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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Well what can I say? 2008 has been a landmark year for many of us as individuals and the Ovation FanClub community as a whole.
We saw the year start out with FMIC purchasing KMC and all the uncertainty that goes with such things, but a few new guitars and the iDea pre-amp later... well we still have the uncertainty, but we do have a few new guitars and the iDea pre-amp.
While there wasn't an official convention at the factory this year, there were several very successful and fun Gatherings including the clinic at Amelia Island with Matt Smith and the NW Gathering, but there were many more.
Also July 2008 saw the launch of the Ovation FanClub Social network/sister site at OvationFanClub.ning.com. While many questioned why and probably still do, a little over 5 months later there are over 175 members with well over 3000 photos, over 100 videos and countless audio files, blogs, groups and more. Counting the members, the social network is consistently viewed by over 3000 people from over 30 countries every month.
Speaking of stats... here at OvationFanClub.com there are now over 323,000 posts in over 23,532 topics. Still garnering nearly 250,000 page views by over 5000 people in 84 countries every month!!!!
January 2009 marks the beginning of the NINTH year of the OvationFanClub.com.
I'm sure I forgot several important landmarks of our dysfunctional family here, but I'm also sure someone else will fill in the gaps.
I hope everyone had a great holiday and I wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
I hope everyone had a great holiday and I wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year. Likewise Miles! And a grand THANK YOU...  |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret |  Absolutely excellent work, Miles!  |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12755
Location: Boise, Idaho | I met Miles and Al (and other lesser-known members) for the first time this year. Al made his first trip to the NW. I bought 2 new Ovations this year, which doubled the new Ovations I bought in the last 30 years. I also sold an Ovation for the first time this year. I hope that doesn't start a trend. |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4827
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
our dysfunctional family here, Hey!
This group is much less less dysfunctional than my own real family.
(oh, right. Less dysfunctional. Okay)
Yes, if Miles and Al had known what they were starting lo' those many years ago.....
A special group of people, I'm pleased to know many of you. (and just a little scared to meet others...)
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Cheers? |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4827
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | CHEERS! |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Miles, we all appreciate the work you and Al do on this and the new forum. When I came in to join, I didn't even know what a nut was (on a guitar) ;) , now, I have learned a lot about Ovations, Adamas' and guitars in gereral. Great place you've got here!! |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Thank You Miles & Al...
Without this forum I would probably only own two guitars! :D (Pseudo-Strat & 4861)
But with the encouragement and inspiration of these O'Cultists I have actually bought some New Ovations (with warranty and all that). And assorted Old Ones.
Looking forward to the next year. :cool: |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Don't drive, lookin' in the rearview mirror, unless there's red lights followin' ya!"
Thanks, Miles & Mr. Big! |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | My favorite website.
Thank You Miles & Al!!! |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 2241
Location: Simpsonville, SC | Mr. Ovation and Mr. Big (sounds like a pro wresting duo), Many thanks for this place and all that y'all do and have done!!
Happy New Year to both of you!!!!
Jim |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | The key word is "Family": and this group is just that: just attend one of the many get togethers and you'll understand....
Miles and Al: it is a pleasure to know you both and to enjoy this virtual walk on a daily basis!
Thank you both and Happy New Year! |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I've wasted more time here than I thought imaginable and most of it was extreme fun...
but the best part for me was the various gatherings that were perpetuated by the friendships forged on this board. Meeting people for the first time was really like just renewing a friendship after a separation.
Thanks Miles and Al! |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | The ninth year? And I'm starting my 8th? Ain't it funny how time slips away.
We've seen a lot of changes, and we're going to see a lot more. I still embrace them all.
This is a great place with great people. In this crazy world, here's a place where one can quickly discover there is great hope for the future of mankind. I've seen more good deeds, random acts of kindness, heartfelt joys and sorrows ... and dare I say it ... love ... than any other place I've ever been.
Yes ... thanks to Miles and Al ... but truly, thanks to ALL who come here and make the rest of us a little part of your life; it is you who make this place special.
Here's to the future! |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Yep, we all seem to keep the FUN in DysFUNctional. |
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Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008
Location: Tuscany, Italy | Even if I do not know you in person (yet ...), reading daily threads sometime accompained by generous pictures of you, let me feel being there getting togheter this incredible comunity. You are an active part of my life now.
Thanks to all of you I learnt a lot about Ovation guitars and own more Ovation guitars, which I was really in need of :D .
Thank you Miles and Al to keep the OFC running and thanks to all OFCers that con-tribute every day to make this a special place !! |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Originally posted by The Wabbit Formerly Known As Waskel:
Absolutely excellent work, Miles!
Great work Miles. Thank-you for making the OFC what it is. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 2120
Location: Chicago | A hearty cheer for Miles and Al! |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | I had the pleasure of meeting Miles and Al as well as other members of the OFC "Family" at the NW Jam in July.
It was a fantastic experience, one I shall never forget.
The spirit shown by members of the OFC is an amazing thing.
Slipkid and Zilla for the calendar.
Miles and Al for making FUNctional out of the dysFUNctional.
The contributors to several "gifts" bequeathed to some members going through difficult times.
To name just a few.
This would not be the amazing forum it is without the contribution of ALL members.
Keep up the great work!!
Thankyou one and all!!
However all ships need a Captain(s) and the OFC vessel is no different.
So a special thanks to Miles and Al!!
AJ |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | There's no community online or off quite like the OFC. Thanks Miles! Thanks Al!
You guys have actually changed my life. I have more guitars, play more and meet more people just because of this site.
Also, I never have to shop for a calendar anymore!
So again, Thanks miles! Thanks Al! |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Still garnering nearly 250,000 page views by over 5000 people in 84 countries every month!!!!
Those stats are still creeping me out a little. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | That's the "coconuts talking", Brad . . . . |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | Brad, a lot of those page views are people looking at you in a grass skirt! You should be creeped out! |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by BT717:
What's this?? The Wabbit formely know as "Iffy"? ;) I wrote the book...  |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by The Wabbit Formerly Known As Waskel:
I wrote the book... ... without graphics! 
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret |  |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | ahh yes, ya gotta love this bunch....
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by stonebobbo:
....Ain't it funny how time slips away. What a great line for a song. :D
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by The Wabbit Formerly Known As Waskel:
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | HA!
Dat's a good one Iffy! |
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Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | I joined this crazy group this past March. Not even a year, and I feel like I've been here forever. (You can log out any time you like, but you can never leave.) Sure have met a lot of fine people, and Cliff too! :D
Thanks Miles and Al, and thanks to all of you who have become my friends. Happy New Year to all of you and your families too. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Originally posted by CanterburyStrings:
You can log out any time you like, but you can never leave. That may just stand as the ultimate description of this place...... |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5330
Location: Cicero, NY | Sorry 'bout that "Cliff thing", CS, but you've been a welcomed addition to the neighborhood, along with many others who helped out with the information and entertainment throughout the year. New blood is critical in any family. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Allison, wouldn't be the same without you...
BTW, the Chokeberry Jam reminded Violetta of home...much appreciated!
HNY! |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | Originally posted by Beggin:
Mr. Ovation and Mr. Big (sounds like a pro wresting duo), Many thanks for this place and all that y'all do and have done!!
Happy New Year to both of you!!!!
Jim LOL
Or Sex in the City woman talking about thier dates |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | It really is a wonderfull place
with wonderfull people |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | I agree,
A million thanks to Miles and Mr Big! |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Good thing no one brought up "Grey's Anatomy" or one of us would be "McStringy"... ewwwww |
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What A Year !!!