What LJs Means To Me

Thank you, David.

I certainly echo these feelings, particularly those in the last paragraph. It is good to escape the casual insanity of the world now and again and make something.

-- Martyn -- Boxologist, Pattern Juggler and Candyman of the visually challenging. http://www.theartofboxes.com

I could say similar things about myself, David…......but in a nutshell, this is my home on the internet, and I look forward to my time spent here, which happens essentially every day. The genuine helpful attitude of everyone I know here makes this site a haven from the everyday stresses of work and the world in general.

A very well defined culture has developed on LJ’s, that has many attributes, all of which are a positive influence on my life, and obviously on others.

Jim

-- Jim, Anchorage Alaska

Thanks David. You did just take me back a few years to when I first put a plane to wood (not including several swearing fits at trying to plane down some sticking doors with a dull and poorly adjusted plane). I was planing four 6×6’s that were roughly 8 feet long and smoothing the rough sawn wood with my first bench plane. It was a very cool experience. The people that were helping me that day thought I had lost my mind. Thank you for suggesting I recall that. It was a very good memory and yes I am smiling now. ;)

-- Galootish log blog, http://www.timberframe-tools.com

Thank you David… you said it all.
When LJ is your homepage as it is mine… well, that’s what it represents.
Ellen

-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

I think that I’ve made a few comments concerning what this site means to me. It’s a great woodworking site. I belong to Charles Neil’s site, the Woodwhisperer, Finewoodworking’s site, Wood Magazine’s site, and Tommy Macdonald’s. Occasionally I go to some others. However, Lumberjock’s is my anchor for woodworking on the internet and I spend more time here than on any other site.

-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau

Thank you David, I love coming to LumberJocks!

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

You could have taken those words straight out of my head, David. Thank you.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

I agree with all of the above comments.

I too, whole heartidy agree with your sentiments. This site has helped me transform a thought into a hobby that i can do for the rest of my life. Woodworking has become a passion, an investment, and an outlet for me. I do not think that my abilities would be where they are today without the help of this webiste and its wonderful members, and i assume that this was Martin’s goal when he created this site.

My feelings are that no one should never let his or hers emotions get in the way of rational thinking. Desicions based upon emotions usually lead to regret.

I think its an absolute shame that there are people bailing from this guild created here due to reactions based upon emotions.

I sincerely hope that those who have been offended, those who have offended others, and the rest of us out there can realize that like everything that is good in life this too can be taken away from all of us.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

Never considered myself an inspiration to others. I just post my projects because I really like doing that kind of work.
You said it very well David Craig.
I think that way as well. THANKYOU.

-- "My mission in life - make everyone smile !"

Whole hearted agreement from me as well. I found lumberjocks quite a while ago but it wasn’t until I hurt my back last year that I really started watching the site – like four or five hours a days simply because I could not do much else. Because of what I was learning just by reading I became even more determined to have a shop and really learn to work with wood.
Two months ago I had surgery that looks like is going to get me back on my feet again. It has really been painful to see so much negative stuff lately. So much so that I have found at least a dozen or more other sites that I have started following (mostly blogs). I probably would never have gone looking for something else if it had not been for what has happened here lately.
I won’t go away. There is too much good stuff here – but every time I see negative stuff it will be real easy to flip channels.
Thanks to all of you who teach and model the good stuff!

-- Steve ... determined to die working and believing that God is good!

Amen!

-- Herb, Florida - Here's why I close most messages with "Be Careful!" http://lumberjocks.com/HerbC/blog/17090

I used to really enjoy coming on LJs and checking out the site, visiting with my friends, etc., but not much anymore….It’s got way too strict, and seems like a lot of the fun has been taken out.

-- " Don't ever wrestle a pig in a mudhole....he'll be having more fun than you..!!

oh how I can relate to your wise words!
When I first joined it was to find out info on working with wood because I wanted to try it (never did anything before and had no mentors in my life to teach me).
It wasn’t long before I learned enough and felt confident enough to give it a try and posted my first project .. from there, the encouragement, support, and yes, the proposed challenges (make a table, Debbie) .. lead me to trying more and more and more
I don’t call myself a woodworker and I don’t make a lot of things but when the “urge” hits me, I go for it, knowing that my online family and mentors will be there to answer questions and to say “good job” when it is done.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

So very true….. well said and I, like most others feel the same way.

This really is my “home away from home” and it is a daily pleasure for me to be able to come visit my friends here on LJ’s and continue my learning experience…............... this is the very best!

-- Gene, Majestic Eagle Woodworks, http://majesticeagleww.etsy.com/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/majesticeagle/