After much discussion in a previous post, the meaning of Common Ground was discussed.  Just what does it mean to you, the members?  Why do you come in here?

Ken:

I've been a member of several forums in my 7 years in the hobby. I've found this one to be the top drawer in what I'm looking for in a CW reenacting forum. For the following reasons:

Few "trolls"

Actual intelligent discussion with a minimum of "screw your way, this is the only way" to reenact.

Personal insults and flame bait are at a minimum

Every authenticity level in our hobby is accepted by the other members. I don't see the "us vs. them" in any of the sub-forums.

Threads are kept pretty much on-topic and aren't permitted to go in 34 different directions.

I don't see the "whining" and arguements and "ego's" that seem to permeate other forums. This seems to me to truly be a forum where folks can meet, discuss, debate with the "common ground" that we are all reenactors of the ACW.

Last, and certainly not least, the membership is very civil toward one another-no matter the authenicity level. In addition, the "moderation" here is superb in that they keep things the way the forum is advertised.

To me the Common Ground, is the happy medium-something we find far too infrequently these days. When my girlfriend first expressed an interest in the hobby, this was the site that I sent her to, because of the civility, the helpfulness and the lack of "class rivalry" so to speak. I have been on all the forums and this one is quickly becoming my favorite because the caliber of the members.

I'm comfortable here.

Quote :

MStuart wrote : Ken: I've been a member of several forums in my 7 years in the hobby. I've found this one to be the top drawer in what I'm looking for in a CW reenacting forum. For the following reasons: Few "trolls" Actual intelligent discussion with a minimum of "screw your way, this is the only way" to reenact. Personal insults and flame bait are at a minimum Every authenticity level in our hobby is accepted by the other members. I don't see the "us vs. them" in any of the sub-forums. Threads are kept pretty much on-topic and aren't permitted to go in 34 different directions. I don't see the "whining" and arguements and "ego's" that seem to permeate other forums. This seems to me to truly be a forum where folks can meet, discuss, debate with the "common ground" that we are all reenactors of the ACW. Last, and certainly not least, the membership is very civil toward one another-no matter the authenicity level. In addition, the "moderation" here is superb in that they keep things the way the forum is advertised.

Mark pretty much summed it up on here.  
I am able to talk with people of varying levels of experience and knowledge and not worry that I or they are evaluating my/their kit while talking to them.

Sort of like standing in the registration or parking area of an event before it starts.  Everyone in just regular clothes talking about common topics and interests.

This place has come a long ways in the nearly two years since the evening where several people sipped beer, viewed videos (don't ask) and debated pulling this forum's plug  

Burp.

Charles,

are you meaning all the way back to the MSN days?  I don't know.  The CCGF had a good roll for a while.  It wasn't our fault that Holschuh sold to Lakeway.  They didn't know what to do with us.  ET left the CCGF for over a year and we kept it rolling along.  There was some controversy as to why they yanked us off their server.  But who cares.  Inside of three months I decided to continue it.  I found Ace Board, developed this forum, and with a mutual nod from Bill, it was born.  We didn't know if it would take off any more than CCGF did.  I think the name dragged us down over there.  Grumpy, Bill, and I debated on changing this to a new name, but in the end kept in the spirit of things with ET's original idea.  My mods are wonderful.  But our members are what keep it going and growing.  It is what it is.  You either enjoy it or not. It's all in the discussions   .

I've been involved with the Common Ground Forum ever since Eric Tipton came up with the idea of a Reenactor's Congress. I was already happily perched on my fencepost when all of this started and I'm still there. The animosity between the various segments of the Hobby, not to mention the animosity within the various segments of the Hobby has always struck me as absurd. It still does.

From my perspective, we have far more in common than those few things that separate us. Let's face it, if you are willing to wear a wool coat in August, you're a pretty unique individual, whether you choose to sleep in a tent, or under the stars. I'm also old enough to understand that most things are shades of gray, there is damn little black and white, and nothing is perfect.

Over all, I feel the participants on the Common Ground Forum have done an outstanding job. We moderators rarely have much to do. People come here looking for civil discussions and that's what they get. To the best of my memory, nobody has ever asked a question that hasn't been answered in a civil manner and without snide comments about the questioner's style of reenacting.

If I had a dissapointment about the Forum, it would be Grumpy Dave'e "Looking Back to Today" Folder. It's the first thing I read every day and I can't understand why there aren't more discussions of the information presented. After all, if there is one thing we should all have in common it's an interest in the actual, historical American Civil War.  

I also check out that “Looking Back At Today” folder early each morning.  I do basically the same sort of thing for my unit, with unit members’ (and their dependents’) birthdays and anniversaries tossed into the heap.  Grumpy Dave’s’ is always given a look to see if I have missed anything.

I enjoy Common Ground because I feel everyone regardless of where or how they reenact has something to contribute to the hobby, and can share knowledge with others in a professional and courteous manner.
Roy Queen

Common Ground = keeping your eyes on the things we share, rather than the things we do differently.  We won't always agree, but we can always be civil to each other.

I have to go with Eli on this...the Common Ground is a happy medium..and I was so thankful he pointed me in the direction of this forum. Everyone has been so insightful, and so wonderful to me. I was welcomed with open arms, and never made to feel stupid. I am still very new to this whole world..but because of the CG...I don't feel like an outsider..I know that there is a place for me, and when I have a dumb question..I know it will be answered, and I will not be made to feel stupid for asking such questions. Everyone is willing to help me out with making my impression as authentic as I want it to be. Everyone is willing to be understanding with me, and voice their own opinions. I have learned a lot from everyone on here. I've learned a lot just from reading posts of other people on all the threads. I was so excited about starting in this hobby..now I am truly ecstatic about it.
Thank you to everyone for all advice, and for being so friendly, and to everyone who has wished Eli a speedy return home...thank you. It's meant a lot to both of us.

I view this forum as exactly what it is called:  Common Ground.  We all share one common theme, that being the Civil War and keeping the memory of those that made the sacrifice to perserve the Union and/or stand and defend that which they believed.

We can all have different ways in which we view this "hobby" but I think we all strive to be as authentic and real as possible without being judgemental.

I'm still learning as I've only been in reenacting since January.  I love this forum as I can ask what I what, express my opinion without being looked down upon, without being made to feel "Duh, you should have known that", etc.

No matter how you choose to pursue this hobby, there IS a Common Ground. Whether you're wearing a uniform special or a Ben Tart, you're still sweating/freezing on the field with the rest of the troops. The chiggers like you just as well as the next man. The spiders in your blanket are just as big as those in the sleeping bag 2 streets over. Don't even get me started on the poison ivy.

Imho, this forum is truly what this hobby needs. This is a place where newbies can ask questions and get good, solid answers from folks who've been in the hobby for many years...without flames or fear of starting a stupid us versus them debate. Hats off to those who make it possible here!  

Gregg Hensley
22nd NC Co.K

Manners, need I say more.

Always
Doug Thomas

Since I have found this site,I have been very impressed with the civilized interaction that transpires frequently between all factions of this hobby.

Starting to wonder.  Why have separate folders for discussions?

It's simple Barry.  I created the two folders to keep conversation rolling.  My moderators do a darn good job of putting out fires (which we have very few).  So far it has worked.  If you are suggesting to do away with them because this is Common Ground, then you are trying to force a melting pot that would never work on any forum.  It would be boring.  The personalities and ideas within the hobby's spectrum is crucial to a good forum.  I think we have achieved this here.

Would you care to elaborate a bit on your idea?

Ken,

Sorry, I was frustrated.  I think you you caught a little of what I was talking about.  I think it is great that there are separate folders.  I was just expecting to be able to discuss mainstream reenacting in the mainstream folder without the dismissive comments regarding the mainstream.  If the mainstream folder is for mainstream reenacting (Mainstream Discussion
This area is for the mainstream reenactor. Please keep subjects focused on this matter.), why can a conversation not happen without having to justify this faction of the hobby?

Believe me, I understand.  I know the thread in question and I have closed it.  My moderators and I strongly believe in keeping this forum civil.  Do know that there is an alert link on every thread if you sense a problem arising.  One of us will address it.  Thanks for being a member!