WOW! WHAT A RIDE!

[Matt. K]

Wow! What a ride it's been boys and girls. It started off in cyberspace and finished up, virtually, in Birdys backyard? It is so much more than a mere forum....it is a photographic gallery par excellence!.....it is a family!......a club!.....a pub!.....a camera store like no other in the country!.....an adventure club!.....a photography school!.........a university of philosphy...and English... Professor Greg. B!......a comedy club....a fine wine society chaired by Stubbsy.....an interstate, international society even. What other forums will pick up interstate visitors at the airport and take them to their hotel? In which other forum can a member verbalize his desire to have an 85mm f1.4 lens for a wedding shoot....and Birdy PM's back to say"It's on its way...by air". And he's never met the member.

The night shoots, fine restaurants, outstanding wine, intelligent conversations...sometimes. What a rewarding exeriance it all has been. I am so much looking forward to 2006!
Congratulations on what you have put together Gary Stark. It's like a garden that blossoms and blooms...oh...the occasional weed pops up, but sometimes the most innocuous of weeds can drop so perfect a petal. Yes, there is a lot of activity behind the scenes sometimes...and the moderators are to be congratulated for the gentle but subtle way in which they steer the forum when it looks like it may hit a pothole or two. but it is never work! It is alway a pleasure. Merry Xmas to each and every forum member. Stay safe over the holidays.

[christiand]

Hi,

I'd like to join with Matt. K and just say:
I am eaxtly with it.
Well said from Matt.

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Chers,
CD

[moggy]

Right back at you Matt, here's to 2006!

Bob.

.

[Alpha_7]

Well put Mattk, right on the money, this forum isn't one single thing but a myriad of smaller things that just make the whole so much stronger.

[Glen]

Matt, beautifully put and a great compliment to all members

[ABG]

I couldn't agree more Matt. Although I'm only a newcomer here, I've been made to feel so welcome. I've received fantastic advice, purchased some first rate gear at even better prices and am constantly amazed at the support on offer. It's an absolute credit to Gary, Leigh, Birddog, all the other moderators and to the regular contributors. All the best to you all for the festive season and I hope Santa is as good to you as he's been to me.

[glamy]

Very well put Matt, and I only can second that. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Cheers,
Gerard

[Onyx]

In line with the legal disclaimers at maxi-meets, this forum is not a separate entity, so all those words said reflect a portion of each and every member that goes to make up a part of this 'experience'.

Remember, we are never guaranteed a tormorrow. So go out and live every day as if it's your last - cos one day it will be. But I do hope to see everyone back here safely for 2006.

My life has been enriched greatly since the existence of this place - thank you to everyone on here, I've met many and look forward to meeting many more. Bring on the festivities!

[xerubus]

very very true Matt.....

Wishing you and your's all a very Merry Christmas. It has been an honour to be part of such a great group, and look forward to the next year. Stay safe and I hope Santa brings you what you have been wanting

cheers

[Manta]

Matt - what can anyone add after that? You've put this place under the microscope and scrutinised it with an intense scrut (apologies to the Goons).

Your attempt to encapsulate exactly what this forum is about is to be highly commended. I think no other has come quite as close to fully describing the functions, features and aspirations of our rapidly growing family.

You're absolutely right - it has certainly been a ride. It's taken us to places we would never have visited, introduced us to people, equipment and ideas we would never have experienced and it's kept us active in the pursuit of brotherhood, support and friendship at a time when those attributes have all but become extinct elsewhere.

I echo your wishes to all forum members and their families to enjoy this festive season, to look after themselves and each other and to continue to share the good things life has to offer with the like-minded folk that make up this wonderful membership.

Bring on 2006

[ozimax]

Eloquently articulated, enunciated and encapsulated. (:shock: )

[Heath Bennett]

How could anyone take this place for granted? Merry Christmas to all, especially to whom makes this place what it is.