Why this Forum?

[ToddP]

I thought maybe it would be a good idea to explain my reasons for setting up this forum, conference, discussion board, whatever you call it.<br><br>Since Norm first mentioned that the rotorcraft conference may be going away over a month ago, I have been very concerned about losing my connection to the best source of information available. &nbsp;If it weren't for the Rotorcraft conference, I have no doubt I wouldn't be flying gyros today. &nbsp;There are way too many questions that require an answer and quite frankly, I'm not very good at calling people and asking questions. &nbsp;However I am very good at searching archives, and when that fails, asking questions in the conference. &nbsp;So for me, the conference has been an valuable tool.<br><br>As time rolled by it seemed like no one was stepping up to either buy or take over the rotorcraft conference. &nbsp;Then, this past week there were several occasions where the servers were down. &nbsp;Each time this made me very nervous and wondering if it was gone for good.<br><br>Wednesday evening I sat down and went to work on this. &nbsp;Once I had it setup, I e-mailed Ron Awad and Dave DeWinter and asked them to take a look. &nbsp;I also made it quite clear I had no intentions of stepping on Norm's toes. &nbsp;I only wanted to have this available, and basically waiting in the wings should something happen. &nbsp;Well, Norm's conference was down again for several hours that evening. &nbsp;After several e-mails with Ron Awad, he decided to post a link on the conference when it came back up. Ron posted the link Thursday morning and a few people registered. &nbsp;About 4:30 that afternoon, Norm announced he was pulling the plug in 1 week. &nbsp;<br><br>I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to run a discussion conference. &nbsp;I just didn't want to stand around and do nothing while the other one disappeared. &nbsp;Now that its up and running...and the shock has worn off I'm pretty darn excited. &nbsp;There are lots of options available with this software, and I have a million things to learn. &nbsp;But so far so good. &nbsp;People have been very supportive and I appreciate that. &nbsp;<br><br>Up to this point I have been watching the Rotorcraft Conference and haven't posted anything regarding this forum. &nbsp;But as the days tick down, I'm afraid some people will get left behind. &nbsp;As I write this, the Rotorcraft Conference has 941 registered users. &nbsp;We are currently at 109. &nbsp;There are alot of people still out there. &nbsp;If you know of anyone flying gyro's that doesn't visit the conference regularly, maybe send them an e-mail and let them know this is available.<br><br>I e-mailed Norm yesterday and thanked him for his years of service to the gyro community. &nbsp;I offered the suggestion of placing the three forums on a cd-rom which he could make available for sale. &nbsp;I offered to make them available for sale here and to help in any way I could. &nbsp;I have not heard back from him, but hope that he'll consider doing this since the information in those old forums is truly valuable.<br><br>I apologize for the long post, I just wanted to explain why I started this thing.<br><br>Todd

[GyroRon]

Todd You rule! And don't forget it. :)

[WN]

Todd,<br><br>Thanks for doing this. &nbsp;I have the time &amp; money , just not the knowledge to host a forum.<br><br>Steve

[CLS447]

Todd, I don't have the time , money ,or knowledge to do something like this! Thanks again!

[wheacock]

Thanks Todd for keeping the communicatiion open for our little community. Although it's not possible to calculate, I believe Norm's forum saved lives, and now so will yours.<br><br><br>In labors of love, every day is payday. <br>- Gaines Brewster <br>

[gyrodes]

Hi Todd,<br> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Thanks for the creation of this forum. You will contribute to the saving of lives by doing so, with the passing on of information to the newbies and the not so newbies. I commend you for your integrity to Norm and I hope he will say hi to us from time to time on this forum.

[pleok08]

Thank-you for taking the time and the effort to try to keep the Rotorcraft Community connected. <br><br>For a beginner such as myself, such a Forum is a vital necessity.<br><br>the kellers ;)

[Phil_Ruffin]

Todd, &nbsp;Just wanted to thank you for starting this forum. I still check out Norm's forum daily also, but I always had trouble making it work for me. It is very frustrating to have a comment to a post and not be able make it.<br><br>Being able to post with consistancy and able to reply and start topics makes me feel like I am now a part of the conversation.<br><br>Even if Norm is able to keep his forum going, Please don't shut this one down.<br><br>Thanks again, &nbsp; Phil

[Hognose]

I'm grateful to you, Todd, and I also have to say I'm grateful for Norm for running the other forum while he did, and to all those that have helped me learn about gyros. <br><br>It was Ken Janulewicz that told me something like, &quot;if you want to know about gyro safety and human factors issues, you need to start visiting the Rotorcraft Forum.&quot;<br><br>One question -- what becomes of the archives of the old forum? Priceless information there... would hate to lose it all. <br><br>-=K=-

[ToddP]

Hognose,<br><br>At this point it appears Norm's forum is sticking around. &nbsp;He expected to shut down a week or two ago, and hasn't. &nbsp; I don't think anyone really knows Norm's situation, but I'm sure we all wish him the best. &nbsp;Regardless, this forum is here to stay, I'm really enjoying it and the membership continues to grow.<br><br>Todd<br>

[GyroRon]

Todd, your the man!

[Racer]

You started a good thing Todd, When you started this up I thought a gyro was a childs toy that you started with a string, now look at me I am flying thanks to this forum

[Timchick]

Way to go , Todd. Thanks for starting this forum. Hey, wait a minute. This sure is an old thread.

[Jazzenjohn]

Thanks Todd, When you started this forum up, I actually thought you were supposed to EAT a gyro.

[Rehan K.Janjua]

Mr Todd.

Thank You very much.

I m alive today cause of this forum.

Keep it up.
Best Regards.

[Steve McGowan]

I thought this was the "Givem Hell Room" :rant:

just jokin Todd,, it's the only way I can meet folks I'd never know any other way..

And some I'd probably beat their asses if I did meet them,,
or Vice Versa ..:lol:

it's "FULL MOON" yall :eek:

[lanichol]

Mr Todd.

Thank You very much.

I m alive today cause of this forum.

Keep it up.
Best Regards.

Todd,

I have viewed these forums for over 6 years. I have no doubt a multitude of lives have been saved.

Old Thread, but still true.

[Resasi]

Aint that the truth Larry. Thanks again Todd.:first:

[Russ Hobbs]

Todd, I really appreciate your efforts and confess I spend to many hours here. Thanks, Russ

[ezeddie]

Hello "it's "FULL MOON" y'all" Steve,
When is it not a full moon down there in Georgia? Isn't that the land of Charlie Daniels and the "tie em to a stump" group. We got a lot of candidates up in DC for Charlie's group, could keep em busy 'til Christmas I'll bet....:rolleyes: and the snakes, gators, and stuff would be happy as HELL,
and me too.
eddie..........