Groups

[roscozman]

How does one join a group?

[txav8r]

Click on Groups button at the top of the page then click the "Join" button it the group you want to join. Its on the left side of the group box.

[Mr Cob]

If it's public there should be a [Join] button. If it's private then you have to be invited.

FYI: The "Marine Artists (http://www.maast.org/group.php?groupid=6)" group is PUBLIC. If anyone has problems joining then send me a PM and I will invite you.

[Europhyllia]

The Reef Book Club is PUBLIC too! :D

[txav8r]

FIRST!!! YES!! I win! I win!!

[Mr Cob]

Oh my gosh.....Jack just made history! You beat me dude. Congrats. This must be a proud moment for you.

[Mr Cob]

And you did it again!!!!!!!!!!!!

[txav8r]

Two for me!! In one Day!!

[Mr Cob]

Jack - 3
Rob- 197

[Mr Cob]

Oh...and you just hit 3000 posts! Man, you are on fire dude!!!

[txav8r]

Sweet! I'm Closing the gaps!

Sorry to run of course in your thread, Ross. Hope we answered your questions.

[Pennies2Cents]

Zoa & Paly Paradise & The Click are both Public as well. :) Feel free to join...

[hobogato]

yeah, i am not sure why anyone would want to make a group private - especially if they want to help the members of maast with their discussions. seems to me that a private group just limits input to specific people rather than knowledge from anyone that has some to share :wink_smile:

i guess no matter what they say, some people here still don't want what is best for all of the members. :sarcastic: :not_talking:

[hobogato]

i could see if the group is geographic location specific, like the CC group. otherwise, it just doesnt make sense to me to limit participants. i guess it is the group founder's choice tho.

[BIGBIRD123]

i guess it is the group founder's choice tho.

I couldn't agree more

[captexas]

yeah, i am not sure why anyone would want to make a group private - especially if they want to help the members of maast with their discussions. seems to me that a private group just limits input to specific people rather than knowledge from anyone that has some to share :wink_smile:

i guess no matter what they say, some people here still don't want what is best for all of the members. :sarcastic: :not_talking:

I'm not sure why the club itself would have/allow groups setup on the site that are private to begin with. Other than a group specifically set up by the BOD for benefit of charter members or a group that is for a sub-committee discussing certain issues, I don't see any justification in allowing someone else to setup a private by invite only group here on Maast's public website that is supposed to be about education for all. What purpose does that feature serve?

[hobogato]

unfortunately, it is not a feature that can be changed. if we allow groups, the option to set up a private group can not be removed (as per conversation with the admin).

[Europhyllia]

I don't think it's a big deal. the chat rooms can be set to private too. not a biggie IMO

I am sure if somebody has something educational to say they will. Sometimes people just might want to share something more personal to a smaller audience.

[roscozman]

I couldn't agree more

Bird - Were you not the previous president of this club? Didn't you preach to everyone what you did was for the the membership? Now you create a group on here that is private? By your invitation only? Talk about hypocrisy!

So you are saying that if I want to learn about SPS or any other web or charter member on here wants to learn something they have to ask your permission? I guess if you can not have control of this entire club then you get to have control over "your" little group.

I didn't know since I am a paying charter member that I would be limited on my discussions and access to this website.

[BIGBIRD123]

Bird - Were you not the previous president of this club? Didn't you preach to everyone what you did was for the the membership? Now you create a group on here that is private? By your invitation only? Talk about hypocrisy!

So you are saying that if I want to learn about SPS or any other web or charter member on here wants to learn something they have to ask your permission? I guess if you can not have control of this entire club then you get to have control over "your" little group.

I didn't know since I am a paying charter member that I would be limited on my discussions and access to this website.

I'm not going to respond with anything to do with your blatant attempt to incite an argument. Your wife ( I'm sure you do too) and the rest of the BOD know the story. Maybe the rest of the membership needs to know it...

I will continue to help members that desire my input, knowledge and experience while continually thwarting off the relentless and blatant attacks against my integrity and character by the "Uninformed". This kind of got me thinking about "a simple request"...:)

[Europhyllia]

I have no idea what happened before.
I am sure some bad things did happen. Perhaps some people are more 'guilty' of doing bad things than others. I am not sure who's in what camp and I don't care to take sides. I am here to talk about fish and corals.
As a new member that joined after whatever happened though it's a really big turn off to watch the frequent bickering.
That in fact is more of a distraction to me from the educational/info sharing aspect than having a small group that requires approval to join, etc.

Do you all think it would be possible to move on to positive/aquarium related stuff rather than concentrate so much on old grievances? I think that would be a nice new direction since everybody is talking so much about a new direction.

[roscozman]

I'm not going to respond with anything to do with your blatant attempt to incite an argument. Your wife ( I'm sure you do too) and the rest of the BOD know the story. Maybe the rest of the membership needs to know it...

I will continue to help members that desire my input, knowledge and experience while continually thwarting off the relentless and blatant attacks against my integrity and character by the "Uninformed". This kind of got me thinking about "a simple request"...:)

I am not blatantly inciting an argument. This all goes back to my original post - "How does one join a group?"

I asked you a few questions:
Were you not the previous president of this club?
Didn't you preach to everyone what you did was for the the membership?
Now you create a group on here that is private?
By your invitation only?

Let me ask one more serious question - Why on earth would you create a "private" group?

I do agree with you one one point: "I will continue to help members that desire my input, knowledge and experience..." There are member here that would like to hear your opinion. They would like to participate in discussions with you about previous tanks, livestock, crashes, set-ups, etc. But... they can not do that because they have not received an "invitation". There may be some charter member who only reads and rarely posts that can not have access to your group. They can not even see the pictures.

There really is no need for a "private" group.

MODS - Please do not close this thread. This does go back to the OP and is intended to create discussion. No attacks in this post.

[hobogato]

Do you all think it would be possible to move on to positive/aquarium related stuff rather than concentrate so much on old grievances? I think that would be a nice new direction since everybody is talking so much about a new direction.

+1 :applause:

[Mr Cob]

I agree with Ross. I'm afraid that private groups have no true purpose for the membership as a whole.

[Bill S]

I'm not going to respond with anything to do with your blatant attempt to incite an argument. Your wife ( I'm sure you do too) and the rest of the BOD know the story. Maybe the rest of the membership needs to know it...

I will continue to help members that desire my input, knowledge and experience while continually thwarting off the relentless and blatant attacks against my integrity and character by the "Uninformed". This kind of got me thinking about "a simple request"...:)

Why does a simple discussion about whether groups should be private or public, devolve into this? Just because someone disagrees with you, they are therefore attacking you, your integrity and your character?

Seriously. Give it a rest. And maybe actually answer the question as to why you would want make something with wide-ranging appeal like an SPS Group private.

[robalv]

Choice...the man simply chose to make it what it is.

[Big_Pun]

Choice...the man simply chose to make it what it is.
I have to agree. also who's is it really hurting and why beat around the bush, and not name names we all know who everyone is "buzzing" about if you don't like someone just ignore them and go on, in the past I'm guilty for singling out and bashing people I disagree. I'm trying to move away from that and just enjoy the hobby, and keep personal opions to myself. so let's just move on and help eachother out with our hobby

[justahobby]

This isn't about compulsion guys. Segregating our community by privatizing a group just because you had the ability to do it, doesn't make it right. I can't think of a single reason anyone would want to sign up for a public forum and then privatize a section of educational information.

[Pennies2Cents]

+1 Very well said Justin!



This isn't about compulsion guys. Segregating our community by privatizing a group just because you had the ability to do it, doesn't make it right. I can't think of a single reason anyone would want to sign up for a public forum and then privatize a section of educational information.

[Big_Pun]

This isn't about compulsion guys. Segregating our community by privatizing a group just because you had the ability to do it, doesn't make it right. I can't think of a single reason anyone would want to sign up for a public forum and then privatize a section of educational information.

i can,well what if your not well liked by some people, and get constant criticism,granted it is that persons fault, i was apart of it and i just confronted them in person said my peace and that was that, but honestly who hasnt messed up. again why worry about a lil group, look at the bigger picture.

[Europhyllia]

I can't think of a single reason anyone would want to sign up for a public forum and then privatize a section of educational information
The one reason I could think of might be to avoid having posts derailed by people that are holding a grudge against someone? Maybe the people that build private groups are doing it to exclude those that might take an opportunity to start an argument and detract from the actual purpose of a thread/discussion. Just a guess..

[Big_Pun]

"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."

[justahobby]

With that attitude we might as well lock the entire site down to invitation only. We have the ability to report posts if we feel it's being misguided.

[rockmp]

The one reason I could think of might be to avoid having posts derailed by people that are holding a grudge against someone? Maybe the people that build private groups are doing it to exclude those that might take an opportunity to start an argument and detract from the actual purpose of a thread/discussion. Just a guess..

I totally agree Karin.

[Mr Cob]

The one reason I could think of might be to avoid having posts derailed by people that are holding a grudge against someone? Maybe the people that build private groups are doing it to exclude those that might take an opportunity to start an argument and detract from the actual purpose of a thread/discussion. Just a guess..

Well, if that scenario were true, and it may be, the solution mentioned does not correct the problem and in turn creates more problems. Once again not in the best interest of the club as a whole.

We all have to step back and look at the bigger picture and look further down the road. What happens in five years? We have a site with 20 SPS groups? No one will be posting in the public areas of the site and eventually everyone will be posting in their own group clicks resulting in less activity on the site and then membership will eventually decline.

[JTrott]

I agree 100% Karin.......


With that attitude we might as well lock the entire site down to invitation only. We have the ability to report posts if we feel it's being misguided.

We know what we have available, but if posts are reported it is up to certain people to interpret the meaning of the reported posts. In some cases, I don't think that some people would get a "fair hearing".....therefore, maybe that is why some people start up private groups. To avoid that constant criticism of their posts, signature, lifestyle...etc.......

Just my $0.02

Jason

[Big_Pun]

Well, if that scenario were true, and it may be, but the solution does not correct the problem and in turn creates more problems. Once again not in the best interest of the club as a whole.

We all have to step back and look at the bigger picture and look further down the road. What happens in five years? We have a site with 20 SPS groups? No one will be posting in the public areas of the site and eventually everyone will be posting in their own group clicks resulting in less activity on the site and then membership will eventually decline.
clicks happen either way private groups or not, those groups and thiermembers are a small percent of who really appreciate this forum, and honestly some of the people in those groups havent posted in a while till that group was started, why maybe they are just intrested in that specific group and that appeals to them and not the everyday stuff we post on here

[Mr Cob]

clicks happen either way private groups or not, those groups members are a small percent of who really appreciate this forum, and honestly some of the people in those groups havent posted in a while till that group was started, why maybe they are just intrested in that specific group and that appeals to them and not the everyday stuff we post on here

I like the idea of groups, but I do not like the idea of private groups which will cause multiple groups being created about the same subject. It's redundant, it's serves no purpose to the site as a whole. This isn't about individual rights. It's about what's best for the club.

[Big_Pun]

so if you dont like the actions of someone just ban them and drop it, instead of arguing all the time on what they do

my beef is all the wasted posts on this all the time, does it really need to be addressed, i dont think so

[Pennies2Cents]

I think we all need to go back and look at the whole purpose of MAAST and what we are here for. Let's not move away from that purpose and continue in the positive direction that the present time serves.


Our Purpose:

1. Encourage the growth of the marine aquarium hobby in South Texas

2. Educate and inform members and the public about care, keeping and propagation of marine invertebrates and fish

3. Prevent abuse to marine animals in general, and to conserve the marine environment by promoting intelligent, planned reef management systems

4. Promote higher standards of health and care provided by local commercial outlets

5. Organize workshops, seminars and discussions related to all aspects of the hobby

6. Raise and generate funds and create financial resources to meet these goals; and

7. Coordinate with and support similar societies devoted to like-minded interests.



http://www.maast.org/images/cms/widget-blog.png

[Mr Cob]

so if you dont like the actions of someone just ban them and drop it, instead of arguing all the time on what they do

my beef is all the wasted posts on this all the time, does it really need to be addressed, i dont think so

Is this in reply to my responses...? I'm talking about the club and you are talking about individuals. Perhaps you are commenting on someone elses post?

[Big_Pun]

all i care about is helping others be sucessful in this hobby, i like helping and talking to new people here so they dont get discouraged, ask any of the people who have purchased things from me or ive volunteered my time to help or give my opionion. thats what really matters here not this he wont be my friend stuff

[Pennies2Cents]

I think we all need to go back and look at the whole purpose of MAAST and what we are here for. Let's not move away from that purpose and continue in the positive direction that the present time serves. I would also like to see that Corals be added to #2 of the current list.


Our Purpose:

1. Encourage the growth of the marine aquarium hobby in South Texas

2. Educate and inform members and the public about care, keeping and propagation of marine invertebrates and fish

3. Prevent abuse to marine animals in general, and to conserve the marine environment by promoting intelligent, planned reef management systems

4. Promote higher standards of health and care provided by local commercial outlets

5. Organize workshops, seminars and discussions related to all aspects of the hobby

6. Raise and generate funds and create financial resources to meet these goals; and

7. Coordinate with and support similar societies devoted to like-minded interests.



http://www.maast.org/images/cms/widget-blog.png

[Big_Pun]

Is this in reply to my responses...? I'm talking about the club and you are talking about individuals. Perhaps you are commenting on someone elses post?

your telling me that this thread is in response to a big problem thats happening and not the actions of one individual.

[Mr Cob]

all i care about is helping others be sucessful in this hobby, i like helping and talking to new people here so they dont get discouraged, ask any of the people who have purchased things from me or ive volunteered my time to help or give my opionion. thats what really matters here not this he wont be my friend stuff

Then why are you commenting on this thread then? We are addressing the issue of "private" groups. We are answering questions. What are you doing?

[Big_Pun]

because you stated that private groups will ruin this forum and i think private groups have nothing to do with the real reason for this forum, and i was just stated what i believe really matters

[Mr Cob]

your telling me that this thread is in response to a big problem thats happening and not the actions of one individual.

I, ME, personally, ROB is commenting on my opinion of the impact "private" groups will have on this club. I'm addressing the issue of "private" groups as a whole. I am not focusing on one individual. I'm also offering answers to questions related to the OP.

[justahobby]

Ok, lets analyze this...If someone reports your post or signature or you are found to be in violaton of TOU/ Bylaws, it will not matter where you are posting. What matters is the damage it will cause if all of our education is broken down into little cliques. No matter how you spin it there is no justification for it.

[hobogato]

it is ridiculous that this is a fish/coral site and this type of thread gets more attention than emergency discussions and the like. this will be my last post in this thread as it only fractionates maast the longer it goes on.

this is my personal opinion.

i do not agree with making a group private. however, i dont think it is a privelege that should be removed unless it is abused. as long as the group stays on track and does not become a detriment to the site as a whole. so now, as a result, we have a private and a public group about the same topic. so what? if you get invited to the private one and want to join, go for it. if not, there is a public option. i just dont see this as an issue that warrants this much attention.

[Big_Pun]

ok so lets have our members vote on this, should we cut the groups out or should we keep them, since there is no option to make them all public

[Europhyllia]

Well maybe we don't need groups at all then?
Yes there will be gazoodles of groups. If it's something of interest then maybe just opening specific sub forums (like the pet section in lounge) would be more helpful than having groups since it takes more effort to find new posts in groups anyway?
We're just trying out new features. Perhaps in the long run some features will prove to be very useful and popular and others will eventually be disregarded as not that useful.

[Neptune@gabesfish]

Sorry to go off topic but to help everyone maybe needs to step back take a deep breath and drive to the local fish store of your choice and spend ohh I dont know maybe $100 .. That always makes me happy anyway..LOL

[Big_Pun]

Well maybe we don't need groups at all then?
Yes there will be gazoodles of groups. If it's something of interest then maybe just opening specific sub forums (like the pet section in lounge) would be more helpful than having groups since it takes more effort to find new posts in groups anyway?
We're just trying out new features. Perhaps in the long run some features will prove to be very useful and popular and others will eventually be disregarded as not that useful.
yea like other forums have the sps, inverts, zoa, and so on and so on sections, why not that to elimate this problem

gabe i allready did that the other day lol

[hobogato]

ok, i lied about posting again...

great idea karin :)

[Mr Cob]

I also like that idea Karin.

[Neptune@gabesfish]

still like mine better Ace..

[Pennies2Cents]

Great thoughts Karin.. :) It works well with the MAAST purpose I posted earlier that simply got over looked. :)

[Bill S]

I like Karin's idea too...

And Gabe... yours too. Tank is getting there - maybe another week or so I can can add some fish and plants.

[txav8r]

Karin the problem solver! All hail Karin!!

[Pennies2Cents]

:awe:

[roscozman]

Holy Smokes... I go to lunch and I have to take another 15 minutes catching up.

Let me add something to a previous posts:
stangchris - you and I are friends. You have help us out probably more than we can pay you back. But let me ask you this question - How did you become a member of SPS Keepers Group? By invitation! How is new charter member JohnDoe (fictional character) who just found out about MAAST today going to join that group? He does not know anyone, probably does not even know how to navigate the site and he is expected to ask someone/anyone permission to be part of a group? Will the response he gets be an application, "Please fill out this questionnaire and let me see if I like you and if I have a beef with you and then MAYBE, we can fit you in!!"

Really? No one should have to be "judged" by another member of this site. If people go in there and cause havoc, then that is why there are Moderators to the site.

This has nothing to do with any individual. Members come and go on here. Geeze, I just signed up a couple of years ago.

[captexas]

A question I have on these "private"/invite only groups, are they moderated or are moderators locked out? I think if they are part of this clubs website, they should be moderated and should follow the same code of conduct as the rest of the site. I kind of agree as to not really needing separate groups as there are already a bunch of other forums. Maybe instead of creating discussions in separate groups, just create that discussion in the related forums. I don't see the need to separate out participation and if it's done in the main forums, maybe that will help spur more discussion.

Now to something slightly off topic, but has been brought up once again in this thread.

Steve (and the rest of the current BOD and people involved) - Even though I didn't always agree with things while you were President, I respected you (and the other BOD) and what you believed in. Since you left office, there has been a negative attitude in many of your posts, often filled with threats of telling some big story about what went down. You seem to be on a mission to stir the pot over any issue with the current BOD. Personally, I'm SICK AND TIRED of it. And that's pretty bad considering how much I enjoy a good arguement on Maast! :bigsmile: Either speak up or shut up about it. You have something to say, then say it and be done with it. People have had their toes stepped on since Maast first started, you aren't the first and won't be the last. It's in the past, so get over it and move on. If you can't let it go, then find something else to do or another place to vent your frustrations. All it's doing so far is making you look bad and causing people like me to lose respect for you and whatever grievances you may have, whether they are true or not. Just my two cents.

Everyone enjoy their day and hope the Spurs win tonight!

[Big_Pun]

Holy Smokes... I go to lunch and I have to take another 15 minutes catching up.

Let me add something to a previous posts:
stangchris - you and I are friends. You have help us out probably more than we can pay you back. But let me ask you this question - How did you become a member of SPS Keepers Group? By invitation! How is new charter member JohnDoe (fictional character) who just found out about MAAST today going to join that group? He does not know anyone, probably does not even know how to navigate the site and he is expected to ask someone/anyone permission to be part of a group? Will the response he gets be an application, "Please fill out this questionnaire and let me see if I like you and if I have a beef with you and then MAYBE, we can fit you in!!"

Really? No one should have to be "judged" by another member of this site. If people go in there and cause havoc, then that is why there are Moderators to the site.

This has nothing to do with any individual. Members come and go on here. Geeze, I just signed up a couple of years ago.
i was invited, yes all your points are spot on, it is unfair and yes its prob set up that way to keep unwanted people from joining, personal reasons and not are you really an sps keeper. but what can really be done but to not have any groups that would be the only thing since the option to be private cannot be removed

[roscozman]

i was invited, yes all your points are spot on, it is unfair and yes its prob set up that way to keep unwanted people from joining, personal reasons and not are you really an sps keeper. but what can really be done but to not have any groups that would be the only thing since the option to be private cannot be removed

Thanks for the reply. Am I an SPS keeper? - Yes and no. We do have some orange & purple cap, purple and orange digi and a couple of frags I can not name. But... I want SPS to thrive in my tank. I have always thought of SPS as a "Expert" coral and you need to be on your game to keep them alive. I want to learn as much as I can and then move forward. I don't want to buy a $100 piece and it die on me because I did not know what I was doing. Someone on here has some great pieces for sale but I am not comfortable buying because I don't think I know enough to keep them alive. I do plan on reading as much I can and move forward slowly.

[BIGBIRD123]

Everyone keeps saying it isn't about individuals but it is...I am the individual that has been drug thru the ringer over nothing. Allegations by current BOD and members just participating in the "rumor mill". I asked for a meeting of the accusers last year to put the allegations and proof on the table but they declined because they had no "first hand knowledge". Now 6-8 months later, they still continue to spread as much as they can and bring into the mess members that don't know anything about me except what they have been told by the same gossipers. Ross, you made a comment that members shouldn't be judged by another member...Amen. I started a post about SPS Keepers and the members pushed for it to be a get together. I was asked by the President to make sure and plan it around Maast events, I did that. Then the BOD decided to vote and have me do the June meeting, no request but a vote to allow me because they had no meeting planned or what they would be doing for one. They had no June Meeting scheduled. Me, the same person they find so detrimental to MAAST. Those same people that have been continuing the rumors and allegations wanted my help, excuse me while I get the knife from my back. I wanted the members that attended to be comfortable and there for the right reason. A BOD member sent me a PM that I was not allowed at their house because of their dislike for me, so why would they feel that I would want them at mine? I have the right to determine who comes to my comfort zone. When the get together gained strength among the membership, I was sent a PM to remove ALL references to the get together as they "deemed" it detrimental to MAAST. The same meeting they wanted me to put on for June now became a detriment...because the members wanted it to be un-official. I refused to remove it because it was not detrimental to MAAST because you guys wanted it, so they removed it and gave me an infraction. Me having the right to invite certain people to my house is no different than another BOD member reserving the right to sell to whomever he chooses, " And, as usual, I get to choose the home - so it's NOT a first come, first served deal.". I’ve seen that signature a lot.

Yes, there are a lot of groups. It’s ironic how many have been created after mine. Cheri has had one in effect over a year and nothing has been stated and it was invite only. She wanted it to remain small to allow more interaction between it’s members.

[JTrott]

What I don't understand is why this is being made into a big deal now? This option was available on the "old" format, and as Steve just posted, Cheri had a group set up on the old format, that was invite only, and it was not an issue. I think that this is being made into a personal issue, and the people who have problems with it are not stepping up and saying it is a personal issue. I would be willing to bet that if a BOD member set up a group, and made it invite only, it would not be a big deal. I think some people need to let the past be the past, grow up and move on. From what I remember, everyone got what they wanted, now it is done, we have a new President, new Vice President, it's time to move on for the betterment of the club, and stop worrying about what Steve is doing.........

Again, just my $0.02

Jason

[Kristy]

I try not to engage in discussions that I don't feel are productive to our common goals, but I am going to comment on the above post from Steve.

Steve - I am sorry that you have interpreted things the way you did in that post (as stated above). As the event coordinator, I had been developing a June meeting for weeks before any of this discussion came up, but was encountering a few obstacles in making it happen, so had not put it on the calendar yet. Then I read a thread in which there was this huge interest in an SPS meeting and thought, "wow if so many people are excited to hear more about the care and keeping of SPS, maybe we should make an SPS meeting."

It seemed logical that the two would merge: members with lots of SPS interest, you offering to host a discussion and SPS get-together, you were looking at a June time frame and I had still not posted the meeting I was working on for June. I honestly thought that it might be a possible turning point in your relationship with current leadership, a way of moving past all that previous junk. I could have turned to another knowledgeable member with successful experience in SPS care, but that would certainly seem insulting to you and what you were offering. Perhaps it was not how you would have handled it, but we all have our way of approaching an issue.

I apologize in advance for going so far off topic from the original post of this thread.

[BIGBIRD123]

The one reason I could think of might be to avoid having posts derailed by people that are holding a grudge against someone? Maybe the people that build private groups are doing it to exclude those that might take an opportunity to start an argument and detract from the actual purpose of a thread/discussion. Just a guess..

Exactly...

[FireWater]

Well maybe we don't need groups at all then?
Yes there will be gazoodles of groups. If it's something of interest then maybe just opening specific sub forums (like the pet section in lounge) would be more helpful than having groups since it takes more effort to find new posts in groups anyway?
We're just trying out new features. Perhaps in the long run some features will prove to be very useful and popular and others will eventually be disregarded as not that useful.

This is a great idea Karin. If there is so much of a want for topics and help on particular subjects why not share with all. In my opinion, no matter who starts a private group, the club as a whole suffers from lack of knowledge and experience. The same questions and topics might help others outside of a private group. All private groups will do in the long run is lead to more private groups - MAAST will be left with nothing but private groups with their information while others who truely need the help suffer. To me separating the groups privatley is like having a pebble in your shoe - I am a big guy but, it only takes one tiny pebble to stop me in my tracks and cause pain.
Anyone on this site can report a post that they feel is out of line and it is dealt with according to current by-laws and terms of use that are set in place. I am sorry if anyone feels that is not the case.

[BIGBIRD123]

This is a great idea Karin. If there is so much of a want for topics and help on particular subjects why not share with all. In my opinion, no matter who starts a private group, the club as a whole suffers from lack of knowledge and experience. The same questions and topics might help others outside of a private group. All private groups will do in the long run is lead to more private groups - MAAST will be left with nothing but private groups with their information while others who truely need the help suffer. To me separating the groups privatley is like having a pebble in your shoe - I am a big guy but, it only takes one tiny pebble to stop me in my tracks and cause pain.
Anyone on this site can report a post that they feel is out of line and it is dealt with according to current by-laws and terms of use that are set in place. I am sorry if anyone feels that is not the case.

John, I reported several posts that if it would have been against anyone other than me, the offender would have been dealt with harshly. They were inciting, harassing and uncalled for, some by BOD members. I have not and it seems will not be dealt a "fair hand" in the moderating...as long as you say something about BB, it's alright. I have always valued your friendship, your incite and still do but the current BOD and most Moderators are bias against me. It is evident in their decisions and moderating of inflammatory post against me. I don't need someone to hold my hand, but I do deserve a level playing field.

[roscozman]

Bird - go create your own thread where you can create your half-truths, complain and continue your "poor me" posts. No matter how others try to keep this thread on track, you continue to keep on this "poor me" attack. As the OP, I ask that this thread be closed.

[aquasport24]

Well, how is everybody tank doing?........I know most of you are alot nicer in person. It's not even hit the triple digits outside yet, and i already feeling the heat.

[txav8r]

The OP feels that this thread has run its course an requested it be closed.