is AO becoming like the nation?

[chinstrap]

I've gone to the PBN a couple of times and tried to look around because someone told me they have good deals on used gear over there. It started to give me a migraine, so I stopped.

I do find it really interesting to read old "Agg or Not" threads though.

[Lohman446]

The problem I see on PBN is this happens often in threads:

"I'll give you XX for it"

"Ok, deal. Anyone else want to give me more?"

Ok - I realize on rare exception some people will make a deal for cash and then be offered the marker of there dreams for it. Although I would not back out of a deal once made I would be understanding if someone did, it happens. Then again I lowball everything and understand my offers represent only a bottom line for the seller - I have the money set aside and ready if they want it. If they get a better offer the same day I understand them taking it.

However, the trying to bind the buyer and get better offers at the same time annoys me. Frankly if I saw it in an open thread I would probably withdraw my offer to purchase. I can offer and you can tell me you will think about it or see what you can get, but telling someone its a deal and continuing to look for better offers is tacky.


Hasn't happened to me yet, but I try to stay away from the nation BST.

[Ando]

I'm a new/old member of AO (Can't remember my old longin). I was on AO about 6 yrs ago before I had kids and popped smoke from paintball all together. Except for the one incident that left ezcreation out to dry, I haven't seen any real problems worth talking about.

This place has a good atmosphere and I wouldn't change a thing. We have an excellent mature core of mag'ers that would rather help then hinder a brother or like pbjunky99 said call someone a Asshat or some other derogatory name.

I love the place and it get my....

Edit: One of my big reasons for this place so much is the amount of gear that trades hands. There's stuff that I've always wanted, dreamed of getting but could never find or buy till coming back here. I think I've blown over 2k in just over a month..lol...So from this point forward..If I ask anyone for anything tell me NO!!!

My wife will appreciate it.

[punkncat]

Also, with regards to stepping up, there is only so much a member can do without being a mod here. We can all do our part to try and help with the rules being enforced but we cannot hand out punishments which to most coming from PBN is the only way to get them to listen.

There was a post made some time ago in regards to users "moderatiing" the forum. I know that for my part, I have no problem helping out where I can. I have no issue reminding people about rules, and will hit the "report" button in a moment on a spam post, and whatnot.

To me, that self policing is one of the better things about this forum. In spite of the fact that we have few mods, it is very rare that anything gets out of hand. And if they do, Beemer and the other mod have no problem bringing down the hammer and cooling things. Sometimes, not to our desire, but it keeps the place clean, as it were.

[drewkroeker]

I can see a world of difference between here an pbnation. I think that because mag shooters are generally older and do not include the same fanboy hero-worship fanatic thirteen year olds you find on the nation*, it makes for a more mature forum. Some things that stand out in my mind:

1) Less issues with BST sections. This is in part because AO has a lower volume of transactions than PBN but also due to the maturity of AO users. I have bought several guns on here and every time the sellers delivered the goods exactly as promised. Buy from people who have good feedback. I find MCB to be very similar in this and other instances.

2) More community. Since we have a more mature user base, AO is more inclusive and welcoming to newcomers. We all claim that the mag is the best invention since the wheel but we don't flame someone for liking a different marker. (After all, some of us shoot AKAs as well ) j/k Even simple tech questions are met with a response and a polite reminder to use the search button instead of a flamethrower.

3) Creativity - I never cease to be amazed at how many different variations there are of the automag. There are machinists on here that build things that are simply works of art. I haven't looked on the nation for this sort of thing, but I do know that you can go there to become a member of Oliver Lang's fan club.

* Okay, I admit it, I am a mag fanboy and Tom Kaye is my hero.

[Ratt]

This place will NEVER be like pbn. The people here are way too mature and, well, just flat-out nice to ever let this place turn into the load of crap that pbn is.
Example: I have never been burned on a deal. I'm not saying that it doesn't happen on this forum, but it has never happened to me. I have bought/sold both parts and guns in this forum, and everyone I have dealt with were nice and courteous. Heck, I have GIVEN parts away, and I have had parts GIVEN to me. I SERIOUSLY doubt that ever happens on PBN.
Example: I have never been told that my question was a 'noob' question. Everyone in this forum is courteous.

I think that is what it all boils down to: Courtesy exists here on AO, not at PBN

The people in this forum take pride in not only their Mags, but also in the fact that we have a GREAT forum. It's not perfect, but it is great. And I am willing to bet that the people in this forum will never just sit idly by and let this forum go to crap.

[Beemer]

It's in my user Title.

[dark blade]

i am glad to see that people here think that this community is still thriving and shall never be like the nation.

I feel slightly different but its not going to stray me from this forum. This is and most likely will always be me main forum and the only one i ever actually use.

[Watcher]

I have never been flamed on this forum, and I have been everywhere else at least once excepting my mountain biking forum.

Someone is always willing to help, and where else can you say that the company's founder still takes an interest in his product and the advancement of this sport (a nod to Tom).


Tuna has given me free parts without much need of even a thank-you. Many AOers will probably tech your gun for you for free if you pay shipping there and back.


AO and Automag users in general, I've found, are among the nicest, most honest, and most easygoing people you'd meet, and the people who get the most enjoyment out of this great sport.


I'll come back to AO long after I get through with playing...

"Chuff Chuff"

[SCpoloRicker]

No, it is not.

well that was short and concise. Care to expand on that?

No.

Have you not seen any examples of things going astray from how you feel things once were?

Yes.

LURK MOAR, newblar.

[dark blade]

LURK MOAR, newblar.

??? im confused... please explain in non 1337 type talk what that is suppose to mean.

[SCpoloRicker]

??? im confused... please explain in non 1337 type talk what that is suppose to mean.

Please forgive me, but I am not sure that I completely understand you.

[dark blade]

i simply am not sure what "lurk moar, newblar" means.

[hmudd13]

There seems to be intelligent life forms here. They speak English, and are helpful, not hateful.

I am not even sure that "over there" that they are speaking English. Maybe from an alternate reality, possibly.

There will always be invaders from "the forum that shall not be named", but together, we can repel them. For we have common sense, and respect.





Plus, I never even come close to having a headache, or, a nosebleed from reading this forum.

[SCpoloRicker]

i simply am not sure what "lurk moar, newblar" means.

Is AO truly being infultrated by "the nation"

I am suggesting that maybe, just maybe, the theory that the general quality of the forum has degraded over time has been raised before.

Additionally, I am suggesting that if one were to have spent more time perusing the conversations that occur on said forum, one would notice the trend of common discussion topics raised by newer members.

You see, there are several discussion topics often raised.

Were one to take the time to gauge the time elapsed/topic raised; one might notice a relatively high result for some of the items you have mentioned.

??? im confused... please explain in non 1337 type talk

Admittedly, I have used a few internets up. I hope this clarifies.