(09 Dec 2015, 12:43 pm)Andreos1 wrote In principle, I don't think be a bad thing.
However (without blaming anyone at all and if I am wrong, please tell me), the majority of the fallings out I see or here about are amongst the members of the forum who are 'visibly active' on the scene.
They are probably towards the younger age groupings.
Then there are older members, who view the site as a 'fantasy island' and have actively not got involved in the forum at all.
As entertaining as the bickering was initially, it has grown tiresome now.
I have mentioned previously about cliques, empire building and bitchiness (that goes across all age groups) and as optimistic as I try to be, I am not sure a meeting would solve it.
Some of the gloating, boasting and envy that is shown by some, is pretty sad.
Saying that, I don't have a personal issue with anyone on the forum - even eezypeazy!
Organising a NEB day out sounds great as well, but wouldn't it just be another clique?
I know one or two members on here and have spoken with others about having a drink or two. However, getting actively involved in the hobby (and the pettiness that goes with it) away from the forum isn't something that floats my boat.
Living a life away from the forum, enables me to switch off and focus on something else - whether that be family, friends or work.
It also means I can't be dragged into any of the many arguments or battles that goes on.
If the meeting comes off, I wish you every success.
Hopefully it does stop the bitchiness we see too often.
I don't think a big forum meet would work to be honest, there is too much bad blood between members and no matter what, cliques will always stay together.
I can't see a big meet being a success to be honest, it would become a joke in my opinion, if people can't behave online, they won't behave in the same room or around each other on the street and could be a big problem, I don't think it would turn violent, but suspect it would be heated as we all argue whose arse the sun shines brightest out of, Trent Barton or GNE and whether Gateshead FC are a school football team.
Me personally, I have never had a problem with anyone on here, everybody I have met has been good I will single out Jimmi, Sean and Malarks, and don't think anyone has a problem with me.
I tend to keep myself to myself, because I dont want to be seen as taking sides in a argument, though there is times I will take sides as I am doing for someone at the moment.
If anyone got a meet together, an NEB gathering or whatever, I would try to attend...
I just dont have any hope of being able to get everyone singing from the same hymn sheet