OhioCCW Forums Changes

[carmen fovozzo]

I am starting to understand Jeff's point of view, and support him. I doubt that there any members here as qualified and driven as Jeff.

Besides the OC Forum I'd like to see Kirchner's Korner also locked to members only.

...Wow. you went from scared to understanding now in that short of a time.

...I am certainly happy that the powers to be are letting us vent all these negative and positive posts. Maybe I'll figure something out from them to understand why these changes. Nothing yet though.....

[lfrost2125]

Coming from a family that has quite a few people that work in the PR field, I can tell you from first hand experience that sometimes all it takes is one person to do something and then the respect that has been created for an organization or group is tarnished sometimes beyond repair. More than not that one person isn't even around when the group, company, or organization has to re-establish their tarnished reputation if it's even possible. So for the most part I can see why OFCC wants to be proactive. It's easier to be proactive and reactive.

[wam35]

WOW.. this all took me by surprise. I started searching OC!!!. At BFA which led me to OFCC. I joined OFCC which is not something I would normally do.( watching the mail for a card) I did this because I could talk to gun people and get different perspectives. I feel like I know people from their differing views on topics other than gun stuff.
I have worked 2 gun shows in 2 months. If you look at my profile you will note I haven't been a member much longer than that. I can see how some of the changes will be good. But, I really like the OC section, I check it out 4-5 times a day from my smart phone. If it wasn't for a non sanctioned OC meet and greet, I wouldnt have met the 26 people who showed up and ate and talked together for a couple hours. I am going to miss the non sanctioned events. Does this mean that OFCC is going to help plan regular meet and greets in different counties? Or are the guidelines for planning them ourselves going to be simple?
I hope these changes are good, and I hope we don't lose people because of them. There are people who are a little brash, but that is good. I don't come here to visit " mamby pamby land" I do think we all need to step back, take a breath, and give it a try. I also hope our thoughts will be given serious consideration as time progresses.

Pleas keep up the good work on the frontlines of the 2A battlefield. I will continue to support this organization, and I hope every one else does too.

[jgarvas]

Does this mean that OFCC is going to help plan regular meet and greets in different counties? Or are the guidelines for planning them ourselves going to be simple?

In a perfect world wouldn't it be neat if these were regularly scheduled events around the State of Ohio coordinated as OFCC Community M&G's? This might be more effective at bringing new people into the fold instead of a protest walk because a city has an old ordinance on the books that is in violation of ORC 9.68 that they could remove if politely told about it. I think if we coordinated M&G's like we do gun show staffing it'd be an opportunity to disseminate information in local groups.

We will not put an end to M&G's. There will be a process to submit them and they'll get the green light by the moderators unless we have concerns with an individual or group putting on M&G's in OFCC's name. For the time being, just PM a moderator what you'd like to do, where, when, etc. The benefit of coordinating this as a group is that we could do targeted email announcements to the county where it'll be held via the alert system, and we could add them to the front page website calendar. The net effect would be an even better, more popular, more successful event.

[Chuck]

I guess I'm not clear on the "protest walk" part of the meet and greets. We meet quite a bit in Licking County and I'd never call them a "protest". Nor would I call any of the OC meets I've seen talked about lately as "protests" either. Folks are meeting at Cracker Barrels and coffee shops and burger joints.

Your forum has just been a good way to get the word out, for our group, at least. We could all private email each other, or something, but posting it on a forum like this oftens brings new people to the meet. When we went to EastLake last year, now that could be called a protest, (we were prepared to be arrested) but not anything recently. Not even this weekend in BeaverCreek is a protest, but more of a meet, greet, and eat. Perhaps there can be a standard issue disclaimer that we can use to say it's NOT OFCC sanctioned?

To be quite honest, OFCC brass is too tight of a knit group to allow someone like me to host an official meet. And the group is too small to host meets themselves around the state with any kind of regularity, so it's good for the small informal groups of members here to get together informally. I hope you will allow us to continue to post and host our own meet and greets. I, for one, will post any disclaimers you want me too just to be able to use your forum as a media of communication.

Thank you,

Chuck

[gmhiggins]

To be quite honest, OFCC brass is too tight of a knit group to allow someone like me to host an official meet. And the group is too small to host meets themselves around the state with any kind of regularity, so it's good for the small informal groups of members here to get together informally. I hope you will allow us to continue to post and host our own meet and greets. I, for one, will post any disclaimers you want me too just to be able to use your forum as a media of communication.

The one meet and greet I've been to we were asked a specific question - "What group are you with". The 23 people's answer? None. It was clear before that it was, and most likely would never be, "sanctioned by OFCC". I enjoyed meeting in person a group of people who shared the same views and interests as myself. I was looking forward to having another, and was busy doing research to ensure the next meet and greet would be just as fun, safe, and uneventful as the last. This rule change has already killed any momentum it had.

While I respect your decision to limit the use of your forums for the organization of meet and greets, I do not agree with it. I hope you will also respect my decision to not become a patron member of the OFCC.

[Rhino]

I have a feeling these changes aren't going to be as draconian as some people think they are going to be. But whatever the case may be, it's probably best if we all wait to see what actually happens instead of taking action based on what we think might happen. They're obviously trying to do what they feel is best for the organization. Maybe they can't please all of the people all of the time (who can?), but I think it's fairly plain that they're doing the best they can with the hand they've been dealt. They're not deliberately trying to alienate anyone, and the restrictions they're putting in place are only because they feel them necessary, not because they're out to get anyone.

[blah]

Jeff. I don't have a problem with the change to format of the forums and making them more focused. I'm not sold on having to clear m&g's with OFCC, but whatever.

I do have a problem with this one statement you made. I wouldn't have posted this here however you brought it up so I think it's fair game even if off topic.

Finally, to those of you who said you'll get involved if we get sued, why would it take that to get you involved in doing something productive for the cause? These decisions and this organization operate because of a dedicated team of people who come from various backgrounds to work together for the goals and causes of the organization.

I have a problem with this statement because often we'll see OFCC leadership solicit for volunteers yet often offers to volunteer are unanswered. Not unaccepted, but UNANSWERED. As in hear no response. I have volunteered 3 specific times. The first was to your call at PITP last year for an accountant to help out. Remember you told me that you were going to check on another option? Even after following up I didn't get so much as a "thanks but no thanks." I know you were busy in your real life at the same time, but really? No final response? I'm sorry but I'm busy too in life and my time I was offering to OFCC is no less valuable than yours.

Second time was when people were discussing getting mailings out. Quite a few volunteered, including me, when Jake basically said "put your money where your mouth was and volunteer." Again not even so much as a "thanks, but no thanks."

Third was in a recent thread where a new member asked about how long it takes to get his membership in the mail. OldManTod said he was busy and a little behind. That's fine as I said we're all busy. I offered in the thread and a PM to see if he could use help getting things processed and out. Again not so much as a "thanks, but no thanks."

I know other members have had offers go unanswered. Let me repeat. NOT unaccepted, but UNANSWERED. I can take having an offer declined. If I'm not needed for a particular task then that's no problem. However, having an offer go unanswered when we often hear how strapped volunteers are for time is pretty lousy IMHO. To be honest I'm pretty discouraged from volunteering for anything anymore. To be clear, I still plan to support OFCC. In fact I plan to upgrade to patron membership next month when my 1st year of membership expires. I love what OFCC has done to promote 2a rights in Ohio. But if offers to volunteer go unanswered what's the point in offering?

[DEFCON1]

Mainstream=mediocre. I thought I had found something special.

Thank you so much for taking the scales from my eyes.

Personally, my relationship with OFCC goes WAY back, around 2000 if I remember correctly. At times it has resembled a bad romance, but I have kept up my support of the organization. This is no longer so.

I wish you had dropped this on us about three weeks ago, on a Monday. Monday because I expect this kind of thing to happen. Three weeks ago, because I just renewed my membership with an added donation. I would ask for it back, but I know nothing will come of it. You can keep it and stuff a pillow with it or light some cigars.

I formally apologize to anyone here that may have come due to my recommendation. It seems the internet police have come to beat us into fairness. I choose not to participate.

AS a dues paying member it seems my only recourse is to vote with my feet. I formally request "site supporter" be taken down from my username. I do not wish to be construed in any way supporting these recent actions.

Furthermore, I QUIT. I'd explain in greater detail, but I doubt anyone would care. This Charlie Brown is not going to give Lucy another chance to yank away the football.

Chris

[OldManTod]

Third was in a recent thread where a new member asked about how long it takes to get his membership in the mail. OldManTod said he was busy and a little behind. That's fine as I said we're all busy. I offered in the thread and a PM to see if he could use help getting things processed and out. Again not so much as a "thanks, but no thanks."

I guess I presumed that since I responded publicly to the thread that I didn't need to go back in and specifically cut and paste the response - I will be more diligent in that next time to make sure I cut and paste the response.

<edited the rest out - OMT>

[fireman]

Realitive newbie here.... I try to read far more than I post.
I think I'm going to enjoy a more focused forum. There are as many topics in the world
as there are people with different opinions. I have "places" I can go to seek indvidual topics out.

The best example for me would be a now defunct topic in Ohio politics section.
There is a bill being discussed, and instead of members simply stating their opinion, and
moving on.... I think it got real ugly, really quickly. My skin is to thick to take offense, and
it is an internet forum.... I think there were folks that I could have been great friends
with, spending a day at the range, or discussing firearms. After their postings, I'd be hard pressed to give them the time of day. I would still lay my life on the line for them... That's what I do.... but no
interest in ever meeting or engaging them in conversation.

Jeff and entire staff, thank you. I came here looking for a discussion group on concealed carry, and am damn glad to have one.

Steve
PS- I apolgize if this posts oddly... Sending it from my smarter than me phone

[OldManTod]

Mainstream=mediocre. I thought I had found something special.

Thank you so much for taking the scales from my eyes.

Personally, my relationship with OFCC goes WAY back, around 2000 if I remember correctly. At times it has resembled a bad romance, but I have kept up my support of the organization. This is no longer so.

I wish you had dropped this on us about three weeks ago, on a Monday. Monday because I expect this kind of thing to happen. Three weeks ago, because I just renewed my membership with an added donation. I would ask for it back, but I know nothing will come of it. You can keep it and stuff a pillow with it or light some cigars.

I formally apologize to anyone here that may have come due to my recommendation. It seems the internet police have come to beat us into fairness. I choose not to participate.

AS a dues paying member it seems my only recourse is to vote with my feet. I formally request "site supporter" be taken down from my username. I do not wish to be construed in any way supporting these recent actions.

Furthermore, I QUIT. I'd explain in greater detail, but I doubt anyone would care. This Charlie Brown is not going to give Lucy another chance to yank away the football.

Chris

Chris/all - please use the contact us link and specifically use the Membership link to request a refund, I will PERSONALLY work with the manager of the webstore to issue a refund in the system as quickly as possible (within the reason of financial institutions and their refund capabilities), I have ~140+ envelopes that are midway stuff and ready to go and can pull those. Please submit through the "contact us" link and use the membership link so I can receive an e-mail, I will be away from the forums for a period of time that will allow me to put things in perspective and prevent me from resigning.

[dsk]

Furthermore, I QUIT. I'd explain in greater detail, but I doubt anyone would care. This Charlie Brown is not going to give Lucy another chance to yank away the football.

Chris

K, bye.

[Atilla]

Many interesting topics came up in the Ohio and National forum. And they fit there because they were not as random and carefree as stuff in Kircheners corner.

That very well may be true, however we're not a "One stop shop" anymore.
We're trying direct our focus on the forums to primarily a "single issue" (gun owner rights and legislation).
While there may be an adjustment period, I think it's best for the organization.

I agree, a focused approach is most effective. Keeping "Kirchener's Corner" for off topic posts is fun and breaks things up, as long as there are no personal attacks or bashing (Not nust LE but anyone).

[jamie9mm]

Furthermore, I QUIT. I'd explain in greater detail, but I doubt anyone would care. This Charlie Brown is not going to give Lucy another chance to yank away the football.

Chris

K, bye.

Never mind I'm trying to not belittle my self to that level(previous post removed)

People seem a little mad and that whole "k,bye" thing is childish and may run more away. I know you didn't need him right?!?!?
I'd say you run to many people away and someone might start another group and while wanting the same goal bad blood may cause them to be more focused on hurting this proven group.

The above is a imagination, it wasn't really there. Because if someone said something like the response would probably be "well show us how it's done then"