A note to our members

[Paul]

Just a note on forum PM systems, I had mentioned this before but some may not be aware.

There is no such thing as private message system. All messages go into the database, and unless they are deleted by the member they remain in the database indefinitely. If you are going to use a pm system always keep in the back of your mind that if someone with knowledge, access, and absolutely no scruples is inclined to do so they can access anything in the database. Now I know there is the excuse that "gee whiz, think of how big a forum can get, how can all pm's possibly be monitored?". The thing is they don't need to be, a certain query on a database for keywords will yield all content that contains those words.

Just saying.

Secondly guys, and probably most importantly.

We are trying to get answers on advertising in the regs, we think it's a good way to get our community out there. The underlings at the SRD were quite rude with me about it, essentially they said "Sportscene controls it too bad". Therefore the issue is being elevated. Most certainly when this comes up with Sportscene there will be complaints about our content here, people bitching about AO, people bitching about AO people etc etc. So what's going to happen is Mel Knights people are going to look at this site to see what's going on here, and whether it's right or wrong what they see here may influence their decision to support us or not. We need to show we are legitimately supporting and promoting hunting and fishing in Alberta.

Now I am not telling people what to think or say, we promised an uncensored community for everyone, and that's what we are delivering. But I want to ask everyone to please help support us in achieving our goals by not talking about Alberta Outdoorsmen, the moderators over there (keep in mind they are told how to conduct business there by the leadership) or the people that run it. Also mentioning AS or posting AS links at Alberta Outdoorsmen is pointless, everyone knows what will happen with those links. As a community we need to stand on our own 2 feet here and show Alberta we are working to promote our way of life. Keep in mind there are still many great members at AO who will someday join us here as well.

Thank you.

[Rackmastr]

Now I am not telling people what to think or say, we promised an uncensored community for everyone, and that's what we are delivering. But I want to ask everyone to please help support us in achieving our goals by not talking about Alberta Outdoorsmen, the moderators over there (keep in mind they are told how to conduct business there by the leadership) or the people that run it. Also mentioning AS or posting AS links at Alberta Outdoorsmen is pointless, everyone knows what will happen with those links. As a community we need to stand on our own 2 feet here and show Alberta we are working to promote our way of life. Keep in mind there are still many great members at AO who will someday join us here as well.

Thanks....this was a really cool thread until it seemed to turn into a bashing thread....lol

[diamonddave]

Hey Darcy I assume it was the P.M your wife sent to me that got her banned???

[sheepguide]

Im far from bashing anyone! Many (or should I say most) of the posts in this thread are pure fact about those running the other Alberta forum and the same guys that are controling what is advertised and printed in our hunting regs. It cant be denied even if they are your friends! If they dont wanna be scrutinized by the public then dont try and screw the public! Im sure what is said here may reflec on this forum but we also have the right to warn other members what is partaking on other forums and comment on what Sportscene is doing with "OUR" not "THEIR" regulations. 

And if Mel Knight checks in here in any way id rather him see what the people here think about the way Sportscene and Alberta Outdoorsman which are one in the same, are controling the hunting regulations, the Alberta sportsmen and such. If people arent happy about a public publication then why shouldnt they say they dislike it and how those are running it take care of buisness. Id rather him see that people here are able to speak their mind and express their opinion without censorship and risk of penalty. And see that people here are concerned and willing to work towards making it better for the Alberta public not just a select few that are now controling it.

And ya Dave it was but she laughs at it. She says it takes a real man to ban her over that. LOL She only went on it once in a blue moon anyways. Not a big deal. She figures they were just tired of seeing her out hunt them so they got rid of her.LOL

SG

[diamonddave]

Huh, thats pretty crazy......   I'm suprised then that I didn't get a message over it then.

[sheepguide]

Not sure Dave. Im sure that its got allot to do with me being associated with her but still whats the big deal if someone messages another person through someone and lets them know of a public forum that they can BS on? Unless your afraid of loosing all your members it shouldnt be a big deal. If you run a great service and treat people fairly then your will never have to worry as people will always join and members will stay members even if they frequent other sites. Treat people wrong and run your service poorly then yes you should be worried and that is for any forum or buisness out there.
SG

[Paul]

Sheepguide, I can agree with everything you said. If you have a concern by all means talk about it. It's entirely your right but bashing people specifically is not the answer. I will be completely honest, I have never met Rob in my life and I don't have a personal issue with him, how he runs his forums and business is entirely up to him and thus far, he has succeeded. If he is unresponsive that's his choice, I know he thinks by responding he acknowledges us and he doesn't want to do that, but as we all know closing your eyes and plugging your ears does not make things go away. It's actually a sign of weakness. Eventually ignoring us will not be an option. I feel there are some issues with the way Alberta Outdoorsmen is run, but as far as that goes it's not in our control, and is not in our concern, personally I don't much care what happens there, there is now an option for people. And just to be clear I am not trying to make nicey with folks, whether we are nice or not the result will be the same. I don't take anything personal, I have very thick skin. I know some people hate us over Alberta Sportsman, and I couldn't give a shit, there is a bigger picture here. The things that I am concerned about:

- Why does Sportscene have so much control over what is essentially a legal Government document?
- Who agreed to the contract with Sportscene?
- How long is the contract for and was there a bid process?
- Why is Alberta Sportsman not being responded to on requests to participate in their advertising program?

It's high time we started asking these questions and getting some answers. I know the SRD approached Sportscene about this. The lady that called me back was very abrupt, rude, and couldn't give a shit about my concerns. It's amazing how we sometimes get treated by people living off the Government tit. I can only assume she heard all kinds of stories and bullshit about what an asshole and a troublemaker I am.

Had this been responded to and dealt with early I wouldn't need to be asking these questions. Because we were ignored, we have no option but to pursue it.

[AxeMan]

Paul, I just read the pdf copy of the new 2011 hunting regs.   The response you got saying the ad submissions were full is an issue that should be taken to our government for questioning.
It is a fact (no bashing) that Sports Scene has ads on pages 9,28,30,44,65, and 96.  That is 6 separate ads by the publisher of the regulations for his own company who has the authority to regulate the content of the ads in OUR hunting regulations.   These ads are also in the prime locations in the document and not in the "Alberta Hunters Directory" ad section.  I am in no way questioning that Sports Scene never paid for these ads but am questioning the FACT that they are allowed 6 ads and Alberta Sportsman is allowed none.  Sure, I agree that Sports Scene is a powerful part of the hunting and fishing business in Alberta and they have solid presence with an Alberta based magazine.  They should be allowed advertising but for them to turn down competitors requests for advertising based on their contract to publish the regs is very wrong.

Folks, I think it is high time that that some questions get asked about the contracts that are awarded by our government regarding the hunting and fishing regulations.  I believe the freedom of information act may provide some information regarding the contracts.

[Tuc]

Personally I think the only solution here would be a letter from a lawyer, that may ruffle a few feathers. Sportscene and this government are tight, so lets hope the next election brings a change and maybe things will be done fairly.

[Paul]

Well the issue we have is with Sportscene. Alberta Outdoorsmen is an entirely separate entity and business, the management there has every right to do whatever they feel benefits their business, I truly don't care about what they do with it. If I had asked to advertise in the Alberta Outdoorsman I would fully understand to be rejected without reproach.

[badback]

As a business you do have the right to take this issue to your local MLA and raise the issue why is one business getting what is perceived as preferential treatment...Save a copy of your documentation that you present and minute your meeting with your MLA...

Years ago I spent 5 dysfunctional years with the government and what they hate is constituents that document and follow up on issues because if no action is at taken the next step the the person takes is usually the media...And if your documentation is good the media loves a scandal.... Be politically correct use key words like perceived you will be amazed at how far a person can go...

[wildmeat]

id like to take back my comment on page 2 and appologize to the readers here... i know rob has nothing to do with what is being discussed on this thread... i should keep my personal issues with him just that...personal

[Rackmastr]

Im far from bashing anyone! Many (or should I say most) of the posts in this thread are pure fact about those running the other Alberta forum and the same guys that are controling what is advertised and printed in our hunting regs. It cant be denied even if they are your friends! If they dont wanna be scrutinized by the public then dont try and screw the public! Im sure what is said here may reflec on this forum but we also have the right to warn other members what is partaking on other forums and comment on what Sportscene is doing with "OUR" not "THEIR" regulations. 

No doubt there are some important issues being discussed, but one doesnt have to look far into this thread and others to realize that there are also several posts made to bash others and cut down the AO board for that sole purpose.   I simply was thanking Paul for pointing that out as well.  A topic that turns that way is boring as hell to read and doesnt relate to the actual concerns or topic at hand.   Wasnt pointing you out Darcy, was merely saying thanks that he made a point of it as it was starting to go that way....gets really old and hopefully some good discussion comes from staying on topic....

[Tuc]

Whatever!

I just want to say thanks to everyone for their continued support here. We are growing daily, and it's thanks to everyone who participates.

Some of you who have joined here, or may just be lurking, might have been directly discouraged to participate in this community by key members of other communities. It's unfortunate, but not unexpected. I just want to make a few things perfectly clear.

We are not going to give up on this community, ever.

This community is not going away, ever.

With the support of this community we personally intend to challenge some of the long standing patronage and control of the outdoor community in Alberta.

If you have been discouraged to sign up here keep in mind that it's out of fear of losing control of the community. At the end of the day the only thing that matters is that we get out and enjoy everything this great province has to offer, collectively or individually.

Thanks

.
This topic? Looks like a thank you note and site update to me. Then I guess you better stay on topic and never mind other members comments if you don't like them.

[ishootbambi]

Just a question Bambi... you ever seen this forum mentioned over there? Have you ever seen anyone say they saw something here and brought it up in a forum there? Have you ever seen Rob supply a link to a thread here for info that has been brought up as Paul has?  Maybe try starting a thread over there and ask what they all think of the new site, and how many are joining. LOL see how long it stays up! And possibly how long before your in the company of the rest of us banned members.

ive seen this forum mentioned over there for sure.  not promoted and not a link in a thread, but this forum has been mentioned.  some new guy named "trophy only"  asked what other sites guys visit and this forum was named.  to start a thread about this site would fly as far as when guys bring up big buck magazine or other competing businesses.....or non sponsor businesses.  to start a thread like that is in clear violation of forum rules.  it doesnt matter if anyone likes the rules, but they are clearly written.  i can tell you first hand that as long as the rules are followed, you wont end up on the schit list.  there are ways to make your point and keep it within the rules. 

[Rackmastr]

Whatever!
.
This topic? Looks like a thank you note and site update to me. Then I guess you better stay on topic and never mind other members comments if you don't like them.

Haha ok Tuc....thanks.

[redranger15]

ive seen this forum mentioned over there for sure.  not promoted and not a link in a thread, but this forum has been mentioned.  some new guy named "trophy only"  asked what other sites guys visit and this forum was named.  to start a thread about this site would fly as far as when guys bring up big buck magazine or other competing businesses.....or non sponsor businesses.  to start a thread like that is in clear violation of forum rules.  it doesnt matter if anyone likes the rules, but they are clearly written.  i can tell you first hand that as long as the rules are followed, you wont end up on the schit list.  there are ways to make your point and keep it within the rules.

I noticed that you posted here as a site you visited. I did the same and mine got deleted, WTF.

[nube]

ive seen this forum mentioned over there for sure.  not promoted and not a link in a thread, but this forum has been mentioned.  some new guy named "trophy only"  asked what other sites guys visit and this forum was named.  to start a thread about this site would fly as far as when guys bring up big buck magazine or other competing businesses.....or non sponsor businesses.  to start a thread like that is in clear violation of forum rules.  it doesnt matter if anyone likes the rules, but they are clearly written.  i can tell you first hand that as long as the rules are followed, you wont end up on the schit list.  there are ways to make your point and keep it within the rules.

HAHA BAMBI, that was me on AO and guess what I did not mention this forum at all on that thread and guess what, I am banned again!  I had sent a few PMs and as soon as TJ knew who I was I was gone!  I was on there for over a month and untill then it was all good.

[Paul]

OK guys this is just going down the wrong path, bickering is not achieving much. This forum is for hunting and fishing, AO is AO and it's run the way the people there choose to run it, Bambi has a good point, the rules there are very clear, it's not like someone is playing a shell game there, and if folks don't like the system there they are more than welcome here where things are a lot less business orientated and restrictive.

Hunting season is just around the corner, and although I won't get much time in the field this year due to work and family I sure am looking forward to any days I can spend chasing whitetails around. I think that's what we should be discussing.

[josh gelinas]

lol this forum has been up and running and THRIVING since its been created. now im watching dick move comments being thrown around every once in a while and i say screw em if u wanna be a dick be a dick see how your liked here. paul your never going to please everyone. but it my opinion this is the best managed site on the whole damn internet. paul your an amazing administrator and i love this forum and how its run so a jerk here and there that trys to ruin it for the rest i say screw em all of us here im sure have very nice heads on our shoulders and have the maturity to ignore those special individuals