View Full Version : A note from the mods
Just Jeff
07-09-2010, 23:40
HF members,
Hammock Forums has always taken pride in its helpfulness, friendliness, innovation, and overall positive attitude...but a few recent events have called these values into question. As stewards of this incredible community, the HF mods would like to address some of these issues directly. We don't pretend to speak for the entire hammocking community, but we do speak for this forum and we ask your help in ensuring that we maintain the community spirit we value so much.
First, we treat each other with respect. This is not negotiable. It's often easy to get frustrated over someone's post and type a quick reply to "set them straight." If the original post is out of line and the follow-up is calm and respectful, then it is appropriate for well-established members to help newbies learn our norms. However, some recent threads have started to show a lack of respect for each other. Disagreement is fine; disrespectful behavior is not. Please make it easier on the community and police your own posts. As one long-time member advised, "take no offense where none is intended." Since intent is hard to gauge on the internet, please start by giving the benefit of the doubt if the post is not clearly offensive.
Second, we treat other sites with respect. Politely referring folks to the best source of hammocking info on the net is absolutely encouraged. Using Hammock Forums to foster a spam campaign against another site is not. Doing it in the name of Hammock Forums is entirely inappropriate and misrepresents what this community stands for...which brings me to the last point.
No one speaks for Hammock Forums but the HF staff. The members here have created a valuable source of information and comaraderie. As such, many folks get passionate about the site and the community...and even protective of our hobby. We appreciate that. However, taking direct action on behalf of HF, without first discussing it with the HF staff, is neither required nor appreciated. This includes attempts to profit from HF's material as well as representing the forum on other sites.
The common thread in all of this is a breakdown in respect. For the forum, for each other, and for the outdoors communty in general. This is acceptable on most other internet sites - but the fact that it's not acceptable here is what makes our corner of the community so special. Please, when discussing Hammock Forums on other sites in the future, consider our own standards of behavior. If a post or comment would not be acceptable here, then please do not cite this forum when you make that post elsewhere.
As I said, we do not pretend to speak for the entire hammocking community and we're not attempting to regulate your behavior on other sites. But we are stewards of the Hammock Forums community and we're asking for your help in restoring and maintaining the good-natured atmosphere on this site and the good reputation we have on the internet. We plan to protect that.
Thank you,
The Hammock Forums Staff
Just Jeff, slowhike, angrysparrow, headchange4u, Cannibal, NCPatrick
Well said! The reason that I am still here is the great patience that many posters have had with me, the great attitudes and just plain ole' nice people. It was so refreshing to find this community!
Thanks for the great site and kind reminder. We all need reminders from time to time. You guys do great work, thanks for keeping it up.
NICE post!! As kritter mentioned, all families tend to stray a little if left strictly to their own devices and need a little "direction" occasionally. I have noticed a little drift in some of the posts recently, and as stonehooligan referred to, this is a very special forum, unique on the web for the lack of flaming, disrespect, and and especially for the undying patience by the more experienced. I pursue lots of different forums on widely varying subjects. This one is by far the most pleasant. Thanks for your great efforts to keep it that way!
gargoyle
07-10-2010, 09:14
I love it!
Not only have I gleaned tons of great information here, I've learned a fun and enjoyable craft.
Better than that, I've made a few great friends along the way!
I think Grampa said it best, to qoute: "Don't pee in the pool".
I always felt motivated when my football coaches grabbed me by the facemask and yanked my head and yelled at me whilst spewing chewing tobacco spit in my eye. !!!!!!:laugh:
I needed that. We all do.
First and foremost ... to me ...... this has to be fun and informational.
All of you Mods do a terrific job ..... fair and logical.
Thankee.
I bow here.
Shug
rigidpsycho
07-10-2010, 09:25
Well put Jeff, as a member of this forum I have learned so much from the original members. Now I feel with the info I learned from the site from all of you, I can now partake give pieces of info to noobs. Thanks to you guys for keeping this site ruuning in smoothly and friendly manner.
Mountain Gout
07-10-2010, 09:42
This site has always impressed me with the kindness and patience it possesses....:thumbup:
Well said, JJ! And I couldn't agree more with the other posters on this thread. How many times have I seen a noob ask the same question that's been asked a thousand times, only to be treated like it was the most original question ever asked? Or someone basically say "that way of doing something is not for me... but it is pretty interesting none the less. Good thinking."?
And, I must say, the good nature of this forum community is maintained by a great group of moderators. I mean, when you think about it, this thread is chastising us (the community) but does it in such a constructive way that all the responses are glowingly positive.
This thread addresses something that is typical in growing organizations. Often it is not addressed at all (sports teams where it's mistakenly thought to be an acceptable level of pride). Other times it is addressed too severely (a "we don't do that" attitude that breaks the spirit of a group). But this thread, IMHO, and in the words of a much more famous person than me (Goldilocks) "is just right!" Kudos to the mods and the forum community.
Thanks Jeff, mods, and all HF members that make this a GREAT place to hang. I occasionally bounce around other forums when I am looking for something specific, but this is the only one I visit every day, if only to see what my hammocking friends (who I've still never met in person) are up to. It's a testament to the HF community that we can feel this invested in the everyday doings of folks we have never met, whether it be hammock related or something more personal.
It's a testament to the HF community that we can feel this invested in the everyday doings of folks we have never met, whether it be hammock related or something more personal.
WHAT? Hammocks aren't extremely personal? :confused: Wait 'til Cannibal hears this! :lol:
Cannibal
07-10-2010, 11:11
WHAT? Hammocks aren't extremely personal? :confused: Wait 'til Cannibal hears this! :lol:
Somebody hasn't read my signature line in a while. :laugh:
SoundWitness
07-10-2010, 13:01
JJ and the remaining Mods!
Presented, as always, with respect and professionalism.
I've been on this site for quite some time and although I don't post that often, I do hit this site just about every day. The knowledge and the informaton shared by everyone here is second to none. I made some friends along the way and have been able to enjoy my hobby even more so because of it.
This forum is indeed special......respectful and genuine. That's a huge credit to the Mods, as well as the community here.
Just my change from a buck for a 98 cents item.......
Poppabear
07-10-2010, 13:45
Every great community is founded on solid core values held together by strong leadership. The HF community is no different, the patience, mutual respect, generosity and willingness to share thought's / ideas are the core values. That make this such a great place to spend time. The moderators are the glue that holds it all together. Keeping us course and ensuring that this remains a place that everyone wants to return to as often as they can. It has already been said. But even the best of communities occasionally needs a guiding hand or kick in pants. JJ and other Mods I applaud you for all that you do for the good of this forum. I have not met any of the members here in person. Yet I feel as if I know many of them. I return to the forums as often as I can. In a very real sense the members here have become like family to me. Thanks you Mods and thank you Hammock Forum members.
Right on mods. There is a certain ethos among hikers that is manifested in respect for nature and for each other that is evidenced in this forum. We wouldn't act in an untoward manner on the trail, so thanks for reminding us all to act accordingly here.
I feel like I missed something. Cheers to the mods.
A question - how is this meant?
as representing the forum on other sites.
Does that mean not mentioning HF as an information source when on other sites?
slowhike
07-10-2010, 15:30
A question - how is this meant?
Does that mean not mentioning HF as an information source when on other sites?
Not at all Mike. Please see the "second" statement in the original post. It's great to refer folks to HF & even give advice on hammocks, but the problem comes when/if we give advice disrespectfully, especially if we were to do so using HF as our source.
Not at all Mike. Please see the "second" statement in the original post. It's great to refer folks to HF & even give advice on hammocks, but the problem comes when/if we give advice disrespectfully, especially if we were to do so using HF as our source.
Ok - to me, it seemed like the third statement that I quoted in part contradicted the second - maybe a bit more info about what is considered 'representing the forum on other websites' would help?
Running Feather
07-10-2010, 15:45
Thanks Mods!!! I love this place. It's my home within my home :)
http://www.smileyarena.net/download.aspx?id=3653
Cannibal
07-10-2010, 16:07
Ok - to me, it seemed like the third statement that I quoted in part contradicted the second - maybe a bit more info about what is considered 'representing the forum on other websites' would help?
The difference is the same as the difference in the definitions of "inform" and "represent".
Informing someone about the forums is fine. Implying that you represent the forums is not. In other words, don't use your participation on HF to back-up what are your personal beliefs when posting on other sites.
lazy river road
07-10-2010, 16:08
The reason for much of my hammocking success is due to the kindness and usefull information I have found on this forum. As always thank you mod's and to all the people who make this forum special.
Ramblinrev
07-10-2010, 16:11
Ok - to me, it seemed like the third statement that I quoted in part contradicted the second - maybe a bit more info about what is considered 'representing the forum on other websites' would help?
I'm not a mod.. but I have been in situations where statements that sound like "official organizational policy" need to come only from those designated _by_ the organization to speak on their behalf.
Possibly an example.. "Hammockforums.net condemns the use of rope only suspensions." This would be putting words into the mouths of the forum suggesting official policy.
"I have come to the conclusion from research I have done on hammockforums.net that I will avoid the use of rope only suspensions." This is a personal opinion statement giving the source for the information but not putting words into the mouths of the owners and moderators of the forums.
At least that is my take on the statement that only the mods can speak for the forum officially.
edit: another example is as the pastor of a church I have the right to write a letter to the editor signed by my name and my name alone. As soon as I add the church's name to the signature I have crossed the line and can be seen as speaking on behalf of all members of the church. Unless the governing body of the church has expressly requested me to do so I can not ethically sign a letter that way.
slowhike
07-10-2010, 16:13
Ok - to me, it seemed like the third statement that I quoted in part contradicted the second - maybe a bit more info about what is considered 'representing the forum on other websites' would help?
I believe Jeff's point there was about making an authoritative statement on behalf of HF.
Take for example the now active thread about using webbing vs cord around trees to support the hammock.
If someone would go to another website & confront someone for using cord & say "HF says DON'T USE CORD ON TREES", that would not be the best way to get the other person to consider the possible damage of using cord, whether the tree damage be physical damage or perceived as damage. We here at HF (staff or members) don't go about it that way.
Not only would it probably not be taken as welcome advice on hammock supports, it would also leave a bad impression of HF for that person & others reading there. And they wouldn't be as likely to come check us out to learn about hammocks.
Rev, slowhike - that makes better sense to me, now.
Thanks for the explanation.
Just Jeff
07-10-2010, 18:16
I believe Jeff's point there was about making an authoritative statement on behalf of HF.
Take for example the now active thread about using webbing vs cord around trees to support the hammock.
If someone would go to another website & confront someone for using cord & say "HF says DON'T USE CORD ON TREES", that would not be the best way to get the other person to consider the possible damage of using cord, whether the tree damage be physical damage or perceived as damage. We here at HF (staff or members) don't go about it that way.
Not only would it probably not be taken as welcome advice on hammock supports, it would also leave a bad impression of HF for that person & others reading there. And they wouldn't be as likely to come check us out to learn about hammocks.
Exactly what I meant...thanks for clearing that up while I was out working on the honey-do list.
miisterwright
07-11-2010, 01:55
Thank you all for your patience and respect over the past few years I've been around. This forum truly is special, and I'd hate to see it become something less than it's been.
Thank you especially to our moderators. You all do a wonderful job.
I really appreciate this great forum and I appreciate the moderators who put in the hours making it great.
HEY! I just noticed I'm not a Junior Member any more!!
(Imagine sounds of Muttly marching around house to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance)
Thanks guys for all you do. This is truly a great community and site.
Great Job. Cheers all 'round!
animalcontrol
07-12-2010, 06:31
I feel like I missed something. Cheers to the mods.
second that Dutch....and happy to say so!
I really like the nature of this forum and appreciate the work done by the mods to keep this forum the way it is. While I did try to refer someone to HF on youtube (that I disagreed with) I in no way tried to make HF look bad. Because I can sometimes lack tact I will refrain from this behavior in the future just to be safe. I would never want to smear the good name of HF intentionally or otherwise.
ok everyone can stop looking at me. I didn't do anything this time :lol:
GaHammockGuy
07-14-2010, 17:12
Hear Hear.... or is it Here Here... Or there their....
None the less, thank you, Jeff and the other Mods for this site. This site is a bottomless vessel of knowledge and experience that all who enter here can gain from.
I am trying to give more than I take but it is just that there is so much here to take away and use... I enjoy this site and learn more each day.
Thank you to all the contributors and the respectfulness that I have experienced in the past. I have asked some "there-are-no-such-thing-as-dumb-questions" questions and have been answered with respect, honesty, and sincerity. For that I am thankful.
Keep up a great forum and community for us to learn from, make new friends at, and better the world.
Just think how much world peace could be achieved if we all slept in hammocks..... OOOOOOH WORLD DOMINATION... I LIKE IT!!!! (evil laugh)
Oh sorry that's another plan for later...
Have a nice day.
swampfox
07-14-2010, 20:55
There is so much to read on this site, I'm 4 days late getting to this one.
Very well said Jeff, and at the risk of being redundant, I really appreciate the effort you guys put into this site to make it, and keep it, what it is.
Rain Man
07-14-2010, 21:14
Just returned from a hanging trip on the AT and I'll add my "THREE CHEERS, HIP, HIP, HOORAY!" for the mods. They do an amazing job keeping HF a congenial place to visit.
Rain Man
.
Nightwalker
07-15-2010, 01:09
Just returned from a hanging trip on the AT and I'll add my "THREE CHEERS, HIP, HIP, HOORAY!" for the mods. They do an amazing job keeping HF a congenial place to visit.
Rain Man
.
When did you come towards the light, Ray? :-)
Never knew you were a hanger.
pegleg56
07-15-2010, 06:06
One of the best things about this site (other than the vast amount of information:D, and the feeble attemps at humor:shades:) is that there is none of the usuall self inflating egos and neanderthal chest-beating that can be found on other forums:thumbdown:. I too wish to thank the mods, as well as the members themselves:thumbup1:, for not allowing threads to degrade into this type of nonsense. It is one of the prime reasons that I return here on a daily basis (my wife says I'm addicted, but she just doesn't understand:rolleyes:).
Soul Man
10-26-2011, 11:31
NOOB here...This site is fantastic! Thank you for keeping it respectful. I log on to find out SO MUCH! All the posts and forums I read are done with great mutual respect and patience. All who are responsible for creating and maintaining this site are appreciated. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love my new hobby!
i've been a member for only a lil while but am amazed at the exchange of ideas. some things work for some and others dont and hey, thats ok. as hikers and hangers, we all know that its all about our journey and not the destination. i did see a flaming banter and was shocked! thanx for the reminder. where else would i get the mantra "hang ze whoopie from ze knot, not from ze toggle"
This place has helped me get thru some trying times. Can't say much but, Love ya'll.
This was a nice bump to give us all reminders. I've seen a few threads recently that have gone off topic and were not very productive. The mods did and do a great job to keep things on track. Thanks to them and all the great people that keep me coming here!
Great site. Great people. Thanks for educating me and giving me the chance to do the same.
Please continue to keep HF clean and green. I love this place. I want never to violate the sense of respect and goodwill that flows through HF.
When I post here, I hope only to benefit those who read my post.
Safety, courtesy, good sportsmanship, comfort, great outdoor experiences---these are a few of my favorite things.
:)
2new2hang
10-30-2011, 01:41
I came to hammockforums (and stayed here) because of all the great people and exchange of information. It was for the very reason that some forums belittle, humiliate, and flame anyone with ideas or questions that are not the accepted "norm", that I have always avoided getting involved with any of them.
This place is like a haven of goodwill and kindness. It is the reason I am here, and feel that I have so many friends I have never even met.
Even in the best of circumstances, sometimes "the road to ruin is paved with good intentions". It is good to know that not only do the Mods here have our backs, but are not afraid to get in our faces for a little refresher when the best intentions go awry.
Thanks gentlemen. I'm sure it isn't an easy load to carry. Kudos to you all.
OutNbout
10-30-2011, 10:59
Thanks Mods! It's a great site and you do a great job! It's obvious this site is run differently than others. Probably why HF keeps growing. :)
njenkins
10-30-2011, 11:05
Ditto the above, what Outnbout said.. If it werent' for the Mods this site wouldn't be what it is. Kudos and Shug helps to with his comic relief as well. Helped me get situated and cozy in my hang and I love the camaraderie here.
Where is JustJeff these days? His site really got me going and DIYing...
Shug the Curious
angrysparrow
10-30-2011, 11:11
Where is JustJeff these days? His site really got me going and DIYing...
Shug the Curious
Deployed. He'll be stateside again, hopefully before spring.
kayak karl
10-30-2011, 11:30
the best thing is this site has kept their focus."HAMMOCKS". by not drifting into other ares it limits the discussions. good job guys.
Les Rust
10-30-2011, 11:45
Great bump. Yes, the moderators are to be commended for their oversight of this conversation. This is a wonderful resource for all of us--a place of information and inspiration and innovation. We have all learned alot about our craft, but also about this community and the people who make it special. thanks to all! Great job!
I love this place and it has become an important part of my social life. As such, I am grateful to the mods for their diligent effort at maintaining a civil internet site - something of an accomplishment these days. And my back wants to thank the participants for helping me in the friendliest way possible to get off the ground! One trip to a group hang and you will meet genuinely good folks!
Grasshopper
11-30-2011, 00:58
Agreed, with the few days I have been scouring this forum this is one of the most civilized I've seen
angrysparrow
02-28-2012, 13:24
Bump.
I just wanted to bring this thread to view once again, and ask that many of our new members read the original post from Just Jeff above. The same holds true today as when it was written.
Thanks to the people who moderate this fourm, and thanks to all who share their knowledge and experience. This is the frendlyest fourm I have ever participated in,
Mike
Hiknhanger
02-28-2012, 14:33
I appreciate all the mods of this forum and fully support Jeff's original statement. Well said. Never could figure out how someone who camps and hangs could fly hot very quickly anyway!:D Thanks Angrysparrow
mountain_man_mike
02-28-2012, 15:29
I have visited many forums and have joined just one. Thank you members and mods alike for welcoming me from the start, informing and entertaining me throughout and allowing me to participate.
Bump.
I just wanted to bring this thread to view once again, and ask that many of our new members read the original post from Just Jeff above. The same holds true today as when it was written.
I hope nothing changes here! So far my experiences with this forum have been great :D. I've all but abandoned a couple of other outdoor sites that I frequented in the past and that all so popular "social network" because of the negativity. Great job with the forum guys, it has become my favorite.
I've been reading this site for a few years and I finally registered and donated based on the quality and civility of its members.
Cheers.
jnelson871
02-29-2012, 00:19
Just wanted to thank all the mods on this site for all their hard work. So far this has been the friendliest and most helpful forum I have ever participated in. Never have I felt belittled or stupid for asking a question that, once answered, seemed should have been obvious. I really appreciate everyones work here and hope nothing changes as far as the culture that has been created here. I never thought I of all people would ever tackle a DIY project and here I am with a finished hammock and the material to start on a bug net and several more hammocks. All because of the support I have found here. Thanks everyone your hell on my budget :D
J.Andersons
02-29-2012, 13:04
Thanks to all friendly answers who gave me on my questions. This forum are friendliest of all I participated, just few minutes ago decided to donate for HF:)
I'm a relative newcomer,....but I appreciate the vibes of this place.
There's rarely ever any reason not to maintain civility.
I've been checking in several times a day since joining,....and have become addicted. You're gonna have a hard time getting rid of me now! :laugh:
Woods Walker
05-12-2012, 14:58
I am pretty new here & have nothing but thank yous for the members.
I have found HF very informative polite & am looking forward to meeting some of you someday.
I have witnessed the concerns mentioned on several other forums over the years, two come to mind... one lost a lot of dedicated, loyal & promotive members, who may still lurk & read, but rarely post anymore, that forum is NOTHING like it used to be.
The other one also lost members & has become a "good 'ol boys" club. where when someone new comes on & asks a question, they get either no response or the more common response of "this has been covered before, do a search" Well things change & so do some peoples opinions, so old threads are not always the most current or best information.
So as a past moderator of other forums I know it is a thankless & not very popular job at times. I haven't read anything that is alarming or offensive to me & reading this post tells me the moderators are doing a great job. Keep up the good work!