What hath BT3Central created?

[leehljp]

Being busy as usual I usually get to check BT3Central two to three times a day. Lately only once or twice a day. Sunday/Monday only once.

Lately I am seeing 60 to 100 posts in half a day; 150 or more in a full day. Hard to keep up with this many daily posts.

MY QUESTION: Sam what do you see as the direction for BT3Central? Can we handle the increased traffic without more changes? What are the needs to keep this going? How can we help?

[cabinetman]

Well, we could all stop posting - that might help. Was there a rumor that Sam was paying per post? That might account for the increase. But I think everyone is really enjoying the forum and wants to contribute to their addiction.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[Hellrazor]

I left very early saturday morning and got back late last night... it claimed that there was almost 1500 news posts.

[jhart]

I've noticed that there seems to be a lot more members and guests logged on almost anytime I log on, usually early morning. Most surprised at the number of guests.

However, nice to have a large base to draw from. For all the guests, WELCOME. Hope you'll become members.

[LarryG]

I've noticed that there seems to be a lot more members and guests logged on almost anytime I log on, usually early morning.

After Sam did the most recent tweaks to the forum software (those tweaks he mentioned on the forum, anyway), I noticed that the list of people shown as being logged on at any given time is a LOT longer than it ever was before. I wonder whether the list is now being processed differently, and perhaps not accurately indicating when someone has logged out.

Still, the message traffic does seem to be up a bit. I hadn't noticed the kind of HUGE jump that Hank mentions, but maybe over time it's creeped up more than I realize.

[leehljp]

I was off line for 8 hours and came back with 172 new posts. I had cleared previous posts by clicking "Mark Forums Read" before logging off.

I posted this originally as a note of consideration for Sam and any needs he and the forum might need if this traffic is kept up or increases even more.

[garrett0]

As a long-time lurker/member, I also seem to notice a marked increase in forum traffic. This is a great site, and I get some fantastic ideas just reading what you guys talk about. I sure hope the site manages to keep up with its increased popularity. Sam, don't be shy about telling us what needs to be done to keep BT3Central up and running smoothly.

[Ed62]

I guess it's people like me who screw everything up.

Ed

[leehljp]

I guess it's people like me who screw everything up.

Ed

No Way, Ed. It is not a screw up at all. It just keeps growing beyond what some of us imagined it would. Sam started this site on his own funds but it grew to the point that it was obvious that such a site needed expanding. Many people help each year in the financing this site since it is much larger than the original intention.

This sites purpose is to help and offer the woodworking community a place to hang out in a civil manner. While its original intention was BT3 support focused (and still is) it has grown due to people like you and many many others. I just do not want this to become a financial burdon for Sam, Adele and the boys. Sam has never initiated a request for funds. Many users have suggested and offered the funds to expand this site beyond the original set up and hosting. This is my concern.

It is a wonderful testimony to Sam's insight and vision that this is growing and so many people feel so welcome here.

[crokett]

I've been here a while. When I joined most of the members were BT3000 owners and for the most part were seasoned woodworkers. Since then I've seen membership change to include many more non-BT3K owners and also a lot of first-timers. This is for the better. BT3Central had a reputation as being cultish and exclusionary. My early experience was that was based somewhat in fact. Having as many new members as we have gotten has changed this for the better.

[Pappy]

BT3 and it's predecessor, SamCondor.com, started as a place for BT owners to hang out without being flamed for the saw we owned. Conversely, no one has ever been maligned here for owning any other brand of tools.

I am sure there have been some hurt feelings along the way, but I only know of one incident that was truely malicious.

As one of the original members, I have watched the amazing growth of our community. This site was Sam's brain child, but the growth and continuing atmosphere of comraderie is testament to each member regardless of the length of membership or number of posts.

[gjat]

I've belonged to a few internet 'forum communities' over the years, and I have to say this is a very friendly place. Maybe because it's founded on sharing a choice in saws that isn't neccesarily popular, that it's been able to avoid alot of prima-dona type activity.
I've done amateurish woodworking for a pretty long time, but I'm mostly self-taught, on less than a shoe-string budget. This site is fantastic to read posts from people who aren't afraid to ask 'dumb questions' and get respectful, thoughtful, and very informative answers from a number of different people. I read a number of other woodworking forums, but this is the only one I particpate in.
I thank you 'Founding Members' for creating a great 'net community that's helped me become a better woodworker, helped me enjoy it more, probably has saved me a few finger tips, and definitely has saved me a few bucks.

[Jim Boyd]

I've noticed ALL forums have increased traffic this time of year.

[Hellrazor]

I've noticed ALL forums have increased traffic this time of year.

Its almost winter, everyone is vegitating and waiting for spring??

[Popeye]

Winter??? What is this W i n t e r? Pat