We ended off 2014 on new servers, new software platforms and new front pages. It was a difficult year behind the screen, but the real challenge has become playing the role of peace keeper. We have some knowledgeable folks at YF, but sometimes that comes with strong personalities. In November, I suspended one of our senior members after years of fielding complaints; both behind the screen and on the docks. It only takes one member to create an unwelcoming environment. Although suspending or removing a member may curtail future incidents, it doesn't change the past. With a forum, all of the discussions - over all the years - remain intact. These threads can influence the level of future participation. If viewers see bickering, condescending and disrespectful posts, they will not return. As a forum admin, my #1 role is to protect the collective knowledge we've built. This is more complicated than you think. It's not just manipulating code or optimizing system resources, it's making our knowledge presentable. This means viewers find relevant information and have a good user experience. I try to make decisions in the best of interest of the community and although sometimes it doesn't win me any popularity votes, I've learned a thing or three over the past 13 years. Recently, a couple of our senior members have bowed out, presumably due to conflicts with other members or because they couldn't dictate how I run the forum. From the outset, I've always said YF belongs to all of us, however a few folks think they own YF. They think their posts are so contributory that YF could not survive without them. News Flash... YF will not only survive, it will thrive. There is strength in unity; weakness in division. Wishing everyone a positive and productive 2015.
I think you are doing a great job and I really enjoy the content on this site. The conflicts here are no worse than other, similar message boards. Don't beat yourself up about that. I probably don't fit the normal profile of people here, but thankful for this valuable resource.
I'm missing the "Like" button! Or maybe I've lost my savvy technology touch! How'd-ya-do dat @Kevin ?? What should be on your mind now Carl is your surgery tomorrow and subsequent recovery. I am positive that it won't be only me praying for you to get well soon. Everyone around here is a part of an extended family to me, regardless of anything, thanks to Carl, the Godfather of Yachtforums. Cheers to all, and an added wish to everyone of a positive and productive 2015, wishing you health, wealth, blessing and bliss for years and years to come. Alf
This forum is excellent compared to some others.....the bickering between members is very tame, as far as I see. There are always strong feelings about boating, because boating attracts the strong minded. If we didn't have strong feelings, thoughts and opinions about our boating skills, techniques, views and how we go about boating we'd all be land lubbers. So here's to YF and all it's membership.....CHEERS !!!!!!!!!
Yacht Forums is greater than one, a few, or a group of members. That is what you have created Carl. As sad as it is to lose Senior Members who I respect and like, and more importantly, that added an enormous validity to the quality of the advice given on this Forum, we need to move on from singular issues and egos. Let’s just hope that there is still some balance to what makes a qualified post in response to members that need advice as opposed to guys that just want to grab attention and “Post” numbers.
Thank you for the kind words Alfred, but earlier this week I had a consult with a doctor from Reginexx. I'm convinced that stem cells are the future of orthopedic procedures, therefore I cancelled the arthroscopic surgery and I'm now waiting for an opening in their schedule. A member of YF has a friend who went through the procedure and encouraged me to talk with him. This gentleman went to Reginexx in November. He's 67 years old and was told by the clinic the outcome probably wouldn't be successful because he needed a full knee replacement. Three months post-op he's pain free, able to get back up on his horse and he's back in the gym. It's only been 3 months. I've read about these success stories online, but never heard it first-person. I watched a one hour webinar with the founder of Reginexx Monday night. After two weeks of exhaustive research and a year of limited activities, I'm going the stem cell route. Same price, potentially better outcome.
Carl, I had torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders with one being completely separated. I had PRP(Platlet Rich Plasma) Therapy done to both shoulders along with vitamin therapy(intravenous vitamins) and both shoulders have healed completely. Even the separated tissue repaired itself so I definitely think you are on the right track!
Thanks David, that's reassuring! God knows you've faced far more serious challenges than a bum knee. My situation would be a walk in the park for you, literally!
Carl, I miss the invaluable information from some of the YF members who are no longer posting. When I have referred people to YF for a query, I usually give the screen names of those whose advice can be unquestionably trusted. Even with some of the experts MIA, the value of YF collective knowledge is irreplaceable. I have also come to trust your wisdom and judgment and give loyal support to any editorial decisions you make. Judy
+1 ...from my perspective there has been a marked change to this site since the latter part of 2014. I guess I'm in the minority here, but I prefer a more stimulating discussion and have no problem with strong personalities when they have the knowledge to back it up. I'm not seeing much of that around here lately. Things can go too far when thin skinned people prevail. In the movie IDIOCRACY which takes place 500 years in the future, people have become so sensitive that the greeter at Costco says to each shopper "welcome to costco, I love you" as they walk into the wharehouse.
I think there is a difference between how you are greeting and treating near friends and "far friends". As this Forum is international, I think it could be better to avoid making remarks on things like wordings...
Excellent job in keeping this site up and going. I/we really appreciate all your effort Carl. THANK YOU !
