Adding Sections?

We are considering adding a few more sections to this forum. Traffic and messages are reaching the point where more sections might be supportable and might improve readability and navigation of the forum. While we have some ideas, I thought I would ask the participants what sections you'd like to see added.

The basic parameters are that a section would need to be narrow enough to be useful as a means to segregate messages to a topic of interest, but broad enough to ensure that is receives regular postings. I am not interested in orphan sections that only get a posting once a month. As an example, "Firemaking" might be an acceptable suggestion, "Flint and Steel Firemaking" would be too narrow. Those offering suggestions are also welcome to use their imagination to come up with catchy section titles.

Ultimately, I reserve the final say as to what gets added. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Have at it!

The main reason to separate the forums into topics would be if you wanted to ignore some of them, or only read a specific topic. For those of us that read all of them, it would be more effort to read them all.

That said, I think "flashlights" and "guns" are two that seem to get a lot of traffic on their own. "Guns" is even off topic for this site, but there still seems to be a lot of talk about them here anyways.

Hi Doug,

Some random ideas.

I've noticed that there seems to be some divergance between Urban and Rural topics. Sure, some aren't mutually exclusive like fire making, finding potable water, etc. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> All in all though, I think there's enough difference to classify them differently.

Also, I'd LOVE to have a medical only section on this forum to discuss training, tools, and ideas.

That's it for now, thanks for the opportunity.

J

Knives always get a lot of response. I'm less sure about flashlights. Lately there's been a lot of traffic on the subject, but we go for months without much.

Not too long ago, after having gotten in on some good deals on electronic stuff through the forums on slickdeals.net, I suggested a section for "deals" here, where anyone could post information on good deals they found on survival-related equipment. We all shop anyway, why not share?

But, it got exactly zero response, so I guess I'm a minority of one in thinking that it was a good idea.

I have to agree with Presumed Lost about a "Deals" or "Shopping" section. This forum is quite helpful whenever I'm looking for gear and need suggestions. Also, if I need to resist the urge after hearing of a wonderful new gadget, I can avoid that forum altogether. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The "Medical" section idea is also great.

I am new but spent a couple of hours one night reading the archives and i don't think I cam close to reading them all. Only got to page 48.
I like the medical idea, and deals are a good one but may not get a lot of constant attention.
Good medical advice can always be useful also.
What about a gear review section, and include homemade gear in it.
Just my two cents

Jeremy

How about:

Wilderness Survival
Urban Survival
First Aid
Tools & Gear
Around The Campfire

How about "What Women Really Want"?

Surviving a relationship can be a lot worse than running into a bear with your pants down.

Might help the younger guys as I am at that stage where I don't care what they want, not because I'm cold-hearted, but because I know they are going to change their minds anyway so I don't worry about it.

Bountyhunter

bounty, I'm pretty fortunate in that area. My wife just needs water, food, a nap, and a good book (and her standards are pretty low- words in a row). Anything beyond that and she makes her needs known. And she can portage 2 duluth packs.

Doug,

No major disagreement with any of the suggestions so far... but I, too am a bit concerned that I might not read all of the sections if it grows too spread out. Starting to skip a few topics lately as it is - and I know that I probably miss some things of interest to me, since we tend to wander OT from the subject line... my thanks to everyone who changes the subject line as the content wanders.

Anyway... is there enough interest in a forum aimed at education/instruction for youth? Y'all know that several of us are involved in Scouting, which would fit under that umberella, but I'm suggesting it be more "ecumenical" than simply scouting (the tryptophans are affecting my spelling tonight, LoL).

At the very least, though, I concur with Urban, Non-urban, and Deals.

Tom

I like the idea of a combination "deals" and "buy/sale/trade" forum. Also, maybe have an EDC forum where you talk about EDC gear, knives, flashlights, basically anything that you would EDC.

I agree a separate forum on First Aid/Emergency Medicine would be a useful addition.

I think a separate forum on guns and knives would only be of use if Chris K. promised not to lock all the threads every time they started to get "interesting". <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

(Seriously, IMO such a forum should come with a disclaimer that the opinions are likely to be controversial and if you're easily offended, you should stay out here where it's safe and let the kiddies work out their frustrations in peace - er, whatever.)

Just some thoughts...

Fire
Food/Water
Medical
Knives
Shelter
Communication/Signaling

Its a tough one.
I tend to agree with Mr Ayers, if you sub divide too much I for one would miss half the forum. One of the attractions of this forum is its diversity. I end up reading on subjects that I otherwise wouldn't bother with. The way the system works now allows a non-specialist to comment and add questions, and get answers in a way that he/she would find it hard or awkward to do in a more singular forum subject
As one signature put it - "specialization is for insects" Add more sections, but lets be sure we don't alienate any newbies. Its a broad and diverse subject matter for a forum, with its fair share of eccentric and knowledgable participants. I think it even has its own little "atmosphere" - lets try and maintain that.
Maybe we should just increase the font size of the search button <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
In general I agree with the sugestions already made, but I think the final solution will come with a trail and error approach.

First, let it be said, that this forum is my favorite, just as it is, and the only one I visit on any regular basis (daily when I'm able). Here, I've found many "like minds" and a few not-so-like minds that I enjoy very much learning from (I've said it before, you don't learn much from somebody who agrees with everything you say), and it's great to know that there are more of us out there than I ever would have thought before finding this site. With that said, Doug, you gave birth to this baby, if you think it's time for change, well... you and Chris have done a fantastic job so far, just please don't get rid of the "past 24 hours, past 48 hours, and past 7 days" features, because I like to check out ALL the entries, even if I don't religously follow all of the threads, and it's seldom that I find a subject or topic by starting out under one of the section headings. Other than that, I'll look forward to seeing where this fine bastion of knowledge and commoradory goes next. By the way, did I say what a great job I think you've done so far?
Thanks for a great site.

Troy

I have no disagreements with any of the ideas presented so far, with Medical being my favorite and splitting Wilderness and Urban being my second favorite.

Having said that, I find this forum the easiest to read of the few I follow regularly because there aren't four dozen 'main' sections. So I guess my main suggestion would be to keep any changes simple.

You and Chris have done a great job with this site and I'm looking forward to whatever you come up with. Good luck!

FWIW,

Chris.

I sometimes wish there were more sections, especially when I'm looking for some past threads.
BUT .... as some noticed, too many sections and I guess I would not read ALL the threads, as I do, up to now. The main interest of this forum is its diversity : every day, I discover something of interest.

For instance : as I am in Europe, I don't visit the "books exchange" section. But it looks like it's is a good idea.

Maybe a separate GEAR section.... ?.... if there must be another section.

For my two cents worth what we have here works and works well. Didn't someone say "if it isn't broke don't fix it". If due to bandwidth and all that other computer gargon there is a need for additional sections, then, following the sentiments expressed by others, a section on equipment ( EDC, flashlights, guns etc) and medical (FAK, medications and so on). Would be general enough to cover most of THIS forums needs.

I'm also a member of CPF which has several sections ( way too many IMO) and I spend to much time hunting through various threads.

Seeing as there are people on both sides of the fence, maybe you could make the new categories available for searching rather than making it the only way to view the site altogether. This would mean that as you entered the forum you would be given the choice of viewing 'categorically' or 'singularly'. Personally I would rarely use the different categories, as I like the way it is, but If I was trying to find a specific thread then it would be useful now and again.
Thanks for the site.

Ian

I would like to see a few different catagories, but I am worried about diluting this one down too much. I would however, love to see a buy/sell/trade forum and the medical forum would be great as well. With as many EMT/MD we have here, I could learn alot more through that than by sifting through the Survival Forum. So in the end, I would have to say:
Buy/Sell/Trade
Medical
EDC (I thought this was a good suggestion as well)
Survival
Around the Campfire

Just my suggestions

Garrett

I second adding only a "Gear" section. Too many sections makes navigation tough.

Im with scotsman and Garrett here. I too would enjoy the gear swapping section. As wildcard167 mentioned please dont get rid of the 24HR button as I use that everyday...actually the forum is my homepage <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

And on the basis of suggestions is it possible to make the completion of personal details a necessity. Often enough I found myself in the situation where I read a gripping post and want to learn more about the author just to stumble upon "unfinished" sections.

You know who you are - now get filling! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Reinhardt

OK, now that I think about it and read some of these posts, I'm agreeing with the idea of a gear or equipment topic separate from "survival". After all, this is supposed to be the "equipped" to survive site, so equipment topics do tend to dominate.

I still think keeping "guns" topic separate is a good idea too, because of it's controvertial nature.

No, Reinhardt, I strongly disagree with being required to fill in personal details. Privacy is a delicate commodity these days. I still want to hear from those who choose to protect it by not revealing too much of themselves. Anyways, those who don't want to give personal details are just going to fill something bogus in. I'd rather have it be blank than trying to decide if it's truthful.

This is a very good point and makes me reconsider my first reply. Tough decision Doug. Good luck with it. One thing I CAN say FOR SURE is that when it comes to creative forum titles I would nominate Chris! He has a way with words that is hard to match! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Since, I try and read all of the postings, as long as the option to read “all posts in the last seven days” is still available, with titles, I will bow out and leave it to others to make suggestions. Pete

I like the BUY/SELL/TRADE idea with payments going through the foundation which could take a preset percentage before sending the balance to the seller and the seller would then ship directly to the buyer.

Bountyhunter

Reinhardt_woets:

Good grief!, we have have 4 more wildcard posters? Must be relatives of 163.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

It may shock some of you, but I am totally against having a "GUNS" section of any kind on this forum.

Within the context of our discussions of various things, we do bring up guns in a much more civilized manner than many gun forums. What we cover and what is shut down seems to fit well within the parameters of this forum.

Yes!, I know I am vocal as hell in the area of guns, but I come here in the same frame of mind that I take a walk in the woods WITHOUT a boombox blaring behind me. It is a quieter place, and I can always go home and blow my ears out with my stereo or go to an existing gun forum and tell those 9MM fans that they ought to get thier heads examined for passing up a US Cal. .45 auto.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I can't imagine anything worse - a kind of survival bring and buy.
The potential for problems is immense. This forum has enough trouble with the likes of "000anna" and her dodgy russian cosmetics company trying to sell their junk here, without having a trade/buy/sell section.
Opening the doors to a trade forum would invite every conman this side of the Urals to setup business here.
This site (IMHO) should remain information only, with Doug being the only trader allowed.

You've got a point there. But OTOH I doubt that anyone hasnt got unused equipment lying around which for others might provide is a whole enrichment. Im talking about rucksacks, coats, billy cans, sets of buckles, carabiners etc. Anything not too valuable.
If we would do it on a swapping basis only, preferable done on the most part via PM then it might work.
Although I do understand the complications. Trust being the main one, but I've gotten more than enjoyable experiences with buying gear of people who are members here.
Reinhardt

Joblot:

I'm thinking items we would use relative to our members needs.

You could exclude things like knives and premade survival kits that Doug sells, or put certain restrictions or tariffs on items that may compete with the foundations sales.

You can only sell so many Sebrenza's , RSK Mk 1's, and pocket survival packs. Other items like tents, stakes, boats, motors, backpacks, stoves, non-competeing knives, guns (shipped only through proper licensed channels.), hats, coats, hammocks, and whatever fits within this sites stated parameters would add to the coffers of the foundation, without requiring the maintaining of inventory, and only requiring the pass through of funds that the foundation would take a percentage of.

If you know the foundation is getting 15% for all items and you want a dollar for something, price it at $1.18 plus shipping. The foundation takes the $.18 cents, sends the dollar and the shipping amount to the seller and the seller ships directly to the buyer.

Of course it would be silly to get involved for small items like that, so there would have to be a minimum purchase amount, or a minimum transaction charge.

The volume would not be that great and "Greta" the cosmetics salesperson would not waste their time for the likes of us if their product does not move.

Bountyhunter

Thanks bounty, I was gonna let it go, but it's nice to see somebody else caught it too <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Slightly shocking,buddy, but I can follow your logic...OK, sounds good to me <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

Doug,

Hi,

I regularly enter the forum via the Main Index through the "View recent messages [for the] past 7 days" entrance. I then read the posts in chronological order from where I previously stopped. I do not need to enter the Survival or Campfire forums separately. This form is extremely user friendly. Whatever changes are made, please do not alter this very easy to use design. The separate sections of Campfire and Survival need only be noticed when starting a thread.

I do believe we (including me) need to be more self-disciplined in not letting thread wander from the original title. Starting a new thread is just not that hard when the topic evolves. That would probably make the forum more useful for your purposes.

Incidentally, a 14 or 30 day button would be a wonderful help. When one is busy or away for more than a week, catching up can be a tedious process.

This is by far my favorite forum on the Internet. It is very civil and user friendly. It offers a variety and diversity of knowledgeable opinions.

Thanks for making it available.

John

Hi y'all.
Been reading the forum for a couple months now. Sounds like a good bunch of folks with varied experiences and lots of helpful ideas. Time for me to sign on. First post . . . we'll see how I do.
My thoughts on adding sections stem from the four main categories for survival - shelter, fire, water, food. Maybe someone else can "pretty up" the names, but these seem like a place to start.
Thanks for the great forum !

"Wilderness Survival
Urban Survival
First Aid
Tools & Gear
Around The Campfire"

I agree that this is a very sensible list. I might make it "Wilderness Survival/Primitive Skills", but that's about all.

As far as guns go, I think they should remain a valid topic for this forum under the "Tools and Gear" heading. For many of us they are a vital part of our survival planning. If a thread begins to stray away from guns and into politics then lock it, or better yet, warn or ban the first offender. Problem solved.

Regards, Vince

The more I read the replies, the more worried that I no longer will be able to take the time to read through all the subsections.

My vote is that you always include an "all posts" option, so those of us interested in everything, pretty much like it is now.

I'm going to chime in again on this one.

I proposed the "Deals" section (good buys that folks find), so obviously I'm in favor of that idea.

I would prefer that it were considered (and implemented, if it comes to it) separately from a "Buy/Sell/Trade" section, though. The concepts are VERY different, and since all the flashlight and knife forums already have "For Sale" section, I suspect the moderators may have their reasons for not wanting to do that. Just a guess- I'd personally like to see it.

For whatever it's worth, I think we may have lost track of one of the important criteria for a new section- distinctiveness. We don't want people confused, agonizing for hours, or worse, arguing, as to where a new thread belongs.

For that reason, sections like "equipment" strike me as a bad idea. How many of our posts DON'T involve "equipment" at all? I'm also dubious about a separate section for "youth" survival- the survival problems they face are not much different than anyone else does, and it seems to me that it's just going to add redundancy, confusion, and to people missing subjects of interest.

The ideas that seem promising to me, because they are distinct enough, are a section for "Urban(/Suburban)" which is an increasing concern for a lot of us in these days, and has surprisingly little overlap with "Wilderness", and perhaps "Medical", though it might not then be clear where, say, a thread about hypothermia fits in.

The "For Sale" and "Deals" section ideas are clearly distinct in intent from anything else on the forum (like the Lending Library is now), but I feel that they are also quite distinct from each other.

I'm fairly disgusted with forums in general right now (not because of anything going on here), and I can feel one of my hibernation periods coming on, so I'll crawl back in my hole now...

Fire & signal
Medical
Survival Skills (General)
Equipment
Shopping

Norad45:

Trying to infringe on first amendment rights again?

Would you have written the ditty about response to political detours if Kerry had won?

Would you even be on this forum if Kerry had won?

No need to answer me as I won't believe it, but let the others decide on any answer you give.

Regards,

Pete <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> (aka Bountyhunter)

bounty,

The first amendment only applies to the government. Also, it only guarantees free speech- it doesn't guarantee you an audience. Freedom to not listen is a part of it.

Goatrider:

I know what you say is true and the First Amendment does not apply to this media.

It is just that those who want to control plant their seeds everywhere so as to make it the norm. In my youth when there were multiple super powers, we never went through the types of searchs that our leaders say are necessary today, nor were attempts to muffle us made. Today, people think it is normal and most older men like me are either too tired or too scared to fight. I'm tired, but I know my parents came to this country so that they wouldn't have to be scared, and so I continue to pursue what I believe is justice.

You have the right to disagree and dispute my beliefs, but my extended history has shown me more than those without my history.

Bountyhunter

My dear bountyhunter,

I too am a very strong believer in the first amendment. It's the most important, and it's why it's first. Remember that our founding fathers had just overthrown a corrupt government and were quite concerned about making sure it doesn't happen again. The most important part of keeping government under control is the ability to talk about it. And I too am aghast and appalled at the way our current administration is trampling this and many other of our rights. It's speech that the government doesn't want to hear that is the most in need of protection, and it's not getting that now.

However, that has nothing to do with why we choose to stay away from certain topics on this forum. This forum has a specific focus, and anything outside that scope belongs elsewhere. Plus, certain topics have a tendency to become uncivil rather quickly. I'm trying hard to be polite here so this discussion doesn't go that route. In the interests of keeping civility around here, I'm quite in favor of the moderators locking a wayward thread, and repeat offenders warned. If you don't like that, you have the freedom to find another forum, or even start one of your own.

Do you really think Doug and Chris lock threads because the Bush administration told them to? Does the Attorney Generalissimo have Doug and Chris on speed-dial? I don't think so.

"Trying to infringe on first amendment rights again?"

No. I believe I was asked my opinion and I gave it. If this bothers you--well frankly, too bad.


"Would you have written the ditty about response to political detours if Kerry had won?
Would you even be on this forum if Kerry had won?"

Please explain what Kerry has to do with dividing this forum up into more sections? Wait, never mind--I'm sure it will involve some sort of fanciful conspiracy and there are a multitude of other websites devoted to that sort of thing.


Regards, Vince

Vince, Pete, Benton, et al -

Perhaps because of this divergence from the subject, it may be another section to suggest - Amendment Debates.

Rena

Rena:

I have to admit if it weren't for women, men would probably have gone the way of the dinosaur.

A little steam never hurt anyone, and as far as I can tell we are done with this burp of steam.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Goatrider:

Sorry if I misspoke or wasn't clear.

Never said the Bush administration, but said those who would make it the normal behavior of never straying into politics on a non-political forum.

My response would have been the same if a pro-Kerry individual had said straying into politics on this forum should result in censure or banishment.

Bountyhunter

(P.S. If you check some past posts, you will find "someone" mentioned the 1.5 BILLION cut from the Veterans Administration at a time when more and more Vets need help. That is a political statement and was valid in its context and within the parameters posted.)

Funny thing... up til now, I thought you two were on good terms with one another <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />. I'll keep my thoughts to myself, or it'll surely be another locked thread <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. Any body got a suggestion where we can meet to verbally "duke it out"? Just joking about the duking, but seriously, I'd kind of like to get some political education/entertainment without stepping on any toes, and having common interests otherwise has always helped me out when getting into a friendly debate. There are a few of you who might be able to enlighten me (I've never been afraid to learn/change), or at least validate-by-agreement a few of my thoughts.

Troy

Hey... maybe that's a thought in itself, a separate, enter at your own risk section for the "hotter" topics... Nah, maybe not

>> a separate, enter at your own risk section for the "hotter" topics <<

Sasha did that at CPF - the CPF Underground. I found it amusing for a short while and it probably is good for a number of the heavy posters over there. I don't have time to even keep up with the forums that interest me greatly at CPF <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> ... and I'm visiting there VERY infrequently as a result.

FWIW

Not sure, wildcard, but I think we are still on good terms. Especially when we have an opportunity to fling puns at each other.

I also would be in favor of a "Deals" section. I seemingly am forever scouring the Net for "good deals" and I am sure I miss many of them. Many eyes and many experiences would be very interesting to me! Money doesn't grow on trees and great deals on superior equipment are ALWAYS something I am interested in from flashlights to FAKs to water purifiers to knives and guns. Another vote for "Deals".

As an extension of a Gear section, perhaps vendors could be asked to particiapte there. It would be a chance for them to be a bit more intrusive without violating forum rules in the other sections. Perhaps they could even sponsor "permanent" threads or subsections where a soft sell approach would be tolerated. If they were smart, they would have support staff monitor their threads for comment or input. But it would have to be tasteful and not become a second support tool or mouth piece for the vendors or we simply would abandon the concept. But it could be an interesting way to develop a dialog between ETS members and the manufacturers and sellers of the gear we use.

Wildcard163:

I have been in fistfights with friends where we have done more damage to each other than any verbal exchange could, and we are still friends and we still have our own opinions and we still disagree.

Fistfights have been greatly reduced however because it is damned hard to throw a punch while trying to balance yourself while holding on to a table, chair, or nearby waitress. It is also extremely embarrassing to have the audience laughing at you when your movements look more like swishing than punching <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

It is just that in my mind, the censure and banishment thing for a small divergence into the political arena is so Anti-American and Anti-Constitution that it raises my hackles. Blatant continuation should be reprimanded and from what I have witnessed here is, in an even-handed professional manner. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Can you possibly be serious? "Small divergence"???

Would you guys please go back over this thread and count the number of posts that now have NOTHING to do with the subject line, the focus of this forum, or this site?

And maybe reflect, just for a few moments, that Doug himself started this thread, and presumably will want to mine it for feedback on his question?

Frankly, I'm embarrassed.

Not every request to GIVE IT A BREAK is an attempt at censorship.

Bountyhunter?
You wrote:

You know, I'm a victim of "new math", & even I can cipher that 15% of $1.00 is 15 cents, not 18! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That being said, however, this is all much too complicated. If Doug wants to have a Bizarre Bazaar (my nomination for the name) for this community to sell or barter items, great. However, he doesn?t need the headache of trying to do the bookkeeping. I propose a voluntary "commission" on sales, like that done at KnifeForums. There, for each knife sold via the forum, the seller is asked to send $1.00 to Jim Nowka, the forum owner, to support the forum. It's on the honor system, done by PayPal (or other means), and seems to be working. Should work for Doug/ETS as well.

There?s no ?overhead?, either in time or associated costs, for anyone. ETS benefits, we benefit: win/win, as I see it.

David

15% of 1.18 is .18, leaving 1.00 left over.

David:

You are right in that 15% of $1.00 is 15 cents in which case you would only see 85 cents.

If you reread, the premise is you want to get $1.00 after the foundation takes 15% off the top.

Bountyhunter

David:

Another thought as I sit here having just contaminated the crap out of my clothes and myself while cleaning out one of my 4" downpipes and lateral drain which my dear mother insists on pouring watered down hot grease into, is fairness.

I am going to be clearing out this house when my mother finally has to go to a nursing home. I anticipate thousands of dollars worth of sales of a lot of stuff I no longer use and which might be of interest to others on this forum. It would not be fair for me to garner large amounts in sales and contribute only $1.00 for each item while someone else selling a $4.00 item has to give $1.00. A while back I had mentioned that I had an original MARBLE'S match safe and out of the clear blue one of the forum members PM'd me and offered me $20.00 for it, which if I had sold it (I didn't.) under the 15% provision would have meant $3.00 for the foundation. My local gun store charges me 16% for any guns I leave on consignment and I am only too happy to pay it for the traffic they have and not having to worry about who is coming into my house. I leave a gun at their store and it sells for $200.00, they get $32.00 and they do the BATF paperwork.

If they would offer a deals and/or general sales section, a percentage of sales is a fairer way to go. If they use PayPal, I won't be selling anything there as I have heard too much bad stuff about PayPal.

Bountyhunter

Benton & Pete--

I said I was taught "new math"--I never said I was good at it! <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Had I taken time to pull out my calculator (didn't want to take off my shoes in consideration of my co-workers!), I would have confirmed the $1.18/15% calculation.

However, Pete, I did misread the premise.

While I don't necessarily disagree with you on the % of the sale, I do think it's more complicated that what I proposed. As I said, "a buck a knife" appears to work; something similar would likely work here, as well.

Just my $.02 (less 15%). <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

David

After reading about the first 10 posts I have to agree with John Baker and his wandering of topics argument. Take this thread for example: what started off as a question in reference to adding additional sections turned into a discussion on if items should be bought and sold on this site.

While I've seen several good ideas come from the brainstorming sessions it usually takes some time to get an answer to the original question, if at all. Having read this site for some time but being a new logon I will leave it to those who have been here longer to decide.

Thanks

/Agree

Thanks for all your input. My plans are to add a few sections, based in large part on your suggestions and concerns, probably shortly after the new year. We are waiting for some firewall and software upgrades to be completed, hopefully in the next few weeks.

How about a section called "Lost and Found"?

Firstly, this would offer hints, tips, suggestions, etc., on how to not get lost in the first place. Secondly, if you manage to get lost anyway (who, me?), some advice on how to make sure you get found as quickly as possible. This would also encompass how to determine whether you are, indeed, truly lost and in need of professional "finding," or if you can dork around and figure a way out by yourself.

-- Craig

I'd agree that it's a bit big.

I'd suggest a doubling of size to 6 sections:
1) Scenarios, Stories and Strategies and Tactics - Stories and Questions about survival situations
2) Gear and Gizmos - Q&A and such about survival equipment
3) My Kits - Pictures and Discussion of PSK/FAK and other kits people build
4) Lendign Libary
5) Around the Campfire - General discussion of non-survival stuff.
6) Administrative Announcements from ETS

I don't think more sections are needed. take a look at www.candlepowerforums.com (flashlight forum) sometime. It's about 100 times as busy as this place and holds up ok most of the time. Yes it has more sections, but any of its busier sections get more traffic than this whole board put together. So it's not too hard to keep up here.

CPF also has a BST section that does fine just letting members sell stuff to each other. Commercial sellers are supposed to pay a monthly fee to the site and everyone else can sell stuff for free. Yeah, occasionally some scammer shows up, but for the most part it's not a problem, and the worse of them get run off pretty fast. What's left is the regulars selling each other stuff, which leads to a culture of experimentation, i.e. people are willing to buy a new light and try it out, knowing that if they don't like it, they can unload it on BST and get back most of what they paid for it.

I'm not saying this board needs a BST, but the problems imagined for it are probably exaggerated.

BF is kinda similar except they make anyone pay to sell and buying it free