Firstly, let me just say how impressed I am. I have administrated two 10k+ student university intranets, as well as local newspaper sites in the past, and I know about the overwhelming amount of emails and posts that need to be screened daily... let alone hourly. Yet, somehow, I have received lengthy replies from both of you within two hours. I had anticipated a wait of at least 18 hours!
With a site this large, one can usually assume that personal capital is not being spent to fund the associated expenses. Kirk, I know what you mean by ads not generating funds. There are those out there that say ads disrupt a site more than they contribute to it... and I
usually agree. I thank you for the lack thereof. There is something to be said for those who sacrifice for others... and its certainly not that they're crazy. lol
Clancy, thanks for clearing up your goals for the site. I have always foremost enjoyed the community aspect of this site. I agree that it is the experience, not the knowledge that contributes most to visitors. Its a shame that users would view lessons without giving something back to the community.... though I suppose they could be "spreading the word" and such.
As for me, I try to stay away from large database projects these days. I quickly (though time is relative) became tired of all the programming and mess. Personally, Im more of an artist. I enjoy the mergence of style and functionality. Recently I have designed sites for many local artists (musical and visual) and businesses, as well as print publications, and business collateral.
I live in a region rich in family histories well preserved through photographs. Within the last ten years, my state has been plagued by major flooding... and along with personal possesions lost (including homes, and in some cases family members) many of those photographs have been water-damaged. Along with my regular services, I am offering discount professional photo-restoration services for those in my region. Though the cost will be absorbed by myself, the opportunity of helping others regain these priceless artifacts seems well worth it. In that aspect, I suppose we have something more in common that simple guitar and websites.
Once again, while I have always deeply appreciated the community you have given to us, you have only deepened my appreciation through your goodwill, patience, and sacrifice.
Thank you,
Aaron Silber
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt