So... Why Do U Appreciate IAP.

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mark james

mark james

IAP Collection, Curator
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
13,368
Location
Medina, Ohio
As a "newer" member (2 yrs/300 posts). Just a few thoughts on IAP

Please... add/delete/modify/clarify... add your thoughts. :smile:

I Appreciate and Value IAP Because:

1. This forum is an incredible source of knowledge - In the forums/threads/library. There is much to learn from those before us!
2. This is a "True" community. Beyond our "playful" snipping at times, I have followed threads about: A member's daughter's illness (I also have a Daughter); Military Personnel giving each other suggestions and support; IAP own members reporting about THEIR OWN illnesses; and a multitude of "Welcomes" to new members.
3. I have conversed with members in Australia, Canada and Italy, as well as States in the US that I have never been before. Awareness of others is..good!
4. The IAP overwhelmingly welcomes new members - they are the next generation. We have welcomed 2 sons of IAP penturners recently... This is good!!!
5. We have a wealth of knowledge within the membership - that is there for the asking. Materials, Kits, Techniques, Finishing, Photography, Sales; simply ASK.
6. We have access to members who are specialists in remote topics, incredible artists simply to be admired and to take inspiration from; and successful businesses who make an income /or living from this medium.
7. We have open "disagreements" - And usually... benefit from the debate. (A Forum Moderator - A cross between a Lion Tamer and an Orchestra Conductor... Tame the beast, or blend the voices.) Not a job I would aspire to - but must needed!
8. We have a wealth of Craftsman willing to share their skills to supply what we need (Innovative Pen Blanks, TBC fittings; Banjo Posts; Stabilization Materials, etc...); we should value this.
9. We have many businesses that really and truly originated from this medium, improve this medium, and survive from this medium. We should support them!
10. In IAP: We all can see where we came from, and where we may aspire to.

Freely add your thoughts!
 
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When I found this board through google, I knew nothing about turning. I have asked question, given my thoughts, and asked for advice on this site and it was all given with a smile from the members here.

I know where I was when I started, and I see where I inspire to be. I look at some pens and say "HOW THE H#%L did they do that"? and see if I can figure it out. I'm scared to mess up a blank. But this site and the people on it, have encouraged me at every step.
 
As a person who turns but is still a novice I get from IAP the following:

Inspiration is incredible here.
The Blanks offered by members and vendors are awesome and very unique.
The "Master" pen makers give us beauty and something to strive for.
 
Mark, I agree with your observations, but can't figure out how to delete one of your comments even if I wanted to :tongue: (insert playful snipe here) that would be a good daily trivia question!!

My thoughts:


  1. I have made lots of friends here that I enjoy talking pens with. In my daily life, I rarely find anyone who makes pens - their relative does.
  2. The most amazing thing to me is the search engine and I try to get that across to new members. It is has been so long since I had to ask a question -- you can get, I don't know how many years (another good trivia question) worth of answers to that question instantly. I can get answers from Don Ward and the rest of you guys and you don't even have to be awake!:biggrin:
  3. I think it takes more than one year to fully appreciate the Bash. there is so much going on. This is the best one yet (in my limited experience) I hope I win something!:wink:
  4. I have met some really great suppliers here that I probably would not have found, might not have trusted, if they just popped up in a web search. I send money to people I have never heard of before, just because they have a presence on IAP. People ask me where I get all the amazing material I make pens from - I get it right here.
  5. Beyond making one pen in a class, everything I know about pen turning and selling I have learned through IAP. The Library is fantastic and Wayne has done a great job managing it this year and promoting new articles.
That's all I have time for... I need to get my contest entries ready...I hope I win something!!


Harry
 
I'm new so here's a few things I appreciate....

1. The members. I've never been a member on a forum so friendly (I'm a member on 100+ forums). The camaraderie here is outstanding. Everyone is willing to help out everyone, even the new guys like myself.
2. The knowledge. Members have no problems giving out their tips, tricks and hints on finish and fit, how to customize pens, etc.
3. The Library. I spent 4 days reading nearly every article in there. It made turning my first few pens just that much easier.
 
Hey Scott... Early join date! Just a thought - What hopes would you have for IAP in the next... 5 years? Good to hear you!

Scott said:
It is the realization of a dream! That is why I keep coming here, you all continue to amaze me! In a very good way!

Scott.
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mark james said:
My Mistake... I beg forgiveness, Oh Master of Mugs... :rolleyes: And I am no Sir...

Smitty37 said:
mark james said:
Smitty37 said:
I guess because I am long on IAP mugs and short on brains:biggrin::biggrin:
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Yea! But U keep bidding on them!?!? Must like the Mugs! :rolleyes:
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Sir - I have not bid on a mug for the last 2 or 3 years...I always buy at least one from the b-day bash sale, this year it was two.:tongue:
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Oh? What would you be then? A Ma'am? :smile::smile:
 
plano_harry said:
[...]

I send money to people I have never heard of before, just because they have a presence on IAP.

Harry
Click to expand...

Harry,

We have exchanged replies on several posts, and I truly hope to get to be "better friends" with you in 2014. It sounds like you have made a number of friends already, and I hope to be counted as one some time ...

:smile:

Seriously though, I too have sent plenty of folks here money, and for products that I just would never have found anywhere else. That is another one of the real benefits to IAP -- awesome, unique shopping opportunities to make this hobby more enjoyable.
 
Of all the forums I've been on since my intro to the interweb, this is the most loving and caring bunch of folks I've ever met. Ready to lend a hand, supplies, help and prayers at a moments notice. This is the only one I've ever spent 5 yrs on.

I love this place.
 
I have to echo what Tim said. I was on other forums asking woodworking questions. You would think people were giving you thier grandmother's favorite recipe the way you had to prode information from them.. A few times here you get "look in the library"... but other than that they are a good bunch of people...
 
Smitty37 said:
mark james said:
My Mistake... I beg forgiveness, Oh Master of Mugs... :rolleyes: And I am no Sir...

Smitty37 said:
mark james said:
Smitty37 said:
I guess because I am long on IAP mugs and short on brains:biggrin::biggrin:
Click to expand...

Yea! But U keep bidding on them!?!? Must like the Mugs! :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Sir - I have not bid on a mug for the last 2 or 3 years...I always buy at least one from the b-day bash sale, this year it was two.:tongue:
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Oh? What would you be then? A Ma'am? :smile::smile:
Click to expand...


Touche! I think I'll stop while clearly behind!!
 
:smile:
mark james said:
Smitty37 said:
mark james said:
My Mistake... I beg forgiveness, Oh Master of Mugs... :rolleyes: And I am no Sir...

Smitty37 said:
mark james said:
Smitty37 said:
I guess because I am long on IAP mugs and short on brains:biggrin::biggrin:
Click to expand...

Yea! But U keep bidding on them!?!? Must like the Mugs! :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Sir - I have not bid on a mug for the last 2 or 3 years...I always buy at least one from the b-day bash sale, this year it was two.:tongue:
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Oh? What would you be then? A Ma'am? :smile::smile:
Click to expand...


Touche! I think I'll stop while clearly behind!!
Click to expand...
:smile: A decision showing wisdom beyond your years!!:smile::smile:
 
Well it comes down to this....

What I do FOR others is hard and stressful.

What I do FOR myself is taking a balloon ride from one world to another where my mind can rest..I can be free, laugh, imagine and create an item that is termed mightier than a sword.

My balloon is always ready and waiting for takeoff at the IAP...a second home.

Doc:smile:
 
It the great folks here. From the very first post I made I was welcomed with open arms and it been like that ever since. I have to say the forum members here are like family.
 
I have looked around the internet at different blogs and forums on turning and just didn't find the positive attitude here. I have asked questions, gotten very good deals, and even been given pen kits to help me keep my 16 year old out of trouble. All this could only come from friends or family. I would consider this forum ONE big family. Thanks
 
Mark,

Ditto!

The people here are amazing. The generosity of the members is amazing from a starter box of blanks, to wisdom of many years turning, to compassion for others this is truly a great community. I am proud to be a small part.

Jason
 
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