Forums…I give up!

Had this fabulous idea of reposting yesterday’s comments (How Much Would You Pay?) on three or four major forums. Boy, what a mistake. Once again,  I find that posting anything like this on a forum is a complete waste of time, which also leads me to believe that trying to organize this pastime is also a waste of  time.

I had hoped to get a dialogue going on the subject, and asked that, when possible, for people to reply via my blog. Well one forum, once again found that a link to my site would  piss off their advertiser (they have one). I did have a discussion on the subject with a co-administrator and that was it (8 replies, 6 were mine). No one else bothered  to respond, even though there were 57 views.

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Next forum, 130 views, and two responses. One response, un-edited:

“On this issue , I think when you start putting money into a organization, it starts off with a great  idea,but then it turns corrupt. Most organizations, corporations, and government are like this. They get to big , and then funds start being used for other things  that they were not attended for. Sorry for my negative view , its hard to trust any big organization , after these last few years. Once you open this can of worms,  whats next? Next they will have you buying metal detecting license’s. There is not many things you can do any more, with out paying money to someone.”…..  (A great example of why emails and letter writing will never get the job done….)

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Forum number three….138 views, 6 replies. One went like this:

“I don’t believe that we need anymore “self regulating authorities” that claim they are
representing the rights of the masses of people. Personally, I don’t need anyone to represent me or say that they are representing me without my permission.  I can represent myself in all that I do. I see too many of these organizations that end up acting as a barrier to entry to those wanting to participate for their  own benefit. e.g. non-profits that pay huge salaries to their managers from members dues, corrupt unions, home owners associations and professional organizations  such as the American Society of Home Inspectors that claims to self regulate the home inspection industry without any legal authority. These organizations are all  about power and greed and the desire to control others. No thank you. I’m not interested in another controlling  organization.” (2nd example  of why letter writing is not helping the cause.)

Another followup response to the above:

“I’m with you on this Then again, I thought I could make a quick buck through intimidation. BTW, not all non-profit groups are like that, just the  larger ones Red Cross, UNICEF, and United Way lead the way to ripping off contributions. Salvation Army sends 96% of its contributions to helping people.  I want something done, I’ll tackle it myself. I wonder what the OP take will be for helping to organize a ripoff”. (I had to add periods  to this individual’s response)

The other three responses were simply agreeing with the first responder….

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Forum 4….37 views, one sane, and reasonable reply:

“I agree, we are a terribly under-represented group of hobbyists. I wish we lived in a world where live and let live was more the rule, but it just seems to be  a fact that certain other groups will cast MD’ers in a negative light, and some MD’ers will help them by acting like fools and trespassing or destroying property.

I think part of the problem we have is we’re in a hobby that is economical, or the hobby attracts those of us who are frugal. Yes, we spend hundreds or more on our  detectors, but what we spend is peanuts compared to those who would be equally dedicated to many other hobbies – (credit Dan Hughes here) – like golfers who cough up  anywhere between 20 to 100 dollars in greens fees every week, or the bass fisherman who drags around a boat worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Would one national organization be the answer? I’m not sure. Maybe. Granted, the NRA certainly helps gun enthusiasts, but it’s also the center of a lot of controversy,  and a polarizing entity. Would our detractors simply paint us all as greedy trespassers as members of such an organization? As it is, we’re left to our own charm and wit  to negotiate our way through low level public officials that would chase us off a public site, or attempt to implement a detecting ban. (How did Bar Harbor make out?).
In this area, a well known local resident may just have more credibility and clout than a paid representative from “away”. Even though $25 a year may be money well  spent to protect us, I think a representative organization would have to gain credibility with hobbyists somehow before we’d all be sending in our membership fees.  It’s an interesting topic, for sure.”

Cbuzz, thank you so much for taking the time to express your opinion. You are a breath of fresh air!

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I have to also add that those few who frequent my website and blog did not bother to respond to the question either. And so it goes with the metal detecting masses.  Perhaps that’s why the “national” groups have gone into hibernation. Perhaps they know the score. Apparently it’s every man for himself! What the hell has happened to us?  I don’t have an answer or even a clue, but I do know that I give up….!

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THANKS FOR THE PEP TALK

Just wanted to thank two friends who follow my site and blog for sending me uplifting and encouraging thoughts and for understanding my situation.  You are very much appreciated. It’s easy to get down on yourself, and you need to be reminded about how lucky you really are. Thank you both very much.

And so you know, no one sent me $20, damn it!!

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