Celebrating 25 Years of KarateForums.com

[Patrick]

Hey all,

It was on this day, 25 years ago, that I launched KarateForums.com. This announcement kicks off a month of celebration, where we will be highlighting members through interviews and retrospectives, and maybe even adding a new thing or two to the community. I'd love for you to join in by:

• Replying to this thread to share your memories and thoughts
• Posting a hello on the 25th birthday check-in thread (if you haven't been here in a while, catch us up!)
• Submitting an article
• Answer the KarateForums.com member interview questions (coming next week!)

Reflecting

It's hard to put 25 years into words. You do one thing, and then another thing happens, and then another. Somehow, 25 years goes by. 25 years of conversations, relationships, and work. We have members who have been with us for a few months - and over two decades. One of the most fun, random things that has happened is that we'll have people who come back to the community after years of not logging in, and they'll just post again, glad that the space still exists. 

KarateForums.com is a special place, and it's special because of the members. It's because of you. I can't even begin to tally the number of people who have been helped by this community, the number of people who have done the helping, the number of friendships that have been formed. Due to members, our guidelines, and staff, I think we've done a good job of not becoming cliquish, of not becoming hostile to newcomers. Which seems obvious, but is easier said than done.

That's something I'm really proud of. This is a community where people choose what to share, but ultimately, most choose to share quite a bit because there is a trust that develops. I can do a number of things to create a framework where that can exist, and the staff can help assure certain guardrails are maintained, but ultimately, that is a member thing, that goes back to who we exist to service, who we attract, and what we actively defend here.

Tomorrow will mark the 10 year anniversary of my and my wife's first date. That's sort of a funny way for me to briefly talk about how much has changed in my life over 25 years. I was a teenager. I graduated high school, started to work in online community, moderation, trust, and safety, and have moved in and out of different jobs. I've moved more than a dozen times, living in four different states in the U.S. during this time. And yes, I met someone, got married, and have a kid I'm about to take to preschool. I am going to be an absolute wreck. I already am.

But no matter where I've been since May 21, 2001, this community has been a part of it, where I give it the time I have to give, and it's been very rewarding. How long can I manage an online community like this? You know, I'm not sure. I'm not trying to be cryptic, and I have no plans to stop. We'll figure that one out together, but I'm always excited to see what happens next. Thank you for being a part of it.

Thank You

Goodness gracious, how many people could I thank? I always believe in thanking individuals at the risk of leaving people out, instead of simply making general statements and never giving someone the feeling of being individually recognized. I will miss folks who have made this place better, and many of them. Still, let me call some folks out.

First, I really have to thank our current staff. Thank you to @bushido_man96, @sensei8, @Wastelander, and @aurik for all of your efforts in keeping the community healthy. Over the years, I have been fortunate to have many people volunteer on our team, and that's a long list of great people, including @SaiFightsMS, @monkeygirl, @DWx, @karatekid1975, @SBN Doug, @ZR440, @JR 137, @jdash, and so many more.

Thank you to you, reading this, and to all of our members who have made so many contributions over the years. Over 10,000 members have made a post here, and well over 1,000 have made 25 or more, so this list is impossible.

But I'd like to specifically recognize @bushido_man96, @sensei8, @DWx, @SaiFightsMS, @karatekid1975, @aefibird, @SBN Doug, @monkeygirl, @kicker, @ps1, @Wastelander, @joesteph, @Nidan Melbourne, @ZeRo, @Zaine, @JR 137,@Treebranch, @Red J, @cathal, @JusticeZero, @Shotokan-kez, @Goju_boi, @battousai16, @Spartacus Maximus, @MasterPain, @iamrushman, @cross, @Harkon72, @Shorin Ryuu, @TJS, @Menjo, @delta1, @Sam, @KarateKen, @lordtariel, @Pacificshore, @patusai, @white owl, @Lupin1, @ZR440, @Jack, @italian_guy, @ramymensa, @Kensai, @KarateK, @DarthPenguin, @yamesu, @Dobbersky, @the beast, @GrrrArg, @Karateka_latino, @JerryLove, @The BB of C, @P.A.L, @Jay, @baronbvp, @BKJ1216, @jaymac, @Tiger1962, @NightOwl, @Kuma, @June1, @IcemanSK, @Adonis, @kchenault, @pineapple, @granmasterchen, @marie curie, @KarateEd, @LeaF, @Montana, @ashworth, @aurik, @Wado Heretic, @wagnerk, @Himokiri Karate, @Fat Cobra, @JazzKicker, @sperki, @Wayofaswede, @Drew, @wildbourgman, @jdash, @RJCKarate, @Chuck, @ryanryu, @pandaGIRL, @Furinkazan, @gspell68, @Revario, and @camotheman.

Thank you, and thank you to everyone who has contributed to this community in a positive way.

Your Thoughts

I think that's all I have for you. If you have any thoughts to share, I'd love to hear them. Thank you for reading.

Patrick

 

Edited 2 minutes ago by Patrick