Wow! I am stunned, and appalled, that after all the years I have been here at HNI that "Off Season" has come to this. Almost too shocked for words, but I'll squeeze a few out. Most of you know me to some degree. From my few postings over the years, or from help I've given with pic posting, or various internet issues to help navigate the site better. I am probably one of the more lenient mods on the site. My tolerance level to the off season lunacy is somewhat higher than some. I am more apt to let something slide, as long as certain rules are not crossed, but do have my breaking point. I have admonished a number of folks over the years and have chased through the wee hours a handful who incessantly created new handles to get back in after a ban. I understand that when hunting season is over, folks have less to do. Attendance picks up, attitudes tend to flare, and wild hairs seems to grow. It has happened every year since I have been here. There have been a few major flareups over the years where members received bans and others followed of their own accord. Most ended up coming back, and some were banned for life. On the internet, as in any walk of life, there has to be a guideline of behavior that is acceptable. In the walk of life it may change given the situation, (ie. Adult only gatherings). Whereas, on the internet we have to realize that we adults are setting the example for the children that are coming here to learn from us. Even with the moderators, every one is different and will do their job as they perceive it within the set guidelines. Some will come across in a more acceptable fashion than others. Some will be more liked than others. That is life.
I have very much enjoyed my years here at HNI. Watching some of the kids grow to become adults. And the older folks getting even older. lolol I have met some of you at Gatherings, and some that have come to hunt with our company. Creating lifelong friendships. All enjoyable experiences.
Not having the Off Season Forum is like removing the Family Room or Den from your home, and only having a Formal Living Room to relax in. It has always been a comfortable place to come to, kick off your shoes, tell the joke of the day, or the trials of your life. A place that was fun to be and share time with your internet family. There will always be those that will push the limits, be it on the road breaking laws, or the net breaking rules.
We all need to work together to keep HNI an informative, fun place, for all to enjoy, relax, and learn.