I wonder what makes the majority of visitors to this web site so reluctant to either sign the guest book in acknowledgement of their

Guest Speakers

I wonder what makes the majority of visitors to this web site so reluctant to either sign the guest book in acknowledgement of their visit or to make comments on the topics covered?

With the emphasis on the fact that the information contained within strictlybarbel.co.uk is available to both read on the spot and/or download free of charge to visitors; that the site has now been up and running for a good few months and is already regarded by some as one of the most informative Barbel angling sites on the net, I can't help but notice a distinct lack of guest-book speakers.

Bearing in mind that within the contents of a few pieces of literature included on the site can be found a plea for visitors to at least sign the guest book, I still remain considerably disappointed by the majority who choose to visit, absorb the contents and exit without so much as a bye or leave.

Relevant data appears positive and shows that the number of hits is rising. Nevertheless, short of readership responses, whether positive, negative or indifferent, I have little way of knowing whether my own and Liam's combined efforts are worthwhile.

If we all agreed on every aspect of Barbel behaviour and how we go about catching the species, there would be no room whatsoever for debate. Consequently, whether you agree or blatantly disagree with anything written on these pages is completely immaterial to the fact that I would like to hear from you.

If we are to collectively progress in the pursuit of our quarry and become better anglers, then debate is the healthy way forward. Therefore, again, for what should be regarded as my final plea, I ask all readers to at least sign the guest book and make their mark. Alternatively, and much better still, why not make some sort of topical contribution in the form of an article or tackle review? As Tom Casey (a regular contributor to the guest book) quite rightly assumes, there is indeed an article within him that's just waiting to be written...just as there is in the majority of visitors to the site! So, please, come on. Get typing and email them to me!

If typing is a problem, then please feel free to hand write a copy that I can read (try and keep it below 1500 words in length) and send it to me at the address given in 'my latest book section.' Any supporting photographs (where possible, a maximum of three images per article) and preferred captions should also be enclosed.

While on the subject of photos, I will again mention my intentional lack of a photo gallery and ask readers if they feel that a few snapshots of grinning anglers holding their biggest captures are really all that vital. Perhaps some would like to see just that, whilst others may consider that site space is much more valuable for informative text - after all, when did a picture of a grubby angler with a beer gut and designer stubble ever inform us how to catch one of those things he will undoubtedly be cradling?

What are your views on photo galleries? Do you feel the site would benefit from the additional colour that a few photos would bring? What sort of pictures would you like to see?

Maybe a few scenic shots of the river Great Ouse 'above Bedford'...you know, the stretch that was once open to everyone who wished to join the Big-Fat-Barbel race.

We could even create a kind of Barbel anglers' memorial gallery and, taking heed of the farcical goings on involving record sized leviathans, remind ourselves of how important it is to keep quiet about our own future big fish discoveries - upon whichever river we may be fortunate enough to find them! For more in-depth coverage on that very topic, see the article 'Secrets' contained within my latest book, 'Barbel: mysteries, theories & tactical solutions'

Whoops, there goes another plug for a book that's selling out almost as fast as Adam's Mill syndicate tickets. Be sure to order your copy of 'Mysteries' soon, because almost half of the 500 published have already gone and, at the time of writing this piece (7-6-02), my latest book has only been available for little more than four weeks. Believe me, I'm well pleased with such a positive and fast response and would like to thank all of those who have purchased a copy for their support.

A point worth noting, particularly for those angling book collectors is that, currently, included in the rapidly reducing stocks of 'Mysteries', there are just 20 'from only 47' copies that were jointly signed by Peter Wheat and I at the book's official launch (Barbel Society Conference 19-5-02). As many of you will already know, Peter was kind enough to make a humorous article contribution to the book and, therefore, as no more signing sessions with Peter are planned, his autograph may be considered to add value to the £14.99 cover price. At least, that is what many collectors believe; consequently, the price for the remaining 20 copies containing Peter's signature is £17.99 'Post-free.'

Each 'jointly signed and dated copy' copy will be sold on a first come first served basis and can be secured by first emailing me at strictlybarbel@aol.com to check stocks and, upon return of email confirming availability, forwarding a cheque to the value of £17.99 to the address given in 'my latest book section.' This offer will remain exclusive to visitors of this web site until the end of August, thereafter any remaining 'jointly signed copies' will be advertised nationally and in print.

The above-mentioned offer does not effect purchases from the remaining stock of books (with or without my own individual signature), that will be sold at the normal cover price of £14.99 'Post-free.'

Upon briefly returning to the main theme of this particular piece, I would like to thank all those visitors to the site that have already signed the guest book and for any comments they have made. Although in no particular order of gratitude, extra special thanks must go to Maurice Wain for his attempts at promoting debate within the guest book (hopefully, in time, his comments will prove to be fruitful), to Tom Casey for his regular visits and offer of article contribution which I look forward to receiving, and Chris Newbold for his donation in the form of the Harrison Stalker review. May I wish all visitors to the site a most productive start to the new season! Good Luck!