Where are all the people

[Colin-Partridge]

Hi Gang,
As I sit here and peruse the forum I notice that we are only a few members away from the 2000 member mark. I have a question for all of you other members of this forum. It seems to me that when ever I open the forum (something I do several times a day) I notice that the posts are only from a hand full of members. I would bet I could count them on using my hands and feet. So that prompts this question? WHERE are the other 1970 or so members of this message board. I firmly believe that information is something we all should share and believe me I am more than willing to share the information and knowledge I have how ever limited. I know that this is also true of the others that post here. For those of you that use this message board I am sure you have something to offer us. I am asking you to be pro-active and share your carvings and idea's on this board with us. I logged in the other night and there were 150 guests on this forum and only three logged in members. I dont understand why you would become a member if you are not going to participate and share your ideas and carvings with us. If you are too shy to show us your carvings or dont think they are good enough remember we all have to start somewhere. I have never seen anyone on this board make fun of any carvings only offer constructive critique on occasion. More so they are very supportive of everyones efforts. Now I shall climb down off my soap box and shut up.
Colin

[kaiserb]

Originally Posted by colin_partridge

WHERE are the other 1970 or so members of this message board.

Like most people they most likely are "Lurking and L@@king" but not doing.

Of course there is an upside: http://cognews.com/1060930521/index_html

[Lightningbolt]

Colin, I can really appreciate your concern and I often wonder 'bout the same thing sometimes when I first log on, then dash down to see who's also logged in and the new membership numbers. I also know that around here when there's an election the media reports it a "heavy" turnout if just 30-40% of the registered voters show up at the polls.

All that I can really say is that I really appreciate those (you know who you are) who have so graciously given over the months and years. I also know how much more rewarding that it has been since I came out of the "woodwork" or the lonely world of lurching, and began contributing what I could and adding my 2 cents worth on the threads. Anyone can sit in a group of people who need help, from something on the heavy side like Alcoholics Annonymous to something on the lighter side like this forum, but in any case it is always those who give of themselves who receive the most. They are the real winners in life and if my good will rubs off on just one person in 2,000 then I consider my efforts worthwhile.

Speaking of giving I was amazed to recently visit the pyrography and woodburning forum. Susan and Mottles have really gone beyond the normal in giving the forum some VERY useful information and photos and it is more appreciated that they'll probably ever know. Many thanks to all who have given because you are the real winners!!!

[Bartster]

i have been lurking and looking a bad habit to get into colin made me realize we all need to get off our butts and start talking to each other.

bart

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I've been on here for quite some time, under this name and under my old one of FatEddy ('cause I was, that's why). The ration of posters to lurkers was never what I guess you would say optimal. However, it is lower now than in the past. For some reason, the tenor of the board has changed. Exactly how, I can't really say, but for one thing the light hearted exchanges and twists and turns of a thread don't seem to be there. I don't know if part of it is trying too hard to stay on topic or what. I really don't know, but change it has, and the number of posters has declined as a result. I suspect, that give time, it will change again and the number of posters will pick back up. For what they are worth, those are my observations.

Ed

To the Group: Basically this is my fourth year of carving, I found this board about 6 months into carving and "lurched" for about the first 4 months. Felt then I had nothing to share/contribute/etc, but all honesty, most likely it was more nerves working against me that kept me from contributing.

In review of my past four years of carving, I'd say I've gained in my carving ability 50% from just plain old carving away trial-n-error, and the other 50% percent from conversations with other carvers with the bulk coming from this board.

For those of you still unsure and just "lurching", believe me when I say, you have something to help teach me, and I want to learn, so jump on in, we all help each other. Thanks for reading my 2 cents worth.

Bob, Great carvings they all look beautiful, I especially liked the hair movement in the first pic.

[Goody]

Anyone can sit in a group of people who need help, from something on the heavy side like Alcoholics Annonymous to something on the lighter side like this forum,

My name is Goody
I am a woodaholic
It started out just needing to carve ocaisinaly.
Now it has taken over my life
Every time I try to stop I have to carve more
I feel bad in the mornings but two pieces of basswood and a carving knife and I am Ok.
I hide at work to carve on breaks.
I need help, I am always buying wood and stashing it.
Please help me. I need a sponcer. Just send wood.
Somebody stop me! More wood, More wood, More wood, More wood,
My name is Goody
I am a woodaholic

Sorry Liferescue I just couldn't help pictureing one of my carving classes in my mind and all of us doing our intros when I read your post.

Collin,
It is the time of the year when everyone is busy, vacations, school starting, It will pick up a little soon.
Goody

[Donna_T]

Colin and everyone else,
I know exactly what you mean...I do the same thing when I log on--scroll down the screen to see who's logged in and how many guests. I'm always surprised at how many guests are here.

One of the problems--other than summertime busy time--is now that there are so many of us here, we do try to stay on topic more so that we don't offend someone with our lighthearted banter and personal chit-chat. Some of us old dogs have been talking to each other here for several years and feel like old friends--we even know "real" names and addresses!!! We are concerned when one of us is hurt or hurting...and share in their personal victories. And we seem to know when one of us can take some good natured ribbing--and we certainly enjoy laughing WITH each other.

I'm not on here as often as I used to be because of work, but many nights I read postings and don't find that I have anything new or different to add to what has already been said--so I just read and log out.

Our numbers are growing and we are evolving. We'll just hope lurkers will join us from time to time--and over time, as they become more comfortable with us and their carving knowledge, become active in our message board.

Donna T

[wade clark]

Colin,
When I found this Forum, I was so busy absorbing, sponging up all the information and talent on here, I didn't think about posting for a while! And also I felt like I had so much to learn that I really had nothing to offer, seeing all the talented people pouring out life experiences for those of us just learning, barely beginning!
By the way, Colin,
If you had said,"...the other 1,980..." I would have questioned your count! Surely you're as accident prone as me and I can only add 19.9 to the count; I heal well or I'd only be able to add 18 to the count!Cheers
Wade

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

"I would have questioned your count! Surely you're as accident prone as me and I can only add 19.9 to the count; I heal well or I'd only be able to add 18 to the count!"

Actually, speaking of the count, it could be off by a bit because at least several of us have had two or more names. Some because of login problems on the old board and some, like me, who changed because of some other reason (I went from FatEddy to Plain_Ol_Ed). Another that comes to mind is "Santa Carving Lady" (speaking of Terry, where is she? We miss her wit and wisdom, not to mention talent.) who has had at least three. Anyway, you get the idea. Cheers It just happens to be my favorite smiley; no other reason.

Ed