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Post by brandon on May 21, 2009 14:36:11 GMT -5
anyone remember this site 2 years ago? WOW... what a difference... like night and day difference. I wish this site had succeeded so well, as it had that magical 1st year. The stories, the pictures, the ppl.. everything was GREAT! Not casting blame, but its a shame the ball was dropped. Not much traffic here, and the same 3 or 4 posters each week. This site would have made it BIG... sponsorship would have made cash flow and the site would have continued to grow. The crutchfield buck gave this site its huge break... but since the guys went for the expo... and now magazine I know they couldn't handle this as well. I just wish it was the same as it was IMO - this should have still been part of the expo and magazine, the decision to abandon the forum, and even change its name really... really made me shake my head.
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Post by osprey on May 22, 2009 10:14:09 GMT -5
Bigger is not always better! Look at another maryland site with plenty of arguing as an example.
I think a lot of it is time of year, I know I don't post as much during these months. Work, stuff to do outside, etc, plus I don' t have a good connection where I live now.
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Post by BIG FOX on May 22, 2009 11:04:27 GMT -5
Yeah OSprey but life is bliss in the boonies...
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Post by BuckMaster on May 22, 2009 21:45:56 GMT -5
ducksnbucks, I agree. This site WAS great. It takes TONS of TIME and LOTS of hard work to keep it going. The hard work I had, but the time was killing me. Work, Kids, Life in general and other ventures, just not enough time. The site was costing money and I had no extra TIME to try and make it profitable. Kind of difficult for ONE guy to do. Im not going to lie, I got a little burned out of staying up till 2am every night to work on the site. I even tried getting a little help for site a few times to no avail. I have tried passing the torch but as you can clearly see it's not as easy as one would think, huh. This site started as a hobby, that I loved but it just got too demanding for ONE person and no one else willing to step up. The Expo and the Magazine are ventures that I am killing myself to try to make work. This site is what it is, it's whatever anyone can put into it via posting pictures, stories and memories. I will leave it at this......
This site has not been shut down because of the great people that still post and visit the site, and I just couldn't bare to shut it down. I still love coming on here from time to time and reading all the great post. But if it's just going to continue to go down hill I would rather it be gone. To be honest I didnt even know how people thought about the site anymore.
Should something be done about this site? And what? I am up for any ideas and would like to know what others have to say. I personally dont want the site to go away, but dont know what to do.
Let me hear some ideas.
Thanks for bringing this up ducksnbuck, something needed to be said by somebody.
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Post by justsand on May 22, 2009 22:18:54 GMT -5
please leave it up like osprey said i think it is the time of year
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Post by davep on May 23, 2009 12:12:16 GMT -5
And before we all try to lay blame, anyone else notice how little most of us are posting these days? This ain't a one, two, or even 5 man show: it's up to ALL of us to keep it going.
Ducksandbucks is dead on though:It's not what it was,and that's a shame. Last spring and summer, I THOUGHT it was just the offseason, and things would pick back up come fall, but that didn't happen.
I liked having a mostly local site and have met some good folks here, folks that share our love of the outdoors.
I've myself have been working 60+ hour weeks the last 3 months, and have tons of other stuff going on, and I simply don't get to check or post near as much as I once did.
I think most folks that do check in, look it over quickly, and leave without posting anything, or adding or replying to other's posts. And one by one the members sort of drop off and fade away. Seen it happen with too many websites,but I honestly thought, and still hope, that this one's different.
I don't know what the solution is: maybe there is none.
Or maybe a meet and greet, fishing or bowfishing tourney, or something, call it Buckwild, or MD Hunters, or WHATVER, would do the trick, and relight the pilot light.
Last fall I was thinking maybe a hunter's breakfast the Sunday morning before firearms season would help. Have it at a local place, some have group rooms. Get members together and fired up. Don't know, was going to bring it up to site staff, but never followed thru.
Or maybe everyone who's still hanging on here make it a point to start making a few posts a week, or at least reply to some already up.
This site DESERVES at least one more chance.
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Post by Jbird on May 23, 2009 18:54:12 GMT -5
I think the only way this site will get back to where it once was is if everyone shares their experiences, encounters and success stories on a regular basis from the brand new member right up to the members who were there from day one. This is one of the best sites I have ever been on mostly in part due to the unbiased opinons from all the members. Sure there is a disagreement from time to time but very few a$$hole know it alls that try to tell you your tactics or what ever it may be are not right. This is not the website to be intimidated to show off your kill/catch or advice or questions. Everybody on here is full of knowledge and willing to help. Im not the one to post every day because just like some of the previous members have stated I simply do not have the time due to various reasons. However, I still check as often as I can. I am interested in the outdoors and love hearing/seeing other posts and success pictures and I like posting my success pics and always love the feedback. Its great when you put in all that hard work and dedication to the sport and to capitalize on a good buck or giant fish. Who doesn't like to show off something that your that proud of. I am a huge fan of this website and hope it doesn't go away.
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Post by shedslave on May 24, 2009 17:29:20 GMT -5
The Crutchtfield buck made the whole hunting world go to the web.I was lucky enough to see it that night.A buddy and I was first to lay tape to it.We shook his hand that night and told Billy he just smashed the Maryland state record.In the next few days calls was coming in from friends from out of state asking if I see the buck on the buckwild site.It was the first time I had heard of this site.Hunting sites have taught me how to use the computers ;D.Other than for them I would have no reason to visit the web. This has been a enjoyable site to visit and talk to other hunters.I agree with earlier post that the time of the year will have a impact.They however seem to be alot of invisibles all the time.Members need to be more involved,and not just lurking.Members only sections maybe could help.At least members would have to sign in to view the most popular subjects.This site has enough members that it should be more posts and comments.Hope it stays.It's nice to have what is a local site for us Southern Maryland outdoorman.
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Post by brettgerhart on May 25, 2009 7:46:54 GMT -5
I agree with everything everyone has said to some point. I would like to touch on something davep and jbird said though. I to have met some great people on this sight! It has been awesome putting faces to people I meet on this sight. I visit this sight at least once a week. Not much activity going on with fishing during fishing season and hunting during hunting season which is disappointing.
I do know for a fact though that there has been an increase in the number of people who are too opinionated and a decrease in those who want to post pics and comments because of it. I stopped.... I was to a point where I was getting angry enough to want to comment back which is not good when you are typing how you feel. I do remember a time where I would post a kill and a story and people would share similar experiences or just say great job I wish i could have been there with you for that hunt. Instead I have seen too many expressions of criticism and bashing on tactic and opinions.. I have no problem giving this site up if that is how it is going to be.... I love this site and want to see it continue.
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Post by jlwade on May 25, 2009 21:11:42 GMT -5
Im guilty of not posting up too much especially in the off season but i still like the people on here the best !!!!!!!!!! Im looking forward to the expo already too
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on May 26, 2009 8:25:02 GMT -5
Glad all of you like the site & I plan to keep it going as far off as I can see.
I agree that some of it has to do with the season, but on the other hand, it has gone down some.
I plan on doing what I can to keep it going, at least to the best of my ability. Keep the posts coming! ;D
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Post by Rommel on May 27, 2009 20:06:36 GMT -5
I'm guilty of not posting much, I stop by and read but don't have much to say. I'll try to chime in a little more often. Keep up the good work DEER HUNTER !!
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Post by hunter on May 28, 2009 11:16:33 GMT -5
Guys I really enjoy this site and have although I don't post as much as some of you guys I do post pictures, stories and advice to share with everyone. I think this site is a place for friendship and hunters helping other hunters to learn and enjoy the sport. I'm certainly glad Frank is keeping this site going and even though things have slowed down on the site I believe their are quite a few hardcore hunters who post and use the site enough to keep it going.
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Post by deerman1966 on May 30, 2009 0:57:40 GMT -5
Well to start I usually check the site once a day just to see what's up? This site changed for me last hunting season when all the bashing started towards other hunters it just seemed everytime somebody posted a picture someone had to bash them for something. I just decided not to post things and not to get tied up in the mess. I think the right core group of people are on this site to make it a success and I think it would be a shame for this site to die.
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Post by bucksathome on May 30, 2009 22:13:04 GMT -5
I agree with deerman 1966. The right group of guys are still putting up the post and pics. This is what will keep this site going. I love this site and enjoy sharing and listening to other hunters expierances!!! I also have recieved a lot of advice from others that has helped me be a better hunter. I think we had a few bad apples visiting this site , but i don,t let that discourage me from visiting and sharing with you guys!!I look forward to reading the topics. Lets keep moving forward!!
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