Okay, okay. I’ll admit it. For most of this year I have been an ‘armchair angler’, and by posting this on here I am outing myself as a ‘ne’er-do-well’ who lacks the ‘brain capacity’ to communicate these thoughts privately.
If you have no idea what I am talking about, then you haven’t had the benefit of Steve Cullen’s somewhat rambling editorial in this month’s edition of Total Flyfisher.
I mustn’t tell you exactly what he wrote because the content of the magazine is the copyright of David Hall Publishing, and I am forbidden to quote from it without the written permission of the publisher.
Suffice it to say that Mr Cullen claims that some people can become addicted to internet forums, and some even become “a little corrupt and aggressive after prolonged use.” (Oh dear, I’ve just quoted directly from the magazine without Mr Hall’s permission.)
Mr Cullen goes on: "Those who have an opinion to voice will do so no matter what the consequences,” adding: “Most forums have a private messaging facility; surely these ne’er-do-wells have the brain capacity to contact others this way rather than spouting off for all and sundry to read.
“The best of it is that you can more or less guarantee that many are ‘armchair anglers.’ ”
As I said earlier, I have been an armchair angler for most of this year. This was not from choice, it was because of health problems. But just what this has to do with the validity or otherwise of my opinion completely escapes me.
And as for ne’er-do-wells (for those unfamiliar with quaint, archaic terms, to qualify as a ne’er-do-well you must first be lazy), it takes no more effort to send a private message than it does to post on an open forum.
As an example of he what sees as the misuse of these forums, Mr Cullen quotes the hypothetical case of someone who is ‘given a hard time’ because they have tied a fly imperfectly.
I can only suggest that if you want your first fumbling efforts at the vice to be greeted with unqualified approbation, show them to your mother. If you post them on here you are likely to get one or two snide remarks, along with many helpful suggestions as to how you can improve.
As for ‘spouting off for all and sundry to read’, Mr Cullen might like to reflect on the fact that he is privileged to have a magazine in which to expound his views. The rest of us must rely on forums such as this.
In his final paragraph, Mr Cullen writes: “To all those sensible posters, keep up the good work. To the rest, come one, let’s not abuse one another.”
Best not call each other intellectually-challenged ne’er-do-wells, then, eh Steve?

I think ill get me cottonwool blanket,...the real world sounds so bad...i am only kidding though...or am i

Hey, when I am not fishing I am an armchair angler!! Telly, internet, etc, etc, etc.
I also give my opinion (may also be called experience) freely, both by PM, and on open forum.
I do contradict, and I do argue, but hopefully I am not seen to pillory.
Is that not the basis of forums?
Unlike the angling press where you have to wait up to a month to have your opinion/argument published (if you are fortunate (sic) enough!)
You can debate point in real time, maybe Mr Cullen should avail himself of this reality.
Havent read article, but have to agree with your comments, and summary, of his article (if summary is correct!) Angus.
Heres to all the armchair anglers, who probably fish more than the author of the article refered to!
regards
bert.

When one criticizes those who criticise, one must be careful to avoid criticism.

LOL
Unless of course you are an MP, then you are beyond criticism!!
regards
bert

I think Steve is entitled to his opinion. No doubt having come across some of the less charitable and warrior like comments which are sometimes made on forums.

__________________
Tight Lines. :)

Hi I did mention this in my thread Total Flyfisher at the start of June.

I nearly p.....d myself Steve.

__________________
"A traditional wet fly addict"

Uk representative and Instructor for Fly Fishing Masters - www.flyfishingmasters.co.uk

Distributor for Terenzio Silk and Artificial Silk Fly Lines - Pay distributor retail price.

I think it's been well established on this forum already that Steve Cullen doesn't write his own editorial nor indeed read it.

If it wasn't for forums like this putting the boot in when deserved magazines like TT and the rest would get away with selling us any junk.

I like to think that my hounding of TF has had some effect, the tackle testing section has markedly improved. And there was a decent article on wild fish sport in Ireland. Planning on heading there myself based on the article.

My you do have a high opinion of yourself.
I think that maybe you are one of those Steve Cullen was alluding to.
I don't think for one minute that your so called hounding of TF has had anything more to do with any perceived changes than give them a good laugh, if they even bother to read your pathetic posts.

Paul