These types of squabbles occur on a daily basis 
I treat people nice and 99.9% time receive the same back.
I'm optimistic that maff will be that way more than not.
FISH ON!
Well said John!
I'm also going to add (and this may or may not hurt feelings) that there are no LEADERS here. There may be people who organize tournaments and lead in that sense, because they kinda muscled their way in (and that's exactly what happened, making people tired of it all and stepping aside) but this site is for ALL fishermen and ladies of ALL shapes, sizes, skill sets and styles. THAT is what it is (or was) all about and not the "I'm in charge" and "These are the new rules because I (or a few of us) say so" and so on and so on.
It never used to be like that, but over a short period of time, turned into that. That makes it not such a happy place to visit and post trips like it used to be in the very beginning.
For the most part, this is a great group of guys with some outstanding knowledge, but the power trips and self-ego boosting and small group stroking has got to stop. It's driven a lot of the "Old School" people away and pushing the remaining ones over the edge soon to follow. If this the face of MAFF now, then you can have all the rules and regulations you want and live happily ever after on your hijacked board. Congratulations, you've turned it into the club that you always wanted.
Guess I just made the new MAFF naughty list. Was nice knowing you all!
Wow, I feel a little insulted,
1st let me say that NOFX99 was the first to refer to someone in a post as the leader, he was also the one who got everyone as worked up as they did, after which he probablly sat back and got smashed while he laughed at all of us arguing amongst ourselves. In defense of that person he referred to as The Leader I stepped up and dubbed myself "the leader" for sake of the conversation and to bear to brunt of the bullshit coming out of his mouth. By no means does anyone lead.
2nd there have been no "these are the rules because I said so" so on and so on.
Im going to keep this all on me because that who I feel its being aimed at, no one "muscled" their way in, this was a sit down discussion with Johnny and the decision to pass the reigns on was made collectively, we just so happened to step up and grab a whole of them when they were offered.
please remind me not to do anyone any more favors if this is the way Im going to be viewed.
P.S. next years season is completed, every body of water every permit right down to extra parking for places that are too small to fit us all, plus the addition of two open events to generate funds to make the end of the years TOC's payout in excess of 1,300$ for both the big boat and cartopper events.
The only thing that is going to be different next year is the seperate end of the year events for the 2 divisions, no changes no new rules, no BIG I's or little u's.
So in closing I want to say I am NOT angry with your post Roger, I consider you a great guy as well as a great angler and friend but I am a little hurt by this. Hopefully my response will not be viewed as harsh if so it was not my intention.
And once again if you all look back you will NOT SEE one comment by me in reference to the fish or its size, so please exclude me from further discussion involving that particular post
Neil, rest assured that your efforts are appreciated. Just look at the full tournament rosters. Don't let it get to you. People often say things in ways that they don't really mean. As you have pointed out many times, you put yourself in the line of fire and people start taking shots at you. It's nothing personal, you were just the most convenient target.
LET ME START BY SAYING IM NEW TO THE SITE MYSELF AND HAVE ONLY BEEN TO ONE EVENT(COOK OUT) WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER DIDN'T FISH IT BUT SEEN THE WAY EVERYONE INTERACTED LIKE A FAMILY SO ENOUGH IS ENOUGH YOU ALL TREATED MY WIFE,DAUGHTER,AND MYSELF AS IF WE WERE ONE OF YOU DON'T LET WHAT YOU ALL LOVE BE DESTROYED BY A LITTLE MISUNDERSTANDING I LIKE THE SITE AND THE PEOPLE LETS LET IT ALL BE AND FOCUS ON FISHING AND KEEPING THE SPORT ALIVE
Your daughter is such a cute little girl btw. The cookout this year is just an example of how awesome this website really is everyone coming together for what we all love. Sh** happens people argue sometimes i havent seen any arguements in a while before this. Everyone fights you show me a family that doesnt fight and argue every once in a while. And honestly I like to look at this site and everyone i have met through this site as part of a fishing family that we have all help build. From the people who have just joined or the original people.
I'm with you Jay. I don't have thick skin and don't wanna grow any. I love MAFF. I compare it to growing up with my brothers. Most of the time we get along great but every now and then we throw down. That's life.
I think were brothers from different mothers dude!
I grow a beard after thanksgiving every year
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Mine dont come in that fast though! i hate you
