|
|
Joined:
September 2002
Posts: 153
| There has been discussion recently regarding the present state of the OFC, and the changes that have transpired since the inception of the board. A post by another member made me wonder how many people view the OFC on a regular basis, without posting frequently.
In my case, I have been a member since 2002, but have only posted a little more than 125 times. I only post when I have something informative or constructive to add to a thread, therefore, my comments are quite infrequent.
Over the past 11 years that I have been a member, I have averaged about one post a month. However, during the same period I have logged on to the OFC several times a day, almost every day, just to observe what is being discussed.
So, my question is, how many regular viewers are there that view the OFC on a regular basis, but do not post on a regular basis? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 567
Location: Denmark | +1 |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2011
Posts: 741
Location: Fort Worth, TX | I personally got off to a horrid start here with some enthusiastic hyper posting and starting a new thread almost every other day. I just couldn't believe a site like this existed for my favorite guitar of all time. The SHTF when I posted about my bed's mattress though as a joke. I believe it was those discussion that led to arguments that caused me to suggest banning bob from this site! We have since kissed and made up (he is an awesome kisser!) and I consider him to be a friend now... in the digital sense. With all that out of the way. my posting has slacked off as of late as well as my visits here, which used to be a few times every day. I'm just absorbed in mastering fingerstyle and have little time for anything else. This has become my favorite forum though after over ten years of joining numerous other ones related to various things and I'll be back more often. Still searching for my next O and wishing I could afford one of those radical new ones in the limited run. By the way, as Jim Stafford would say, has anyone seen my girl bob lately? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7225
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | The % is staggering.. I can get as granular as weekly. Last week there were 121 posts made by 44 members.
However, there were 1,935 unique (individual) visitors to site.
Just for giggles.. 456 members were active (posted something) within the last year. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13991
Location: Upper Left USA | I surf by almost every day and try* to only post if I actually have something to say.
Sarcasm needs to become a separate font or something because it rarely reads like it sounded in my head which was usually fairly hilarious.
If you can't laugh at yourself let us know... we'll laugh at you! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | I used to post allllllll the time. Things went through a bit of a change, maybe around the time of the wagonmaster, and wisecracks and meaningless babble seemed out of place here. That was my area of expertise. I check in about once a week, and don't post often. But I found some good friends and some good guitars here that I'm thankful for. I went to no fewer than 10 meetups and jams. Some of those are my best memories ever. I can't think of a lot of you guys and gals without smiling. Mama G8r's cooking is the best I've ever had, and my mama was a great cook. She just never made me any curry beef or shrimp & grits. Seriously, I'm gonna cry thinking about that shrimp & grits it was so good. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2011
Posts: 119
Location: NH | I check in a few times per week (without signing in), but rarely post. I also lurked for a couple of years prior to joining. The times they are a changin'. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I visit the OFC multiple times per day... But I don't always post.
(you're welcome.  )
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | I stop by at least once a day to see what's new. I even post semi regularly.
Back in the day, I had the good fortune to attend some gatherings and meet a bunch of members, play some music, and make some friends. I even hosted a gathering at my house. I do miss that aspect of the group.
I also purchased several guitars from OFC members, sold one through the OFC, and bought an Adamas from Al. There were at least 2 guitars I bought from eBay, because somebody started a "look what's on eBay!" thread.
Yeah, things have changed, but what hasn't. I do miss many of the crazy b@stards that no longer hang out and share their wisdom and insanity. But all in all, the OFC is still an interesting and entertaining place.
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | And Jas is right about the shrimp and grits! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2011
Posts: 887
Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah | A most interesting thread indeed is this one! I was mesmerized as I surfed downward through the various posts until finally I reached bottom and alas and alack there were no more. Perhaps I missed something not being there for the old days? But all is well and this is still an interesting place to visit. And this thread has brought out some posters who don't post a lot so that is good also! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2011
Posts: 887
Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah | But who was the wagonmaster?? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7225
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I at least am very proud that so many have "fond" memories of those "colorful" times. I certainly for the most part do not. Al and I kept most of what was really going on off the board. Yes, while it was all fun and games, on here, my best friend and I were having our livelihoods threatened, being disrespected by those who we thought were our friends and spending countless time, at least for me, on the phone with lawyers and sheriffs and tracking ip addresses. If you are reading this and thinking I'm talking about you... I can assure you I AM NOT. How do I know? Because at least two of the perpetrators of the time are behind bars now and I'm pretty sure they don't have any internet access. The third is likely at the bottom of a river where he belongs. Yes folks, it was that bad, so excuse me if I'm not all mushy about the past. Oh sure we had some fun, and we certainly met some great people, but a lot of that was overshadowed it's sad to say. So changes came, we dealt with things and moved on.... On the bright side, I'm kind of proud that through all that, and changes to the site, and changes to technology... not only has the Ovation Fan Club survived, but we are providing information to more people now than we ever have in the past.
Speaking of technology... while we have been checking into these forums for going on 13 years.
- Facebook wasn't founded until three years after the Ovation Fan Club.
- There were no iPhones for the first 6 years of our time here.
- Android phones were also not here for the first 6 years
- "pagers" were still cool when we started
- You actually had to run cables from the FOH mixer to the Stage back then.
I'm sure there is a longer list... but it does just seem like yesterday. One thing that I think is particularly cool is that we haven't lost any data. Granted there is a lot of info here not related to Ovaiton guitars, but I doubt there is anything related to Ovation guitars that isn't here. Although we do still get surprised from time to time. And while Al and I get "flowers" as we used to say in the days of the CB radio for what we do, the reality is, the people who post, the people who ask questions, the people who answer those questions are who make this site what it is. Al and I just keep it organized and ponder ways to make it better, but even the improvements over the years really came from the direction that it seemed the users of the site wanted it to go. So THANK YOU !!! Yes YOU.. the person reading this... THANK YOU!!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | I check in most days (sometimes several times) and post every now and then. I've been to one US jam* and a couple of Australian gatherings.
(*They tried to poison me with something called grits - how come everyone else was eating donuts?) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | I have the OFC in my "favorites" list, along with Hotmail, Facebook, Yahoo Finance, CNN, Gmail, etc. I pop thru my entire favorites list at least 4 or 5 times a day, since I'm on the computer all the time anyway. We have 4 laptops spread around the house, plus an Ipad, so there's WAY too much opportunity. There certainly isn't as much going on here as in the past, tho. (and for the record, I've NEVER been "banned", arrested, or been at the bottom of any river) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | there was a time when I checked this board hourly.........
Having your business slammed, having personal threats of bodily harm to myself and family, being threatened by lawsuits etc etc etc. all part of the big picture? well yes it was/is.
If any of this happened now, I would be able to retire because there is case precedent but years ago when it was all happening, I had to spend hours explaining how I was being threatened to police officers just to get a complaint signed against someone. My how the world has changed.
I would be remiss to say that the experience has not left a bitter taste in my mouth.
ultimately I have met many friends here and many of them lifelong. Sure I have sold a guitar or two along the way and that is always appreciated.
But things morph and change as they always do. The Fender takeover has changed what USA guitars are available and now most of my "friends" at KMC have been sent to pasture or replaced. I feel less of an insider than I did.
but
with that said no matter how hard I try to change to some other brand I still drag out an Adamas to play my acoustic gigs, and the reason for that is because that guitar still works the best for me my playing style and still sounds the best for me through almost any PA system.
with that said
I ain't going no where |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2013
Posts: 163
Location: Phoenix, AZ | As a new member, joining late last year, and have found this forum to be a "Wealth of Knowledge". I check in a couple of times a day, mostly to research guitars or issues, and have found that the search feature is VERY valuable, and the members are quite helpful when I post questions. I have not posted much yet since I am a newbee.
I am sure this forum has helped feed my case of GAS, or actually OAS (Ovation Aquisition Syndrome). I have been a guitar and Ovation fan since I was a kid, and bought my first Applause in the mid 70's (still have it today) I REALLY wanted an Ovation then, but the money was not there, and the Applause was the next best thing... better late than never.
So, THANKS to all who founded and maintain this site! The history of this place seems very colorful indeed... sorry I missed that. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | Miles and Al, I'm very glad to hear that you don't have to deal with the insane volume of BS that "the good old days" brought.
Just because things are different doesn't mean they're bad. I still love the info, the GAS, and the enthusiasm for Ovation guitars that brought me here in the first place.
Edited by Designzilla 2014-01-07 7:23 AM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 608
Location: Caribou, ME | I check in several times a day. I'm a member of many guitar boards but this one and the Gibson site are the only ones I go to several times a day. I'm a moderator on the Gibson site so I do have to spend a little more time with my finger on the pulse over there.
My interest in Ovations lies more in the early stuff. While I can appreciate the beauty of the newer stuff and what comes out of the Custom Shop, if someone showed me photos of a '69 Balladeer they bought at a yard sale with top cracks and chipped headstock, I'd stare and drool and try to buy it.
And you all know how I feel about Applesauce and anything Moosup related. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2008
Posts: 400
Location: Northwest Arkansas | If you want to know about an older model of Ovation (Adamas, USA, Celebrity,etc.) guitar. There is absolutely no place better. I came here last year asking if a Korean-made guitar was as good as it's American counter part. They told me the truth, I had already bought the guitar and was committed to it, or I would have sent it back. Which I did any way, along with another I bought at the time. If you ask a question. You will get the answer. No sugar. Just the facts. I appreciate that now because I wouldn't have been out so much money. The guitar I bought was a "dog". The preamp went out 4 times. I traded it before the warranty went out. I am indebted to the OFC for countless questions and surprisingly every single one was answered. I got Ovation GAS and bought in the neighborhood of 25 O's. I'm down to two and I'm very happy with what I have. I'll be here every day from now on. Just like I have since I joined.
Edited by AdamasW597 2014-01-07 8:55 AM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2002
Posts: 153
| In my opinion, one of the reasons that there is not as much activity on the board as there was in past years, is the fact that most of the interesting, pertinent and obscure topics have already been discussed, many times in depth and at length.
Before the OFC, there was absolutely NO resource for information on Ovations, especially the earlier models, and the limited information that was available was primarily incomplete, inaccurate and unreliable. Now, somewhere in the archives, there is an relatively correct answer to almost any question that could be asked about the entire Kaman line of instruments, not just Ovations. When you think about it, that's pretty incredible and something that was unimaginable years ago. But, as a result of the extensive wealth of information that now readily available, there are less active posts and less active posters.
I have been collecting Ovations for 42 years, and the OFC has been a tremendous source of entertainment, resource and companionship.
To Al and Miles, I want to express my sincere appreciation for all that you have sacrificed, for all that you have endured, for all that you have invested to make this board possible. We ALL owe you a great debt of gratitude for what you have done to make this resource possible, and without a subscription fee, which is another amazing aspect of this board.
Thanks Al and Miles, for allowing us to play in your sandbox !!!
Edited by bobfrith 2014-01-07 10:05 AM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2009
Posts: 152
Location: Corpus Christi, TX | I joined the forum when money was tight and I felt I needed to sell my 1547. I was able to sell it for some nice cash and an 1869 Custom Legend in trade. The money helped out termendously but selling that guitar is one of the worst mistakes I ever made. This forum renewed my interest in guitars and all things Ovation.
I drop by every weekday in a quest for knowledge and I have learned a lot from this forum. I don't post unless I feel I can add to the content which is not very often. I appreciate this site and the people that participate here.
A changing trend I have noticed is that non USA Ovation owners are being made welcome and their questions are being answered without berating the fact they bought a non USA Ovation. I believe that is a healthy trend and over time those newbies will appreciate the history and quality of the brand and will GAS for a USA made Ovation.
My favorite forum is the BFLG, I wish there were more posts there.
Edited by Glen C. 2014-01-07 10:11 AM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008
Location: Tuscany, Italy | bobfrith@aol.com - 2014-01-06 5:02 PM
In my opinion, one of the reasons that there is not as much activity on the board as there was in past years, is the fact that most of the interesting, pertinent and obscure topics have already been discussed, many times in depth and at length.
Before the OFC, there was absolutely NO resource for information on Ovations, especially the earlier models, and the limited information that was available was primarily incomplete, inaccurate and unreliable. Now, somewhere in the archives, there is an relatively correct answer to almost any question that could be asked about the entire Kaman line of instruments, not just Ovations. When you think about it, that's pretty incredible and something that was unimaginable years ago. But, as a result of the extensive wealth of information that now readily available, there are less active posts and less active posters.
I have been collecting Ovations for 42 years, and the OFC has been a tremendous source of entertainment, resource and companionship.
To Al and Miles, I want to express my sincere appreciation for all that you have sacrificed, for all that you have endured, for all that you have invested to make this board possible. We ALL owe you a great debt of gratitude for what you have done to make this resource possible, and without a subscription fee, which is another amazing aspect of this board.
Thanks Al and Miles, for allowing us to play in your sandbox !!!
+1
I know...but this is so well said.
BTW I check this place regularly EVERY day. Thank you. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | What I REALLY miss most is the monthly new thread we used to get titled "What strings should I put on my Ovation?" |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Designzilla - 2014-01-07 10:34 AM
What I REALLY miss most is the monthly new thread we used to get titled "What strings should I put on my Ovation?"
I asked that, too.
The nice thing about that question is that it was proof that another noobie got their first Ovation. 
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 112
Location: Bristol England | I visit the site 2 or 3 times a day to see what is going on.
However, I would like to see the 'Posts Active Today' changed to 'Active Posts' and the time for viewing extended to 3 or 4 days. This would give less frequent visitor members more opportunity to respond, comment etc.on topics thereby expanding the views and thoughts of the OFC membership.
Only a thought........Still a great forum. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 112
Location: Bristol England | I visit the site 2 or 3 times a day to see what is going on.
However, I would like to see the 'Posts Active Today' changed to 'Active Posts' and the time for viewing extended to 3 or 4 days. This would give less frequent visitor members more opportunity to respond, comment etc.on topics thereby expanding the views and thoughts of the OFC membership.
Only a thought........Still a great forum. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | The real question is "where can you find decent String Tubes?!?" |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 616
Location: cincinnati, ohio | I get on here a couple of times a day, sometimes more depending on how busy real life is. I go through cycles with posting. My posts are usually about music, performers, and OT stuff. I think I also kill a lot of threads; go see how many threads there are out there where I posted the last comment!
I don't have any real disposable income, so I don't have a huge collection of fancy guitars like some members. My main axes are a 1971 Balladeer and a 1976 Pacemaker 12 string, both acoustics that were retrofitted with Fishman Supernatural undersaddle pickups. I also have a Celebrity CC 257 and an Ibanez AEF18TVS for when I don't want to expose the Ovations to danger and possible damage. I play out about 6 to 10 times a month; been doing it for 42 years now.
I really love and enjoy this place. I've "met" a lot of people whose knowledge and opinions I respect, and I hope this site (and Ovation guitars) go on forever.
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2012
Posts: 23
Location: Flint Hills of Kansas, USA | I check in daily to the site but rarely post. I was a lurker for a long time before registering. Great site! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Since I retired from my day job in early 2013, I don't visit as often as I did, maybe only once or twice a week, and my posts have become even less frequent. I'm not buying gear like I once did because I already have too much and nowhere to put it, but I am playing more, which is really what this is all about. I do miss posts by many of the early contributors to the site who I met at various OFC gatherings and tours and who have intimate knowledge of Ovation's early years. That said, I remain amazed at the number of gifted and knowledgeable members who share their expertise on these boards. I wish I had more to contribute. I do, however, know how to hang a neon sign. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 349
Location: Denver, CO | I visit 4 or 5 times a week. There's always something interesting. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 2791
Location: Atlanta, GA. | I haven't posted much in the recent past but, I still check in, usually weekly, to see what's goin' on. This site is a great place to spend some time and I've been able to meet some good people.
Thanks Miles and Al for this great site!
Colin
Edited by cholloway 2014-01-08 12:46 PM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 387
Location: Whitecourt, Ab | lurker |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 1609
Location: Colorado | Professor...glad you came up for air and chimed in.. I even bought a guitar recently...that is two in two years for me...a personal record...You also know how to hang a hundred neon signs...without much hum....if there was ever a person ready for the one in one out policy - it is you prof! Sounds like you are enjoying retirement. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | I was often criticized for being harsh or for not being caring or haphazardly banning people from access to this page but I have to say in the past years that this board has been up my life drastically changed. in reflection, I recovered from an illness, had a construction project from hell, lost my friend and music partner, lost my mom, lost an audiophile friend, seen KMC sold to Fender, watched production of instruments go offshore and long time employees sent packing, my business and credibility slammed on countless websites...
yup it has been quite a ride
but I'm still here and answering questions sure it may not be as busy as it once was but the love for the instruments is still there.
welcoming the players with imports is important, hopefully they will be able to eventually get USA made instruments and see what the rest of us are so passionate about.
if ovation goes away? well it was a great ride, we will still wax poetic about our instruments and love for them and there is this archive of incredible information |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2011
Posts: 887
Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah | But Ovation cannot "go away" at least in our lifetime because there is this incredible stash of USA made Ovations out there which we as members would continue to wax nostalgic about and would continue to buy/sell/trade amongst ourselves. That is the really good news!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | I check the "Posts Active Today" at least a couple times a day. When I miss a few days, like this past week, I'll go back through the threads and see what I've missed. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 381
Location: Miami | I read and post on and off. I love the OFC. And I love my O's and A. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 782
Location: Waurika OK | Usually several times a week. Sometimes longer between visits. Don't have much to say. Miss seeing some of those who were regular posters in the past. This is a great site. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Man did I crush on this site and many of the gang hear when I first joined.....HOW many years ago? Think it may have been near the tail end of the Wild West times here.
Made some good friendships and been to >not enough< meet-ups but hope to meet more of you when Linda & I finally get around to taking a year off to drive around North America. (Can't decide to do it clockwise or counter)
I still check in on a semi-regular basis but, as my iPad (used to check in from my PC at work....it was a loose ship before it sank) doesn't seem to retain the password for this site I may not show up that often on filters. Then it takes a week to retrieve my password collection from the bottom of the glacier it's hidden under....bla bla.
So I'm here watching. Much less to say though, thankfully ;-) |
|
| |
Frequency of Viewing the OFC