re: The Outdoor Board...I get it.

I see the OB as the electronic version of the old locally owned sportsman's store that s now so hard to find and so dearly remembered by most of us.

The old regulars are always there. Knowledgeable, but more importantly experienced, they are willing to lend advice whenever they can but are not prone to speak up with conjecture unless no valuable information is to be had. Each is known and respected for being as close to an authority about a specific subject or subjects as is available. They aren't easily excitable and are rarely verbose, but can be fiercely loyal to their ways and friends.

Then there are the frequent visitors. They share ideals, values, and passions with the old regulars but may lack the breadth experiences. They usually walk the walk and talk the talk. They are comfortable exposing some degree of ignorance in the search to gain experienced information. This group is more capable of fostering excitement, debate, and ambition about a particular subject amongst themselves and the regulars than the regulars are capable of alone.

From the outside the discourse may seem glib, short, or harsh but those involved understand the brevity. They realize that these often harsh words said with a smile and a chuckle are a sign of endearment and common ground.

Of course there are a variety of others that wander in. The lost and in need of help, the misguided or ill informed, the damsel in distress, the outsider with strange and different methods and values, the spectator just wanting to catch a glimpse, the salesman, the politician, the sheriff, and even an activist or two have all been known to drop by.

Those smart enough to show some minimal respect and courtesy are universally accepted and helped. Conflicts in ethics and values are even rationally debated and discussed as long as certain unwritten lines are not crossed. But those with thin skin, closed minds, malicious intent or blatant disrespect are either ignored or confronted by the frequent visitors noted above. And rarely when the truly egregious occurs it can cause the old regulars to rise from their seat and spit a stream of chew on the floor at your feet.
( an action likely universally understood here but few other places)