Well after much discussion, and a swift kick in the butt from a good friend (you know who you are), we have finalized the new rank of Forum Leader.
Three people have been nominated to this group. These people have been nominated for their expertise, experience, willingness to go out of their way to help and welcome new members, and because they are really good people that truly love this hobby.
This rank was setup to set these people apart as Talkingreef Leaders. These people are here at the site on a very regular basis and have been for many many months, helping me when I'm not here, and where my knowledge lacks to make sure our members get the best quality information they can.
Please join me in congratulating our new Forum Leaders
The Leaders are:
Amphibious
Fat Walrus
Veriann
Thanks to all of you for your effort, dedication and love for this hobby and site
__________________
Show people you appreciate there advice, click the icon under there name and give them Reputation points
Congratulations Guys! We're soooo happy and proud to have you on board!
You have gone out of your way to help others and to make information available. We are truly lucky to have you sharing your experiences, knowledge and humor (most importantly) with us!
Oh my, I am humbled. Thank you, Rob and whoever it was that brought this to light. If I may borrow the soap box for a minute...
I join every fish related forum that comes along and there are many. Mainly to "reserve" my on line user name, Amphibious. I'll spend an hour or so reading threads that interest me. I might even respond to a couple that first visit. Then I put the forum into my "favorites" file under Fish Forums. Some, I've never visited again and recently was reminded of that when an e-mail came in from an obscure fish forum announcing some changes. Not even remembering that particular forum, I went to the site and tried to log on. The message I got back went something like this, "You can not log on due to inactivity". WOW! They banned me because of "inactivity". Hmmm, that's pretty astonishing to me. So I checked the Membership list. Sure enough, I was on it. Joined date - June of '03. Number of posts - 0. They had me dead to rights! So I wrote the Admin, as suggested, and asked to be re-instated since they chose to include me in their mailing. We'll see what happens.
Some forums are more a place to get battered than to get or give information and I avoid those, now. Who needs to be flamed for a personal view of a topic being discussed or, ridiculed because a "newbie" has a "dumb" question? I don't visit that forum any more, either.
And then along came Talking Reef. Hmmm, funny name, I thought. What interest could I possibly have for a "Talking Reef". Reefs don't talk. But, I joined because, that's what Amphibious does. And, I lurked for a bit, not wanting to "talk" just yet. Then I began to realize, there wasn't any flaming, bashing, ridiculing or any other demeaning practice. So, I gave a first, short, response to a thread and I got the usual "welcome" too TR. Then I became bolder and started offering advise based on my extensive experience. I've had no formal education in marine aquariums but tons of practical, hands on, "school of hard knocks" kind of education. I don't "know it all" but I know what works for me and if applied correctly will work for others. I found that I was accepted on TR. People thanked me, encouraged me to speak out. And now, today they can't silence me even if they wanted too. At least not for "inactivity".
I remember a great debate we had on a TR thread that pitted two great aquarists with two different theories on one subject, at opposite ends from each other. The debate got a bit heated and included input from many of you. In the end, it was decided, by default, that both methods worked and it was a matter of choice, individually, which method was "best". The best thing about this debate, while heated at times, is that the other main character and I remain friends, in fact better friends now than before. We both learned, I think, to respect each other's diversity and embrace each other's differing knowledge and experience. This could have sunk into a flame throwing, bashing thread on a different site, not TR!!!
This "Talking Reef" thing that Rob created is addicting, as many of you have expressed. I concur! I have one piece of advice for anyone lurking on the site, post something so you don't get banned for "inactivity".
Just one more thing, recognition is one of the most powerful motivators known to mankind. Recognize achievments however great or small in your children. It will motivate them to do even more.
So, how do you get me to stop talking on Talking Reef??? You jerk the soapbox out from under me, that's how.
Thanks again, Rob.
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
this is abit of a shock, where did this come from?
ok so its like kangaroos and bud, looks kinda weird um... yeah....but it works!
dont question it.... just run with it, and thats exactly what we have done!!!
its kinda hard writting your own speeches, esspecially when the dude holding the que cards is off having lunch! lol.
no in all seriousness its been fun mixing it with your guys, im still a novice along with the rest of you, cause the hobbies pretty big, it would take many many years and far less booze to take it all in and understand everything remotely related to what we do! we've got a good thing going here, robs put on a great bbq for us all and whilst he's turning the steaks im spiking his non- alcholic drink just for kicks! and honestly who could ask for a better crew to totally confuse with upside-down speak! so its my hat of to all you guys instead!
woops, rob's caught on to my glass tainting *run's away ducking schruken steaks*
this is abit of a shock, where did this come from?
V, you are such an upside down HAM! How could we not love an Aussie. I would like an Aussie dictionary to decipher some of your upside down speak, though. I couldn't down enough collies to understand it. Come to think of it, if I had enough coolies I might begin to sound like you.
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
OMG, I got so excited I forgot to congratulate my two partners, Blubber and the Bloke from Down Under. Congrats you guys. The three Musketeers together again, one for all and all for one.
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
Gosh, What a well deserved honor. You 3 have so much knowledge and have been a great help so many of us. Thanks for your wisdom and your humor too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wildeone
I think this is a wonderful thing. You three have helped me so many times since I started as a reefer. Keep up the great stuff!
I feel honored to be of service to you guys and all on TR. What a privilege! Thank you, so much.
Dick
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
icon under there name and give them Reputation points
and honestly who could ask for a better crew to totally confuse with upside-down speak! so its my hat of to all you guys 
instead! 
rob's caught on to my glass tainting *run's away ducking schruken steaks*
V-series Productions 
USA 
