First off, this is not intended as a topic of comparison between WEB forums. I’m just interested in general views relative to the overall experience of viewers/ contributors here. What return on your investment in this site is most significant to your interest in the subject of “budget flashlights”, (or other subjects)?
FWIW, I guess I could classify my participation here as intermediate. My collection is moderate, and significantly stock. The only “mod” I’ve ever done was replacing a cooked driver in a Pioneman K36. Admittedly, I could not have accomplished this without the kind and helpful guidance of experienced contributors here on BLF (and @simonmao). Yeah, lightweight for sure, but I was pretty proud of myself bringing that torch back to life, and grateful for the inspiration from those here who tackle this routinely. Just one personal example.
This site brings an unimaginable amount of expertise and experience, shared freely, across all geographical and geopolitical boundaries…it’s astounding to me. It seemingly matters not, one’s experience level or background, but the great majority of people who take time to share their knowledge here do it with humility and grace. The fact that BLF is one of the few venues on the ‘internet’ that maintains such a civil and mutually respectful course is testimony to those who participate here. No doubt sometimes posts get out of hand, but the good folks here are quick to self-police, and I appreciate SB’s management when required.
I’m grateful and thankful for the opportunity to participate here, and generally, and genuinely thank all of you for the knowledge and experience you share.
IMO a lot of it comes down to how sb has run this forum right from the start. I think there are just as many tender ego’s here as anywhere but there is something of a respectful culture that sb has somehow made a success
For me, it’s definitely the community. And it’s the knowledge that is freely shared here, without politicization or condemnation.
The contacts I have already made here all over the world (mostly because of the LED tests, of course) are priceless. It could hardly be more international…
Really good people here that are always willing to answer questions and help. Nobody waiting in attack mode if I say something silly or ask a stupid question (yes, there are).
People are generally nicer on BLF than on the rest of the internet.
I think it’s because of Mr. Admin’s vision of what BLF should be.
(sb is excellent at moderating when there are problems.
If sb were a terrible moderator, BLF would be much worse, in my opinion.)
I have more posts on BLF than on any other forum, mainly because the atmosphere is so chill here.
Also, this forum is mostly budget-minded, which I appreciate, but enough about me.
The people on BLF are just friendlier than on many other platforms.
I was more active here and in Candlepower forums years ago. I think I liked them both but Candlepower forums must be suffering financially as they wanted everyone to $upport them. The software here may be hard to use, but the advice and camaraderie are great.
Yep, BLF’s forum software has a steep learning curve.
If one sticks to it and figures it out, though, the payoff is nice.
I prefer it to other forums’ software.
One unusual aspect of BLF is the genuine expertise of its members at large and their willingness to go out of their way to try to pragmatically and constructively help others to solve issues or answer questions - while refraining from speculation.
Have you guys noticed some the most knowledgeable members are no longer active on BLF. Dont want to mention names but you can check yourself if you are truly interested.
So many great people with deep knowledge willing to share without being mean or judgemental, and without there being the elitism that is so common on other forums.
SB is a great moderator, and members here are well-behaved too, otherwise it would not be possible to have such a nice atmosphere.
The forum software is a bit tricky to learn, but it is still far better than some other sites.
