forum spot discussion rules

[Pete_G]

I've had several requests for more aggressive moderation of "spot talk" in the forums.

I've been thinking about how to handle it (we haven't needed any "rules" to date) and thought it made sense to open it up to discussion before we put anything in place.

Just a thought of where I think it makes sense to go with this; no specific spots named on the forums, no more specific description then the town, with links in the rules to online resources that list public access spots all over MA, RI, and elsewhere, and also a link to the On The Water shore guides which name almost every spot anglers often fish. This would hopefully balance access and create a resource for new anglers looking to explore the shore, while eliminating the potential "burn" that sometimes occurs when a spot is named online.

This is often THE most controversial subject on most public forums.
Try to keep it civil . Thoughts?

[basswipe]

Its just plain good form not to discuss specific spots openly on the Net.Most people I think understand that.

Generalizations like saying I fished the East side of the Island(as I did today) is fine as it would be next to impossible to glean where it was I was actually fishing and the fact that I hit at least a half dozen spots.

[ChiefLinesider]

For the newbie angler. I think there are plenty of books that are published already that will get you started. Plenty of good spots are already written about. I dont see much good coming from a "Where to fish" forum. Besides any spots that I would give out on the net would be too vague to benefit anyone. "I fished Newport today". Anything more than that may prove to be too controversial, like you said.

[snake slinger]

burn all spot burners!

[cchobot]

There's always the old name spots that aren't really spots tactic... or worse...

Name spots that aren't spots... we'll wait at said faux-spots with cameras to see who shows up, take pictures/video of said perpetraters and grill them with questions like:

What did you come here looking for?
Were you aware this spot was recently named as a "good" local spot?
Just what are your intentions showing up at this spot .

Speaking of spots...

If you're really looking to get into some fish I recommend the following LOCAL spots (addresses and websites provided):

963 Aquidneck Ave
527 Thames St

You know a spot is good when they have their own websites.

[kickin' bass ass]

half of the challenge/sport of fishing is education.learn to read the water,checkout charts, ask others for advice or tactics and last but not least get out and fish come up with your own spots,.

[ChiefLinesider]

Originally Posted by cchobot

There's always the old name spots that aren't really spots tactic... or worse...

Name spots that aren't spots... we'll wait at said faux-spots with cameras to see who shows up, take pictures/video of said perpetraters and grill them with questions like:

What did you come here looking for?
Were you aware this spot was recently named as a "good" local spot?
Just what are your intentions showing up at this spot .

This got me thinking. A well placed length of monofilament between two trees is very difficult to see after dark.


"I know this place that turns on right after dark. Guaranteed 40lb bass nearly every cast. You will want to run there after dark to get a good position. PM me for exact location."

[swanny]

The obvious and most difficult problem is the lurkers. If you knew the info was only going to board individuals you might be a little looser in the lips but the handful of people who contribute and we recognize is just the top of a very big iceberg. Now that spring is here I'm sure the number of "guest" hits to the forum will go through the roof. SWE has gained a great reputation all along the Coast. With the increased publicity the last few years on the baby BFT, everybody from Atlantic City to Maine is going to be keeping their eyes peeled to this forum for signs of their arrival. If somebody is really interested in a specific spot they should PM the poster and see if they are willing to give them more specific info. Otherwise, think before you speak, or in this case type The number of out of CT, NY, NJ boats chasing bluefin around RI waters the last few years still haunts me All I want is to be able to find a spot to park the truck at RI launches w/out seeing 3/4 of the truck plates out of state. I actually hope the little guys take a few years off from coming inshore - BRING BACK THE ALBIES!!!

[Kevin J]

Thought - set up several Forum Admins to screen incoming post (or catch them before sitting on the site for too long). You'd be able to weed out or make a judgement on spot burning, forum protocol (swearing/diggin a guy/politcal views) and limit spam. SWE's forum is nice and small but is growing in size. Most other sites have a few admins and a set protocol. Chhobot, is this doable? I don't think it has to be SWE employees to monitor the site.

[Pete_G]

It's still very controllable at this point with just me and Chris watching.

Overall I'm just fishing for how specific the naming of locations people are comfortable with. No more specific then the town seems to be a happy medium.