[Paul_Guraedy]

Between building a house and squeezing in some woodcarving time, I do not spend very long on the list (except on weekends) right now. Yesterday Bob D posted to the thread "To the Mods" and expressed concern about modifications to the Message Board.

When that thread started, I was not so busy and spent more time on the list during the week. Sure! Why not? I thought, when the recipe thread was suggested. I have had second thoughts as I watched other threads change into basically a 2 or 3 person conversation. There is no problem with this as they all inevitably trail off into oblivion as new interests arise.

Except those related to woodcarving! These may taper off, but, come "back from the dead" as another question/comment arises. As Bob noted, we have the "Other Topics" area for common interests that do not involve woodcarving, and for chit chat, which binds us together as much as our interest in the main topic of the board.

I am not posting against the off topic commentary. Rather, Bob D got me to thinking about the Message Board, its past, and hopefully its future. I am a member of several other lists. This is now in name only. I have not posted to any of them in months, maybe even years now. I do not even glance over most of the daily digests that arrive. Still can't bring myself to the point of cutting loose from a woodcarving connection.

This board had the good fortune of visionaries at WCI, the luck of attracting a good mix of woodcarvers, and someone with the necessary computer skills to build an interesting format. We stumbled along quite well with the first version. I, among many, was skeptical of the change in format that transpired a year or so ago. But it worked and the list developed into maturity.

We have a very good thing going. We must be cautious that it not become "locked in" and start to stagnate. We must also be very wary of tampering with something that "aint broke."

As Bob D noted, we have a good make up of threads. None are recieving so many comments that they, currently, need to be divided. Woodcarving seems to be covered pretty well from a subject-wise standpoint.

I support Bob D totally. Let's keep up the recipes, comments on the weather, relocation of our members, and humor. But, let's confine them to the Other Topics. One thread not related to woodcarving is sufficient.

If new threads appear necessary. Let's put them in as a test. If they do not attract attention. Let's remove them. As we should also remove any of the current threads if they go for several months without posts.

Bob D you are doing a good job. Keep going as you are.

[Kenny_S]

I think we all agree with you Paul on this subject.

I believe we do hacve a hard worker in BobD and his continuious support for this board. Well not only this board but the SSW board, as well as WCI magazine. I have posted before but can't tell BobD enough how I appreciate him.
Yes, I was one who did not care for the change in the board at first. I don't know why as my job enviornment was ever changing daily in the IT department of a major Oil Company.
However, the change was for the good and over a little time, I enjoy the new board and the updating that is done to it.
A big THANK YOU BOBD!

[wade clark]

I picture BobD carrying an enormous load while doing a dance to a different drummer, while keeping a very big wheel rolling that I and you, we all, really love and benefit from. And maybe getting a bit of time to carve now and then too!
I don't think I ever said, THANK YOU, BOB, but I've thought it many times!
Thanks, Bob, for carrying the load you carry, wearing all those hats, and doing such a great job!
Wade