Pay it forward, hidden :mad:

**Handschin** · 07-09-2011, 08:44

I find it odd that the PIF is hidden to all users unless you have a minimum post count. Before you flame me know that I am contributing member. That fact alone should give me access to the PIF thread. So I am to understand that someone who posts frequently is more trustworthy than someone who donates to the site?

I am disheartened to say the least.

Handschin

**JalapeñoBen** · 07-09-2011, 08:50

Is there something in particular you are looking for? I may have something in the gear closet to help you out. I honestly don't know why (didn't even know there was a minimum requirement), but perhaps they want you to be more involved? That would be my only guess. People here value other's opinions not just because of experience, but maybe from a point of view they haven't considered. Chime in every once and a while if there's something you think we should know! I, personally, value any criticism or opinions as long as it's constructive!

Happy Hangin'
Ben

**Ramblinrev** · 07-09-2011, 09:01

Originally Posted by Handschin

So I am to understand that someone who posts frequently is more trustworthy than someone who donates to the site?
Handschin

I'm not a mod so I don't know thinking that went into the decision. However... some of the PIF goods I have seen are worth much more than $10. So, with all due respect to you, I can see someone paying the $10 hoping to score on a bargain with no intent of following the rules. As I said... I'm not a mod so I could be way off. But that's the kind of thinking that would go in my head. Maybe I'm just too cynical.

**BER** · 07-09-2011, 09:03

Originally Posted by Handschin

I find it odd that the PIF is hidden to all users unless you have a minimum post count. Before you flame me know that I am contributing member. That fact alone should give me access to the PIF thread. So I am to understand that someone who posts frequently is more trustworthy than someone who donates to the site?

I am disheartened to say the least.

Handschin

Why are you mad or disheartened? There is no slight towards you personally. The rules exist to help discourage people from becoming members just for the purpose of selling. Minimum 15 posts. It seems a small price to pay and encourages active participation in the forum. Perhaps review the For Sale rules. See also the PIF rules. Not to seem rude, but it might be better to ask a question of "why" rather than posting to complain. Again, there is no slight towards you personally, just rules we all live by when we are here that help make HF a better place.

Meanwhile, welcome to the forum. Hope you will find the information you desire, contribute to the forum, and find the gear you want.

**gargoyle** · 07-09-2011, 09:11

Heres a thought, come on offering a pif to all and see how its recieved, or call it a good faith offering or closet cleaning?
Not dissing you or the rules. The mods have a complicated job of balancing all that is the forum.

Part of what makes this a great community is the interaction. If we all lurked, we'd be looking at a blank screen.

**DemostiX** · 07-09-2011, 09:54

An analysis of the record will support that PIF is heavily, if not exclusively, a gear swap. So, OP's concern is understandable. Them that hasn't got and doesn't game the rules doesn't have the stash of "gear closet" stuff, mostly unused and correctly labeled as surplus to offer.

(I'm even watching, with amusement / bemusement, at one particular horde being built / rebuilt and reported elsewhere in HF.)

So, yeah, there's the irony, of weight weenies and SL campers with tons of Goldilocks & 3 bears gear for "just right" use....oh, once every two years....... finally surrendered when something kewler is out.

I'd like to see a Sticky for scoutmasters and similar who would like to borrow kits for a weekend or week for, say 5-10 youngsters (or oldster).

For $20 round-trip shipping, whoever pays, some redundant gear (4lb packs of hammock + tarp + suspension + lines could expand pleasure..... and do more good for more people......and mfgs valued here...... than swapping of horde-parts among folks with gear closets.

**hrairoorah** · 07-09-2011, 10:52

I have received a boonie hat from PIF and I have a dinky little alcohol burner on there now. My wife and I are just starting out (we haven't even taken our first trip yet). I live on a fixed income and gear is so expensive. I don't have a closet of surplus stuff-heck I don't even have enough stuff to properly outfit, but I am working on it. I hope to be a contributing member as soon as my next check comes in. With that said, I can see both sides. The post count isn't that big a deal but a contributing member should have more access than someone like me. The mods have to walk a balancing rope and there must be rules to follow. I for one, am appreciative of the job they do and the time they devote. I was welcomed here and all of my dumb questions have been answered. I thank each and every one of you for your kindness and support.
Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-09-2011, 11:02

There are plenty of opportunities available to all to ask for donations of gear for particular reasons. I've seen lots of gear sent to folks who explain their needs and get assistance from other's surplus. The PIF is a different beastie I think.

**Southernfan6885** · 07-09-2011, 12:00

I'm also very new to this, and I don't have a gear closet. I'm just starting out and trying to get my hands on the things I need. I don't feel like PIF is just a gear swap amongst people with tons of stuff. For me it's helping me get started. I recently got a PIF set of whoopie slings, and I have a set of flashlights on there now. I don't even feel like that's a good PIF, but it's the best I can really offer at the moment. One day I want to be able to offer much better PIFs. I wanted to be able to access the PIF thread too, so I spent a couple weeks posting anywhere I felt like I had something to say so I could reach the minimum 50 posts (someone earlier said it was 15. This may be right now, but a couple weeks ago when I was trying to get access it was 50). It's made me feel like much more of a contributing member now, and I decided to even go ahead and donate once I saw firsthand how awesome of a place HF is. What I'm saying is, I know how you feel, I had to do it too, but I really think it's worth it. I'm also saying I really love HF! Thanks mods for all you guys do to keep this place awesome! Sorry if that turned into a ramble.

Bradley

**Dutch** · 07-09-2011, 12:07

My compliments for becoming a donating member with a low post count. I bet it is a rarity and it would not effect 99.9% of the people. The rules are to make sure it continues smoothly. There are way more positives from it being well managed.