Freesteam annual 'report'

Spokesmann · Freesteam annual 'report'

The Spirit of Freesteam – annual review 2008-09

A former college lecturer of mine had a favourite saying, “Keep it simple”.
He would say this about all projects myself and fellow students undertook with his supervision, be it advertising campaigns, print concepts or typography.

I have tried to keep to this principal true with this forum – keeping it for steam only, big, small, model or toy. End of. Nothing else really needed. For the most part we adhere to this ideal and for the most part our forum is a lean, well oiled and above all smooth running place to be. There is little fat to be found here!
The last year has been another year of steady growth, both in membership and the reputation this forum enjoys, make no doubt we are seen as a shining light in our little part of the internet and steam world. Whilst I cannot say we cover everything, what we do cover, we cover bloody well. It never ceases to amaze me the depth and breadth of skill, knowledge and friendship this forum exhibits.

Visually we have gone from strength to strength, and the opening up of the Freesteam header to all members to show their photographic skills - has been a real pleasure! (I’m sure you are all

of seeing my engines!). Yes, we have had one or two problems with colours (don’t mention my brown one!), typesize/colour/contrast and so forth, but without such experiments we would never improve. As a dedicated graphic designer and steamer I aim to make sure that we are second to none when it comes to presenting ourselves and showing our skill and knowledge to the steam world. Make no mistake we leave other forums in the shade and punch well above our weight.
Over the last 12 months we have seen some fantastic new members who have joined our ranks here, some have come for a while, some may have been idly curious and wandered here form the dim portals of the steam internet wondering what all the fuss is about, some may have not found what they wanted, some may like to dip in now and again... those that have stayed and have made the effort to contribute I thank you! We now have members from the all over the UK, as well as from the US followed by Europe, Australia and New Zealand – a great thank you to all you guys!

Thanks are also due to Ted (Joiner) who it seems is omnipresent on here and always can be found tinkering in the back room. If you haven’t signed up for his Top links site – then I urge you to do so!!
Finally a big thank you to the moderators who provide their unstinting support to the forum.

For the future I see our forum continuing to expand and develop in content and style, as a forum there is no time to stand still and be complacent, with competitors snapping at our heels and borrowing our ideas we need to innovate and keep the community here fresh and relevant. I am always open to suggestions from members on ways of improving the experience here or when it is valid, criticism if things are not working! It’s a 24-7 job in some ways running the forum, although a very enjoyable one at that.
So there we have it, I’ve kept it brief… we are now entering our third year and I look forward to it with the same enthusiasm and hope as I did back in 2007 when I sketched out my first ideas for the forum on a notepad in a hotel room in Vancouver…
Thanks for all of you keeping to the true ‘Spirit of Freesteam’.
Here’s to the next 365 days!

Mike Jane
Freesteam Administrator

silverfoxsteam

Wise words Mike and I'm sure others who have been involved longer than I will want to say their piece too, but may I be the first to say a big THANK YOU to you, for all your hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.

Good on you!

Spokesmann

Manxman

And I have to agree, well done Mike. It's been another interesting year and you've given me (and others) a lot of pleasure, thank you. I have to be honest and say that I see my Steam Toys as a much needed escape from work and reading the threads on the forum over the last year has many times taken me away from a difficult situation in work, into a much finer and easier to understand world.

So I raise my glass to you. A fine forum, run by a fine chap. And here's to another year of toy steaming. Very Happy

Spokesmann

Thanks Chris, my boat is an escape form the pressures of work/life! I think about what I need to do next when im in the loo (TMI) Smile

willbur

mike you have done a great job Very Happy

this is a really welcoming place and is a pleasure to be a member. q38

Spokesmann

newts

I've been here since the early days & have seen the forum evolve on a firm footing.
Slowly but surely, a few changes here & there but always full of good content
Very Happy

As others have said, we all come for a short escape & what a great mix of topics we find.
Keep it going & lets enjoy another great year.

Spokesmann

Hope so Mike... I wonder how many hours Ive spent in front of this forum! too many!

Mamod Collector

You need to give yourself a big pat on the back Mike for a job well done Very Happy

Spokesmann

Dont forget Ted, he's always around....
TED!!!!! (shouting!) Smile

avenger

A good summary Mike thanks to yourself, Ted and the Mods for a good well balanced forum, thanks to thoses who have taken time to comment on the progress of Murphy and thanks to those who have tendered advise when needed. Looking orward to the next 12 months
Cheers all
h

Spokesmann

How is Murphy H? We're alway glad of your support and comments.

avenger

Murphy is looking good still naked without his cladding which I am currently cutting out. Have been steaming Murphy and have found that the engine steams better on coal rather than Anthracite. So I have now arranged for Murphy's steam test next week.

Spokesmann

Keep us posted!

John Chapman

Excellent summary Mike. Hearty thanks to you and Ted and everyone else for making this such a nice place to be.

Spokesmann

Thanks for dropping by John, always good to see you here!

avenger

Spokesmann

Catch you later H.