?? Roll Call Question ??

[Irish]

OK ... I have a question for you.

Why are you here?

OK ... I know, you're here because you are a wood carver. You are here because this is a wood carving forum. Yea - BUT .... ???

What else are you here for? Are you looking for new ideas, new patterns, new techniques? Are you looking for sources for wood, tools, books? Do you see yourself as the student wanting to learn or the teacher wanting to share?

Why do you come to this forum and, maybe more importantly, why do you keep coming back?

I'll even stick my neck out of the line and go first...

I come because I am a wood carving teacher that just loves to share my enjoyment of my art ... BUT (Behold the Ultimate Truth) ... I keep coming back because as an artist I am very isolated from others that enjoy my arts and crafts. The e-business keeps us at home with our nose to the grind stone. And being in such a rural area there are no local clubs or groups to join.

So, yes, I come to the forum to share my ideas but I keep coming back because Kenny S makes me laugh so hard my sides hurt and Ashby can just blow me out of the water with his wit and Kathy and Nedra blow me away with their artist talents and sthere are several dozen others that I know by name that I could add to this listing as friends ... and because Hi-Ho knows me well enough, I believe as a friend, that he can say "Susan, go take your pills!"

Being able to join in as 'just one of the guys' is probably as important or more important to me then any other reason.

Your turn ... Why are you here and what are you looking for and can we help you find it?

Susan

[Gergie]

Gergie Here!

The main reason I'm here is because of the Wood Carving Illustrated Mag. That's how I discovered this message board.

The second reason is all the knowledge that's assembled on the board. I have had great luck with getting answers to my carving questions. And I hope I helped answer a few.

third is great people, there is no shortage of them here. I could go on but I think I answered the main question posed here.

And a big thanks to the Mods and everyone else that makes this site possible.Thank You

[BobD]

I came on in the first place because I wanted to get a feel for the readers of the magazine (Big Ultimate Truth) I stayed because of the friendships I'm made!

We're really like a family here...albiet a family that waxes at length about woodcarving and woodworking, but a family notheless! We have arguments, but all families have arguments...but we continue being a family!!!

Bob

[btree50]

Susan,
The reasons I show up are many. First and foremost , to see the work all of you do, it truly amazes me. The next best is the banter that goes on here. You mentioned some that I too like reading and laughing with.
The wealth of knowledge that is available here is truly staggering. If you need an answer someone here will have it. I especially enjoy Mark Ys answers, they are very in depth, and the best part, you learn from him.(he needs to write a book). AlArchie with his yooperisms,Lynn D with his talent, Thomp with his knowledge, Paul G with his thoughts, Mark G, yourself included. This list could go on for some time.
This is a great place to share talent, thoughts, laughs and most important, carvings.
I may not post alot because I can usually find answers to my questions some where here. I am in no way a "carver" like most here more like a maker of wood chips and shavings, but I still learn alot from all of you.Thank You

[Merle Rice]

Susan I am here because you pointed it out to me and suggested it would be a good place to get information and see what others are doing and post my projects. I felt at first it was a place for the more experienced . I didn't know how a new member would be accepted, or how critical they would be. Well I found out. They make members feel very Welcome and inspiring to do different projects to your best effort. I have never done anything like this before and sure glad you suggested it to me.
Having a Ball, Thanks Merle

[Nancy-G]

Susan, as usual, you said it right --- woodcarving means sitting at home pretty much alone. Coming here means FRIENDS, information, smiles, advice, laughing, hearing "real" things about people you know and trust.
It's a good thing Thank You

[RoadKingMN]

I come here because it is a fantastic resource. There is only so much room in each issue of WCI and they could never cover everything that is discussed here. I enjoy seeing what other people are carving. What people like about the carvings and things that can be improved. Also the help from people on a wide variety of subjects. Photographing, finishing, how they carve things, competitions and shows, and I could go on. All of these subjects are right here all you have to do is ask a question or make a comment and you have a dozen opinions in no time. That's why I keep coming back.

[Paul Adkins]

It seems like each time I sat in front of my comp. I go to this site. The information, answers and any questions on carving and painting carvings can be found here just for the asking. A GREAT group of artists and teachers are at my fingertips. Thanks

[Alice in Wonderland]

Susan ,what a good question .I had to think ,hard too, why I am here.
First of all I do not have any other contact with Carvers in my neck of the woods. There is a mens carving club 90km from my house .
I go to several Forums, because I do not know where I belong with the carvings I do, using Powertools, not looked kindly on by some carvers
I am always trying to find somebody I can share my type of carving with, again very hard to find even here, BUT I still come back hoping , reading ,enjoying and finding inspirations and knowledge and ones in a while I can contribute a bit of my experience. Thanks for your tutorials Susan I learned a lot because in the future I may go into relief carvings
There you are, an honest answer and opinion
Alice

[AlArchie]

I'm here for inspiration, and usually wind up totally humilitated by comparison! And once in a while I get a chance to contribute something to some other carvers, usually new ones, because I glean far more than I contribute, from all the talent here. Plus, it's a friendly bunch, even when we may not agree completely.

Al