WCI Forum Person of the Year?

[Jim Arnold]

We got carver of the year, and recognition for members in site sponsored contests, there are features in the magazine, but what about the 'stars' of the forum. Without a doubt, the forum is the life blood of the internet side of WCI. You can find the best of the best here and not only look at what they're currently up to, but ask questions, get advice, and find out where to go if more research is required. Its a free flow of carving information that comes from someone at the forum responding to another's request.

Some folks reply to questions with witty quips, but mostly there are those here who take the time just for the sake of helping others or to offer an encouraging word to a carver just starting out. Some of them do it REALLY well, and if you are a regular reader of the forums you know who they are.

Let's recognize the best of the best in the forums!

Who do you think deserves special recognition for their contributions to the discussions in the forum?

I'll go first...I nominate Claude.

[Dan Wegiel]

Claude is always helpful, but my vote has to go to Gene Messer. His tutorials are helping new carvers every day. Should probably start a poll to see what the others think. My 2 cents!

Dan

[Magicman]

I agree with Claude and Gene, but you also have to put Lynn in the running too. All three do an outstanding job.
Larry

[Bill Anderson]

what is the question who contributes to the discussions or contributes to teaching others? its not the same thing. Claude is very helpful directing folks to info for this or that. Gene and Lynn are great teachers.

[Jim Arnold]

Good question Bill...Can't argue against what's been said so far... Maybe better put by asking who is more 'helpful'? and leave it to that for interpretation.

Thanks!

jim

[AlArchie]

This is just my opinion of "XXXX OF THE YEAR"

Not a good idea! Although it's nice for the individual recipient, it may just be a bit ego inflating and at the same time not reflect a consensus. It also puts a competitive factor into the mix....."What do I have to do to get that honor next year?"

This is how strongly I feel about this Best of Year business. Years ago, back in the dark ages, the district commander (Michigan State Police) told me that I had been chosen as the Trooper of the Year........can you immagine that? One guy from 2500 excellent officers being defined as the best? He told me I'd be flown to Lansing, paraded before the state high mucky-wuks, get a lot of good pr for the MSP and bring honor to the 8th district.

I told him that I refused to accept the "honor". There were a whole bunch of Troopers of the year for hundreds of different reasons and I didn't think it propper or prudent to single out one; period. The press release was already out and I'd have to do it........NO.....I DIDN'T!~

That didn't make me popular with the brass, but they finally selected someone else. Now was he/she really "trooper of the Year"?

Guess what? Next year I got the same call, and had the same reply. They didn't try that again.

Any way, for what it's worth, I'm not in favor of "xxxxx of the years".Those three or four mentioned are really super contributors and there are probably a few others who should be mentioned, but Best of the Bunch?

Al

[Grayhorn]

Well said AlArchie.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I agree completely with Al. These personality contests can get out of hand real quick. While I think it's great that someone's contribution to helping others is recognized I think a personal comment to that person is worth much more than to them than seeing how many votes they got compared to the other fella. Even the WCI woodcarver of the year has no real meaning to me as if they really were the woodcarver of the year the result would be made on just what did that carver do during the past year to deserve such recognition. I doubt if that criteria is applied as much as the carver selected just having been around for a long time is known and has helped a lot of people and can generate the most positive publicity for the magazine. (Probably took myself off the list with that last comment!) The way it's going I guess one of these days all the "Woodcarvers of the Year" will be up for the "Woodcarver of All Time"! After that there's "Woodcarver of the Solar System", Woodcarver of the Galaxy" and finally "Woodcarver of the Universe"! Wow! Now that would be a title to hook on to your moniker!

[brent]

My 2 cents.......
If you read the posts, you can guess who a poster really thinks a good deal of. Most people here are very good at what they do for participation. I personally would not pick one over the other. I believe that all on here are great and each deserves the title if their is to be one. I know a good many people who would never even begin to tell you how they achieve something for fear of being "bested". Who cares. Carver's are the most friendly, helpful people I know of with a few exceptions.
I consider each one on this forum "special"! Myron, Claude, Keoma, Dileon, Mitch, Lynn, Gene, etc..............you are all special because you take the time to explain, video, photograph, lecture and even hold classes to further the art of woodcarving.
Remember the expression...." no man ever stood so tall as when he stooped to help a child".............that's most carvers I know. No carver ever stood so tall as when he offered to help another carver.
This does include women also, I hope no one takes offense with any gender specific statements.
On this forum, you are all "FORUM PERSON OF THE YEAR"!

good day!

[aulddiy]

For once I'm on the fence. Some members deserve recognition for the time they've spent on newbies like me.

However a short but grateful thanks is maybe the best recognition anyone can get.
Bloody uncomfortable this fence, I'm not used to it.