History lesson -please

[Rolexophile]

So I saw JJ proudly announcing his 60k post the other day. (Congratulations JJ).
As a newcomer I have delighted in the whimsical, knowledgeable postings of our elder members.
This got me to thinking and wondering about this forum. That is, a little history. How was it started,by whom, when, who has the most postings-JJ? At what rate is this forum growing- just a little bit of history about this wonderful fun, friend filled place we all like to hang out in. I, for one, would like to get a feel about the early history of this community. Thanks and warmest regards to all

[Gedanken]

The forum gained critical mass when a bunch of us moved over from another forum.

On the other forum, the moderators, led by their administrator, had an annual habit of going after one particular member for no good reason. This time round JJ was the target, and the final straw was when they told JJ that if he wanted to continue posting on the forum, he was to avoid mentioning any of their threatening PMs to the public. They wanted to have free rein and zero accountability.

A swag of us left, and Daren (dman) found TRF, which had been sitting for a while with little activity. After surviving a few hacking attempts in the first few weeks, Mark (the founder of the forum) got the security sorted out and the forum's been on the up and up ever since.if

[Rolexophile]

Thank you very much.
I can't imagine JJ ever being in anyone's sights.
How long ago did you folks move over?
I bet TRF took off like an unanticipated rocket-

[Gedanken]

Well, that kind of thing happens when forum owners let their egos get in the way. It was a case of, "It's my forum, how dare anyone be more influential than I am?".

We moved over in 2005, and for a while there was just a small bunch of us. Once word got around about where we landed, though, things took off and within 4 months we outranked the forum we left.

A lot of that early success came directly out of the trouble that the mod team took to work out a set of principles by which we would operate. It came out clearly in all of the actions that we took and decisions that we made, and while some decisions may not have gone the way members wanted, they always knew where they stood with the mods.

[Rolexophile]

Well congratulations are in order. That framework of integrity and principles is the glue that makes this forum a success. You have created an arena where people converge to share not only vast watch related knowledge, but gain a real sense of friendship and companionship. Many thanks once again.

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by Rolexophile

Well congratulations are in order. That framework of integrity and principles is the glue that makes this forum a success. You have created an arena where people converge to share not only vast watch related knowledge, but gain a real sense of friendship and companionship. Many thanks once again.

x 2!!!
I love this place,even though it makes me lose sleep
A big for the Admin & Mods!!
I have to go to bed..My eyes are like now...
Rob.

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by Rolexophile

That framework of integrity and principles is the glue that makes this forum a success.

That's something that takes a conscious effort to maintain, and we've always counted on our members to turn these principles into action, and, occasionally, to speak out when things don't add up. After all, vox populi vox dei.

[Gaijin]

Love it here...

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Rolexophile

So I saw JJ proudly announcing his 60k post the other day. (Congratulations JJ).
As a newcomer I have delighted in the whimsical, knowledgeable postings of our elder members.
This got me to thinking and wondering about this forum. That is, a little history. How was it started,by whom, when, who has the most postings-JJ? At what rate is this forum growing- just a little bit of history about this wonderful fun, friend filled place we all like to hang out in. I, for one, would like to get a feel about the early history of this community. Thanks and warmest regards to all

Thanks for your good wishes, buddy.

My good friend, James (Gedanken) summed up all of it quite comprehensively and exactly how it happened.

This is a good forum with real friendly and genuinely warm people from all walks of life and from all over the globe. It's a terrific community and, in fact, it sometimes make you wonder how an inanimate object like a watch could bring about so much love, harmony and feeling amongst total strangers.

JJ

[swatty]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Thanks for your good wishes, buddy.

My good friend, James (Gedanken) summed up all of it quite comprehensively and exactly how it happened.

This is a good forum with real friendly and genuinely warm people from all walks of life and from all over the globe. It's a terrific community and, in fact, it sometimes make you wonder how an inanimate object like a watch could bring about so much love, harmony and feeling amongst total strangers.

JJ

Thats 10000% correct JJ

[Lion]

JJ, that you were the target of unacceptable behavior and degradation is hard to believe. You have always been straight forward and genuine in your remarks and sincerity. I have always enjoyed the banter and good natured teasing by other members at your expense and look forward to future encounters!!!
Peace my brother.....

[Brushpup]

Great post OP. I've wondered about the history here myself, only knowing little tidbits about banning etc.

James,

How is that forum doing now, and does this sort of predation still go on? Just curious if you know.

Originally Posted by Gedanken

The forum gained critical mass when a bunch of us moved over from another forum.

On the other forum, the moderators, led by their administrator, had an annual habit of going after one particular member for no good reason. This time round JJ was the target, and the final straw was when they told JJ that if he wanted to continue posting on the forum, he was to avoid mentioning any of their threatening PMs to the public. They wanted to have free rein and zero accountability.

A swag of us left, and Daren (dman) found TRF, which had been sitting for a while with little activity. After surviving a few hacking attempts in the first few weeks, Mark (the founder of the forum) got the security sorted out and the forum's been on the up and up ever since.if