I've been building rods for about 6 years now. Last year I began watching some of the internet rod building webboards for information and ideas. I have lurked on this one from time to time along with others.

For some reason not until today did I notice the row of black and red buttons along the top of this forum window. I've spent the last 4 hours going through everything in those button windows. To say I'm amazed at the information here would be an understatement. I don't know how you can put a price on it but there has to be several hundred or even several thousands of dollars of free information in the faqs, glossary,and library sections of this site. I am really surprised and find it very unusual to find this kind of free info available. Yesterday I was trying to find an older article on the Boston newspaper website and once I found it I was informed by a computer prompt that I would have to pay $2.95 by credit card if I wanted to read the rest of the article. This seems to be the norm for most information type sites. Everybody has their hand out for a buck.

Sorry to ramble, but I felt led to register and say that I think this is really an unusual but terrific place for rod building information. The information on the messages and in the archives is also among the best I have found. Thanks to all who contribute and to the owners of this site. You have a really terrific thing going here. I just can't say enough about it.

There are a few free informational sites on the internet that have a button you can click and use your credit card to leave a donation in whatever amount you want. You might consider it if you need funding. I almost feel like I'm stealing to come here and benefit so much and not pay something for what I'm taking away. Thanks again.

Artie: No way would I be building rods today if it were not for this site. I first posted three years ago trying to find out how to replace a guide, I was actually looking for someone to do it for me. Got the info to do it myself, etc., etc. Since then, no going back.

This site has also helped me get into this. You will find a very willing group of individuals who will share willing here. Feel free to ask any and all questions.

We have a good situation here. Although this site ends up being more expensive to maintain, host and operate than most realize, the sponsor fees generate enough funds to keep things in place. You benefit from the site information and features, and the sponsors benefit(hopefully) when you patronize them with your rod building supply dollars.

Comparitively speaking, rod building is a small craft and I don't like the idea of constantly hitting up people and companies for money or donations. And I would rather not get involved (and will not accept) monetary donations from the builders and users of this site.

Your comments are appreciated. Feel free to take anything you want away from this site. It was created so builders like yourself could obtain helpful information without having to pay for it. (There is additional information available for a fee, of course, and some of it is extremely good, but not every builder wants to subscribe to a magazine or attend a rod building event. So, here is the alternative. Enjoy.)


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Artie, I know how you feel. I've gotten so much out of this site and have contributed so little that sometimes I feel like a total mooch.

My thanks again to Tom for what he is doing, and to everyone else who posts. I've learned things from new builders that made me smack my head wondering why I didn't think of this, or why I didn't know that. I've learned things from the big dawgs that I still don't have the guts or time to attempt. I love it all!

I wouldn't know 1/4 of what I do now if it wasn't for this board and RodMaker Magazine. It's comforting knowing that you don't have to venture in blind, fearful or without understanding something fully. I think we all owe a debt of gratitude in one form or another to this site, each other and of course, Tom Kirkman.
Ray

Another thing you will notice with this site vs. some others I frequent is the results you can get by using the search function. To many BB's the search function is useless, but not here!!!

Ditto to all of the above responses!! This site has gotten me through some (all) of the problems I have encountered in this insane but very satisfying hobby.
Murf

I will be starting my first rod this weekend. I can't tell you how many hours I have spent reading the posts on this site. it is great to find so many people with the know how and eagerness to share it.

Adam Rossiter

i applaud tom too, as many do, for offering this site. i also feel a bit like a moocher but am thankful this site exists. i hope that the recent slight increase in rodmaker magazine as well as the sponsor rates provide a little extra for tom and his family for all the work he does. i imagine it can be a huge sacrifice in ways.

also, everyone who posts here, freely offering help and comraderie to others in this pursuit of ours should be applauded as well. the community and help, generated here is no small thing.

eric
fresno, ca.

Eric,

Thanks for the kind words. I don't take any salary for my work on RodMaker or this site. (If I did, I'd have to charge a lot more!)

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Excellent resoarce for an eclectic hobby.

Before visiting RB.org, never realized so many were into rod building as a hobby or a profession.

Surf the pix, some of the stuff goes beyond fishing to art masterpieces.

Thanx Tom!

I think this site is great. I only wish I had found it before I built my first rod. I know I could have saved myself a lot of grief and anxiety over ordering components. It is nice to get a "little hand holding" when you run into a problem instead of pannicking like I have on occassion. I guess the site can be a surrogate rod builders' mom. thanks

john kepka

I've learned 90% of what I know about building here. I muddled around for years and one day I stumbled in here and it was a whole new world!!!
As addictive is this site is, it should come with a warning label!!! Between this site, rodmaker and the instant knowledge available from the great user of this site, what else could you possibly need??

Hat's off to Tom K. who makes it all possible!

Mike