Is it just me?

[copcarguy]

I owe PUT my sanity...  work is so stressful and camping in a PU makes it go away.  In between camping trips I come here for a camping "recharge"...  PUT is responsible for me meeting several people that I now consider "family".  We formed a camping club COTOC.  There is nothing like pulling into a campground and having five or more familes knowing you...  I have even had these people over for dinner, visited their house, and done non-camping things with them.  PUT has even made me money, based on people knowing I am the "car nut" of the group, I have sold cars and even my old campers to people I have met through PUT both online and in person.  I have been here for five years, several different forum boards, and three new campers...
 
I do agree that the original "magic PUT" feeling is not as strong as it used to be, but I can see lately that it is slowly returning...

[jstaddwtr]

We don't post much but we are loyal and grateful to Dave for hosting the party!  He has a whole altruistic side that we sometimes overlook.  Leave it to say that even during the paid days, no one was denied who found it difficult....to pay.  He also arranged for the donations of others to find their way to our brothers and sisters.  That is all you can expect from a small business.   Watching out for the family.  Thanks Dave!

....and of course....we are still here.

Arthur and Dee

[SpeakEasy]

I participated quite a bit in the "old" forum for a year or so right before it became a pay site. (Anyone remember "james?")

I chose to leave because I just couldn't justify paying to participate. (Sorry Dave).

I never expected to be back, but then, on a whim, I did a google search for popup times, and found you all again. I was pleased to find the forum was back to "free" (actually subsidized I guess).

I agree that it has a different feel now, but I thought it was just me. A lot has changed in the last couple of years -- in my life, in the world, in the tech world too. I have participated in other online forums, and I thought I had just become more jaded. I remember this group as a refreshingly friendly and helpful group that seemed to be always enjoying the conversation. I remember a couple of "troll" incidents that the community quickly extinguished.

Coming back I still find everyone friendly and helpful. I just haven't seen that something extra, that "spark" that used to be here. But like I said, I thought it was just me.

Anyway, I'm glad to be back, and I'll try to do my share of participation in a positive, friendly, helpful way.

[Rustyone]

I don't know why; I guess cause I don't want anyone thinking 'ill' of me, but I feel compelled to explain something I left out in the original post.  I did'nt leave PUT voluntarily really.  My health took a serious dive around the time that charging to participate was just a rumor.  Believe me if you ever find yourself 'life & death' sick the very last thing you care about is PUP camping.  We were within weeks of getting a Niagara back then and had to back out at the last because of it. I am left with some physical limitations but in good enough shape to go back out Niagara shopping.  We have 4 grandaughters under the age of 9 that have never been camping and if Grandma & Grandpa don't take them they'll never get to go. (city kids)

I spoke to Dave a few years ago on the phone and I was impressed by his amiable down to earth nature.  He was nothing I imagined an Editor to be.  From what I gather he and his magazine have been instrumental in promoting this type of camping like never before.  (New hat size Dave?)

I did feel however, that if a fee needed to be imposed that those of us that had subscriptions should have had special consideration even if it meant increased subscription rates.  Then again I'm not in the business, what do I know?  From what I've read if Coachmen Industries pulls thier support the issue will be back again.  If that should happen I for one would pay.
Anyway I really just wanted to clarify my absence.  I wasn't some flaming dissenting malcontent, it was just bad timing.

Oh!  and if you read any future questions about remotely controlled, electrically operated stabilizers it's me, and I won't be kidding  :p

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

I spoke to Moderator1 yesterday and we're were both commenting on how seldom this board needs moderating these days.

Thanks for your kind remarks.
D.

[tlhdoc]

I have been here all along too.  The board has changed, but I still like it.  I have met some of my best friends here at PUTs and I can't put a price tag on that.

[ForestCreature]

I have met some of my best friends here at PUTs and I can't put a price tag on that.

Ditto that one! :!

[Mountaineer]

I've been here for a long time too.  I was here long before I gained the courage to join the group in '03.  I still don't post much.  The site has been enlightening, educational, fun....We met Dave and many of you at the Rally in Tenn. and have met some of you at the Harrisburg RV Show.  We have saved money because of the discussions here (had to replace the top on my Coleman Bayside).  We gladly paid to join the board..( it's good not to have to pay now) :# .."growin' pains" ...ya know.   Thanks  Dave

Phil