What A Year !!!
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2008-12-29 5:36 PM (#4729)
Subject: What A Year !!!


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7209

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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2ifbyC
Posted 2008-12-29 5:47 PM (#4730 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!
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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Waskel
Posted 2008-12-29 6:25 PM (#4731 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
Absolutely excellent work, Miles!
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2008-12-29 6:48 PM (#4732 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750

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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fillhixx
Posted 2008-12-29 7:48 PM (#4733 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4809

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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Jeff W.
Posted 2008-12-29 7:55 PM (#4734 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
Cheers?
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fillhixx
Posted 2008-12-29 8:06 PM (#4735 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4809

Location: Campbell River, British Columbia
CHEERS!
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Trader Jim
Posted 2008-12-29 8:06 PM (#4736 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


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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Old Man Arthur
Posted 2008-12-29 8:18 PM (#4737 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



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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seesquare
Posted 2008-12-29 9:34 PM (#4738 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3598

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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Capo Guy
Posted 2008-12-29 10:29 PM (#4739 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394

Location: East Tennessee
My favorite website.

Thank You Miles & Al!!!
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Beggin
Posted 2008-12-29 11:02 PM (#4740 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


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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MusicMishka
Posted 2008-12-29 11:19 PM (#4741 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


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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stephent28
Posted 2008-12-29 11:52 PM (#4742 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



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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stonebobbo
Posted 2008-12-30 12:41 AM (#4743 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



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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Mr. Ovation
Posted 2008-12-30 12:58 AM (#4744 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7209

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
Yep, we all seem to keep the FUN in DysFUNctional.
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marenostrum
Posted 2008-12-30 2:12 AM (#4745 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



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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BT717
Posted 2008-12-30 6:37 AM (#4746 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711

Location: Vernon CT
Originally posted by The Wabbit Formerly Known As Waskel:
Absolutely excellent work, Miles!
What's this?? The Wabbit formely know as "Iffy"? ;)

Great work Miles. Thank-you for making the OFC what it is.
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dobro
Posted 2008-12-30 7:41 AM (#4747 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 2120

Location: Chicago
A hearty cheer for Miles and Al!
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AussieJames
Posted 2008-12-30 7:57 AM (#4748 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



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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Designzilla
Posted 2008-12-30 12:50 PM (#4749 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


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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Slipkid
Posted 2008-12-30 2:34 PM (#4750 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



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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cliff
Posted 2008-12-30 2:48 PM (#4751 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
That's the "coconuts talking", Brad . . . .
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Designzilla
Posted 2008-12-30 2:52 PM (#4752 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


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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Waskel
Posted 2008-12-30 5:09 PM (#4753 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



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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2ifbyC
Posted 2008-12-30 7:42 PM (#4754 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!
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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Waskel
Posted 2008-12-31 7:26 AM (#4755 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
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MusicMishka
Posted 2008-12-31 9:09 AM (#4756 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563

Location: Blue Ridge Mountains
ahh yes, ya gotta love this bunch....

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Capo Guy
Posted 2008-12-31 9:22 AM (#4757 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



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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2ifbyC
Posted 2008-12-31 2:50 PM (#4758 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268

Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast
Originally posted by The Wabbit Formerly Known As Waskel:
Ummmm, I'd say 'moon' harvested old growth split ash with a brown inlaid rosette...
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Slipkid
Posted 2008-12-31 3:08 PM (#4759 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
HA!
Dat's a good one Iffy!
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CanterburyStrings
Posted 2008-12-31 5:49 PM (#4760 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


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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moody, p.i.
Posted 2008-12-31 6:01 PM (#4761 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15651

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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Weaser P
Posted 2008-12-31 6:05 PM (#4762 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5327

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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MusicMishka
Posted 2008-12-31 6:06 PM (#4763 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


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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PEZ
Posted 2008-12-31 6:21 PM (#4764 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



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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PEZ
Posted 2008-12-31 6:23 PM (#4765 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111

Location: Nashville TN.
It really is a wonderfull place
with wonderfull people
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Beal
Posted 2008-12-31 6:49 PM (#4766 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
I agree,
A million thanks to Miles and Mr Big!
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Mr. Ovation
Posted 2008-12-31 7:00 PM (#4767 - in reply to #4729)
Subject: Re: What A Year !!!


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7209

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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