I dont have any pics up... i dont think that gets me the only here for gear award. Im hear to listen to the old men and women, and hopefully learn a few more things about the way of life we all lead. And to pass my oppinions and findings on to everyone else. But i understand what your saying, I have read some posts and thought "are you kidding me"? But sadly we cant seperate the gear getters from the sportsman. Also its not like f&s is gonna pick someone who doesnt know their ... from a hole in the ground. So I wouldnt worry to much about that.

I agree with herbie57-57. Some of the questions in the last month or so are quite frankly absurd. I couldn't even come up with some of the questions if I was paid to. I never answer or ask a question unless, 1. I know I can be helpful in answering the question or 2. If I have a question that I can't find the answer to any where else. I think you can tell if they are real sportsmen by the answers that are given. You can tell if the answer comes from speculation or actual experience.

To be honest, for myself, both. I get out in the woods, hunt, camp, etc. Obviously the draw of free gear is desirable, in this economy anything for free is something worth going after (okay, most of the time).

However, I do try to only address topics or questions that I can, you won't see many comments from me on fly fishing, not that I don't like it just don't do it.

I visited the F&S site often before the change a couple of months ago just to get new ideas, tips etc. Getting points for the visit is more of an incentive now. I agree that some of the people are only points grabbers, but some of the highest scoring people are also dedicated outdoorsmen who post good stuff.

Very true that this site was set-up for fellow sportsmen to get together.
But in the same sense, what kind of hunting/fishing buddies do you want? You want someone that might be able to answer a tough question you have or maybe just someone to share some insights and secrets with. Or do you want buddies who could care less about what happens as long as they get some sort of brownie points? I think that the comments or answer should only count if you get good votes for them, and make it to where you cant vote on your own post!

The day I test someones gear in when they know it's good stuf!

i dont really care for the gear since ive never won anything i my life. plus i like this site...ive gotten alot of info and learned alot. using this site i now know what gun im getting. I doubt i ever get to test gear but this website is so much fun to go around and see other peoples points of veiw. although all of us can admit some free gear wouldnt be bad.

I think if I get some gear in about 5 yrs or so great ( how long it may take me with the competition here lol) but seriously I am constantly and I mean constantly fishing, coyote hunting and pronghorn, mulies,bear and elk. I usually do not tend to take photos.I have been all over the world and I havn't taken many photos. So the other question does not posting photos make me less of a sportsman? I do take photos occasionally but I have a photographic memory if you will. Btw photos get a lot of points

Free gear? Be damned if I knew about that. I just started here a few weeks ago and liked what I saw. I've posted a few times and have gotten some good info in return.

I think those who are answering questions in hopes of testing gear are going to be disappointed. I doubt that the chances of those with illegitimate profiles, answers, questions and postings are very good. The editors can spot the morons as quick if not quicker than the rest of us. I myself have only posted 1 photo. I tried to post more but am quite obviously not smart enough to get it done. I do try to only answer questions deserving of an answer and also try my best to only answer the ones that I feel I have something worth contributing. I do enjoy reading the questions and answers posted. There is alot of knowledge and wisdom free for the taking on this site. The true outdoorsmen are the ones who are able to weed it out of the bull@#%$. Happy hunting and fishing to all!

Interesting thread. I know the next gear tester. He will be testing back packs and he will no doubt do a good job. When it is announced most people will undoubtably agree that he is an excellent choice.

I could care less about free gear. Everything I own was purchased with money I earned from the sweat of my brow or brain. That makes it very valuable to me. If I did get gear I would do my best to report on its quality like the rest of the testers do but if it nevers happens that's fine with me.
You are correct that it can be frustrating to separate the wheat from the chaff.
My favorite thing about the site is that it is a tremendous resource!
I like to post for the following reasons:
To help people and share the experience, limited as it may be, that I have gained from my time in the outdoors.
To debate subjects that are of interest to all of us as participants in hunting and fishing
To offer an opinion about or help qualify an answer from other posters.
Sometimes just to offer and opinion to posts that ask for them.
I try not to make gratuitous posts, what to I have to say to a guy like Clay Cooper or ishawooa about shooting? Not much, they have forgotten more than I will likely ever know.
I don't take many photos for a lot of reasons, primarily that I don't feel they capture anything but a shallow snapshot of complex and emotional experiences. The memories are crystal clear and far more comprehensive.
How to you capture the overwhelming beauty of a Colorado dawn with a photo?
If that diminishes my credibility so be it.
With all of that being said I will happily post a photo of me with the smallest 5X5 elk rack in existence along with some of the tiny but tasty deer I have taken in my life when I get around to it.

I think the answer section is the least gear getting activity on here. Anyone can post pics and get tons of points for it. They also go by the quality of the stuff you post. If you are just doing answers and have tons of points but your answers are crap, you won't get to test anything.

I haven't even filled out the gear tester applications, and I'm not even sure if I'm eligible. I don't think I have a chance anyways. I could care less if I get to test anything, the info exchange on here is worth more than any gear you could ever test.

I participate predominantly in the answers section because to me it is the most fun, interesting, and productive part of this website.

Eventually I will get around to posting photos when I get less lazy about it. It's hard to get motivated when your tech knowledge makes transferring images from film or camera to computers to the internet a chore. I'll figure it out eventually.

The gear is irrelevent. And besides, there's barely any room left in the man's room (my wife's name for it)for more gear. I've been hunting for a number of years now, and if somebody,anybody, get's one little twitter of help from something I suggest or opine about,I'll be happy. I enjoy the informal conversation and can quickly weed through the questions which the answers to are simple and obvious. Computer photo tech. passes me by,so I don't attempt to post photo's. But I sure have enjoyed looking at those that do contribute. I have especially enjoyed the blogs pertaining to land use. I was a reforestation forester for years,and having been privy to land use issues by the public,it is still an interesting read with me. So,I'll keep refering to the site and offer an opinion when I can.