No worries, not taken as a personal attack at all. IMO me seeing the BARF forum as more of a social place for local buddies and entertainment was not down talking the BARF forum at all, nor do i feel it would create a negative image for anyone in the bay browsing the forums. I agree that the BARF sub forum would be usefull as a tool to bring people to BAR, afterall, thats how i got here. Our unfortunate humor puts some emphasis on the fact that a major percentage of people serious about reefing come here to learn and educate on matters that would otherwise, be looked over on the BARF forum.
Out of the 25 live post on the BARF forum, i count 17 threads that relate to WTB,WTT, or WTS. dont get me wrong, people can benifit from these deals, i know i have a couple times. But where does one go if they are looking for the answer to a problem with their tank? The rest of RC is excellent, and I acknowledge the fact that they have some serious and educated reefers in their community, but for me personally, the sense of community wasnt truly there. The massive size and high traffic that brings a plethora of perspectives can be both a good thing as well as a bad.
Meeting dedicated people face to face, and discussing matters that would make any of my regular friends tear their eardrums out was a big part of it for me. Knowing people as their handle and going back and forth with PMs was ok, but sharing a passion with a group of unique individuals with the same passion and common goal locally was a huge factor in my decision as to which forum i want to put my energy into.
There have also been instances that have left a bad taste in my mouth that I, as well as some other members, have encountered, but those are personal experiences and off the subject. Let me just say i feel more of a sense of saftey here.
As far as my own personal interaction between serious loacl reefers, i choose to come here. When i want to buy something or feel like socializing, i go to BARF. Its just a personal choice.