Renewed Enthusiam

Cut_Fingers · #1 01-20-2005, 05:26 PM

Is it me or has this board seen an increase in member enthusiam?

It could be a result of us becomming more comfortable with operating the board. Or the new forum layout. Or more new & older members (i can't resist) comming out of the woodwork.

I can hardly keep up with all the new post, which is a good thing.

So heres an "Atta Boy" to BobD & Fox Chapel for enhancing our chatting experience in our little world.

Thanks guys - Keep up the good work!

Cut_Fingers · #2 01-20-2005, 05:40 PM

Hey BobD - are there any statistics to support the above thought? Any significant increase in post logged from the old board. Just curious.

BobD · #3 01-20-2005, 05:49 PM

I asked Rob, the webmaster, the same thing...From what he says, traffic to our website in general has tripled...I'm still waiting for more specific stats...

But I know it's hard for me to keep up...and I have two boards to watch!

Bob

carver6 · #4 01-20-2005, 09:42 PM

BobD,
You're breakin' ma heart!! Just kiddin'. You folks do a wonderful job and I know it's not easy keeping up. Just glad you're doing it and keeping all the rest of us in line. That in its self would be a full time job. Thanks!!!

BasketballJones · #5 01-21-2005, 02:37 AM

The board seems easier to read with the white background. Navigating seems about the same

. These little pictures are fun. It's winter time and people are too darned cold to go outside, it looks like its easier to post pictures

I think the big thing is the administrator's activity. [HTML][/HTML] Probably doesn't hurt sales either.[HTML][/HTML]. It helps that the "expert" stigma is removed. But what do I know its 2Am, I got the flu, and the water heater broke

Paul_Guraedy · #6 01-21-2005, 08:03 AM

I think two main factors have increased traffic on this board. First is that more woodcarvers are getting "on line." The majority of our club (Ozark Mountain Woodcarvers) still either do not have computers, rely on another family member to get them where they want to go, or use them only when absolutely forced into it.

Let's face it, woodcarving has been, and probably always will be, dominated by retirees. We are the ones (speaking of those of us not making a living at it) who have the time to go to shows, seminars and just do a lot of carving that keeps the hands trained well. It becomes a dominant force in our lives rather than the job we once had. Gradually, the truly computer literate are retiring and we will see a surge in woodcarving on line and I think a settling of the question is this avocation a craft or is it art.

The second is that word of this board is spreading only gradually. I have been a subscriber to WCI since the initial issue "Christmas 1997" (constantly go back through the various issues and am overwhelmed by the material in them). I have been with "knotholes", and "woodcarvers list" for years. I don't remember how I found this board but it was (according to the records) July 2004. If there was information on it in the magazine, prior to that date, I missed it. How are people finding us?

Mitchell · #7 01-21-2005, 08:32 AM

I "lurked" guite a bit on the old board and eventually got to where I would post occasionally. At first, I felt like I was ignored - not really because of the people, but because you just don't get instant feedback from a computer like you do from a person-person conversation.

Anyway, I do spend more time on the new board because it's easier to use and I like the ability to post pictures. I'm not retired, and because I "work", this board lets me spend more time around carvers - something that I am not able to do on a regular basis - because I spend so much time at work.

Colin_Partridge · #8 01-21-2005, 08:53 AM

I agree I also dont know how I found this board I think it was when I first subcribed to WCI clicked on the web site and found the message board. I think that it is the enthusiasic and helpful people here that make it a sucess. The verbal support to me is very motivating. That people will take time out of their busy day to give you there opinion on the picture or topic you just posted. For me I live in a very small town and dont have people all the time to tell me what they think of a carving I am doing. I have the family but after a while you wonder if they are just saying your carvings are good to support you. I agree that there is a renewed enthusiasm for the this board and it is great to see. My hat also goes off to Bob and the gang for the interest they show in this board.
Colin

Kenny_S · #9 01-21-2005, 10:57 AM

I was a subcriber of WCI for a while and never thought to use their web site. I was on another board and a carver with the name Dave_E told me about this site,
The older generation does not like computers as they were not raised with them but now days, It is a must in life. Maybe life would be less complicated if we didn't have them but also, more people my be employeed.

Anyway, I am glad for this forum and the great attitudes of the people here.

Thank you BoBD and your staff for hosting such a great board.

mikeg · #10 01-22-2005, 09:03 AM

Traffic does seem to have picked up. Thanks to BobD, the staff at WCI, and the moderators for doing a great job!

But BobD, you're not going to get any sympathy from me having to watch two message boards, you get paid to do that! Lucky bum!!

Seriously, this board is great. There aren't a lot of local carvers around here. We get together once a month but I can't always make it so this board, books, and trial and error are my primary sources of learning.

Keep up the good work!

mikeg