I have to admit to being a social junky! I love browsing through Facebook and Twitter and reading through various forums but recently I have seen the darker and unpleasant side to social networking. I know I wanted to keep my blog free of unpleasantness but I have something to say.
Before I begin on what will most likely turn into a rant I must say that I don't give a witches tit which bait company you use, where you buy your tackle or what brand it is and who you fish with. All of those are your choices and are done for one reason or another. Whether it is you have 100% confidence in the bait, or are trying a new one. You get the best service from the tackle shop you use and your mate is always giving you tips or is great at making a brew not one person has the right to tell you that you can not do that!
I have seen some absolute shocking shows of ignorance and jealousy over the past year and it shames me to call them fellow anglers. Several times while perusing through a well known northern forum I have been met with hostility for mentioning the bait company I use, I have seen other people ask about bait companies and they have been met with the same comments 'Don't use them they are shite' 'Their boss is a wanker, wouldn't use them if it was free' 'They cut their bait down, so the flavors are no way near as strong as on the telly, false advertising that plus it's shit.' Just a few I can remember from memory.
I use a variety of tackle and buy from various different places but one story that shocked me recently was one of various members of a local tackle shop. The story goes that the shop stocks a certain bait company and that people wearing apparel of a different bait company where heckled and given abuse for supporting this company. Now if the stories are true then I would never use them again as that behavior is unacceptable but we all know how things can and do get blown out of proportion. But the jury is still out on this one and I will give the shop the benefit of doubt as they have always given me good service.
One incident I did fully witness was one of the companies recently launched a new range and along with this came a promotional video. Now the video was made up from a large amount of catch photos and some of them were accidentally mixed up. With in hours of this video going live a person decided to slander the company calling them liars and cheats even after an apology was made by the companies owner. Instead of going direct to the company via a private message he publicly slagged them of on both Facebook and a northern forum. Bang out of order son, bang out of order!
I too have felt the abusive nature of folk. When you ask a simple question on a forum and are hammered down by people who think you are not worth the light of day. It makes me quite angry. I am always keen to share any information on bait, rigs, venues, spots, anything if I am asked. I feel sorry for the young beginners out there as it must be an absolute nightmare trying to sift through the bull that is posted on most forums these days.
One recent shocker that I witnessed was on one of the leading anglers Facebook feed for a top tackle manufacturer. This chap is out making a living and trying to teach and help the young and old about this sport of ours and all they get is abuse from small minded individuals who threaten these guys with physical violence and mental abuse all with an extremely shite grasp on the English language!!
I really can not understand why there is so much jealousy and bitchiness in the sport. We all are here for one reason and that is to catch carp. Big carp or small. We love the sport but hate each other? I really can not get my head around it! Hopefully one day we can all just get along and if I ever turn into a hater then I will quit the sport and take up golf!
Anyway rant over! Onto the next topic!
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