More Guest Than Members ??

[Flattop]

I'm curious? Why does the membership totals bother people? I'm registered on several other sites and I've heard the same question, "Why don't lurkers/guest register?" Another question I hear frequently is "Why don't everyone that is registered post?" Why does it matter?

It doesn't matter to me how many are registered or post. I just wish I could get out fishing more so that I would have something to contribute.

[shoefish]

I'm curious? Why does the membership totals bother people? I'm registered on several other sites and I've heard the same question, "Why don't lurkers/guest register?" Another question I hear frequently is "Why don't everyone that is registered post?" Why does it matter?

It doesn't matter to me how many are registered or post. I just wish I could get out fishing more so that I would have something to contribute.

Good question, and I have two thoughts on it. First, I feel like anyone who takes the time to visit a site like this either spends some time on the water, or wants to. Either way, that person has something to contribute. Whether they are posting reports or asking questions, they are starting conversation that everyone can contribute thoughts and ideas to, and most of the time we can all learn a little something in the process.

The second point is simply my understanding that Admin puts a lot of time into this site. A lot of time, and a lot of $$ (think about how much time and bandwidth it takes to keep this place running so well- pics, videos, etc). The way to ensure that this site continues to run so well (and who knows, maybe add services like better sst, etc), is to get it sponsored. To get it sponsored you need to show prospective clients that their investment will get their product/service in front of many people. One way to do that... you guessed it, members.

I hear you on wanting to get out more, the weather has not been very cooperative lately.

[Deep C]

As you can see by post count I have it figured out. No such things as a report too boring or question too dumb... Toss it up there no matter what it is. These things have a way of snowballing into something interesting. Before you know it something that seemed like nothing becomes a treasure chest of valuable info.
Ok you're not fishing today. Read through the posts and find something from another trip that could relate or ask a question... Some may be too shy to pose a question, the same one you're holding back on... By asking it and getting answers you help him too.
This is a community.... We are fishermen, sharing info and , hell, even our lives with each other. Without posts this place withers, becomes less interesting , withers and dies. We need them... We need you to help us grow...

[Flattop]

Shoefish / Deep C,

You both make very valid points and I understand what your both saying. I guess I just never looked at it that way. I still wish I got out more to fish.

[flatbottom]

I wish the guests would join the community. I was looking over the site from time to time in 2004 thru 2005. Many of the topics on fishing were way above my head. What I did notice was, members were helping others with info or good links. Yes there is a pulse to every board out there and some administrators of the other boards let the fire roar and chase members, good members away. What I noticed here was the comedy and sincerity and straight forward remarks or posts this site has. I have fished in the past but not with the passion I have today. Sportfishermen.com always has info to any question, any question be it fish related, boat related or personal issues related. Take wahoonbox for example. Why does he give so much valuable info to members here?...dunno...but I appreciate it. Catch him on a good thread and the info is overload. Or take Jaws for example. Why does he show the members what to look for when fixing a boat....dunno....but this is very interesting to me personally......Then take admin. Why does he put up with all this bull crap and whining?......glutton for punishment I guess I dunno.....but it better be here tomorrow. Guests if you have a question not answered or a topic to discuss that was bashed on other boards, I mean , do not ask why we eat or kill fish or spend mucho dollars on fuel , bait , tackle , but questions relating to the board pulse of fishing. Just sign up and fire away with an open mind. I have only met some on this board through the Katrina support funded by members last year. Bunch of no name americans pulled it off. I am proud of that support and hope to talk the story with everyone involved for ever.

If you rock fish, and want to know how deep to troll an area near you, the answers are not a secret, but they change day to day, hour to hour, tide to tide. The answer will be a general one, but a great one. Ask more questions based on the answers or your time on the water fishing for the rock.

If you want to know how to rig a bait , this is well covered here , for many different areas. Fish are always moving, and answers are always coming to the dynamic changes we face as fishermen. This site keep you in touch as much as possible. Maybe the guest that has not signed up know how to break down a penn or tld and has some tricks to show, or how to jig for tuna or other fish. We all look forward to your input and help......Tight Lines
Take Care....flat