[Crafty Angler]

So I guess this what is meant by a "hot button topic"?

From the posts I've read (and reread, including my own) calling a memorial page a 'HOF' would be a misnomer and brings up other issues that no one - especially me but most importantly John - would want to see here.

None of the points I made were exactly mine to begin with and the 'nominating committee' I posted was simply a list of fellow surfcasters whose opinions I respect a great deal, some of whom are friends, all reasonable even-handed men with a passion for the sport and a helluva lot of time spent in the surf. Number of posts never entered into it. As for the rest of it, most of the time my writing style is - and always will be - at times tongue-in-cheek and occasionally a little on the smart-assed side as well. That's a function of where I came from, way too late to change it now and if it puts anybody's shorts in a knot, my apologies.

I've been around this sort of thing before - I was involved in the Fisherman's Memorial at Brenton Point. The bronze plaque on the monument was created from my photograph of a friend of mine holding his 52# bass from the '80's and his loss while fishing at Brenton Reef was the impetus for the memorial site overlooking the reef.

The purpose of that site was - and is - to memorialize those whose lives were lost at sea and there are inscribed pavers lining the area available to those who wish to remember their loved ones. Those memorial pavers also include the names of many who were not lost at sea but have passed on and serve as markers at a beautiful spot where people come to reflect and remember. If any of you haven't been to the Fisherman's Memorial, you should if you find yourself in the area - it's pretty moving. A memorial page or forum would have the same effect, I would think, minus the surf.

BigFish, Beachwalker, Ed B and others all made excellent points and I couldn't agree with them more. Ultimately, while it's apparent that everybody here has deep feelings on how best to approach it - if at all - it's John's call on S-B's level of involvement in such a historical site. He's worked pretty damned hard to create what exists here at this site and he's paid for it out of his own pocket.

IMHO, a memorial is certainly a great idea, whether it actually comes to pass or not. Personally, I get to reflect on the lives of those who either touched or influenced my life when I'm firmly planted on a set of rocks somewhere in the deep of night. Then the only memorial site I really need is between my ears.

Peace.