotguns, Miller had never even been in the military, and Craig, a Marine Corp General Officer with a large financial stake in CA Rigby really never had even a clue? Really? I saw through him in about 30 seconds because his claims simply did not jive even closely with reality and yet we're to believe CB really had the wool pulled over his eyes all these years despite working in the same building? Really? He couldn't even find the time to address this at all in the last 8-9 years? Even if THAT'S true it doesn't speak well for his credibility or intellect.

I don't wish ill of anyone and applaud Craig for figuring out a way to hunt the world on other people's dimes, but a paragon of virtue he's not in my book, just a guy who's been able to parlay his "brand" into a living. More power to him, he's a gentleman who kindly shares his experience with others, but I can't help but view him like a used car salesman whose everyone's best friend but who'll say anything and everything to close the deal, and who's more than willing to omit any negatives when it is in his interests.

I fully expect to be flamed and no offense is intended, but this is my experience. I wish it weren't so.

Bob

If you go to www.indiegogo.com you will find that it is a funding website.

This would seem to remove any doubts that it is genuine!!

quote:

Originally posted by GeorgeS:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
...it seems like the guy is saying/selling anything to make a buck.

Anyone who has seen his articles knows he and his endorsements were always for sale.

The OP is a long-time member here who preferred to create another persona to post this. I don't understand why he would do so, but he must think he will draw personal attacks if he posts under his usual monicker.

George

So you guys are allowing someone to post under another name(rhetorical question as this place is FULL of people with multiple callsings in violation of stated policy) because he doesn't have the stones to use his real name in order to avoid the shitstorm this witchhunt of a thread is obviously creating?

quote:

Originally posted by jorge:

quote:

Originally posted by GeorgeS:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
...it seems like the guy is saying/selling anything to make a buck.

Anyone who has seen his articles knows he and his endorsements were always for sale.

The OP is a long-time member here who preferred to create another persona to post this. I don't understand why he would do so, but he must think he will draw personal attacks if he posts under his usual monicker.

George

So you guys are allowing someone to post under another name(rhetorical question as this place is FULL of people with multiple callsings in violation of stated policy) because he doesn't have the stones to use his real name in order to avoid the shitstorm this witchhunt of a thread is obviously creating?

There seems little doubt it is real to me.

I seem to recall in the Punki incident that CB stated that he didn't have the personal resources to help much.

quote:

Originally posted by Omnivorous_Bob:

quote:

at least part of the time my editors pay me to be a jerk. Like with the story in question!

CB-here, Aug 18, 07
Translation: I'll be a jerk for the money.


Anyone here remember the glowing articles about the CA Rigbys made by his Marine Corp buddy, business partner (no conflict there!) and Navy Cross winner friend Geoff Miller who shared an office with Craig? Except they were reworked shotguns, Miller had never even been in the military, and Craig, a Marine Corp General Officer with a large financial stake in CA Rigby really never had even a clue? Really? I saw through him in about 30 seconds because his claims simply did not jive even closely with reality and yet we're to believe CB really had the wool pulled over his eyes all these years despite working in the same building? Really? He couldn't even find the time to address this at all in the last 8-9 years? Even if THAT'S true it doesn't speak well for his credibility or intellect.

If CB responds to this thread, I would like him to address this. Owning part of a business and then writing about as if you are a disinterested third party is clearly unethical.

I find this way more disturbing than the FB page; if you are dumb enough to give your money to him after visiting there, more power to you. But owning a company and then writing about it without acknowledging your financial stake is a whole different ball game.

Is this really true?

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
One has to wonder just how much money be has spent on hunting ? Hasn't he been on something like 200 safaris? How much has he spent on divorces? It has to add up to astounding numbers. How much does a writer make? How many could afford that amount of hunting? Even a $1 million a year would never provide enough to hunt that much?

I am not trying to hammer him. Just thinking.

Larry,

I had heard in conversation from a person who is in a position to know that Craig hunted with the help of a benefactor. Don't take this as a negative, as I would too.

Jeff

PS: I love the way a beloved goes to goat on this site with a single thread.

quote:

Originally posted by Omnivorous_Bob:
Anyone here remember the glowing articles about the CA Rigbys made by his Marine Corp buddy, business partner (no conflict there!) and Navy Cross winner friend Geoff Miller who shared an office with Craig? Except they were reworked shotguns, Miller had never even been in the military, and Craig, a Marine Corp General Officer
Bob

"and Navy Cross winner friend Geoff Miller"

"Except...."Miller had never even been in the military"

That one always got up my goat !

quote:

Originally posted by jorge:

quote:

Originally posted by GeorgeS:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
...it seems like the guy is saying/selling anything to make a buck.

Anyone who has seen his articles knows he and his endorsements were always for sale.

The OP is a long-time member here who preferred to create another persona to post this. I don't understand why he would do so, but he must think he will draw personal attacks if he posts under his usual monicker.

George

So you guys are allowing someone to post under another name(rhetorical question as this place is FULL of people with multiple callsings in violation of stated policy) because he doesn't have the stones to use his real name in order to avoid the shitstorm this witchhunt of a thread is obviously creating?

I guess the "long-time member" is also clairvoyant since he created the profile back in 2011.

Can we please say MARINE CORPS and not "Corp" it's just as irritating as when our marxist president said it...jorge

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
One has to wonder just how much money be has spent on hunting ? Hasn't he been on something like 200 safaris? How much has he spent on divorces? It has to add up to astounding numbers. How much does a writer make? How many could afford that amount of hunting? Even a $1 million a year would never provide enough to hunt that much?

I am not trying to hammer him. Just thinking.

Larry,

I had heard in conversation from a person who is in a position to know that Craig hunted with the help of a benefactor. Don't take this as a negative, as I would too.

Jeff

PS: I love the way a beloved goes to goat on this site with a single thread.

Jeff:

What amazes me more is how someone is idolized because they wrote a magazine article and/or are on TV with no real knowledge of the individual.

If CB's benefactor wants to adopt a 57 year old, give him my name!

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
One has to wonder just how much money be has spent on hunting ? Hasn't he been on something like 200 safaris? How much has he spent on divorces? It has to add up to astounding numbers. How much does a writer make? How many could afford that amount of hunting? Even a $1 million a year would never provide enough to hunt that much?

I am not trying to hammer him. Just thinking.

Larry,

I had heard in conversation from a person who is in a position to know that Craig hunted with the help of a benefactor. Don't take this as a negative, as I would too.

Jeff

PS: I love the way a beloved goes to goat on this site with a single thread.

Jeff:

What amazes me more is how someone is idolized because they wrote a magazine article and/or are on TV with no real knowledge of the individual.

If CB's benefactor wants to adopt a 57 year old, give him my name!

+1

Larry,

Of course we choose our elected officials much the same way.

Jeff

This is about to get very interesting.....

When you have your snoot in the trough with pigs eating free food, you are bound to get dirty...

Translation - if you take free stuff or are paid to say something, it sticks to you.

quote:

Check it out and see it for yourself: http://www.indiegogo.com/proje...g-boddington-website

Just a note to those who may click on this link expecting to find what has been discussed, the content has been changed.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill C:

quote:

Check it out and see it for yourself: http://www.indiegogo.com/proje...g-boddington-website

Just a note to those who may click on this link expecting to find what has been discussed, the content has been changed.

.

It has been deleted now.

Last month I had dinner with Craig the night before our SCI banquet and in our conversations I ask him about "free hunts" and he said he could have all the free hunts for RSA plains game he wanted, but that is not what he wanted to hunt and do shows about. He pays for his hunts and uses funds made by his various productions be it writted or video. This is a business for him so using endorsed rifles and other gear only makes sense. The green color of envy that appears on this site is amazing. I might add some of the posters suprise me in this respect.

I would be willing to bet a dollar for a donut that the hunts he is "paying for" he is not paying full freight on . . . but I could be wrong and am open to being proven wrong if someone has the information.

I enjoy the television shows with Craig and he is certainly one of the premier hunting and gun writers of our time. That said, to resort to selling used shirts to raise the modest amount of money necessary to have a website is embarrassing. If he in fact is paying for his hunts, fore go a hunt and fund the website development as others as suggested.

+1

quote:

I would be willing to bet a dollar for a donut that the hunts he is "paying for" he is not paying full freight on . . . but I could be wrong and am open to being proven wrong if someone has the information.

Really, that almost goes without saying. Even the guy who writes the occasional article can wrangle an abnormally good deal on a top shelf hunt now and again. To think that Boddington, and I do NOT fault him for it, pays full retail is just ridiculous.

+2

These last two post really suprise me (well the two before as 2 other posters got in before me). I always thought these two gentlemen were just that. I do not believe for one moment Craig is selling his shirts etc.. He spoke to our SCI banquet at no charge, signed books we sold not him. I believe what I have seen and experienced long before I believe what is on the internet. When all is said and done I would hope appologies would be forth comming.

There was link to the site selling used shirts on CB's Facebook page for goodness sake. I would love for the facts to be different, but they are not. I was initially hopeful it was in reality an internet scam hence my attempt to find humor in the situation . . .

What really bothers me is the association with Miller. I googled this up:

http://forums.nitroexpress.com...age=0&fpart=all&vc=1

The thread is more about Miller violating the Stolen Valor act, but note the deposition that is filed.

Any writer who has a financial vested interest in a company and promotes it without disclosure is now breaking the law.

I have CNBC on in my office every day until the market closes; every time an analyst comes on TV and speaks about an investment he/she has to disclose if he/she owns it, if their family owns it, if their fund owns it, or if they are a director.

Why do you suppose they have to do that?

I am simply stunned CB was part owner of a rifle company and wrote about it as if he was a disinterested third party.

Now, there might be a reasonable explanation: Geoff Miller was lying in his deposition when he said Boddington was a director and an investor. There is a good chance, since apparently Miller never paid his promissory note. So I will wait to see what Craig says about it. But even if Miller lied, the best thing you can say is CB is a poor judge of character, at least in this case. Frankly, I find it difficult to understand how you can associate with a guy for years who claims to be a Marine and not figure out the guy is lying about his service.

As for free hunts, my first buffalo hunt was booked as a result of one of CBs stories; it was with Swanepoel and Scandrol. My PH told me that hunt was comped after being told they would receive lots of press. They were pretty bitter about the whole deal.

I have no issue with a writer getting a free hunt, but for god's sake, let us know you got it free, if you got a discount, or paid in full. And if you are going to be in a business, do us all a favor and don't write about that company unless you disclose your interest.

You can't ask the public for handouts and insist you pay for all of your hunts. As others said, this doesn't make any sense - just forgo one of the hunts and pay for your website to get back up.

If he really did own part of this company and didn't divulge it, he won't see me buying any more of his books.

For those not familiar with the term 'schadenfreude', they need only read this thread.

It's true that gossip is what people say about an object of flattery when they aren't present. As for me, I'll wait to hear from Craig before making any judgments, never mind the so-called 'evidence'. I trust him more than I do most folks posting here.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Very odd indeed.

I have no idea what is going on with him. His TV show is apparently gone. He has had some issues with an alledgely illegal hunt in Australia.

I like his writing. I liked him on TAA. I wish the best for him.

Gentlemen,

Does anyone know more about this hunt in Australia?

Boddington on Facebook. Is that a movie?