Chuck,
I know I have been absent from much of the discussion on this subject, primarily because business has exploded over the past 30 days and I'm just scrambling to stay ahead of the deadlines. I've checked in, but didn't want to post without giving my comments some serious thought. I think I really wanted to soak everything in and make a less emotional post. Well, that's not working, here I go.
I joined this forum when it was on Delphi. My business was just coming out of its fledgling stage, with myself still having a great deal to learn to maximize the full potential of my business. I can say that this forum has, without a doubt, been the single most important resource that has contributed to the growth and success of my business. I am grateful for that.
What I am feeling right now in my gut is great sadness. Our little world here was so unique and different from any other professional forum I have ever seen. I loved this place.
I truly think there has been some division, and I don't think we will ever be able to have what we once did. I so hope I am wrong.
The number one priority for me personally is to unite the membership. I personally don't care if the free site is on Engraving Etc. or World of Engraving. I think the split of membership into two free forums is inefficient for all of us and just doesn't make sense.
The subscription website that David is proposing will have great value once it is completed. A private forum will be an important part of this so that subscribed members of the website can also discuss more openly subjects like pricing, marketing practices, etc. without worrying about the public looking in.
In hindsight, it would have been wiser to keep this forum as it is and offer the subscription to the website on its own merits. Hindsight is 20/20.
I think calm is about to fall upon us. |