Kent, et al, I believe there are a number of things to consider for the lack
of posting.
1) I believe we have a Christmas season one week shorter than we
typically do. I know that I'm scurrying around trying to catch up to where
I should be for the holidays. I suspect I'm not the only one.
2) The rivers and general climatic conditions have not been conducive ot
fly fishing. In October we had record rainfall, in November record cold,
and December seems to be a mixture of both of those months. A lot of the
rivers have been blown out, for some time, I believe disincentivizing folks
to get out and fish. That leads to the next note.
3) In reading Vincent's post, as well as other posts with similar
messages as his, it seems many people feel they need to have a fishing
report before they can post. I believe that many folks forget the this
forum is not only an opportinity to share and read fishing tales, but to
exchange information about product, people, events,
governmental/environmental issues (which Leland does a GREAT job of keeping
us in the know), etc. It didn't seem like that long ago where there was a
thread/discussion about what the floods might do to redds and future salmon
runs. There have been a couple of discussions about fly patterns. Kent, in
the past you have posted certain observations and comments to, from what it
appeared to me, incite and invite discussion on an outdoor or fishing topic.
Remember the thread about the favorite fishing vehicle, or what folks are
currently driving now when they go fishing? That was a fun one. And, how
about the thread where someone threw out the general inquiry of how far it
is from Seattle to other list members' favorite fishing locations. My point
is this: postings and discussions don't have to be limited to fishing
reports.
4) And, finally, a sensitive topic: lurkers. I am astounded of the
folks I continually discover are lurkers on this forum, folks that I
personally know that almost never participate. To me, this site is similar
to any organization; there are some folks that make things happen, there are
some folks that watch things happen, and there are folks that wonder what
the heck happened. In order for an organization or group to be healthy,
there needs to be new energy and participation from different folks
periodically. The same participants start to lose energy after a while;
heck, even Wes N. only chimes in about once every quarter! I know, I know,
in past discussions about lurkers the excuses have been "gee, I don't have
the time", or "gosh, I'm so inexperienced and don't know what to say or
ask", and "uh, I never go fishing so I don't have anything to contribute",
etc. Come on; if you get magazines, watch fishing shows on TV, or go in to
fly shops, there is always something to contribute. It could be an
observation about a cool place seen on TV, a neat product or crummy product
seen at a shop, a curious item seen in a magazine ad, why Lefty Kreh's style
of casting he feels is superior to Joan Wulff's style of casting, and the
list goes one. The last time you mentioned a list member cound, it seemd
like it was well over 200. I don't know how many active participants there
are, of that group, but I bet if it were 20% that would be high.
Just a few items to consider!
Happy holidays everyone, and hope Santa brings you your desired fishing
item!
Best fishes,
Richard Embry
<"{{{>< fish on!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Vincent Pons" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 2:07 PM
Subject: RE: Where has everyone gone?
>
> Don't let it die!
> A mailing list is more convenient, less time consuming and there is a lot
> less crap.
>
> I can't post any news since I haven't fished a lot this past year. I just
> spent a few days in Yakutat and fished the local rivers (Stilly, Sauk,
Sky,
> Yakima) no more than 10 times. Too busy to fish :(
>
> Vincent
>
>
