Poll for Fishing Report Contributors

[DHaun]

Should Fishing Reports be Private? I have seen reports as private areas on 2 (much smaller) sites this week.

I have no changes planned as I need to think on it longer. Some options might take a little extra work to establish and manage, but I have thought about this in the past. I have been concerned a few times that a fishing hole might be compromised or crowded by anglers reading information posted publicly on CFF. I also just want everyone know that other options are possible.

Changes like this could possibly increase contributions with added details in reports, but could also reduce traffic on the site and hurt sponsorship so there are no guarantees on whether I will ever make any changes. CFF is not a profitable business by far so I am not concerned with losing sponsors so much as losing visitors and the opportunity to educate as many anglers on conservation. No one knows for sure what would happen...its just speculation for now and nothing ever has to be permanent.

At this time I am really just curious as to the honest opinions of those who keep CFF online by taking the time and effort to make fishing report contributions since its Your information being published.

Votes are on the honor system...Please vote/comment if you have posted a report in the last 3 months.

Thanks!
-David

 

[foodsaver]

I am curious about what would happen if you made a members only area so that we can share more info if we feel the need? I know if I were a bass fisherman I would be far more open in a private discussion area then I would be on the main board.

 

[BackOnTheWater]

foodsaver - 11/12/2007 10:10 AM I am curious about what would happen if you made a members only area so that we can share more info if we feel the need? I know if I were a bass fisherman I would be far more open in a private discussion area then I would be on the main board.

</p>

That's why I voted "Private to CFF'ers only"...the 1st and, so far, only vote for that choice...count on me to be different...not so much for access to "sensitive, top-secret info" as to give people an incentive to join the forum and to post fishing reports. In my humble opinion, if you don't post 2 or 3 reports per month, you ain't fishin' 'nuff!</p>

 

[TennesseeTalker]

I'm beginning to think you fellas don't care for us fellas that can't fish very much! emoScratch

I don't fish and haven't been since Crappie fest .. but I've probably read more reports about it than almost anyone. Don't limit opportunity to enjoy the forum for those that aren't able to do what you do regularly.

I didn't vote because I haven't posted a FISHING report in the last 3 months ... but I feel compelled to comment.

If you take the report section to private and make it a requirement to post before reading any .. then I might as well put my Fat Albert pole up for sale. When I DO go .. you can bet I've taken something from here to the lake with me in hopes of doing what I can't seem smart enough to figure out on my own.

Anyway .. if I wasn't suppose to write this .. someone delete it for me.

TT

 

[foodsaver]

TennesseeTalker - 11/12/2007 7:40 AM

I'm beginning to think you fellas don't care for us fellas that can't fish very much! emoScratch

I don't fish and haven't been since Crappie fest .. but I've probably read more reports about it than almost anyone. Don't limit opportunity to enjoy the forum for those that aren't able to do what you do regularly.

I didn't vote because I haven't posted a FISHING report in the last 3 months ... but I feel compelled to comment.

If you take the report section to private and make it a requirement to post before reading any .. then I might as well put my Fat Albert pole up for sale. When I DO go .. you can bet I've taken something from here to the lake with me in hopes of doing what I can't seem smart enough to figure out on my own.

Anyway .. if I wasn't suppose to write this .. someone delete it for me.

TT

Thats not what I meant at all I just think there should be a members only (you are a member btw) section so you don't have the whole CBA field checking to see where 2jigs is on fish the week before the classic. I think you should at least have to post something other then off topic and or for sale once every 6 months or so to be included in the members area. This gives us a chance to include people like you who fish vicariously through the rest of us but also helps keep the 50 million guests that come by all the time but are too lazy to post something every now and again or even register.

 

[SpurHunter]

TT, I think you might be jumping the gun a little. I dont think David is looking to pull the trigger any time soon on a decision, but I think it was more to gauge the feelings of the members on the issue. I may be wrong, but I dont think he has any desire to change the format from what I have read. My .02 

 

[TennesseeTalker]

I'm not saying he will anytime soon and this topic has come up for discussion numerous times. Might be the first pole and its a pole that includes a selective group of folks (posted in last 3 months a fishing report). That to me is the first sign of selective opinion. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that .. other than when you start whittling down your companions .. you automatically exclude some companions who can't meet the requirements that have value in some regard. Would that kill me .. no as CFF is NOT the only thing I enjoy in my life. But if reports are viewable with requirements, like must post one in the last 3 months .. or whatever else you all come up with ... I'm sure I won't be reading anymore. The reason I say that is because I can't fish but a handful of times a year. So I'll never qualify for elite status of viewable.

If that is where you are headed. It's hard to say with all these subtle postings popping up now and again. Spur ... I haven't mistaken anyones intentions. I can see the process of the thinking wheel working away. I'm just trying to figure out what the true meaning of all this speculation and reporting means to someone like me who just basically loves the place. Anyway .. you all are giving those of us that hang a guilty feeling. I realize I don't pay to use this place .. not to David anyway .. nor do I post useful reports for anyone to use. But I'm sure in some small way I've paid my dues. However, if that's not what is intended for the site. It's okay .. I'd just like to know what exactly we are "fishing" for here?

TT

 

[DHaun]

I am really just curious as to the honest opinions of those who make fishing report contributions since its their information being published. It would take me 30 seconds to make reports visible to CFF members only. It would take a lot longer to manage a "group" of viewers based on contributions to the site. This is preliminary research only at this time.

 

[TennesseeTalker]

I guess I'm at a loss for words and understanding. That's all CFF is about ... the fishing report? I have to say I've learned more about fishing, my HOBBY, here than I have anywhere .. but I'm not willing to start excluding folks because they aren't at least at some level of skill that deems them worthy of knowledge on the subject. If you are too good to share your information .. why in the heck did you join a public forum in the first place.

DHaun .. if what you intended this place to be in the beginning isn't what its turned out to be in the end .. take matters into your own hands and make it what you are looking for. To ask us an opinion of something that will split the population of the place into small sectors trying to not get their toes stepped on will only create more and more of whatever it is that got all this fishing report stuff started in the first place. I didn't think this place started out when I first joined it as a place for people to come and get their advantage for a tx from some fishing report post. I remember people saying what was getting biten, what the conditions were like and what the results were. If you are fishing tx's and feel that information should be guarded ... you are on the wrong forum unless DHaun thinks that's what he truly wants.

Is it possible to create a forum where only the "pros" post and the "pros" read?

This is almost too funny to comment on. The header on this page says "your source for area fishing news, reports and information" .. so what's up with all the issues involved with that happening???

TT

 

[DHaun]

TT - Fishing reports are a primary reason I created CFF - That has been published many places on the site for a long time. This has nothing to do with excluding or dividing anyone based on skill level or whether they fish tournaments or not. There are many other contributions to the site besides fishing reports. There are tournament result updates, boating experts, numerous helpful tips, and conservational topics to name a few that I think are great. If the intent was to be selfish with information then CFF would never exist to begin with. So long as I have the time to keep it running, the site will remain free to all who take the time to sign up.

This is basically somewhat of a conservational question per my original post. CFF became something I never expected it to a few months after it went online and I have contemplated many changes, including a header change. It continues to evolve and I want to be certain it always has a positive influence on area fishing and conservation so I can determine the best direction in the future. Please don't read anything into this other than what I have posted.

I am very happy to say there is not a shortage of good reports on CFF! There are so many reports being posted that I cannot hardly read/respond to them all. As the number of members and visitors continue to increase I want to ensure that CFF does not have a negative impact by creating overcrowded conditions or compromising certain fishing locations per my original post. It's that simple and that's why it is a poll directed Specifically to those posting that information. The driving factor behind this poll is my own curiosity and I want to focus on them since its their information being published.

 

[foodsaver]

I voted to keep it the way it is, however I would like to see it turn into something that had a members only section in addition to everything else. I feel like if you are too lazy to fill out the registration there ought to be a section of the site that you can't access. Either that or make the fishing reports open to all members and (don't know if this is feasible) but make it so anyone that posts on a fishing report in 3 months stays a member and can read them (TT this would include you cause you always thank people for their reports) Basically I feel like CFF is getting big enough now that you should be required to give something back to the site even if it is just posting "glad you guys caught something" or something like that. When I logon and have the people on the site are guests when there is no monetary requirement and its extremely easy to sign up I have to wonder how many of those people are on here all the time and just are too lazy to even say thanks to these guys that are free with information. I love the whole CFF family but if you aren't even willing to join the family why should you get the benefit of joining? We are such an open community I don't get why you would get on here and not join.

 

[Fishin' Junkie]

I voted "Private to CFF members only" However, this option wouldn't stop the "lurkers". I know there are probably 1000 or more people that have signed up as members but never posted anything or even logged on a second time. This one is iffy.

 

[bwolf]

hi all .
i dont post alot , im kinda like TT wish i could go more often . anyway . if you wanted somthing for "members only" then maybe a special fishin report forum that is available to members only , then say after 10 days it would go into the free fishin reports forum . that way the info would still be fairly current for the lurkers .
as for "giving away secret holes or overcrouding them, i ve been reading this for almost a year and still dont know alot of the nicknames of the places ,probally cuz im not from the chatt area..
and i wouldnt even mind a fee of $1 a year or sumthin like that to be in the members only area , that would also help you with the runnin of this wonderfull site
like alot of others here thats just my .02
thanks Brian

 

[puddle jumper]

My two cents,

One of the things that attracted me to the site was the openess of the group, it was not a "members only" club, You folks seem to genuanly care about one another and care for the sport of fishing in general, cence i joined that fact has made me feel like i have friends on the site that i dont mind asking all my "dumb" questions to, I feel like i can give a ribbing and take one as well, i feel like i have friends here even though i have never met of even seen most of you, i went back and read the post "" Secret" honey holes", and a lot of the sentament thats there" i like" and find valuble to this question, when im stuck at work i can open up this site and still spend a little bit of time on the water and member of not thats a nice thing to share with the fishing comunity in general. If you start closing off areas in general i think that hurts the site and the feel here. hope i have not overstepted myself being new, but being new i feel i might have a little different take on things.. sorry about the sermon...

Puddle..
PS. D wish we had a spell check for the : "spelling inpared" , folks like me emoScratch

...emoUSA

 

[ashtrey]

I understand your thoughts, but the guys do not have to put the exact locations of the hole. They are just being super guys doing that, they could talk about it and not really tell the location. If their hole gets coverd up its their own doing and a good one at that but really if someone is mad because someone is fishing a hole how do they know they just didnt find it? Let it go and fish somewhere else its free water!!!!!

 

[Guest]

I voted to keep the forum just like it is unless there is something new that would add to the enjoyment of the site. I know I like the site because of the friendships I have made, I haven't been on here as long as most but I have found quite a few people on here that i like to be around and we fish together or talk about anything together. When I joined I didn't know any of you and you have taken me in as equals or friends. I didn't get on here to make money or find out the honey holes, I just like to share what knoledge I know with everyone. If anyone wants to go fishing with me, ask me and it will get done and I believe I could ask any of you the same thing and I could go with you. My 2 cents worth.

 

[Fishin Fool]

CFF has been a great resource to me over the past couple of years. I have learned a ton of information that has helped me as a fisherman, and as a bonus have met many new friends that I treasure. I love the forum because it is simple. Having said all that I think that it is changing, and maybe not in a good way. Let me give you an example:

Last year while fishing I got into some really, really nice bass in one of my favorite spots on the lake. This spot was seldom fished. How do I know? Because I had fished it since I was 7 years old and in all that time could only count a few times that I saw a bass boat in there when I was there. It was a treasured spot, with a feature that made it special. This feature could not be seen from the water, could not be detected by depth finder. I had discovered it with my dad 41 years earlier and it made all the difference in my fishing. But again, it was never fished when I was there. Now I am sure that a very few guys happened upon it but they apparently were very closed mouthed about what they found. But back to my story. The day that I did so well I was leaving the area, headed to the main channel when I saw another boat whizzing by. That boat had a CFF member on it that is an avid TX fisherman. Stupid me came home and posted a report, with pics, about my wonderful day and all my nice fish without thinking. The next time I went fishing I went straight to my "spot" only to find the CFF member sitting on top of it. I said hello, but honestly felt a little sick because I knew what was coming, or at least I thought I did. Each time I went fishing over the next 3 weeks I found one to two boats working my spot. Coincidence? Maybe, but not likely after 42 years of being alone there. Finally on a nice foggy Saturday morning I went to my spot, not being able to see 10 feet in front of me and began to fish. I could hear noise in the fog and knew that someone else was close. As the fog lifted I was amazed to find 9 boats sitting in my little cove, two of which had CFF members in them. It was a huge TX and apparently word had gotten around. The CFF guy caught a 6 and a half pound fish while I watched, crowded out of the area that I had fished all my life. Moral of the story; I don't post EVERY trip I make simply because of who might have seen me there and be looking for free info via a report on CFF. I also don't post locations or backgrounds in pictures. Common sense I know, but I guess what I am showing is the power of CFF to do damage to your favorite "spot" if you aren't extremely careful. It is seldom now that I can go to my spot without being covered up with boats after 42 years of fishing it.

I voted to make the reports private to CFF members only. I would also suggest that David impliment a fee for becoming a CFF member. My reason for this is simple and to the point; people that lurk and don't want to contribute won't pay a dime to see the reports and the ones that do (at least in my postings) will see very little regarding location. If you look it is a very few people that actually contribute to CFF over the year. Contributions come in many forms and people like Carol and TT have done MORE than their share to make CFF a wonderful site. With that in mind I don't think access to reports should be based on posting a report of your own as many people love reading the reports but for whatever reason can't fish at that time and make postings. What I would suggest is a merit system. The more reports you post in the previous year, the less you pay for membership. Let's say that memberships were $20. For each report posted in the previous year, the poster would be awarded .50 cents "credit" toward next years annual fee. That would make that person have to post a minimum of 40 reports in a year to maintain a "free" membership. (yeah I know, you'd have folks posting a 6 word report, but there are ways around that) I honestly think that would weed out some of the lurkers and folks that have no desire to share info but merely to gather it. $20 isn't going to break anyone, and there are various ways of doing this so that someone that can't afford it ( a highschooler, disabled person, limited income) can afford it. Just a thought. Of course keep the other areas such as conservation open to non-members as well to read, but not post.

 

[DHaun]

Thanks for everyone's input on this topic. I want to emphasize that I posted this out of my own concerns and curiosity. No specific event or conversation prompted me to ask this question.

As a CFF member, my fishing has only gotten better reading posts and fishing with other members. My time on the water has Never been negatively affected by anything posted on CFF. I also don't provide exact locations and I crop my pics. I have shown several CFF members where I fish and have no problem with them fishing spots that I fish. The only time I have ever been crowded on the water is by other anglers seeing me catch fish and moving in on me, which I really did not mind and would happen regardless if CFF existed or not. My thought process is there are plenty of fish and I am too happy to be out on the water to let any small thing mess up my day.

On the flip side however, as the CFF Administrator I have been concerned for other anglers at times seeing locations provided on the forum. This must not be that much of an issue since I have never once had a direct complaint that information on CFF had negatively impacted anyone's fishing or had been perceived as creating a crowd on the water. As the site grows I just want to ensure it continues to have a positive impact.

I plan to keep reports open to all for now. CFF was founded on being free and open to all, plus I have the don't fix it if it ain't broken mentality. If I do make a change to report visibility in the future I will probably keep it simple and easy to manage.

I did not expect the voting to be so close, so I will probably post another simplified poll in the future asking whether reports should only be visible to CFF members or open all readers. Anyone adamant about their position to keep reports private or open to all please feel free to post comments here or pm me. As I mentioned above It would take me 30 seconds to make reports visible to CFF members-only if I really needed to. It would take a lot longer to manage a varying "group" of viewers based on contributions to the site...and the more I think about it, the more I don't want that workload to manage.

Finally, If anyone ever feels that any information on CFF has compromised their fishing plans please feel free to let me know. I am always open to suggestions and will gladly edit any questionable post or pictures.

-Thanks!
David

 

[SpurHunter]

I wasnt sure I had anything to add to the thread other than my vote, but after reading the various replies, I think I do. </p>

I was one of those lurkers (for about 2 weeks) when I found the site. I was searching for fishing reports, and came across CFF. I had never had any desire or need to become a member of a forum of any kind. That all changed as I started reading the amazingly detailed reports on what folks like DHaun, EricM, Drumking, Madbomber, Cheez and MANY others here offered for FREE! I started catfishing with that information with some limited success, then I was able to go with EricM and also took a trip with Cheez, and it opened my eyes to new methods and places to fish. I have a huge list of members I would like to fish with still as well. </p>

My point being, is that I would not have joined just to see reports, as I had no idea what I was missing! Being from Florida, I always pick-up a Fla-Sportsmans magazine, and read some reports from around the state. While it is a fine mag., it is VERY general on bait choices, and vague as to locations as well. Even being familiar with those waters and baits and such, the generality of the reporting hardly raises an eye-brow for me now. Not so on CFF, the enormous wealth of information in the reports is mind-boggling, and I suspect that even DHaun was not expecting such reliable, usable detail in so many reports. </p>

If you haven't figured it out by now, I voted to keep it open to all. I am somewhat jaded though for one other reason, and that is right now I am primarily a catfishermen, and as such, if you figure out the exact location I have just posted a pic of...your welcome to fish it! For hard-core bass fisherman, I see your point and can almost agree with trying to hide the "hole" I think Dhaun has the right idea on it by making detailed reports, but effectively leaving out his exact locations. </p>

 

[EricM]

I'm one of the most guilty parties when it comes to revealing actual "areas". I've tried, and I think I've been successful, to keep any info given to me by others from the public domain. The "areas" that I have spoken openly about have been well known to many, but I had not previously considered all of the folks who are not forum members that visit the site and feel free to pass on the information to everyone they know. I see where a quiet spot that someone enjoys can become saturated if one is not careful about specific locations.

We do have the ability - as the forum is currently set up - to control this. Members have the ability to send a private message to other members to ask specifics, and the members can decide exactly who they want to tell and how much they want to reveal to those that PM them. I think that most members are much more willing to openly share methods and techniques, as well as baits and patterns, and even general areas, if they don't feel that they will compromise their favorite spots by being too specific on an open forum. Using this thought process (PMs for specifics) is what I think will help keep the fishing reports coming regularly for all species of fish. I don't personally mind sharing specific info with most who PM and ask, and I think that I get very good responses from those that I PM a question to. This way, a person will give particulars if they don't find me to be a "threat" to their tournament fishing or their quiet hole, and the forum members still benefit - as long as the members are willing to share with each other. And the open fishing reports benefit everyone without doing much to endanger a favorite spot.

I personally would like to keep the forum open. I would not have found, or stayed with, the forum if I couldn't have seen what it had to offer and where I might fit in. Even though it's free, signing up as a member feels kind of like you're "buying in" or making a commitment to something that is strange and you don't understand at first, and being able to occasionally visit made me feel like I could figure things out. Of couse, I now feel that I'd be more than willing to donate time and/or money to the forum since I found out what a treasure it really is, and one of those donations I like to make is the knowledge I have accumulated and can pass on to others!