Most of the guys with a ton of posts get them by having fun socializing here. It doesn't make them any less or more important. Just as it's your choice on where to post and what to say, they enjoy the same freedom.

I'm not forcing or asking anyone to join, whether they have 10 or 10,000 posts. I am trying to keep this place up and running and trying to HAVE A LIFE in the process. You do this in your spare time and see how people jumping on your ass feels.

I understand the frustration of losing features, but look at things from my angle.



Even with the search, these topics exist. I highly doubt there will be a significant increase or decrease in similar topics. Things are cyclical and will eventually come up again.



If you're not happy then do something about it. Bitching doesn't do anyone any good. I am trying here. I bust my ass every night! While you're out having fun, I sit at a pc or on the phone dealing with everything it takes to keep the site running. I am not pissed off, just trying to give you a glimpse into MY life.

How many topics do you see me jump in and enjoy? Do you know when the last time I got a chance to go out and shoot was? When you sit, read, and then get off the pc to watch TV or go out to dinner, think of my skinny ass sitting here dealing with emails and complaints from people who just don't want to see what's on the other side of the monitor.

I do what I do because I love it, both the firearms and the development. It's a choice, just like your choice to live with search or not. Just like mine to keep the site running or not. We all make choices, some are popular, some make you a bad guy. You can't please everyone... I know that. But, if I have to cut search out in order to keep the site running smoothly while I work on a solution, then that's what I'm going to do.

There's no business behind the site keeping it running. There's no profit sharing, no stocks, no millionaire with deep pockets helping out. It's about a family of guys who give of their time to keep things going. The "in" crowd you all joke about doesn't exist. What DOES exist is a group of guys who get together OFF the site and make friendships. If you haven't made a local gathering, I highly suggest doing so. It will open your eyes to who these people are and what they're about. I simply can't wait until the next NorthEast (Albany, NY) gathering! (I need the days off! [;)])

You may not agree with all of this, or any of it, but maybe you'll understand where I'm coming from.

Relax People!  I didn't need to receive the flames I did in my personal mail box...  I just got off the phone with GoatBoy, and we managed to set things straight, and have a great conversation (before my phone-card company took a dump on our conversation, sorry GB!)!

Things were clarified for me, and I have an even greater appreciation for the vast knowledge of 'THE' GoatBoy.  Thank you so much for all of your steadfast dedication to AR15.com, and the many members.  I had gotten all of my questions answered in a straight-forward, no-bullsh!t response that was both civilized and very intellectual.  You're one smart man, and I'm thrilled that you're the man in control of AR15.com, and nobody else (Code-Wise, I mean no disrespect Moderators, you do your part as well).

Thank you all, when funds become available AR15.com can expect a Money Order.  I hope other people can acquire the same respect for you as I have just gained on the phone today.  I had respected you in the past, but you have enlightened me with admiration.  Thanks for your hard work!

Sincerely,

-iNuhBaDNayburhood

PS.  Prayer Sent.

Welcome back to the fold, my friend.  Now you have been "initiated."  Our Fearless Leader is a truly great man, and very dedicated to all of us.  Now you (unfortunately only one out of 30,000) have had the opportunity to learn this first hand.  Also, now you know why those of us who have had the honor of knowing him are so fiercely defensive on his behalf.  Hence the hate-o-grams.  I did not send one, but am not surprised that you received them.  Next time, you will be tasked with sending one to someone when they get out of line!  hehe  Just kidding!!  Again, welcome back to the brotherhood.  [:)]

[b][red][size=5]<====OH MY GOD![/size=5][/red]
!!!THANKS SHIVAN!!!
I'm speechless!  I...  Uh...  Perhaps this will help say thank you...  (But I doubt it's enough!)
[/b]

[img]http://www.tc.umn.edu/~armament/img/pics/personal/thks.gif[/img]