I’ve been a part of T-Mag (T-Nation, Testosterone.net, etc.) almost since the very beginning. I never considered it a “bodybuilding” only web site. To me, it was always the best site for training and nutrition information and cutting-edge supplements.
It was “dangerously hardcore” because it didn’t follow the same method as every other fitness, bodybuilding or powerlifting site around, and it was the complete opposite of all the horrible muscle magazines available. It went against the grain and preached the truth, rather than trying to cover it up with made up training articles by guys using gear but saying that regular guys will make great gains too!
It was dangerously hardcore because it wasn’t talking about the latest fashions, new colognes, how to manage your debt or buy stock, new cool cars, how to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle free, etc. It was about the best and most truthful [b]training[/b] and [b]nutrition[/b] information available.
As for other people and their goals, I do agree with Olympic Lifter that many people are immediately attacked for not wanting to be bodybuilders. From what I’ve seen, we have a mix of bodybuilders, powerlifters and athletes on this site as well as a few people who may be weekend warriors or seeking general health and fitness.
Although I agree that everyone can always use a little more muscle, we should also take into account what their particular goals and interests are. And not everyone was blessed to be tall. So there are a bunch of guys (like myself) that will never be massively huge, even if we want to be bodybuilders. Some guys will be 150-165lbs, and for their size and body type, it will fit them perfectly.
And believe it or not, there may be guys who will be smaller than that. Why? Because maybe they compete in athletics where they remain in a certain weight class (MMA - UFC, boxing, wrestling, lightweight bodybuilding, etc.). So you can’t ridicule everyone who is under 200lbs. However, if you’re a taller guy (5’10">) and want to stay a ripped 150lbs or so, then by all means, there may be some “hammering” to be done.
Also, everyone starts somewhere. And because T-Nation is growing by leaps and bounds, it’s beginning to attract people from other places (where they may have been misinformed about training and nutrition over the years). And some of these people that find T-Nation are complete newbies to fitness, training and nutrition. So sometimes you have to cut them a little slack and help them along rather than tearing them up from the beginning.
Why do you think so many people lurk? They see how some people are ripped to shreds when they ask a question or want feedback on their progress (or lack thereof). Why would they want to go through that on a public forum where millions of people will see them and possibly tear them apart?
It takes a lot of balls to post photos online for many to see. Hell, I’ve posted photos (good and bad) and I’ve taken the positive feedback and the abuse. But not everyone is up for that kind of treatment.
So cut people some slack now and then. Try to be helpful rather than hurtful.
