Upon entering chat tonight I was surprised to see a new moderator. There seem to be some interested in the position that have put in a great deal of time and effort into this website. With that said there are also some mods that rarely log in let alone contribute to the Forums. Personally I'd like to see credit given to those that do put forth such a great effort. With that said I'd like to thank VladTepes for his contributions including his labor intensive guides to gun laws. He escaped the People's Republic of NJ, but continues to assist our shooting community. Thank you for your time and assistance to those at NJ Gun Forums.

 

-Rank & File

With that said I'd like to thank VladTepes for his contributions including his labor intensive guides to gun laws. He escaped the People's Republic of NJ, but continues to assist our shooting community. Thank you for your time and assistance to those at NJ Gun Forums.

 

-Rank & File

 

Big +1

I guess I missed the announcement. Who is the new mod?

I'm not sure who the new mod is either, but I'd have to agree with the original post. Vlad has contributed MORE than his share to this site, while he lived in NJ, and even months after he moved out.

I guess I missed the announcement. Who is the new mod?

I'm not saying the new mod isn't deserving. I just felt the need to recognize what Vlad brings to the forums....

The new mod is a great choice. Vlad would be one as well. There are some mods here who aren't really around any more. Whether they lost interest, decided they didn't like the direction the forum went, personal life stops them, etc, it is probably time to pass the torch.

As has been noticed, there have been several changes lately, with more to come. Stay tuned.

Congrats Nick. If mods aren't around, the torch should be passed like Lunker has stated.

 

But I have to ask, why all the concern who is or not a mod? I mean I don't own this place so why should I care ?

Congrats to Nick, I know personally you'll do a terrific job. And congrats to Jon as well.

 

On a personal note. I have been MIA for a few months now, both physically and in my responsibilities as a moderator. This is because I actually resigned my position in May, though that conversation was between myself and Maks. I have been meaning to say something publicly, and I suppose now is a better time then never. Not sure why I'm still green, but I'm sure that will be resolved when the big guys get the chance.

 

So, thank you to the Maks, the moderating team, the regulars, and the community as a whole. I learned quite a bit in my duration here as a member, as well as a moderator. That goes for firearms, as well as being a person, and is something that I will take away as I move forward with my life. Maks and the moderator team do a thankless job, and while I do think that criticism is required more then praise (as progression requires sweat and tears), those guys put in far more time and effort then many people realize.

 

Thanks to the regulars and the community for really being the engine that has driven this forum to its heights, and will continue to be a force for good in projecting the NJ firearms community. The regulars made the moderating task easier at times by self-policing, and difficult at times when that self-policing was directed (rightfully so) towards the moderating team-- so, don't stop.

 

Also, I know I've had my differences at times with a number of you, whether publicly or not, and understand that it was never meant to be personal or malicious. The moment I accepted the offer from Maks to be a moderator, I knew that I would be targeted that much more because I wasn't just a mod, but a voice from the fringes of what is considered to be the firearms community stereotype. My intentions were to create discourse in a respectful manner where I could; whether that was speaking up for those who maybe didn't want to or were comfortable, or to just play devil's advocate. Stagnancy and groupthink run rampant in social circles, and my philosophy was to be dynamic, which of course clashed heavily at times.

So, again, I have resolved the majority of those conflicts publicly or personally in the past when things got a bit too heated. And if anybody wishes to resolve anything that hasn't been, message me and I'll do what I can do accommodate.

 

Otherwise, I'm going to go back to my self-exile as I shift my focuses to other parts of my life. I do wish everyone the best of fortunes, great health, much love, and continuing support in driving this forum forward. Signing off!

 

PS: I will respond to private messages, but will not be really active at all publicly moving forward. Also, from late May to the present, anything that I have written or said do not reflect NJGF, but my own personal opinions (yea, I know, I'm still green, so, that could be confusing, until I'm not).

Ben, it is very sad to see you go, as I have really enjoyed reading everything you have posted. It takes a special kind of person to display the level of tact that you portray with your posts. Best of luck with your next chapter in life, and I do hope we can get together for a couple beers sometime in the future.

Ben,

It was nice having you around here as a thoughtful and sometimes contrarian voice. I wish you well in all your endeavors.

 

Chris