An open letter to the Trad Gang membership

[Rob DiStefano]

Valued Trad Gang Member,

The classifieds section is ancillary at best to the focus of Trad Gang, which is: the sharing of trad bowhunting and trad archery experiences and information.  We provide the classifieds as a bonus service.  Trad Gang never has, nor ever will be, about buying/selling/trading gear. Nor are we ever about the numbers game - building up as many members as possible.  

Trad Gang is a free and public trad bowhunting forum.  Sometimes folks lose sight of that 'free and public' fact.

We could easily make life *SO* much better for Trad Gang management, and folks who've been scammed within our classifieds (and folks who'll be hurt in future scams), by not having any classifieds.  

I doubt most folks have any idea the problems that classifieds scams have cost not only members, but us (admin) as well.  Most members are unaware of the immediate problems that Trad Gang faces, solely due to the Trad Bow classifieds scammers.  

We understand the importance of the classifieds, and are trying hard to continue providing a Trad Gang classifieds venue.

If a member defines their experience at Trad Gang as solely having the ability to post a classifieds trad bow ad, then perhaps Trad Gang is not for them.  We understand what those folks want, we're sorry we can't provide that for them in the manner they wish, they're certainly free to go elsewhere with our good wishes and blessings.

We do hope all members will consider Trad Gang as the like-minded community it is, and become an active part of that dialogue.

Best Regards,
Rob.
Trad Gang Admin

[Mike Gerardi]

I think the people who run this site , (mods)(Admin) are a Class Act 110%.

[Whip]

I can't even imagine the effort that you fellows put into this site in general, and the classifieds in particular.  Trying to keep on top of 20,000 plus users seems like it would be impossible.  But you do it.  And you need to know how much your efforts are appreciated.

The classifieds are not why I come here, but they sure are valuable to me.  I have had many many transactions with great people.  I know I am lucky not to have been part of a scam, but I also know that your efforts are a big part of what has made that possible.  

For me, this is the best place to buy and sell my trad stuff.  I trust the people I deal with here.  I hope the new rules you have put in place will help to keep the rif-raf out and keep it as safe as possible for the rest of us.  But rest assured, if someday I do fall into a deal gone bad, it won't be because of anything you have done or didn't do.  You already do far more than I could ever expect.

[Tony Sanders]

To Rob, Terry and all others involved in the Mods and Admin, I do thank you for such a fine site and service that you provide to the Tradgang membership. Just as Arrowk9 have said you  guys are a class act. I have had nothing but great dealings with those in the classifieds section. I have dealt with some of the best people in the Tradgang classifieds section, not to mention some great deals to boot. Unfortunately we do have our detractors, but I say keep up the good work and I do hope the Classifieds continue. I for one do apreciate your hard work and you deserve a tip of the old camo cap. Shoot Straifght and Good Hunting.

  Tony Sanders/aka"SNUFFER"

[Drummer@Home]

Its sad to think people would come here with the intent to swindle someone out of a few dollars. For traditional archery fanatics by traditional archery fanatics. Keep your heads up gentalmen, you do good work

[saumensch]

Though i must admit my first posts here were in the classifieds, that was because i needed a bow to start with. But after that i grew into this whole great community a little and i cant understand misbehaviour of any kind concerning other members as you get so much of the spirit on here, its just breathtaking.

[Gray Buffalo]

mods / Admin,

You guys rock.      

 We understand everything you do is to better the site and protect the members.

A big thank you.          

[Mudd]

I would like to add my voice in telling you and all other Mods. and administrative folks that I truly appreciate the job you do while I'm not sure I can begin to fathom the length and breadth of your day to day efforts done on my behalf. Thank you!

I would also like to say I am in awe of our membership(family). I have yet to encounter anyone on Tradgang I am not proud to be associated with or call brother/sister.

You good people need to see your role in what makes this a wonderful place too. Such generosity and caring doesn't always seem as common place as it does right here. I love you and I thank you!!!!!
God bless,Mudd

[Lamey]

Ive been active on the 'net since the mid 90's.  Been a member of many, many forums.  

This one is the best run ive come across, both in its members and admin.  

A few forums that I frequent have a minimum post requirement for members to be able to use the classifieds.  

Any how, ive used the classifieds here a bit since ive joined, with success.  I think your average member here is a notch above.

[Jim Jackson]

(I originally posted this in response to Rob's first announcement.  Thought I would also post it here to support the cause)

This is true customer service.

Whatever inconvenience we the users may experience in registering for a sale is miniscule compared to what Terry, Rob, and the Moderators are experiencing in protecting us in this manner.

Some quick figures:

22269 users as of 6:00am this morning, lets say 25% of us register for a sale.... that equates to over 5500 emails/pms that the mods have to sort through. That is a huge amount of time and effort on their part to protect us.

There is absolutely no other forum online that is willing to go to this level to protect its members.

My hats off. Just another reason to be a contributing member. THANKS!!!!!!!

[Keefer]

To all the Mods...I thank you for all you guys do and I myself had come here cause the people I trust more then other sites...Sometimes a bad Apple will fall in the basket and I know you guys are trying your best to "Cull out the Rotten " and I've met some really good folks here that are "Good Fruit" so to speak...Thank You all for letting myself and others to use this site to get to know each other who share in the love of Traditional Archery...God Bless each and every one of you for your hard labor...Keefer's <")))><  Hey,  I just noticed the post counter and when I became a member...  

[Al Kidner]

Some of the best people I know are Trad Gangers...

As for the scammers... every dog always has their day, seen it happen first hand in fact.


Thanks to all,


ak.

[fnshtr]

I had planned to make a post regarding my appreciation for the admin and mods and the trad gang membership in general.

Information: While we got to sort through a myriad of views... the information available here for the traditional enthusiast is unlimited. Just think of the "years and years" of collective experience represented here... it is amazing!

Sponsors: Finding what we want (and often what we need) through the sponsors is a great benefit. One stop shopping (so to speak).
 
Generosity of the membership: I can't say enough about this aspect of the site. I've entered all fouur of my grandchildren in bow give-aways... and my youngest (6 years old) recently won a bow. The St. Jude's work... UNBELIEVABLE!

The Classifieds: Yep... I always wanted a Black Widow, but just couldn't afford one (that's what I thought). I now have one that I purchased here... and made a friend from clear across the country in the process. I've made other purchases and have met ONLY good, honest people here. I understand the chances of a scam are everywhere today... but this is a great bunch of people.

The impact of TRAD GANG on my life has been ALL GOOD!

Thanks SPONSORS, ADMIN, MODS, and MEMBERS!
 

[swp]

Thanks for all you guys do!

[Pops]

I too would like to thank all the Mods for what they do.
        Keep up the GREAT Job
                Pops

[sou-pawbowhunter]

Terry, Rob, et al

While I do enjoy perusing the classifieds, this site has given me so much more.  The gathering of knowledge and talent on this site are incredible, as is the spirit with which it is shared.  I credit the hard work of our moderators with maintaining the level of civility that makes this forum unique.  THANK YOU ALL!

[BobW]

There is a classified section?  

[wvtradbow]

This is by far (IMO) the best site for traditional hunting on the web,I visit it 2 -3 times a day.I can't imagine the work that goes on behind it to keep it such a great site.I use the classifieds quite a bit an everyone I've ever dealt with has been great people.I just want to Thank Everyone that makes this site what it is,an especially the Administration an Sponsors THANKS AGAIN... BILL

[Butch Speer]

I think it will be a big help in protecting the community.

[wingnut]

Yep this is the best site I visit.  It's a real shame that crooks have infiltrated our ranks.  Policing ourselves hasn't worked so I guess some more stringent rules are the way too go.

I know I've found myself looking at membership numbers when dealing with people I don't know.  Doesn't effect how we work but does give you a little more caution.

I just got a scam email from Australia this morning.

Mike