[TheForge] ETIQUETTE QUESTION

[Daniel Crowther]

>
>......Daniel, thanks for your input. The "Projects" can be accessed by
>joining
>ABANA and receiving both the Anvil's Ring & Hammer's Blow.

But you asked what I would like to see on the website.  I would like to see 
projects on the website.  I know if I join ABANA I can get projects from 
those publications, but I would like to access even more projects via the 
web.  (Or how about back issues of "Hammer's Blow?)  An enlarged Gallery 
area would be really neat too.  One that has large detailed pictures 
available, as an option.

>I guess that you HAVEN'T actually offered any content for the web site if
>you
>changed your mind.

This is starting to split hairs.  I made the offer then re-decided.  But an 
offer was extended at one point.

>  I find it strange that you would complain about the ABANA
>web site, while using the ABANA supported e-mail list, and yet not be a
>member.

I was not complaining about the website.  I did have concerns about the 
timeliness of a "Want Ad" area given the amount of change in the general 
content currently.  (This was based on the incorrect assumption that the 
Webmaster would have to update the pages manually as items came in and were 
later sold.)  I actually find the ABANA website is quite beautiful, clean 
and sleek looking.

I continue to use the email list because generally it is not ABANA 
centric.  There are a lot of good people out there with questions and 
answers and it is a good medium of exchange for both members and 
non-members alike.

ABANA needs to remember that they are now no longer the only game in 
town.  I can get projects off the web elsewhere, there are other 
blacksmithing newgroups now, other blacksmithing publications, local 
blacksmithing organizations that can get guest speakers too.  I have yet to 
see an ABANA hammer-in in Valley Falls, NY or even nearby in the state 
capitol.  Given all these thing why do I want to join?  (I ask this in a 
very serious manner I'm not trying to be argumentative.  I'm looking at it 
this way:  As a customer what are you going to give me that I can't already 
get?  What differentiates your product (membership) from all the other 
groups out there?

Respectfully,

Daniel Crowther
Oak & Acorn
http://www.oakandacorn.com
Valley Falls, NY