Thanks guys!
I know this may not be necessary to say, but I want to be clear for the benefit of any newer members that may read this thread.
LTBBQ will NEVER be used my personal "bully pulpit", or soap box to bloviate and bull horn about my products. I am grateful that some of you like and use them, and I do like to rely on LTBBQ for honest, genuine feedback about my rubs.
I started LTBBQ because there were attitudes on other forums that were not friendly and community oriented. There are sites that have "agendas" -often because they are owned by a company or individual with a vested interest in this industry. That is not a judgement, or a negative statement. It is a fact that one can understand - that if a company wants to extend their market thru a forum...well - that is one way to reach out to an audience.
But, as one that has used a number of the larger forums - I frankly got tired of "tip-toeing" around certain issues, or even mentioning certain brands or names. It just seemed that dis-qualified any really honest input from the users, and served to emotionalize the forums - rather than create a friendly place where we could all share info candidly, and without malice.
LTBBQ is the one thing that I "own" - that does not belong to ME...It belongs to all the users to enjoy, and improve. We do seek advertising site sponsors and have been greatly blessed with the ones we have. The goal is to have LTBBQ making enough money to help sponsor more regional get togethers. That is it's goal and purpose.
Your responses make me feel that we are on the right track - but you all need to know that I listen to ALL input, positive and ...not so positive with the same eagerness to continue to improve LTBBQ and make it better.
( As a side note - sadly I did have to ban someone recently - who could not stop talking down to folks - and in his attempt to get under my skin- said LTBBQ is an "obviously dying forum"....
I suppose the additional new members and posts don't know that!
)
T
