OK, I will say it...
Passwords and limiting who can post... great, maybe we could get matching decoder rings and build a clubhouse too!
And we wonder why our sport doesn't attract more people...
The description on the Benchrest Home Page says "The Absolute Source of Accuracy Components, Services, Accessories,
and Information for the Precision Shooter", can we subtitle that to say "but only for those chosen few"!
Come on guys, we already have a "General" and "Factory" and from what I see the grouchy guys do a damn good job of either not answering or telling them to post elsewhere! Does it just kill you to help a newcomer or someone that can't afford the same gear as you? Is this the example and impression that we wish to impart on others?
Sometimes the air in here is so thick with haughtiness and disdain (not all but some) that I am surprised when a new shooter musters up the courage to post. The level of segregation is even worse! You belly shooters over there, those long range guys, those point blank guys, and so forth. Just two weeks ago at a match I listened to 15 minutes worth of it before I finally told the guy I also shoot in the group he is talking about!
I may be way off base here and owe you all an apology and if so I will shut up and take the beating that I am sure will follow. But, I will leave you with a quote that my mom gave me in my late teens.
"The last great test of any gentleman is how he treats those that can be of no possible use to him". That more often than not is a hard test to pass!