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there was a large group that started on SB.com when it first was created. there were only a couple northeast surf fishing sites back then and guys were looking to post, chat, get together, etc. the site grew fast. guys were sponges looking for the new method, tricked out or new reels that people bought and tested, rods, lures, beach buggies, etc. plus, all this was new and exciting back then. S-B also helped a lot of the "garage builders" of wooden lures, soft plastic lures, rods, etc., get established, have a local presence, and help the site indirectly by their participation, myself included. i think it's great when these guys participate in threads and don't feel they are too good to post or afraid they will be slammed for posting like on other sites. i don't post much on the rod building forum anymore because it's almost dead, which is weird since there is so much new technology and products for fishing rods in the last few years! it used to be great fishing and you went up to a guy or they came up to you and asked if you were online and you said your handle and you put the face to the posts.
like john, i got way too busy to post on here much anymore. i'm lucky to get time to jump on here once a week these days due to work and just life in general. it was nothing years ago to post or surf on the site several times a day. but, going back to what jim said, the site has gotten a little stale. i wouldn't want to lose the "club" feel that this site has always had by bringing in a ton of sponsorship either. maybe the site needs a few gatherings each year and we have a raffle, donation jar, or entrance fee to help support john, but also get together to say 'hi'. free is nice, but we should also support the cause. i've been guilty myself as i should probably donate a custom rod one day to help keep the lights on, and maybe this is a good a time as any, but it's just doing it instead of saying it. back to the gatherings - winter ones are always great after the holidays as guys are bored and the shows are a couple months away. gatherings during the shows for guys local to those events may be good. and, who doesn't like hooters?! they, um, have nice wings. a canal spring/fall tourney, MS club spring/fall challenge group, catch a fish on a habs plug tourney, whatever. i have some great memories from guys i met on this site at these gatherings.
i don't think you will ever lose the repeated threads of best rod, best lure at night, best knot and many don't use a search feature. yes, the flame wars, i do miss them. so glad i never participated in them...
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