I am shocked at the quick growth of this board. Surely it is now one of the largest, and hopefully most helpful, resources for rod builders on the internet. And this, after less than two weeks!

With increased usage, however, have come some minor problems. In the past 3 days my moderators have removed 2 posts and had to edit another. I suppose that is not too bad, but I would prefer that we never have to remove or edit any posts. Adherence to the rules and general civility should provide the best guideline as far as what is appropriate and what is not.

First, the sponsors you see on the left hand side of this page have paid a fee to be listed there. That is where the necessary revenue is generated in order to provide this board for the rod building craft. In return, they are allowed to advertise their products. Most of them spend more time offering helpful advice, based on their years of experience, than they do advertising. This is good - it provides the rod builders with information that they cannot get elsewhere.

However, advertising by individuals or companies who are not sponsors is not allowed and will be promptly removed. I hope it is obvious that any person simply wishing to steer someone in the direction of a needed item or source of information is free to list the name of a supplier or source and provide contact information. That is within the purpose of this board. But those who operate for profit and wish to directly advertise their product or business must contribute the sponsor fee in order to do so. Thus far everyone has done a remarkable job of walking what I realize is a bit of a fine line.

The final item I wish to address regards any posts that are inflammatory or insulting to individuals or suppliers, whether they are active here on this board or not. It will not be allowed. Sometimes these posts are actually well meaning and serve to get a point across. Sometimes they are thinly veiled attempts to aggravate or needle others. Most times I prefer to believe the offending party actually meant no harm and simply failed to consider how the wording may appear to others. In either case, if it appears that they will stir up trouble, they will be edited or removed.

The biggest problem with an open forum like this one concerns basic human nature. Here in the U.S as well as in many other Nations we have gotten used to being able to speak our minds no matter who we offend. It is good to have that right, but unfortunately it does not apply to this message board. I find myself in the awkward position of trying to weed out what I deem harmful to others without stemming the flow of good, helpful information. I will do the best I can and attempt to be fair to all.

So far so good. I appreciate your support and the way everyone has used this board so far. Scroll down the board and look at the amount of information that has been shared, quite freely, thus far. It is my intent to keep the nature and civility of this board as it has been for these past two weeks.

Tom Kirkman

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Tom,

Where can vendors or other interested parties find out about becoming a board sponsor?

Bob

If you wil email me at www.rodmakermagazine.com I will give you the details.

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You are surely on the right track and as long as you keep this thing centered on rod building all will be well. I don't envy your job though!

You're a class act guy. Sometimes your gut tells you what will work, you go for it and it flys, and it's the greatest feeling in the world.

Congradulations on your latest venture; it seems like another winner.

Brian