Every once and a great while I peek over at the 170 Forum to see what is going on. Just noticed that yesterday, their moderator shut down any and all changes to one's own posts after 30 min.

I used to really like that community and try to contribute as much as I could, but when I learned that their moderator had been quietly changing many folks posts to suit his view, I left. I tried to log on this AM, but learned I had been permanently banned. LOL.

Anyway, this got me thinking about BCP, and what a great job Zzz has done in keeping such a vibrant and robust web community going over all these years.

I saw that Zane was spooling up for a major web update of BCP. Im not sure how he finds the time, but it's appreciated. It's also important to remind our community that this site is mostly driven by the contributions of the membership. If you havent donated in a while, (no matter how small,) I would suggest that we all go down to the footer and help "support" BCP.

Thanks to Zane (and the other moderators) who help keep this an honest and free place for the inflicted.

Agreed, thank you Zzz.

'Renna, you're right.

Done did.

-Glen

Use the monthly PayPal thing.

Thanks Z. I agree with financial support. Nothing says I support BCP like $$$$

It takes a lot of work to make a successful site that contains healthy and informative postings, not to mention the articles.

I've been using this site for a few years now and it never occurred to me donate.
Just signed up for the monthly paypal thing.

Thanks for making this a great place to share.

Bigrenna wrote: Every once and a great while I peek over at the 170 Forum to see what is going on. Just noticed that yesterday, their moderator shut down any and all changes to one's own posts after 30 min. I used to really like that community and try to contribute as much as I could, but when I learned that their moderator had been quietly changing many folks posts to suit his view, I left. ....>

My experiences mirror yours.
I'm surprised they haven't had an uprising on that site to depose the king.
Anyway, I agree about what Zane has done with this site--
it's top notch in my book.

Thanks for the reminder!

Gave some support via paypal.


I love this site. Most people here are friendly and know what they are doing, or are at least humble enough to admit when they don't.

Super post Bigrenna!

We probably take it for granted that BCP gives us a well respected voice and community with very little BS. Tack a very small amount onto your operating expenses to support it, it's probably the best value you'll get in aviation! It not only help's in running costs of the site but also in growing it, in turn growing our voice and influence and also attracting more support and knowledge for something we are all very passionate about.

hotrod180 wrote:My experiences mirror yours.
I'm surprised they haven't had an uprising on that site to depose the king.

That's the funny thing about private forums on the Internet. When the membership decides to stage a coup, it usually results in the temple being brought down on the king since it's their ball to pack up and take home. It's a little crazy but moderating forums can be a very emotional attachment for some. When you spend so much personal time curating a thing, it becomes hard to let it run its own course.

I've been on a lot of forums, and even run a few through the years (some with tens of thousands of people). This is definitely one of the better-run sites I've seen. To most casual observers doing this it's just an occasional "faceless name on the Internet" function, but the amount of time it takes from your life is a quite real (and at times surreal) thing. I have substantial amount of respect for what this site is and represents, especially with the level of inner-circle drama and BS that seems to permeate many other aviation forums.

This was a nice morale booster to wake up to, thanks Bigrenna and all for the kind words. For as many with whom I've hit it off with here though, there is probably an equal amount who wouldn't stop to give me a ride in a downpour. Colopilot is right...it does kind of weigh on one emotionally long after stepping away from the computer. "There are people who don't like me for this?"

I do kind of toe the line of trying to respect people who take the time to participate here, but I also have a vision for the place that sometimes overrides that. I am just as often just a weak man, too, as many have been witness to as I give in to the temptation to tangle with different personalities. Not my finest moments. *Thinks of King George

And I do acknowledge that it's probably harder to show your appreciation with your wallet as you see sponsors coming in, so I appreciate it even more as I'm stretched thin by my new family and reduced available time. I can pay people to do some of the hard jobs, without neglecting my babies.

My favorite part though has been meeting many of you in person, whether out flying, or at tradeshows, or stopping through town. I've ended up with some lifelong friends because of this place. I hope the magic of BCP, which is something well beyond my contribution or efforts, continues to grow and benefit all of us.

And for those who've moved on...

hotrod180 wrote:

Bigrenna wrote: Every once and a great while I peek over at the 170 Forum to see what is going on. Just noticed that yesterday, their moderator shut down any and all changes to one's own posts after 30 min. I used to really like that community and try to contribute as much as I could, but when I learned that their moderator had been quietly changing many folks posts to suit his view, I left. ....>

My experiences mirror yours.
I'm surprised they haven't had an uprising on that site to depose the king.
Anyway, I agree about what Zane has done with this site--
it's top notch in my book.

I've lost track of how many times there have been complains about the king and cries for regime change.
The response has always been, "Show up at an annual convention and make your complaint in person. We have rules around here"
Yeah, I'm going to spend my money and vacation time to travel to some location for no other reason than to raise a motion to have a vote when the 12 people at that convention are all drinking buddies of said douchebag.

Sorry, that got a little ranty.

I think a better course of action is to accept that the place will never change and start giving my money to something more worthwhile.
...oh wait, I just did that.

First let me say I like what is here. Now let me say I have been a 170 Assoc member for a long time and have butted heads with the "king" a few times. That said, I am not willing to let him run me off when I know of several other Assoc members who's opinions I value that I want to continue to hear from. As for deposing the "king" the Texas state rep is a good personal friend of mine, we have talked about it and he knows that the "king" is a problem but no one has stepped up to take the job so we get what we have. My friend says he is nicer when you get to know him in person, I haven't had that opportunity and he would have to be a lot nicer for me to be happy. If you are a member and have a problem, talk to your state rep, that's what they do, represent you. You can be part of the solution or you can bitch about it and hope that that makes you feel better.

Just one 170 Assoc member that doesn't what to throw away what the Assoc has to offer over the actions and attitude of one member.

Tim

ps: My personal opinion is that the "king" has the problem of many who have been appointed as check airman in their profession. They just feel they must be right on everything or they wouldn't be an check airman. I have seen it often in my aviation career.

bat443 wrote:he is nicer when you get to know him in person

I think this is true of most people. Unfortunately the saying "you don't get a second chance to make a first impression" applies to our online personas. For most, we'll never have the chance to experience the kinder, gentler, George.

I'd like to reiterate what others have already said. Even if I'm not very good at being an active member here, Backcountrypilot is one of the very few sites worth being a part of in my opinion. I don't know how Zane does it, but he manages to walk the fine line between allowing total anarchy drivel-trolls to take over, and stifling all creativity and discussion with nazi-like overcontrol of the forums. Our world leaders could learn a thing or two from his vision and implementation. So raise your glasses to a well-run site for our common interests, and spare a buck if ya can.

That's why I just sent another check in the mail!!!!!!

I poured us more Bourbon and water
And toasted the clash
And we stared to laugh
Oh yeah
Thanks Zane

Blown56 wrote:I poured us more Bourbon and water
And toasted the clash
And we stared to laugh
Oh yeah

I think you missed part of the lyrics

Thanks Jess.

delete

You do good work Zzzz, always a pleasure to visit this site. I guess its true want they say "fools seldom differ" or is it "great minds think alike"

Mapleflt