Cafe members you'd like to meet.

[John Adrihan]

Any member that owns a Gibson Loar F5.

[Ron McMillan]

I am a happy and enthusiastic and very regular participant in the Cafe, but am I the only person here who finds this orgy of cosy self-congratulation just a little bit creepy?

[Ed Goist]

I am honored to be mentioned here but I believe most of that is due to my lack of a life and way too many posts. ...snip...

I'd honestly love to meet every last person on here, and it's always a lot of fun whenever I run into another cafe member, which happens all too rarely.

Huge "Plus Ones" to both of these sentiments.

[Dan Hoover]

sounds like there might be a get together in the making? will there be free beer?

[Bertram Henze]

...am I the only person here who finds this orgy of cosy self-congratulation just a little bit creepy?

Now, zip your fur and be nice to everybody

[Pete Jenner]

I am a happy and enthusiastic and very regular participant in the Cafe, but am I the only person here who finds this orgy of cosy self-congratulation just a little bit creepy?

I've got my eye on you Blueron. When can we meet up baby?

[Rex Hart]

Adam Steffey.He appears on here ocassionally.Other than that, only fellow Gibson owners.

It's a joke...laugh people

[journeybear]

... am I the only person here who finds this orgy of cosy self-congratulation just a little bit creepy?

No, me too, though it is a bit refreshing to see after some pretty snarky recent kerfaffles. And I am usually in favor of optimism and positivity. Technically, though, this is mutual congratulation rather than self-congratulation, but let's not quibble. Besides, this ain't nothing compared to the thread about a Cafe convention. Expressing conviviality toward virtual strangers is alright from afar, but up close and personal? Be careful what you wish for!

[Ron McMillan]

No, me too, though it is a bit refreshing to see after some pretty snarky recent kerfaffles. And I am usually in favor of optimism and positivity. Technically, though, this is mutual congratulation rather than self-congratulation, but let's not quibble. Besides, this ain't nothing compared to the thread about a Cafe convention. Expressing conviviality toward virtual strangers is alright from afar, but up close and personal? Be careful what you wish for!

The most telling thing is that I was thinking of the other thread, the one about a Cafe Convention, when I put this response here by mistake Point taken about the more fitting application of 'mutual gratification'. While I'm certain that I'd enjoy bumping into one or two Cafe members in the future, the idea of intentionally wandering into a room full of them in search of instant buddies does give me the creeps. Just a little.

[FLATROCK HILL]

I've got my eye on you Blueron. When can we meet up baby?

There's a pretty good pun waiting there. I'm afraid that posting it would result in my immediate excommunication.

[F-2 Dave]

I am a happy and enthusiastic and very regular participant in the Cafe, but am I the only person here who finds this orgy of cosy self-congratulation just a little bit creepy?

Creepy? Perhaps. But if we don't do it, who will?

[Bill Clements]

I have met Cafe members in the past - there's nothing magic or mysterious about it, it's just like meeting actual people
I am glad nobody has mentioned me cos I am afraid of stalkers

I'm sure they were just saving the best for last when they didn't mention you yet, Bertram.
Allow me to be the first; your posts are always fun and interesting!

[Marcelyn]

"My awareness of who's here is mostly shaped by the Song A Week Group, though I check out the other forums when I've got a little more time. I really would like to shake Barbara Shultz's hand and thank her for establishing and shepherding the SAW Group."

Too true! I joined SAW on week 45 and week 199's tune is set to be announced in a few hours. That's been around three years, and there's quite a few of the members who've been there just about as long or longer. Keeping in touch each week and sharing your growth as a musician really does form great relationships. I'm always trying to wrangle new contributors to the forum because the atmosphere and possibilities for improvement are unbelievable. So a huge thanks to Barbara in particular and to all the regulars who make the effort to record videos or post words of encouragement and constructive feedback.

"I am glad nobody has mentioned me cos I am afraid of stalkers."

Sorry, Bertram, you're somewhere around the top of my long list. Don't let your guard down.

[Bertram Henze]

I'm sure they were just saving the best for last

[Ted Eschliman]

Probably good I haven't been mentioned. I'm told I'm so much more witty and charming in text than I am in person.

[Pasha Alden]

Well, definitely miles away - so that a no, but I hope you all get to meet each other and above all have a happy mandolin gas!

[pickloser]

Probably good I haven't been mentioned. I'm told I'm so much more witty and charming in text than I am in person.

Probably better looking in text too.

...Just kidding, TedE. I'd love to meet you. But that will have to wait until I'm done with stalking Bertram.

[jaycat]

. . . have a happy mandolin gas!

It must have been the old sausage.

[Fiddler3]

It would be great to meet all members, but realistically I would say it would be ones that were in close proximity, F2 Dave, Rex Hart, and even Scott. Althoug I did meet Bernie Daniel at a jam in Foley AL.

[allenhopkins]

...the idea of intentionally wandering into a room full of them in search of instant buddies does give me the creeps...

Sorta depends on what you're expecting, and what you're looking for. You can spend time with people who share your interests, and who -- based on their willingness to participate in an event of that type -- are on the "friendly and gregarious" side of the spectrum, without expecting to find BFF's or "instant buddies."

Attending my college class reunions, I find that those who attend, are the ones who enjoy meeting people, including "strangers," and interacting with others who have some things in common. Those who don't enjoy such activities, don't attend. If you find it "creepy," you're probably not going to participate anyway, right?

[Frank Farley]

I really enjoy reading many replies from different posters,but if I had to pick ones that I would like to meet based on just the interesting comments that I've read over the years from them,I would have to pick Big Joe,AlmeriaStrings,and F5Loar.Sure wish I could post as well as they do!I'd also like to play those fine Gibson mandolins that AlmeriaStrings own as well.

[Phil Goodson]

....,I would have to pick Big Joe,AlmeriaStrings,and F5Loar.....

Well.... I've met two of the three. And fortunately neither of them gave me the "creeps". Pretty nice guys actually.
Carry on!

[Kevin Stevens]

No, me too, though it is a bit refreshing to see after some pretty snarky recent kerfaffles. And I am usually in favor of optimism and positivity. Technically, though, this is mutual congratulation rather than self-congratulation, but let's not quibble. Besides, this ain't nothing compared to the thread about a Cafe convention. Expressing conviviality toward virtual strangers is alright from afar, but up close and personal? Be careful what you wish for!

It wasn't so bad meeting you in person Journeybear! I even got to briefly noodle with your Gibson! I met Big Joe once as well, he was a great guy too!

[Laird]

I am a happy and enthusiastic and very regular participant in the Cafe, but am I the only person here who finds this orgy of cosy self-congratulation just a little bit creepy?

No, you're not alone. On the other hand, if someone's self-esteem gets a needed boost in the process, I suppose that's a good enough reason for such a thread--not to mention folks on the giving end who have the chance to tell others how much they appreciate them. Not enough of that in the world.

That said, I'm not inclined to scroll through the preceding pages and participate. There are folks whose comments I regularly enjoy, as well as some I'm inclined to skip. Beyond that, it's the collective I appreciate.

[OldSausage]

Now I feel like I've been assimilated.