Laying it out.
 

As it appears, I am not the only one disappointed in the way this place is heading. It's becoming a knock off of FCC and not COTEP anymore. There was a sense of pride when I joined this place years back. I used to see the. post from the members on the big forum and I used to read them and see how the group presented themselves as a whole. I used to think to myself, "wow I like that and I would love to be a part of it." Out of nowhere I get a private message one day and it asked if I would like to become a member of the Elite group, a member of the group of the same people I looked up to. If memory serves me correctly I asked why I was chosen to be one of the next memebers and it was because of how I presented myself amongst the big forum in different aspects. Like I stated there once was a sense of pride there. I noticed more and more of all the original members are gone and no longer posting, this has been going on for a while. I understand that people's lives change, people move on but it seems to me that is more than it should be. Other people may have also noticed that the used to be regular members are not around like they used to be. I don't go to the chatbox anymore, I don't post as much as I used to either. Now anymore you join and automatically become a member of COTEP because of who you know. Now I am not saying that these folks don't have anything good to offer but if you get something just handed to you then that sense of respect is thrown out the window. Now this isn't directed at anyone in particular but it's how I feel and how several others feel as well. We need that pride back that there used to be here. I want to feel like I used to feel when I first joined. I want everyone to feel that pride of being part of something that others want to be part of. It's not about owning a DW it's about self respect and kindness among others. This also used to be a place where you can look through the posts and threads and they were family friendly. I noticed from some remarks that have been made on here more and more frequently that it is no longer that way. It's hard to see something that you once cared about so much more gradually going to the crappers.

Doug

very very well said Doug!!!

I completely agree.

Then post. That was part of the problem...it was stagnating, folks rode off into the sunset. Invite folks you think will fit and contribute. I invite only people I think will get along, and since I no longer go to the big forum, I take 'em where I find 'em. For months it was just me and the Colonel in the chatbox

That's very well said doug, our forum is at a crossroad, I hope it goes the right way. Things have changed so much. Many of us have been friends for quite a few years, I have a deep respect for that.

Not speaking of myself BUT some very fine people I know have been invited and joined here lately. I honestly believe growth of the right sort, good people who respect one another and our Country and service to her and her Traditions, will have you feeling better about your forums before very long. Knowing how calm and knowledgable the core membership seems here, I was honored by being invited. Thank y'all.

I only people I have watched...sometimes for years. I think they will ne fine

Wow. Sorry we spoiled your little coffee klactch. When I was invited here one year ago there were only a handful of members posting anything. As far as I can tell only two of the members who were posting are no longer here: Roverron and Boats. Is that the fault of the new people? I doubt it. But who knows? So here are some questions. What are you doing to liven up this forum? What are you doing to bring in new members? What advice or intel do you offer to make this place a better place to be?

Sorry if this ticks off any of the old timers here but if you're gonna call a spade a spade you better be prepared to answer for it.

Guess I'll find someplace else to hang out that wants new blood .

Oh yeah, one more thing. Family, friendship, caring and thoughtfulness does not disappear just because some people like to joke around and kid each other.

And some of us have come here seeking to make new friends to find out tonight that there are those here who do not want new friends. I got told I wasn't liked by a member who never met me, never chatted with me, never PM'd me, but I have been saving for a set of his blue grips.
Forums stagnate without new members. When I came here I walked on eggs cause I came from an argumentative environment and did not want to bring it here. I read alot and saw this as a cool forum, more of a family, so I joined in more and more. I contributed time, money, made vids I hoped amused members and maybe they picked up a tip. I feel, at least in the time I have been here, I have contributed more positive vibes than those who might not like my presence. I'm OK with that as my goal daily is to give more than I take. Gonna take my family to our SC property tomorrow, will skip the vids I had planned to make and just enjoy my kids. Y'all figger it out whenever you're ready. I'm out.

I can't speak for the others Howard but you're one of the few members i'm glad pig brought over.