Well..... here comes another one of my long posts that hopefully makes you think a little bit. Change the channel right now if you're not up to it!
The last couple of days a few things have happened to make me think about this Forum, the guys that frequent it, the message that it sends, and what makes it so important to me. So in no particular order..... here I go:
1) The message that this Forum sends is invaluable to the men that come here. How many times have we heard from a newer member that this site gave them the strength and encouragement to deal with their hair loss issues? Even for those of us who were losing our hair but didn't really have a problem with it, this site has offered great help in areas of shaving, day to day trials of everryday life, and support to guys in EVERY aspect of their lives. Amazing.
2) The diversity of the membership on this site is remarkable. We have members from just about every race, economic background, social upbringing, Faith, and political persuasion that walks this earth. Yet the atmosphere of our Forum is peaceful and civil almost without fail. I love the fact that I can PM with guys all over the world any time I like...... and they always answer.
3) Friendships..... yes friendships. For many it is probably difficult to believe that you can have actual Friends from a Forum on the internet. nI used to think that way..... and then as I was here for a while I realized that I couldn't way to see what certain guys were up to. Then I PM'd with some guys, met some guys, and got to know some guys...... Friends.
4) "It's like having a brother in every state"....... that's what I said to Todd (FR8TRAIN) when I met him last week. He readily agreed. If you are going to travel to a state other than your own, and you put up notice here on our Forum, you are probably going to meet a great guy for a couple beers, some local, food, and a great tiem. And it will be like seeing an old Friend after a long time....
5) Genuinely great guys as members....... I've PM'd with dozens of guys over the time I've been here, met another half dozen of the guys live in person, and spoken to several on the phone. All great guys. Guys have offered me everything from advice to Prayers to help with personal things thru our Forum. Where else guys? WHERE ELSE???
6) I love knowing that, as a man, I have somewhere to turn to seek advice, help, or encouragement. Sometimes those closest in your life just can't give you what you need and our Forum is a great place to come for that.
7) The Show WILL Go On! The message of our Forum is so important, so positive, and so relavent that our Forum is bigger than any single member or group of members. This Forum will go on in spite of who may come and go, who may stir the pot, and whoever may wish it ill will. Only one man has the ability to end it all and from what I know of him he is a top notch, stand up guy with only the BEST of intentions for our Forum.
Why is important to me? It's another way to help other guys, the friendships, the funny stories, and even the sad things. While reading posts on this Forum I've laughed until I cried, Prayed for Friends, wondered "What in the world...", wept tears of joy and tears of sadness, and enjoyed every minute of it.
9) Notice that I've said "our Forum" multiple times guys. That's right, it's "ours"....... here to benefit ALL of us.
Feel free to add your own items here guys...... and think about it guys..........
