This is a thread where I built a boat I designed and which I very occasionally update with accounts of using it, which is really fun as long as I'm not driving over logs and blowing up the outboard.
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....ilding-a-skiff
This thread will be locked down at 1330 EST.
Sorry typing this on my phone as i am away right now so I apologize in advance if this does not read well.
Being given the SME title on a forum is not always of benefit. Often times it comes with certain issues not unlike being staff or a moderator, but in a slightly different way. While information can be exchanged and the entertainment value exists the Internet is a diversion, a good bit different from my every day reality. For myself the biggest benefit is that it may put me in contact or face to face with the correct people.
I have this SME distinction here and similar on 4 forums. What I have noticed is that it has caused my participation level to decrease. A bit of anonymity goes away and you can become a target for those who you may upset and then they attempt to create issues for you in your everyday life.
As has been mentioned some of us, myself included may be employed where there are those that might want to do us and our families harm. We may also be expected to lead a life to a certain expectation at work and at home 24/7. So I have no problems where an individual may have contrary points of view than myself, however if they do get butt hurt and it happens they can be vindictive. Even if their claims are completely false or unwarranted they can create unnecessary problems. Of course this could be avoided by remaining a bit more anonymous on forums.
So why choose to accept a title? Well for myself and mostly what I see it is in order to lend support to a forum and certain individuals that have added value in my real life and as a means to reciprocate that with the forum. Right now I really only visit this forum and one other at this time and my level of participation has declined over the years.
Indeed I get paid full time for doing this working for a large organization and my own business. I am extremely busy with work and my still young family and their activities / sports. I have spent a lot of time and my own money in attempt to give back or help grow the defensive and shooting sports communities. I do put on quite a bit of freebie stuff locally, especially to law enforcement and the Military. While i do limited civilian stuff face to face my online interaction and former content was my way of giving back and I got heat over that, from noted trainers in the business who felt I gave away too much for free, to dealing with a types mostly the idiots.
So to those who are positive influences to online activities who wish to contribute in positive ways to grow the shooting world, thank you. To those that just like to be assholes out of spite, entertainment or whatever, there are better things to do with your time and negativity. I see too much in my daily life that is horrible. Just remember things can always be worse and putting effort into being a negative influence here or anywhere online is a sad thing.
I'm completely humbled and just so stunned by this kind gesture.Originally Posted by LittleLebowski
However, I simply can't accept that. I can literally afford a membership, and we do have savings (we being my spouse and I; we're Dave Ramsey people. We have the 6 month emergency fund), etc.
But, we did touch savings this month; so I'm reluctant to spend the membership fee right now. I just feel like as the head of the household that's a little irresponsible on my behalf. That's all.
I'm so just blown away by the kindness of this gesture from both of you, but I couldn't in clear conscious and integrity accept that (EDIT: added especially) especially without you knowing the entirety of the situation. I'd feel that would be dishonest.
Thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart,
God Bless,
Brandon
Last edited by BWT; 09-19-2015 at 12:05 PM.
Happy PFestivus! Thanks again everyone - let's do it again next year!!