Looks like the forum is about to celebrate it's seventh birthday! So do we calculate the forum's age in normal human years or dog years? I guess that dog years makes us what, 49 or so?
For me a huge highlight of the forum was Dan/Panther's discovery, purchase, and refurbishment in 2010 of the early WE 500 set so well detailed in this thread:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2394.0 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2394.0)
We did a party line call on the phone after he got it up and running, quite a few of the forum members were present and it was very exciting to get to be part of that history making moment.
What memories or moments in the forum's history stand out for you?
I always remember fondly when finlover would show his latest finds.
Man, as much as I wish I were with you guys the whole nine yards (in this case the whole seven years... ::) ) I only became interested in phones in the early Summer of 2013, and joined this great forum in early August of that year. However, I get bored easily in real life, and I have read every topic ever posted here, so I can still relate to the forum's Early Birds in terms of past members/events.
One of my favorite reccurring topics that stands out to me more recently was when DavePEI was updating Prince Edward Island's ESS (Extreme Snow Status) early this spring! Funny how that snow stayed until almost early Summer! :D
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=14102.0
Dan's '48 field trial 500 topic was just about my favorite moment; it was actually the first topic on this forum that I read completely! I really wish we could do another party call, if anyone ever finds/restores another historic milestone set. If we ever do, I'm using my pieced-together field trial 302, if I get it to work by then...
I guess now is as good a time as any to look back on how awkward I was when I first joined! I'm so embarassed about some of the stuff I've posted in the past that I refuse to re-read any topics originating in late 2013, for fear that one of my brilliant, quote-worthy comments will be hiding in it! :o Sorry for having you guys put up with me all these years! :-[ Thanks so much for being such a great group!!! I plan to stay for many, many years to come!! ;) :)
Quote from: McHeath on September 03, 2015, 12:32:50 AM
What memories or moments in the forum's history stand out for you?
Two others stand out:
The discovery of a 49-500 at the Seattle Communication Museum: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2689.0
The discovery of a 1965 Mod 1 Picturephone in Mo's Dad's attic: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=7975.0
Happy birthday to us!
I joined about 8 months after the beginning, and haven't looked back. Great place to be. I also think the Dan/Panther thread has been the grand-daddy of posts here. The thing that I thought was great is that not only did a great many of us participate in the thread, but many of us turned to doing a lot of research into the very early 500 model phone. For me it was an education into understanding the specific goals Bell Labs was seeking when they developed the phone. Self-compensation; volume increases due to improved handset design and improved receiver and transmitter element design; improved and flatter frequency response; improved dial pulsing; improved and more harmonious sounding ringer; ringer volume adjustment, and the list goes on.
That thread really made a difference to me in understanding what a vast difference there was in the new design. Even the fact that the 500 used new capacitor technology that came from research done by Germany during WWII. Smaller capacitors meant being able to achieve the network design in a much smaller space than would not otherwise be possible.
I am further impressed with the unique level of politeness and respect that is prevalent here. I have been to other special interest forums on the Internet and they are full of rudeness and snarky comments. This group has proven time and time again to be pleasant even when there are occasional differences of opinion. Here, you can ask a question and not get jumped on for simply asking.
I am also impressed with the vast knowledge and background of some of the "heavy-hitters" that have joined over the years. We really seem to have a great thing here.
There have been many great posts here over the 7 years! People have come and gone, and some incredilble posts have been made. I think I'll stick around.
<edit:> I just thought of another thing. That is that we have an international group here. That very fact has expanded my knowledge of phones and phone company practices from other parts of the world.
Quote from: Brinybay on September 03, 2015, 01:01:05 AM
Quote from: McHeath on September 03, 2015, 12:32:50 AM
What memories or moments in the forum's history stand out for you?
Two others stand out:
The discovery of a 49-500 at the Seattle Communication Museum: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2689.0
The discovery of a 1965 Mod 1 Picturephone in Mo's Dad's attic: 1965 Mod 1 Picturephone: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=7975.0
Both very good examples. I certainly remember the Seattle discovery! :)
Perhaps we can encourage Dennis to update the forum banner to show 7 years? Unless the plan is to only update on the "big" anniversaries : 5, 10, etc.... I too rank D/P's field trial 500 thread among the best. He not only did an excellent job on the restoration, he reported on it in a way that seemed to involve and energize everyone. I know I've learned a huge amount here over the years. The combination of knowledge and willingness to share on this forum can't be beat!
For those interested, here is the activity on the forum during the first two weeks of its beginning on September 3, 2008. That would be exactly 7 years ago today.
Congratulations everyone! I see the forum and I share the same birthdate. That'll make it easy to remember.
Quote from: 19and41 on September 03, 2015, 02:57:53 PM
Congratulations everyone! I see the forum and I share the same birthdate. That'll make it easy to remember.
19&41, Dang sure glad you're here! You
do seem rather experienced, and sagacious for one only 7 years old, though. Hmmmm... ;)
Upon this anniversary of the forum, I would foremost like to express my undying gratitude to Dennis Markham, who made a place for us here on the web.
I am honored, and humbled by being allowed to join, and remain here, amongst you all.
I have made
many good friends, all over this big blue marble, and gained invaluable insight, knowledge, and experience from the amassed knowledge here, both posted, and waiting in the wings for my next stupid question. ::)
It seems like have I perused quadrillions of googlebytes of information here, both posted, and referred to by link, yet there is so much I still don't know, and new things posted each and every day to keep my mind engaged.
It's extremely difficult to find intelligent, rational, intellectual people nowadays, much less a group of them that can carry on a mutual discussion with any perceived degree of civility....
Happy Anniversary, to all!
With my very best regards to you, and yours!
Bones
Sorry about that, mine is 1956, not 2008. :)
Here, Here, Bones. Well said and I agree whole heartedly!
I always say, this is the best forum on the net, everytime I peruse another forum that sentiment just gets reinforced.
Thanks to Dennis and everyone here!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRPF ;D
. . . and what's a Birthday without a cake . . . ( and we're going to need a larger one next year! )
Hmmm... Kinda gives the term candlestick phone a new meaning. Birthday cake candles that is.
Notice that the candlesticks are strategically placed where a <gasp> *lamp socket* might be located.
I haven't been here that long, but I have learned a lot since I have been here. I've had some help with with phone problems and also learned a bit about telephone history. This is a very informative forum!
QuoteThe discovery of a 49-500 at the Seattle Communication Museum: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2689.0
Yes, that was another great moment for sure!
A personal moment for me was buying a British 706 from a fellow in Israel who shipped it to me in California, and I was then able to get help from forum members in the UK about some wiring the phone had to make it work with my POTS service. Never would have happened 25 years ago, and probably would not have happened without this forum.
Hi everyone. Looks like I"m a little late to the party. It's really difficult to believe it's been seven years since the beginning of this forum.
Mr. Bones, I simply took over the forum after the originator, Mark Stevens handed it off to me maybe six months or a year after he started with it. He had a web builder background and had a lot of irons in the fire. Mark wasn't really into collecting telephones but quickly became interested and did a lot of research on the early phones and made blog posts about his findings. Eventually he had the idea for the forum. I think we've discussed it here before. The forum wasn't popular with many of the long-time collectors that participated in the two national "list-serves". Many believed we were re-inventing the wheel but really we just enjoyed talking about our phones in a more relaxed, informal environment. Eventually the concept took root and we started to get more and more members, many of whom are the more experienced "heavy-hitters". You know who you are. :)
Looking back on that first month in 2008 we had over 30 new members. That was very exciting. Some of those are still with us too. JorgeAmely and I had met on line via my blog site prior to the start of the forum. Along with McHeath & Bingster, we were the first to join in with Mark Stevens.
I also think fondly of Dan Panther's phone, the purchase and then deciding what to do with it and ultimately the restoration of that model 500. It was and still is a great addition to the collecting community. As Briny said, Mo's picture phone was also a blast and exciting to watch those threads develop.
There have been many fun topics, a couple heated exchanges but as Bill said, we've kept it civil and respectful. The "regular" members have changed over the years and I always hope that one day some of them will return. I really miss hearing from Bingster. I've tried to reach out to him but to no avail. Perhaps he will surface when able. Hobie Sport was a favorite too. We have really met some nice people on this forum.
Christian, I have also been embarrassed by looking back on some of my early posts when I was beginning to learn. That's how it goes. The learning never stops. We're really glad to have you aboard as well as the other younger members. Keep hunting for "new" phones!
I am also proud of the fact that we are a global group with members from all parts of the world. It's a good thing.
This forum would not be possible were it not for ALL OF YOU. Without your individual enthusiasm for the hobby, the participation by uploading information and sharing stories and photos (when they will upload) the forum would not be so successful. So thank all of you, keep up the good work!
Finally, I owe a huge thank you to our Moderators. Most of the behind-the-scene stuff is done by our Moderators. Terry (AE_Collector) takes care of our Finds of the Month which is a big job. TelePlay (John) does so much I cannot begin to thank him properly. He does the Auction Contests, as well as moderating posts and making sure things are kept on track. All of the Moderators are a huge help and I for one really appreciate their effort.
So there's my long speech. Thanks McHeath for bringing the anniversary to our attention.
My best to all of you.
~Dennis
And this is how it all began, Topic #1, including this interesting point made by Mark Stevens in the first reply.
"With a little luck (and some time), this could turn into something! "
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1.0
Quote from: Dennis Markham on September 05, 2015, 03:56:16 PM
Ben, I have also been embarrassed by looking back on some of my early posts when I was beginning to learn. That's how it goes. The learning never stops. We're really glad to have you aboard as well as the other younger members. Keep hunting for "new" phones!!
Erm, Christian... I think I need to change my profile pic or something... ::) ;D
But seriously, I think it's absolutely perfect that this forum exists! When I started collecting, my dad suggested that I join this thing called the 'rotary phone forum'. I didn't really think I needed to, but I started reading posts here (including D/P's 500 thread) and I became interested. I created a profile name similar to Ben's (probably a bad idea in the long run ;) ) and here I am!
At the time, I flip-flopped between hobbies: N-scale trains, R/C cars and boats, model cars, etc. If it weren't for this forum, my phone hobby would have only lasted about a month or so. You guys kept this happy insanity alive, and I couldn't be happier! I now have something only 2 or 3 other kids my age in the world share! This place doesn't have a formal setup like the Listservs; we have real interaction, about as real as any forum or webgroup I've ever seen!
Thanks again guys!!! :)
Christian
Sorry Christian, I did it again. I made the correction. Your two user names are similar in my brain and I often confuse them.
~Dennis
I joined in early November of 2008, I remember it was a couple months before my daughter's birth, which is a good reminder of how old the forum is. My favorite memory that had not been mentioned was the guy who found the Williams Electric Tap Bell subscriber set on a scrap heap: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=4642.0 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=4642.0)
I can understand why, too. Wow! That was one heck of a find!