Kanus, I agree with what you said 100% and the smug elitism and rudeness you describe is a big reason why I don't post around here anymore. I've been on this forum since it began, the 20th person to join or something like that. As I recall I was invited here, I started bonding with people like Uland and "Skipjack" (where is he?) on other forums such as WaterWolves and AquaticPredators and I seem to remember this originally being just a generic native fish forum at first, not affiliated with NANFA (correct me if I'm wrong). It kinda burns me that I've been here so long and was invited to join and now the forum is starting to lock out non-members from certain sections. The Trading Dock is only the beginning I predict. But I understand the reasons why and if that is what NANFA needs to do in order to get more members than so be it. I have long been asked why I have yet to become a NANFA member and I will admit a part of that is my own laziness but honestly if the organization's membership is anything like the elitism I see around here I don't think I want to join and that is why I haven't. Because I'm just an average everyday fish enthusiast; no Government job or pHD. If I don't feel welcome here how would I fare at the conventions (if I could attend them, I can't). I see new people constantly bullied on this forum and it isn't doing any good for the organization in my eyes.
EDIT: Now I'll await my negative rating to only further alienate me from the forum.
i see his point totally. at least im not in denial about the elitism. its making me question my paid membership now as well. i almost feel intimidated not to go to a conference. luckily ive gotten to know a few members on here who are just awesome and i am in constant contact with. skipjack is back! all and all this is a good place to be. its good to have open discussions like this as well. helps better the community. the trading dock from what ive seen has been more utilized by non paying members than NANFA Members. maybe that goes back to the..." i have all the access to any fish i want so i dont wanna offer anything up" people. which i do know exist here. some members here wouldnt go out of their way to help someone out to get a fish. people who know me know that if i can get something for them i try. ive been out 8 hours a day almost for the last 2 weeks catching stuff for members on this forum.....only 2 are NANFA members. and i appreciate them going out for me as well. what i think this forum needs is a bonding seminar, joking of course...but it wouldnt hurt.