Baseball Fan Fellowship

[Xanadu Dragon]

Would you ever consider joining an association of fellow baseball enthusiasts?

If so, what would you want it to offer (in terms of a service or goal) it's members? Conversely, what behavior or situation would disinterest you from being a part of such an association?

Would you be willing to pay dues towards the cost of what it is you desire the association to provide?

Any and all comments on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

[ChrisCary]

Excuse my ignorance but what's a fellowship?

[SmedIndy]

Really, these boards and others like it are all the associations that I need right now. I enjoy the research that some of the associations provide, but my life has many different facets right now and I think some people in these associations are as myopic as "trekkies".

[matt coyne]

I wouldn't have to get naked, would I?

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by ChrisCary
Excuse my ignorance but what's a fellowship?

fel·low·ship

The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms.

A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests.
Friendship; comradeship.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by matt coyne
I wouldn't have to get naked, would I?

Fun-knee. No. Sorry, if that disappoints. ;)

[Mexicani Blue]

Originally posted by Xanadu Dragon
Would you ever consider joining an association of fellow baseball enthusiasts?

Sorry, no. :( I barely have enough time to stay current here. Now, if you formed a Turk Wendell association, I'd have to rethink .... :p

Mex
:guapo:

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by SmedIndy
Really, these boards and others like it are all the associations that I need right now. I enjoy the research that some of the associations provide, but my life has many different facets right now and I think some people in these associations are as myopic as "trekkies".

So, a group with discussion boards and "multi-opic" members is appealing?

[SmedIndy]

Originally posted by Xanadu Dragon


So, a group with discussion boards and "multi-opic" members is appealing?

If you put it that way,yeah....

[nyy26wc]

I don't understand the question.

In terms of joining a community of baseball fans, isn't that exactly what we have right here?

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by nyy26wc
I don't understand the question. In terms of joining a community of baseball fans, isn't that exactly what we have right here?

True - but, only to the extent of the boards. Is that enough? If no, what more would you seek?

[P Villager]

Well, I'm in a couple of ftf SOM leagues, which are busyish fellowships in that we came in under equal terms (but have developed unequal franchises!), don't play for money, and have through this activity to varying degrees maintained our interests for the game of baseball.

But, all that's just play. There's necessary work, too, what with rules meetings, deadlines, maintaining a set number of members, blah blah....

To make time for another "fellowship", I'd need to be sold on a specific goal, like acquiring discount rates on tickets to Blue Jays games :D or forming a lobby group to replace Selig/Fehr with people who actually care about the game, or a "Save the Expos" education kit for the people of Montreal, eh?

Back in real mode, Netshrine seems like a great place already. What more can we do? Another SABR?

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by P Villager
Back in real mode, Netshrine seems like a great place already.

Thanks! :)

Originally posted by P Villager
What more can we do? Another SABR?

Perhaps something different, or better? That's why I'm asking. ;)

[TGwynn19]

Originally posted by Xanadu Dragon


Thanks! :)



Perhaps something different, or better? That's why I'm asking. ;)

Yes I would be interested.

[Golden Bear]

My time and money are both pretty thin right now; I don't think I'd be prepared to make big commitment of either.

The boards are nice the way they are.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by TGwynn19
Yes I would be interested.

Trevor - - what would you want it to offer (in terms of a service or goal) it's members? Conversely, what behavior or situation would disinterest you from being a part of such an association?

Would you be willing to pay dues towards the cost of what it is you desire the association to provide?

[ChicagoDave]

I would be interested. Not sure what I would want in it though. Love baseball. Love the old players. Some of the new ones. Baseball history is awesome. This Forum supplies me with some great information and building on that would be hard.

What do you have in mind, Xanadu Dragon? Something better than SABR?

[gyb13]

I agree with Lee, in that we already have a great (free) forum here, which attracts open-minded baseball fans willing to discuss anything and everything baseball. This 'fellowship' would have to have a specific focus/thrust. I like PV's idea of local associations to get cheaper tkts - that would be something worth doling out $$ for. Maybe a combined cheap-tickets-and-pickup-baseball-games type deal (rent out a field, play every week or two, etc).

Since this post was probably spun off from the SABR thread, in which many of you voiced your dissatisfaction w/ SABR's ways, I was wondering what attracted you to SABR in the first place - just because it's something baseball-related, or did you feel like it fit a specific niche you were looking for?

[Xanadu Dragon]

ChiDave - nothing really in mind - - that's why I'm asking. ;)

I would like to be part of something - - just wondering what everyone else thought.

[SmedIndy]

Originally posted by gyb13
I Maybe a combined cheap-tickets-and-pickup-baseball-games type deal (rent out a field, play every week or two, etc).



A. How are us non-eastern-types supposed to play in those games?

B. Do you really want to see my sorry butt on the hill, throwing knucklers and excruciatingly sloooooooow curves?:rolleyes: :p

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by gyb13
This 'fellowship' would have to have a specific focus/thrust.

That's what I'm looking for! Cheaper tickets, well, can't we come up with something else?

Originally posted by gyb13
I was wondering what attracted you to SABR in the first place - just because it's something baseball-related, or did you feel like it fit a specific niche you were looking for?

Baseball-related, on a higher level. Access to other fans, information, etc., on a lower level.

[TGwynn19]

Originally posted by Xanadu Dragon


Trevor - - what would you want it to offer (in terms of a service or goal) it's members? Conversely, what behavior or situation would disinterest you from being a part of such an association?

Would you be willing to pay dues towards the cost of what it is you desire the association to provide?

Steve,

To be honest I have not really thought about it. The one thing that would turn me off, is that if were a simply stat/number cruncher assn. I am really enjoying the New Abstract and what I am enjoying most is the player profiles. To give you a more complete answer I will have to give it some more thought.

[YankeeLinks]

I share the comments of several others who have indicated that they are pleased with the group as it is now constituted, My wife already thinks I spend too much time on these "silly" pursuits. My life and schedule are pretty full, and I don't think I could undertake any more active associations than I'm presently involved with

[Duque]

Ditto to what Golden Bear said - college takes up most of my time and money these days.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Andy, Ken, and, belatedly, John - thanks - - this is all very helpful.

[BBapplepie]

If such a fellowship was formed for baseball enthusiasts like
the great group of people here and some from other networks,
what I like to see done if possible is the following.
Alot of guys on these baseball forums think they know the
game and they really do as far as facts and stats. But many old
time players that we read and search on are out there wanting
to tell us about the game as it was played. Getting in touch with
these greats of yesteryear and tranform thier live and time on line by telling thier stories of the game or try to educate them
about baseball on line at these forums. Many of them are just
scare of using the computer, but if they were aware of us caring
about the life they live playing MLB, that might change thier
thinking as the same time we be helping many.
Also, just as inportant is the youth today are out of touch with
baseball mainly because of MLB in the last 30 years night games
like the WS for example. If there was some way to get in touch
with the young and show them the great tradition and history
of the game.
These are couple of things that a Baseball Association may try
to do to help the game they love.

[KCBOOMER]

It's awfully tough to beat free. I think it is virtually impossible to attract new members to a "pay" board when so many good ones are free.

The boards of the quality of this one are worthy financial support.

[gyb13]

Originally posted by BBapplepie
But many old time players that we read and search on are out there wanting to tell us about the game as it was played. Getting in touch with these greats of yesteryear and tranform thier live and time on line by telling thier stories of the game or try to educate them about baseball on line at these forums. Many of them are just scare of using the computer, but if they were aware of us caring about the life they live playing MLB, that might change thier thinking as the same time we be helping many.
Also, just as inportant is the youth today are out of touch with
baseball mainly because of MLB in the last 30 years night games
like the WS for example. If there was some way to get in touch
with the young and show them the great tradition and history
of the game.
Beautiful ideas. The sad thing is - shouldn't this sort of promotion of the sport be the thrust of MLB?
Logistics-wise, how could this be done? Have a network of amateur reporters who could seek out former players in their areas, interview them under the banner of insert-your-fellowship-name-here, and post them in the fellowship's site?

[BBapplepie]

MLB promotion is stictly for money, the mighty dollar.
I know 3 or 4 former ML'er from many years ago and
they sit at the coffee shoppe or the mall telling stories
all the time and it great listening to them. If approach
and told of the forum, I think they would like the idea.
Many years ago, I had my PBA card for three years as
I bowled on professional tour, today on PBAtour on-line
many of the guys I travel with are on the forum talking about
days gone by on the tour. I think this same type of forum
can happen with baseball.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by gyb13
Beautiful ideas. The sad thing is - shouldn't this sort of promotion of the sport be the thrust of MLB?
Logistics-wise, how could this be done? Have a network of amateur reporters who could seek out former players in their areas, interview them under the banner of insert-your-fellowship-name-here, and post them in the fellowship's site?

Agreed - and, mlb.com does sort of touch on this with their WHERE ARE THEY NOW and DID YOU KNOW columms - I think those are the names?

Thanks BBApp - - those are great ideas.

[Throwback]

BBapplepie just set my mind a' workin'. Steve, or anybody else for that matter, do you think it would be practical to get any current or former major leaguers to join the board, even if only on a few posts a year basis? I guess it wouldn't hurt for any of us who know a way to and who aren't too shy to contact some of the players we know of and ask them to join. Maybe not a Stan Musial or a Willie Mays, I'm sure they're plenty busy with fan business, but maybe like a Rex Hudler or Bob Tewksbury or something like that. I don't know of any other board that can boast a former major leaguer among its membership. If we got that, we could attract enough members that we might be able to stage local get-togethers and things in a way that would be practical, and maybe even charge a membership fee to NEW members, key word "new", and start offering some cool services. Just a wild idea, but does anybody think it could work?

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by KCBOOMER
It's awfully tough to beat free. I think it is virtually impossible to attract new members to a "pay" board when so many good ones are free. The boards of the quality of this one are worthy financial support.

On the latter, thanks Boomer. :o

I wasn't thinking so much as paying to be part of a board - more so, dues to offset the cost of a site solely for the organization - - a platform for boards, and a space for people to publish/share works, etc. Maybe even use the dues to support fun contests for baseball fans.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by Throwback
do you think it would be practical to get any current or former major leaguers to join the board, even if only on a few posts a year basis?

From your lips to God's ears.

'Tho, it's been my experience - from the interviews with players - that they're not real big on typing/writing. Guess that's why they're ball players and not writers?

[BBapplepie]

Yes Throwback, we can get ML'ers on our site. Again on
PBAtour.com the bowlers that you see on tv on Sunday
bowling will go on the forum talk about the previous week
and the blocks they bowled and thier fellow competitors.
Such names as Pete Weber or Walter Ray Williams will
write in. During the off season of baseball, I'll see Matt
Morris or Rob Bell outside thier parents home raking or
shoveling and I know they both know how to type or write.
This is not far fetched to think they can't spend a few minutes
talking about the game of thier life with us.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Here's a thought - - -

why don't some of ya'll follow this idea - -

http://www.netshrine.com/vbulletin2/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2202

and, on the gift card, invite the player to join the forum?

[Rauseo]

I cant imagine, anything being better than sabr.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by Rauseo
I cant imagine, anything being better than sabr.

Really, it meets your every need? There's nothing negative about it? Is it free of politics, etc? Just playing devil's advocate - not implying anything.

[TGwynn19]

During the month of March I come into contact with around a dozen players from the Twins and Red Sox. They come out to play the golf course where I work. Some are very friendly and I have had two 15 minute conversations with Jim Rice. If the opportunity presents itself this year I just may ask. If nothing else, try to get a ST post and leave them alone for the regular season.

[gyb13]

Originally posted by Xanadu Dragon
'Tho, it's been my experience - from the interviews with players - that they're not real big on typing/writing. Guess that's why they're ball players and not writers?
They don't necessary have to do typing/writing. This can be done in the form of a recorded interview, and someone can then post a transcript of the chat/interview/informal talk to the site. Money collected could be used for travel costs (if any), site maintenance, maybe a little incentive bonus per interview conducted, etc. Anyone with a good working knowledge of baseball (esp. the era of the player interviewed) and the willingness to do it could become a reporter for the group.

[Fuzzy Bear]

I can discuss forever the issue of Hall of Fame membership; should a player go, and will he go. I extend this to current players; did their last season add to the Hall of Fame lustre, or detract from it.

Such an organization could have a newsletter, with feature articles from sabermatricians, Bill James, historians, but the main feature would be periodic functions to meet and discuss a wide range of baseball topics. This could include orienting the mathematically dead, like myself, to sabermetrics, etc. Broad based membership could reduce cost.

The key is to keep costs down, and avoid locking people into agreements and contracts. Life is oppressive enough. Baseball shouldn't add to life's oppression.:D

[bill wisnosky]

Being from the old school........I really enjoy the banter and butt kicking that goes on with the different threads that get started.....some of the young guys have a lot of stuff going for them, what with all the books, journals, and a young mind..........They know all the things that I used to be able to keep in my head, stats, records, dates, players, teams, etc........
I can't think of a thing that I could add to this.......

[TGwynn19]

Originally posted by bill wisnosky
Being from the old school........I really enjoy the banter and butt kicking that goes on with the different threads that get started.....some of the young guys have a lot of stuff going for them, what with all the books, journals, and a young mind..........They know all the things that I used to be able to keep in my head, stats, records, dates, players, teams, etc........
I can't think of a thing that I could add to this.......


what about anecdotes?? like the time you saw Cobb play??:D

Sorry I couldn't resist!

[bobdobbs]

I don't know enough to contribute to a baseball forum. however, I will refer this to my fanatic 11-year old nephew who would love to torment you all with his trivia questions.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by bobdobbs
I don't know enough to contribute to a baseball forum. however, I will refer this to my fanatic 11-year old nephew who would love to torment you all with his trivia questions.

FYI - he'll need his parent's permission. See: http://www.netshrine.com/ndfprivstat.html

[bill wisnosky]

Yo Trevor,

Good vibe there..........I don't remember seeing Cobb play, however, my oldest memory of a biggie........"The Babe", one or two of my favorites..........Charlie Gehringer, Pie Traynor for starters........I know R. Alomar, a great 2nd baseman,.......But you should have seen Gehringer's glove at 2nd......
keep up your usual good chatter on the forum.......I like it all, baseball is my game.

[Duque]

Originally posted by bill wisnosky
But you should have seen Gehringer's glove at 2nd

I could've used this in the Draft Contest! :D

[Throwback]

Originally posted by bill wisnosky
Yo Trevor,

Good vibe there..........I don't remember seeing Cobb play, however, my oldest memory of a biggie........"The Babe", one or two of my favorites..........Charlie Gehringer, Pie Traynor for starters........I know R. Alomar, a great 2nd baseman,.......But you should have seen Gehringer's glove at 2nd......
keep up your usual good chatter on the forum.......I like it all, baseball is my game.
It just became too late, but I'd have liked to have you tell this to the folks in the contest as well: Pie Traynor is the best you've ever seen at 3rd, right? (He's my guy)

[Xanadu Dragon]

Fellas, let's try and stay on topic in this thread - thanks.

[mainsr]

XD, add me to the list of those saying that they don't have time for more stuff right now. Heck, I don't have enough time to be a regular contributor to this.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by mainsr
Heck, I don't have enough time to be a regular contributor to this.

And, that, is a bummer. Do what you can dude.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Thanks again to all that have posted to this so far - - - - here's a new (sorta) question for you - - -

Would you want to be part of a baseball fellowship - where the goal was to foster interaction between fans, media, front office personnel and players (both past and present) in order to share information about baseball (through forums and platforms for articles, newsletters, etc.) as well as establish a collective presence in the baseball community (which would lead to recognition and perhaps be a springboard for the establishment of awards and other events) - if it required only as much time as you could afford and the dues were marginal (say $2 per week)?

[Fleet N. Ema]

After surfing through this thread I get the distinct impression that what they want out of a fellowship is something that suits their personal [baseball] needs and preferences.

So, with that thought in mind, I’ll approach it from that POV. Since I make my living providing bird cage liners, packaging for local fish markets and a medium which provides less frequent scrapings of the bottom of ye olde litter boxe I shall proceedeth from there forsooth!

Things I’d want:

(1) A good statistical database including sabermetric stats
(2) A good glossary of said stats including formula breakdowns
(3) A solid historical archive including links pointing to place where such information can be found (perhaps a search engine)
(4) Free beer (hey, if ya don’t ask.....)
(5) A submissions page (anybody who wants to write a column on any baseball subject can submit one)
(6) Well, we have a forum
(7) I think a spiritual aspect would be nice. Perhaps a “Baseball Analysts For Christ” with Sunday chapel services conducted by Rev. Sinins
:jaw: (8) Not big on player involvement, but how about getting media types, writers, historians, authors, maybe get an insider from the HOF library (they’re very helpful)
(9) Perhaps become a fan advocacy group to some extent
(10) Where gaps in online baseball information is lacking, we fill in those gaps (Federal League, maybe some of the old Mexican, Carribean leagues before 1947, old minor leagues)

If more come to mind, I’ll post it.

Best Regards

John

[Xanadu Dragon]

Thanks John!

[SmedIndy]

I'd really push for an online compendium of historical minor league stats. Or at least tell me where I can get such a beast.

I'd like to put together a players major and minor league record in one swoop, like the Super Register does now (with some added features but I'll take what I can get).

Because you never know when you have an itch to see if Enzo Hernandez sucked in the minors as much as he did with the Padres.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Thanks Smed - - I think I'm done with this.

It was a silly idea.

Never mind.

[Throwback]

Steve-
Thought I'd add my voice, even if the idea may be dead already,
I like the idea a lot, in almost any form discussed. I certainly could not afford 2 dollar a week dues though. Probably nothing over about 20 bucks a year.

[Fleet N. Ema]

Originally posted by Xanadu Dragon
Thanks Smed - - I think I'm done with this.

It was a silly idea.

Never mind.

It wasn't. There's a thing called evolution. Rather than forcing it, why don't you let this site evolve? You've got a good group here, there's a wealth of knowledge etc. Why not try to add a feature every couple of months, or three a year?

There was a time that Netshrine was just a gleam in your eye--now look around. How did it get this far? Looks to me like the winning formula is in place. Let it grow at it's own pace. How old is Netshrine? How will it look in another [insert length of time Netshrine has been in existence] years?

Entropy's a bitch but this site doesn't suffer from it. Since it's not dying than it must be growing.

Patience my friend--things are better than you think.

Best Regards

John

[Old Judge]

Sorry to get in so (too?) late on this Steve. I would be interested in something along the lines of what John outlined. I particularly think the Fan Advocacy thing has merit. That was the first thing which came to mind when I read your thread-starter: The fans get screwed every time. They think we are stupid. From what I've read on these pages, I'd say we have the right group of people to show otherwise. Maybe if we concentrate in one area (and a single issue, like contraction) we can develop a voice for fans. The media can't do that; they've forgotten what it's like to be just a fan. I would be interested in something like that.

Rick

[bill wisnosky]

Stevie My Boy,

Great idea...........I agree with John, lets let osmosis take over and in the near future you will have everything you ever dreamed about with the Netshrine Thread.........You've come a long way baby.......keep up the good work........:webgem:

[Xanadu Dragon]

Dan, John, Rick, Wiz - thanks.

Don't mind me - very tired today. Let me start anew tomorrow!

[nyy26wc]

John said it better than I could have. I'm in full agreement with him.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by nyy26wc
John said it better than I could have. I'm in full agreement with him.

Thanks Lee - - I'll keep-a-mulling.

[Fleet N. Ema]

Originally posted by nyy26wc
John said it better than I could have. I'm in full agreement with him.

There goes your credibility :D

Best Regards

John

P.S. So, does that mean you'll perform the Netshrine chapel service next Sunday? ;)

[Fleet N. Ema]

Originally posted by Xanadu Dragon
Dan, John, Rick, Wiz - thanks.

Don't mind me - very tired today. Let me start anew tomorrow!

Good plan. 'til then :cheers: drink up now, it's good for you!

Best Regards

John

P.S. Do I solve all my problems with beer? Of course I do silly.

[SmedIndy]

Hey, I wasn't thinking that Netshrine do the minor league compendium, just that we support its creation.

[sweaver]

I guess I'm not clear on the differences between a "Fellowship" and what we do here. I couldn't afford to pay dues and such, but I can sit here and pontificate.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by sweaver
I guess I'm not clear on the differences between a "Fellowship" and what we do here. I couldn't afford to pay dues and such, but I can sit here and pontificate.

Well, we are a fellowship here - - but, we just interact - - - I was thinking more along the lines of having a goal - - - no matter, the whole notion is on a back burner for now - - -maybe soon I'll play with it some more.

[gyb13]

Don't give up on it yet, Steve. I think that, at least as a brainstorming exercise, this was a valuable thread. What did you have in mind in terms of a common direction for said fellowship?

[Xanadu Dragon]

Not sure. I mean to get back to this - - just need the free time - - not there right now.

[hmrsf]

Originally posted by Xanadu Dragon


Well, we are a fellowship here - - but, we just interact - - - I was thinking more along the lines of having a goal - - - no matter, the whole notion is on a back burner for now - - -maybe soon I'll play with it some more.


Hopefully you will tell all your idea. Sometimes things left on the back burner get burnt.

[Max Power]

I know this one has been snooooooozing for five months. I promised another member that I would kick it to the top for them to find it. So, here it is!

We've had many join the NDF in the last 5 months - if anyone wants to chime in on this one, go for it!

[CpUltravox]

Geez - since you pointed me towards it....

I would join, but we'd need to come up with a defined set of benefits that could be provided, and a defined "mission statement."

The mission statement is easy - to foster further understanding and discussion of the game. The rest is a little more difficult. There's about what - 400 members on the board? Of those, right now, maybe 35-50 of up post actively? And of those 35-50, maybe 15 joined in the last 90 days... So there may not be enough people to get the thing started yet.

As far as benefits to provide - well, we're having the first ever Netshrine convention in August, right? There's one. Second, for the most possible benefits, we'd have to affilliate with some bigger organization in the short run. The MLB and MLBPA aren't really reasonable... maybe the Baseball Writers Association of America? If they've got some sort of story archive... wow! That would be unbelieveable. There's a host of sports news companies that may be an avenue to provide a larger group access to more or better content, whether it be archives, or databases. Perhaps CNN/Sports Illustrated or FOXSports.com, or a more fledgling organization like MSNBC sports. It should be said though, that Lee's program trumps just about every database out there.

These are all merely pipedreams, I'm sure. I'm just throwing out ideas here, I have no idea what benefits an organization could provide. But we can start somewhere.

[CpUltravox]

Extra idea, had we greater funds, could we add something like a chatroom to netshrine?

by the way - "We" = "The Netshrine Community"

Please don't interpret that "we" as me doing anything other than causing problems or slowing the general positive growth of Netshrine. :D

[Max Power]

Thanks CP - - this is sorta what I was thinking way back when - - - still need more time to noodle it.............some day, some way............

[Craig S.]

I'd be open to such a group. One that is far more proactive than SABR, and that really tries to serve its members.

Like CP said, it's all talk right now, but I'd be willing to put time (and money) into an effort like that.

[CpUltravox]

Maybe it's just me, but for the 6 months or so that I lurked around, before I became a forum user, I assumed the site netshrine.com (not the forums) was an attempt to start an organization like SABR, with the links to Lee's site, the discussion forums, and the related sites as services Netshrine provided, or rather, arms or branches of Netshrine.

I think the pieces of the organization are already in place.

[CpUltravox]

I want to push this up, because I like the idea, and I think the offseason will soon get our minds to desire a way to somehow.. someway.. absorb more baseball..

[Max Power]

This is still in the hopper...............

....after I finish my book.......................

[Skip]

Did I miss something ... I didn't know you were writing a book?

[pwdennis]

The idea of a baseball fellowship has some appeal to me. From the quality and variety of some of the posts, there are a number of Netshrine members that I think I would like to meet over beers (preferably Pabst in the bottle).

What would I expect of such a fellowship ?
Would I be willing to pay dues ?

I would think that such a fellowship should be a bit more open than Netshrine currently as far as identities are concerned. Almost all of the posters hide behind some made up name, which is okay (entertainers and pro rasslers have been doing it for ages) but between the tag names and the vague bios in the members area I am not sure how many members we really have. I suppose Lee or Smed would know for sure but I sometimes get the impression that there are individuals who post under multiple names. What I would expect of such a fellowship:

A roster of members

A newsletter (online or paper) to which members could contribute

An attempt to create rendesvous opportunities (as geographically separated as the membership is, this is probably a forlorn hope).

I would be willing to pay annual dues as long as the basic dues did not exceed $100.00 or so

[BBapplepie]

Is the book going to about us?
I'll be Cosmo :rockon:

[Max Power]

Skip, Dave - it's the book I've been writing for the last 8 years or so. I'm up to page 3 now...............really.

PW - As far as I know, other than me, no one currently is using more than one handle. BTW, you pretty much nailed what I was thinking of doing for starters...........

[Skip]

Originally posted by pwdennis
I suppose Lee or Smed would know for sure but I sometimes get the impression that there are individuals who post under multiple names. Lordy PW, I thought everyone knew Lee and Smed were the same person. 'They' really live in Phoenix, and work for the (clever diversion, eh) LBOBacks. ;)

[sweaver]

Originally posted by pwdennis
From the quality and variety of some of the posts, there are a number of Netshrine members that I think I would like to meet over beers (preferably Pabst in the bottle).
Of course, some of us did just that in August, but it was in Indianapolis. Regional meetings are encouraged.