Eisboch wrote:

"Wayne.B" wrote...

Harry is suffering from some withdrawal symptoms and there are always
a few who'd like to see him fall off the wagon. I'm hoping he'll
continue to take it one day at a time and prove them wrong.

I think this needs to be said.

I've been a subscriber to rec.boats since 1995. For the most part it has
been a very enjoyable experience. I've enjoyed the boating discussions, sea
stories, tall tales, humor plus the more than occasional "Off Topic"
discussions that amount to nothing but dock chat. Although I've never met
most of the participants, the names are all like old friends.

Many times the NG has provided entertainment that you just couldn't find
anywhere else. Who can forget the famous bilge pump debates between Marcus
and Mrs. B.?

Unfortunately, the political side of things invested itself during the
election of 2000. Certain people have never let it go - and the political
infection of rec.boats took root. This, singularly, has been the primary
reason for the deterioration of the group during the past 7-8 years, IMOH.

The attempt to return to "boating" only discussions will never work, because
rec.boats was never only about boating. It was an internet based comradely
of people who shared a common root interest but enjoyed the discussion and
humor of all subjects, very much like the social environment at the dock or
marina.

Like every other social group though, you gotta leave politics and religion
out of it. If we all simply did that - this NG would be fine.

Very well said! And it did need to be said. I'd further point out that
those OT political threads encouraged increased participation by some
very unhealthy elements. Look no further than the most prolific
"contributors" over the last couple days... I think we can easily ID
those who clearly don't understand the difference between having
something interesting to say and feeling the need to say something. One
single poster issued 57 posts over the last 2 days but said absolutely
nothing. Sadly, the most prolific posters to rec.boats today also seem
to be the most intellectually challenged.

--
Skipper