Too bad...

[T-Bone]

I just noticed Rhybak is no longer a Moderator on this Board; sent him a text and asked why...and from what I understand his direct manner wasn't always well received. Not sure I'd characterize his style as an issue...just direct...which is what you want someone in a position of 'keeping things straight' to be, I would think. At last check this isn't a collection of preschoolers living in Narnia.

Anyway, it's too bad on a number of levels. For my money, if I'm asking anyone for fishing advice on this Board I'd ask Rhybak first. His insights were based in trial and error and what works and what doesn't. Clearly he's successful in both locating fish and getting them on the line and into the boat beyond probably all that participate on this Board. He was always able to offer a meaningful, proven take on what to do, how to do it, where to do it, and when to do it. He was always there to offer that insight on almost ANY subject...free of charge...just because he wanted to help. 

There are other fishing Boards out there with a lot more Users...most of which are crying in their milk about something, ranting about something else, or asking for advice about how to manage their life. I'm glad this Board has never been like that. This Board has always been an assembly of people passionate about the Kipawa area paradise...members (new and old) that want experienced people that have knowledge about the area help them enjoy it more while they're preparing for their trip or planning their fishing attack while they're there.

Unfortunately, one of the key resources of this Board for the past 15+ years...assuredly one of the smartest and most-experienced fisherman in the group, has left the building and is likely taking his insights elsewhere. It's too bad, but in all honesty, I don't blame him. Being a Mod is a thankless role...even in a group this small and this focused.

So, what happens when the smartest person in the company leaves the organization? Either someone steps up or it all goes down tubes. Let's hope for the former. I know this, Mr. Rhybak's experience and knowledge will be almost impossible (if not impossible) to replace.

As I said...it's just too bad. 

[BH]

Nice eulogy. Hopefully Rhybak will still participate.  As a new member I have enjoyed the knowledge sharing and friendly banter at times.

[smitty55]

Yea, kind of strange. I've certainly never noticed any behavior from him that I would find abrasive at all. Either here or on another site he visits.

Cheers

[fishtildark]

If anyone complained about his style we may never know. If he was hard on anyone it was T -Bone and it was pretty easy to see that was pretty good natured. thanks for the contributions over the years. Sam

[Canuckbass]

Well said @T-Bone

I've known Rhybak for many years on several different forums, his knowledge and advice won't be able to be replaced. His love of the sport and area truly shows and always willing to help with true advice.
When Rhybak posts, everyone should read as his details show in his results on the water.

[Dog]

What the....
@RHYBAK I hope you stick around and continue to participate.... but if you duecide to spend more time fishing than on the internet, I wouldn't blame you, no one here would for that matter... I hope your line stays tight with an occasion whining spool.

[CaptainCrappie]

What the heck?  Somebody must have a thin skin and expressed that to the powers that be.  I'll miss the General's wit and knowledge for sure.  Although I have never fished with him... in the same boat,  I've probably spent 11-12 weeks fishing at 3 Seasons Camp the same week and have spent considerable time talking to him about just about everything. He gave advise to my son when my son was going through a trying time, and took the time to interact with two of my grandsons, creating fond memories for them.  He is a unique individual for sure but I've never known him to be anything else but a straight shooter and fun to be around. This web site now has a void no one else can fill. 

C.C.

[Cmdr. Bluegill]

I was a moderator on the "old" Kipawa board.  The only complaints I ever got were from crybaby, self-interested people who insisted they had a right to do what they wanted, rules or no rules.  Since the webmaster at that site was a 'hands off" guy, their complaints got them nothing.  I can't believe Rhybak did anything not required of a moderator - most likely just little appreciated by the people he was trying to guide in the operation of the Board. 

I am the last to judge and I do not have the facts necessary to do so.  However, I hope Nancy remembers that if you give in to self-interested types you lower the standards of the board.  Every time it happens it lowers the standards little by little and pretty soon the people with the knowledge will be gone (after all, anyone can start another one if they feel it is necessary - that is how this one started).  I pray that does not happen to this board.  Let all those who may feel uncomfortable by Rhybak's "directness" take a deep breath and realize how special this board is.

I am proud to call Rhybak my friend and to have known him these many years.  I hope he stays on the board (I didn't see anything that said he was no longer participating) because his wit and wisdom are a part of the fabric of many conversations.

Commander Bluegill

[Hodgey1]

As a newbie, I got a lot of insight and "free" help from him. People who are direct, are not the ones to fear.........

[Ira]

I saw the thread (I think) in which Rhybak's "direct" manner was apparent. Not rude or obnoxious, though it might have been handled better in PMs w/ the individuals involved.

I, too, hope he sticks around. As a newbie, I got a lot of info from the forum before my rookie trip to Lake Ogascanan last year and continue to ick up tips since. And much of that came from Rhybak. Hope he's still around as our next trip gets closer (only 334 days), as I'm sure we'll have additional questions.

[Ozzy30]

That is too bad.  The first person I ever met was Rhybak at the Auberge the first year I was going to Alwaki.  T-bone I think was 2nd.  I noticed his absence but just thought he was on another fishing expedition in the new boat or trying to start a trend with twitter.  He will be missed on this sight for sure.

[Oarin]

T-Bone, you're right, being a moderator must be a thankless job, but I would think being the founder and Administrtwer of the site is even more thankless. I'm pretty sure Nancy was doing what she thought was best for the board. RHYBAK has a lot of knowledge he willingly shared, but at times he lacked tact in dealing with people, as do I. I bet if you asked him he'd tell you he will just say what's on his mind. I do too, so I would not be a good moderater. I truly hope he stays a part of the site and shares his knowledge. Nancy, thanks for your hard work and tough decisions. It all ultimately falls to you, a no win situation. Oarin.

[RHYBAK]

oops

[puckster_guy]

 I do not wanna pick sides. I see logic in both. However Rhybak, I do like your style. It can be abrupt, but I found it to be honest and to the point. I never had a problem disagreeing with you and you took it instride. Your knowledgeable and shared it and thats whats important. If someone took it the wrong way then sorry about their luck. I'd rather they took their beef up with you rather then complainant to the boss behind your back. But that's just me. Thus as in all forums I participate in is a sum of the parts and all ways and personalities should be included. Even as moderators. A simple talking to to exchange POV's would have been more appropriate here, especially with such a long standing member of our community.
I earnestly hope you stick around and contribute your personality here, and we can get back to normal. We are a team and stronger with you.....Let cooler heads prevail.....Joe

[T-Bone]

Well Oarin...I wouldn't want to do either, but if both are voluntary I guess you make your own bed...

And like Puck...I'm not picking sides, I'm just saying that if a bunch of milk-mouthed newbies (or tenured members) got their feelings hurt they could have expressed their sentiments on the Board...not go crying to momma because the big mean neighbor told them to take their noise elsewhere. I'm not even sure that's what happened, but I'd bet it was something close to that. Comparatively, this board is squeaky-squeaky-clean when evaluated against most others which is not necessarily a good thing. Members should be able to express their opinions, in their tone/voice, without fear of the post being pulled or censored. As long as it's done with some level of tact and discretion to propriety, it should be anything goes. Unless it's political or religious...then those should be shut down almost immediately, but that's never been an issue here. 

Yes...that statement is a little out of character for me, but enough is enough. If you can't say what you feel out on a public chat board then I'd say we're all in a heap of hurt. No different than the government limiting what news you read, or what books you read, or what fishing advice you give because someone doesn't like the way it sounds. This board is filled with a bunch of characters, each unique, each with their own style. It would be catastrophic if we all said the same thing, in the same way, at the same time, and then held hands is a rousing round of kum-ba-yah. Friction makes fire, and fire is fascinating...and long as you don't burn the village to the ground.

I've said enough on this. I hope Rhybak comes back...with his style...not inhibited or restricted...not careful to make sure he doesn't offend someone. That's where the fun is...

I've got bigger things to think about anyway....about 38-hours from now we're off to Alwaki. The trip is finally here.