Spirit of AFO

[AFO]

Dear AFO members,

In light of several recent incidents on the site it is prudent to clarify a few issues that are becoming prevalent on the site and in the forum. The AFO site and forum is about sharing information, networking with local fishermen, gaining local knowledge and sharing experiences. It is not a place to criticise other people’s methods, tastes, culture or differences whether it be fishing related or otherwise. We have have been disappointed by actions of some members recently, where simple remarks or comments have been made by which have triggered further inappropriate responses and escalated some rather minor issues. We are here to help each other learn more about fishing, promote the sport, encourage new members to join or take up the sport and seeing threads of abuse on the site does not facilitate that. As stated in our Terms of Use, we encourage a good debate, but as soon as any inappropriate comments are made including threats, harrassment, swearing, prejudice, slander or deliberate insults/name-calling, or other negative remarks about Brisbane Fishing Online, its Moderators and Administrators, or your fellow members disciplinary action will be taken, regardless of our relationship with the member.

The Moderators on the site have been carefully selected and we believe in their honesty and character wholeheartedly.Moderators play an important role in a large forum and it is a difficult balance they have to be fair and reasonable whilst still actively participating in the forum. As a result, there will be times that an issue may arise, which we believe can be easily resolved through communication and commonsense. If a misunderstanding has occurred an apology is never far away. If you disagree with someones point of view it is possible to be polite about it or if you feel that you wish to take something further do it by PM not in the public forum. Do not use the Private Message feature of the site as a further way to aggrevate the issue, but as a way to resolve the issue and get back to enjoying the site together.

We like to have our say, and we don’t always agree with everyone’s habits and techniques, but If it works for them (and is legal ), and they don’t want to take up our styles of fishing, oh well, fair enough. As both Administrators and active members of this site we have made many mates and fishing buddies. We enjoy AFO events thoroughly because people arrive, have fun, share advice, help each other out etc. If fish are caught it’s a bonus but not the sole reason. Bragging and ego's are always left at the door.However we do not want to see the integrity of the site and community we love degenerate by the actions of a few thoughtless members. Fishing is something to enjoy, not to fight about.

Please do not take the law into your own hands. If you have a problem let the AFO Moderators or Administrators know about it, or if it is an issue with a Moderator let the Administrators know and we can look into it and take appropriate action. If you have issues with other members sort it out off the site and dont bring it into the public forum as we will act swiftly to remove the posts and ban you if we deem necessary. However if people continue to be offensive, abuse people, promote illegal fishing activities, disrespect people for trying to be helpful etc , they must expect their posts to be modified or deleted. It is at the discretion of the site's Moderators and Administrators to move, edit or remove posts in order to keep the forum organised, on topic and well behaved. Unfortunately sometimes that might mean your relatively "innocent" posts may be affected as well to keep the thread flowing in context. After the recent incidents which have wasted our valuable time and brought the site into disrepute we have now decided on a zero tolerance approach to members who breach the rules and they will be banned immediately. Please ensure you read the terms of use carefully and use your commonsense when using the site.

It is just a matter of common courtesy and good manners to be polite and helpful when using the site. Before posting anything take the time to think about what you are writing and if it is appropriate and if it may offend someone. As stated previously contact the site Moderators or Administrators if you have a problem and keep it out of the public forum

Everyone we urge you to lets use commonsense in using the site and let's move forward. This issue has been discussed enough now, so please refrain from bringing it back up in the forum as it will be removed.

Good fishing.

Angus and John