dumbbasses

> Here's my two-cents. Self explanatory. I do not have any respect for B.A.S.S. Go to ebay and cut/paste this into the search box: Item number: 220181914962 (only cut/paste the number)

Matt Fly, Beg to differ, but, ... basic membership in ABA DOES give you the privilege to post on ABA message boards - and as someone who HAS fished ABA for years, .... I know that... So, go back and read my comment for clarity and comprehension. Access to ABA forums is simply predicated on being a member. Granted, life membership or being a director gives you even greater privileges and access to exclusive forums such as "Life Members Only" , etc. But, even the most basic member has the privilege to post as long as it is done in good taste and the member acts responsibly and in accordance with the prevailing management philosophy.... That's evident from others who have previously posted in this very forum that they were kicked off the ABA board for having a vastly differing opinion. And what's wrong with that? It's their club, their rules, they can kick whoever they please off the board. Don't know where you got your misinformation...but, the annual membership has always given ABA members a message board on which to voice their opinion.

Matt Fly: Speaking of common sensecan you please clarify where I said I could NOT access their website? I gave them a compliment and you stoop to attacking me personally as opposed to addressing the issues. Specifically, you stated what we have seen here. The first two posts were complimentary and you're the first to log in with a negative ad hominem attack.

I just noticed an unsolicited testimonial on how well things are going with the new ABA/BASS weekend series. (See ABA homepage) It was entitled, What do the anglers think?. The gist of it was an unsolicited testimonial from an angler in Florida. Apparently, everything went great. I'm glad and hope the success spreads. Since everyone cannot post to the ABA website - for whatever reason, I'm sure lots of folks would like to get some more input on the success or lack thereof, of these tournaments. I think several people are waiting in the wings to see how things develop before they jump in with both feet. Personally, I'm glad to see the apparent success and the weekend series getting off to a good start. However, I must admit my curiosity was piqued. Any idea why such a positive letter wouldn't contain the individual's name? Most people want their name in neon lights. If you don't believe me, just watch the responses to this post!! The ABA post also brings up an interesting consideration about grown men complaining. What's the difference between one who makes one or several legitimate complaints versus a whiner?

You folks are right on the money. I'm retired, I do not have anything but TIME on my hands. Two years ago, I was going to Joe Wheeler State Park three times a week. Now, I might go ONCE a month if someone goes with me and splits expenses. And I know for a fact that, with my retirement income and my wife's salary, I make a lot more than the average Joe. Gas prices AND the increase in tournament fees have had an impact on my participation. Tournament costs are getting beyond the reach of the typical weekend angler. Anybody who tells me to take it down the road if I can't afford it is out of touch with reality and will be sorely disappointed in my response. Those so desirous of facts need to realize that facts, in and of themselves, can be deceiving. For example, one of the local districts is a good example. If I told you the district had quadrupled it's membership and tripled it's monthly participation you'd agree- it sounds pretty impressive, doesn't it? What the facts may not show or be pointed out by management' is that the new district was being revived from the ashes of a defunct district who had their fill of management's B.S.everybody bailed. Now, with a new director, and membership up to FOUR, it HAS quadrupled. Likewise, with three members, the tournament participation has tripled! The Guntersville club used to have boats lined up to launch and now, last minute folks are a welcomed sight.

Sure I completely neglected to address Matt's comment about facts. I can provide some details. However, I won't be drawn into identifying specific districts that would be unfair to those who work so hard to shore up the declining numbers. Plus, it would be like asking me to air somebody's dirty laundry which Matt specifically stated generates negativity. I'll give you my background and the extent of my facts. I have fished tournaments since 1975. Serving in the Army for over twenty years, I had an excellent opportunity to fish MBAA/ABA from Lake Champlain to the Red River. I fished with Red Man/Operation Bass/Federation Clubs/misc. tournaments like the Mt. Dew, Bass Pro Shops (owners tournaments), blah, blah, blah. Hopefully, that will add some credibility to my pointI've been at it for 31+ years and know a trend when I see it. Over the years, I have kept in touch with several angler friends both military and civilian. Now, for my facts. Since these organizations won't open their books to memy facts are based on my observations and considering current tournament numbers vis--a-vis the numbers over the last few years. Some of these are available to members only, others may be available to the public at large. Anyway, like Matt's situation, we have a ton of choices around here from Lake Nickajack, just keep going south and south and south I am fortunate to live in an area where I think that just about ANY given weekend I can drive to an ABA tournament. That's an opportunity you just don't get with any other tournament trail NONE. Add to that, BFL and others, it's an incredible opportunity for tournament anglers. While the statement about declining participation was general in nature, it was based on personal participation in no less than seven districts within easy driving distance; then there are a couple across the border in Georgia; one over the line in Tennessee. Add to that a little feedback from old Army buddies in the east coast corridor, and so on. Like my analogy to Kmart, it's fairly safe to conclude there's a general decline. Matt even mentioned BFL/FLW declining numbers which I didn't, - which further underscores my point. Like the legal world, the truth is a defense and statements of fact are not a knock.

Here's hoping the New Year brings us all the best fishing yetand sound, logical deliberations in forums like this one Matt, first of all, let me dispose of the issue of negativity. As far as I'm concerned, it is just as important an issue as anything else being discussed. I would be flattered beyond description to think that my statements in my current posts are so powerful that they affected declining rates in tournaments in SEVERAL districts during the PAST year. I did not generate negative press any more than I would be generating negative press by stating K'Mart stores are declining more all the time. The decline is not my fault and yes I can give you specific store closings. But, if you take personal observation of the closings in your area, couple it with observations from other people across the nation, add to it Kmart closings that you also observe as you travel through other states, you can arrive at a fairly sound generalized statement about Kmart's continued decline. Without being negative, it's also a fair conclusion to say there's a problem. Somewhere along the line, management didn't listen to the customer. As in tournament participation, it's the reason for the decline that's important. As for negative press, there seems to be a perception that because somebody surfaces an issue about an organization that the one doing the posting is somehow, negative. That's not true. I really am amused by individuals who simply say, pick up the phone call em they're easy to talk to right, and I've got some beach front property in Arizona for sale. A lot of times, people who post in public forums do so out of frustration because of the unavailability of someone in management who will even LISTEN. Enough about negativity.

Hi Mat Merry Christmas! Matt, in answer to your question regarding what do I bring to the table.for starters, how about common sense, a little bit of attention to detail, personal observation, and sound inductive reasoning? You appeared to have taken it personally and in all candor, I have not gone back and looked at the other two pages to see if you even posted anything. When I commented, it was not personal and if you took it personally, you misunderstood. The insinuation about my post not being factual is debatable dealers choice. Trust me, if it was personal there would be no doubt in your mind. However, in short, the specific points in my post were: 1) it's about the money; 2) the angler will bail if the organization doesn't meet his expectations; 3) ABA DOES have an uphill battle with the BASS weekend series 4) facts are facts and CAN be tortured to say what you (not you personally just generally speaking) want them to say 5) from personal observation I know several districts with severe decline in participation; 6) the increase in payback was remedied in the manner I described; 7) any organization that does not meet the needs of it's members will go belly-up. Is there any specific point that you feel I need to address further?

First of all, let's not labor under any delusions. All the angler means to any of these organizations and their sponsor is MONEY. It's not a one way street: the angler wants cash, prizes, and recognition. That said, if an organization doesn't provide what the angler wants, he bails. That's why the BASS weekend series failed and clearly why ABA starts out behind the eight ball. For whatever reason, ABA has their own problem with declining participation in their OWN weekend series. Don't shoot the messenger: facts are facts and you can torture them to say whatever YOU want them to say. Decline is decline. If you can't fix the decline in your own organization, why take on a second pig? Could it be the lure of being on national TV somewhere down the road saying mark it Dewey Tournaments here in XXXX that could draw over a hundred boats are lucky to have the minimum anglers for full points. Others that used to have barely enough for full points are not even worth fishing. And with the increase in fees, I hate to say it but, It IS the money, stupid! Wake u-u-u-u-p!! Anglers wanted an increase in payback so, what did they do? Raise the entry fees!!! When an organization can't read what the tea leaves are saying, they are in trouble. (Sorry for the X's, I'll be excommunicated if they find out my identity.) If these organizations aren't careful, they could go the route of the World Bassing Association

Understood Rick, it's like the old 55 mph speed limit... It can be the rule but we don't have to like it...and eventually... things change. Where are we today? 70 MPH?!! Back to the question...stifling or not? Do they want a bunch of automatons? What about the "fair haired angler" whose hero is "FIFTY CENT" - talk about losers...BUT, That was his answer...is that a good reflection on the professional anglers...FIFTY CENT...do we need to recap what HE stands for...cop killing, etc.... National Television... what an embarrassment... Every organization can have the rule, just like every state had the speed limit? The question is, "What's your stance?" There's no right or wrong, just opinions, got one?

Exactly, does the rule have too much of a "chilling" effect or does ABA have a right to muzzle anglers who disagree with their point of view? After all, they have the last word, it's their game... it's definitely a "play by my rules or I'll take my ball and go home..." situation. And really, it's not even a question of whether or not they can do it...sure they can...but, will anglers scatter or be attracted by the "edict"?

OK, I've just read the following rules on the ABA website regarding the new ABA/ BASS Weekender Series, blah, blah, blah- before I give my 2 cents, whaddaya think? Is ABA fair or too thin-skinned/insecure? What's "reasonable"? What if it is a legitimate attack upon the integrity of a tournament official? It could be...stranger things have happened...!! Kick it around... EXCERPT Accordingly, it is an obligation of competitors to refrain from comments to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage the integrity of tournaments, tournament officials, sponsors, fellow members, fellow anglers, or the BASS and ABA organization. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with ABA policies are encouraged as opposed to attacks u0on the integrity of tournament rules or officials. However, public comments that an angler knows, or should know, will harm the reputation of BASS and ABA, ABA officials or sponsors shall be considered conduct unbecoming a professional and will result in disciplinary action. It's the RULE under consideration, not the organization, ... :-/

LBH Good postI think you're right on target. The guy is a representative of a big organization, you would think an ABA director wouldn't slam folksmaybe that's why ABA turnouts are on the declineOK, maybe it's ...uhhhh....gas prices...

texasbass1, Understood. We all get keyed up, defensive, call it what you like. There's no need to make disparaging remarks or provide illustrations, although I could on both counts. My point is that the moderators in this forum seem to be more tolerant of diverse opinions...including the likes of us. And quiet minority... ;D nice try. You're anything but quiet and certainly not the minority. That's ok, too. Hang in there, maybe you'll make the ABA Hall of Fame.

Purple Fox... you registered today...all your posts are attacking Nitro...are you a forum troll...or are you making him out to look like one? Give him a break! Discuss the issues, not the person. What about the person who mentioned about weighing in short fish? You said nothing about that individual.

Hey texasbass1, we meet again... As a "guest" on the aba board, I have been reading posts and then all of a sudden, they disappear. Select threads from specific individuals are...poooooof.....gone. If it were the Soviet Union, I could understand it. Unlike this forum, freedom of expression doesn't seem to have a place. Or am I wrong?

Hey Purple Fox, the legal term is libel. The real world is light years apart from the theoretical. In this case, do you have any conceptual idea how difficult and expensive it would be? I doubt that Nitro is 'skeared'. Plus, I don't think ABA has pockets that deep. Also, I don't think they want the adverse publicity. Besides, what's wrong with some spirited debate about the pro's/con's of an organization? From what I see, ABA is trying to make it to the big time. It's a lot like that old saying, "it ain't bragging if you can do it". In the legal world, truth is a defense. Who knows what he may have to prove the truth of the matter. Particularly if he has proof of a drunk director... Does ABA really want to bring that to light? If I were the director about whom he is referring, I wouldn't even take a dose of cough syrup the night before a tournament for fear that he was in the room above, taking pictures. He doesn't sound like a complainer as much as he sounds like someone who is absolutely disappointed in an organization. As for finances and fishing the majors, the expense of fishing a single ABA weekend tournament is NOT that far from fishing one of the FLW/Stren/BFL tournaments.