[Concerned Hiker]

Howdy gang, This forum has changed in the past week or two. Instead of being focussed on hiking, it's now focused on everything else. That's cool for some ... except 99% of the discussion is between about 10-15 people, and it's a big turnoff to potential new readers. In fact I got a comment from a hiking buddy that this board has gotten out of hand. How about setting up a new forum, with a link from this NWhikers forum prominently displayed? With it separate, the newbies won't be turned off by the saloon talk, and the regular contributors with lots of time, who enjoy the repartee with fellow hikers, can argue to their hearts' content.

[MCaver]

There's definitely been a lack of hiking topics lately, but that will change. I think a lot of people (myself included) don't get out much in the summer because it's too hot and buggy and crowded. There's usually lots of good hiking chatter here in the fall. The point is taken about the non-hiking topics, though. I'll let Tom decided what/if he wants to do about it, but I'll make sure the non-hiking topics stay in the Saloon so they're at least easier to avoid for those not interested.

[Dante]

Welcome to the board Just stay out of the saloon, there's a brawl going on Tom, this does not bug me (I'm having fun) and I don't know how you feel, but another forum I frequent is set up so the "saloon" equivalent does not show up in "todays active topics". Assuming you wanted to do something like that, will this forum's software permit it?

[Allison]

Steve, you have so much to offer us. If the talk of things other than hiking concern you so much (and over the years you have constantly complained of it) then why not start a thread from time to time? On this board, we have largely kept non-hiking discussions in the Saloon.

[Dante]

Oops--didn't check the iP

[catwoman]

[Tom]

If you don't want to read a topic, don't click on it. It's even easier than skipping over those guest posts.

[Sore Feet]

Anyone who thinks this board is out of control hasn't spent any time at CC.

[Dante]

[Dante]

[Slugman]

I don't think its as bad it might seem. You can't get opposite sides on subjects like religion or politics without some heated debates. I know I have fun, and hold no grudges. I dish it out, and I can take it, too. The only way to "civil up" the board completely would be to ban some controversial subjects. What would be the benefit of that? My personal belief is that anything short of cuss words or threats is OK. However, I defer to the Admin and senior members on policy.

[jenjen]

Actually I think one of the charms of this board is that it has the saloon stuff along with the hiking news. The mix is what initially drew me to this board, and what keeps me logging in. I just don't read the stuff that doesn't interest me.

[Concerned Hiker]

[MCaver]

[Jill]