Was searching for some info and came across this nugget by Bill Barnfield from 6 years ago. To me it best captures what this forum is all about.
“So Swaylocks is just a reflection of todays world and sometimes the questions will be silly or flat out stupid but if everyone in the virtual community is polite and helpful it grows from the bottom up. That is the value of a virtual community, the zillions of guys who don’t know stuff, can ask the few who do. Grass roots all the way! As long as this happens without drama or insult the community is a fun place where people can live and play without fear of harassment or embarrassment. And yes… some will try to varnish over 60 grit, and others will politely steer them toward a better way.”
As participation here dwindles it probably matters less and less, but this pretty much sums up the reason I have moderated the site the way I have. I try to allow for a lot of flexibility in applying the rules, but when I feel the “drama or insult” has crossed a line, I’ll move a thread out of general discussion. Even occasionally edit or delete an egregious post, although that’s a pretty rare occasion. Can’t speak for the other moderators, but I am appreciative of all that they do too.
We have some awfully nice / helpful folks here, sharing the stoke for what we do.
I think it’s a pretty doggone good site, I’ve seen a lot worse, but then again we can all help make it better too
I liked 'em, tho a little less crazy about the tats she was sporting. But no, wasn’t me.
I’ll take a wild guess here that someone probably felt it made the site a little less user friendly for the feminine gender, or maybe there’s guys here (like me) who’s time spent here would be suspect if the missus were to peek over the shoulder and see your nubile young chickie baring all.
It was fun while it lasted, but there’s no shortage of that stuff elsewhere on the internet, this is the surfboard place.
As I new member I really appreciate all of the willingness to help people out and share little tips and tricks. The seeking of knowledge and discussion of aspects of surfboard design and construction are a solid foundation that you guys have built this site on, and the fact that people are ready to help each other out with advice on what they’ve found has already worked or not worked is very cool to see, especially in this world where people are disengaging from each other. There’s tons of knowledge that has already been shared and can be found in the archives, as well as tons of knowledgable members who share the stoke. Disagreements will happen but that is the way of the world.
Just wanted to share my appreciation of what you guys have been doing here for a long time.
I’d say 1999 sounds about right. I’ve been on and off for @ 15 years, and Dale S. started telling me about it about a year or two before I finally jumped in.
Not only do I owe a giant debt of gratitude to Sways and the Swayloholix I’ve come to know over the years, just now thinking back to Dale telling me to check it out, I recall looking and not knowing what the hell was going on, 'cuz I was new to internet forms period, so I shined it for a while, then, having questions, I dove in… Years later I took some online continuing ed classes, and the assignment discussions were pretty much like threads here, and the prof said I had more posts than anyone but her… Ha!!! I owe that success to Swaylocks too.
Haven’t been around much, life and all, plus me and my fringe of the fringe approach… I will start a thread, but any reader can hit me up now, about an offer for free samples (I’m not selling it, I just bought a big bag, as it was the same price as 6 little jars…) of glass beads/microspheres for those who may want to try making some filler/putty of their own. I’m thinking I’ll send a sandwhich bag or two - what ever fits into a small prepaid USPS box. PM me if you want to try it out.
