*disclaimer, long winded*
I feel one of the primary issues with heavily moderated online forums/communities is (for Americans) we're indoctrinated with the concept of free speech, which such mediums lack, but some take free speech too far, freely spewing nonsense. So it's an issue on both ends, from members participation, to over moderation.
GTA will (historically) ban you if you question anyone with seniority, or authority, doesn't matter if you're wrong, right or as polite as a Grandma who bakes cookies for her neighbors. Especially if you stand firm and don't bend to their will. Not to mention the dog piling there conducted by members who feel the need to defend each other. At the 'top' there, It's a small club, and they're very selective of who joins. Frankly most the old heads there should be outright ashamed of themselves for how they've conducted themselves which only inhibited their communities growth, that place used to be booming, and now, its just a few boomers. GTA went from being a gold mine with airgun information and innovation, to a mine field, careful where you step!
AGN historically banned members who even looked in FX's direction funny, let alone if they had bad words to say about the company. That is until their member #'s dwindled followed by forum participation, which meant relaxing of said bans unless they want their websites traffic diminished further. Now AGN is often a sesspool of youtubers promoting videos, hobbyists promoting their side hustle / modifications (No offense to OP here, not stating it was his intent with RAW plenums), affiliate links to sell you something they can make a dime on, a medium for sponsors, and a lot of bickering between sound minds and people who are stuck in their old ways, unable to grasp new concepts. It's hard to have open discussions there, because of so many opposing opinions clashing, with very few members actively participating. So often a new guy comes in and suddendly knows it all, yet still seeks help on the most basic airgunning fundamentals. I'm all for differing opinions when expressed mindfully, however this facet is often lacking, the lead poisning / toxicity awareness thread is a prime example.
Both sites have done irreparable damage to their communities via over-moderation to protect either sponsors or their senior members. It's unfortunate. The diversity of opinion expressed mindfully should always be welcomed. The UK airgunning site probably has the most active, diverse, and mindful set of members I've seen of all airgunning forums. So little bickering, with so much participating. Wish their mannerisms were contagious.
American airgun forums have so few members, I have nearly every one of you (and you likewise have me and others) memorized, with placeholders...however the UK forum, it's like being lost in a large crowded concert, many unfamiliar faces, however, everyone is there just for experience and for the most part incredibly kind. Its refreshing to be subjected to intelligent discourse opposed to meandering bickering.
-Matt
I feel one of the primary issues with heavily moderated online forums/communities is (for Americans) we're indoctrinated with the concept of free speech, which such mediums lack, but some take free speech too far, freely spewing nonsense. So it's an issue on both ends, from members participation, to over moderation.
GTA will (historically) ban you if you question anyone with seniority, or authority, doesn't matter if you're wrong, right or as polite as a Grandma who bakes cookies for her neighbors. Especially if you stand firm and don't bend to their will. Not to mention the dog piling there conducted by members who feel the need to defend each other. At the 'top' there, It's a small club, and they're very selective of who joins. Frankly most the old heads there should be outright ashamed of themselves for how they've conducted themselves which only inhibited their communities growth, that place used to be booming, and now, its just a few boomers. GTA went from being a gold mine with airgun information and innovation, to a mine field, careful where you step!
AGN historically banned members who even looked in FX's direction funny, let alone if they had bad words to say about the company. That is until their member #'s dwindled followed by forum participation, which meant relaxing of said bans unless they want their websites traffic diminished further. Now AGN is often a sesspool of youtubers promoting videos, hobbyists promoting their side hustle / modifications (No offense to OP here, not stating it was his intent with RAW plenums), affiliate links to sell you something they can make a dime on, a medium for sponsors, and a lot of bickering between sound minds and people who are stuck in their old ways, unable to grasp new concepts. It's hard to have open discussions there, because of so many opposing opinions clashing, with very few members actively participating. So often a new guy comes in and suddendly knows it all, yet still seeks help on the most basic airgunning fundamentals. I'm all for differing opinions when expressed mindfully, however this facet is often lacking, the lead poisning / toxicity awareness thread is a prime example.
Both sites have done irreparable damage to their communities via over-moderation to protect either sponsors or their senior members. It's unfortunate. The diversity of opinion expressed mindfully should always be welcomed. The UK airgunning site probably has the most active, diverse, and mindful set of members I've seen of all airgunning forums. So little bickering, with so much participating. Wish their mannerisms were contagious.
American airgun forums have so few members, I have nearly every one of you (and you likewise have me and others) memorized, with placeholders...however the UK forum, it's like being lost in a large crowded concert, many unfamiliar faces, however, everyone is there just for experience and for the most part incredibly kind. Its refreshing to be subjected to intelligent discourse opposed to meandering bickering.
-Matt
.I just could not help it (or myself).
AGN, is a cool place and will always be a part of my airgun journey as are HAM and GTA. The more choices/voices in our airgunning community the better…
