Congrats BP! You're involvment here is simply amazing, and I doubt there are many CEOs out there that put as much time into the forums they host.
Over the years, I have participated in many forums. I have never felt the need or desire to stick around on those very long. Many seem dominated by small cliques who tolerate newcomers poorly. But this forum is different. Something about it makes me want to check in every day. You've built a genuine community here, and I doubt that it would have the same welcoming feel without your personal involvement. A great leader attracts great followers, and all that jazz.
The French hate you - try living where I do, nearest neighbours not best of pals.
My dentistry is OK (yet too much Diet Coke - a US invention) means I have too many fillings!
The parties thrown by EBMM are tons of fun - not just the fact I get to hang with Morse/Luke/Petrucci/Levin/LaRue and the fine folk from San Luis Obispo but that there are some cool folk on this board that I am now proud to call friends.
I have been the source of some of the more controversial posts in the past - I have apologised when I have felt I have stepped over the mark but also have a deep felt streak that means I say what I think when I feel strongly (not always a harmonious virtue but hey thats how I am!)
I am proud to own a Mr Horsepower and (soon!) the Global Warming guitar - these are so cool in their own right but the fact that a great cause, the CLB foundation, benefits makes it even more worthwhile.
I look forward to the UK Knucklehead bash so that I can put some names to faces and hope we can recreate the same vibe that I have felt at all the US events I have attended.
Finally I hope that the forum continues to amuse/confuse/affect everything that comes out of Musicman in the future.
Great 10,000th post, love the family letter format, all i can say is thank you for all you do, EBMM is a great company and being able to have this forum as an outlet for everything from great guitars to life happenings is fantastic and your involvement is a great part of that, looking forward to the next 10,000
Your fanboy for life, the crazy fingbeagle
First off Im blushing....ok not blushing but those who know me know that these responses are very very kind but I want to make sure that you guys know that I wasnt baiting you into it.
I know the French dont hate me, I know that all UK teeth are reasonably good and Ive never been to a Tim Hortons and I like teasing canadians...it is the show there and I enjoy it.
DaveB I have no ill feelings whatsoever and appreciate all you do and have done for our products, foundation and team.
Thanks for continuing to NAIL what it is I am looking for in a guitar. Several times (guitar models) over.
Thanks for being and active contributor and leader of this forum.
Thanks for being a compassionate human being.
BP, thanks for giving us this place, for sticking around, and for being so good to us Knuckleheads. Thanks for giving me an award that...well...I'm not even sure what it's for, but thanks anyway. Thanks for the greatest guitars and basses in the world with some great, great accessories and strings to go with them.
Good health and continued prosperity to you and your family, BP. Hope to see you all again at the next party--if there is one. Of course, see you around the forum.
Big Poppa....you have gotten inside my world more so than most. We have had some great offline conversations and your friendship is one I highly value. You have supported me when times were scary, sad, and fun! You have gone out of your way to show me that life can be fun and that I need to be "around" and let the young bucks continue on in the "business" I was in. I cannot thank you enough for the phone calls just to check up on me and to make me laugh....and we have had some laughs for sure. Thank you for this great place most call a forum, but, has become a FAMILY. I have met many people off this forum personally and it really blows me away how many of us met.....starting with the forum, then the first Open House, Jack's Party, the second Open House...Van Warped Tour and NAMM.....unbelievable....and it has a lot to do with you bringing us knucks together for good times and fellowship all in the name of music. Thank you for everything you have done for me and everyone else. I am honored to call you my friend.
You should be very proud (and I know you are) of Scott and Brian. Two great guys who will continue the passion of the business.
You have a staff that absolutely loves what they do. Beth, Dudley, Derek, Jon, Drew and the list goes on....are just as passionate about the tools of our trade and that makes the EBMM brand the best there is.
I think it's pretty cool that you have actually taken the time to listen to what the average joe's have to say, and not necessarily a marketing model. I know it's been pretty stressful, but EBMM has come up with some great ideas because of it.
I think it's also cool that you have built some solid friendships out of this (like Koogs) that would have probably not ever come about without your participation in this forum.
You remind me a lot of someone I used to know (and in a good way).
Thank you for all you and your EBMM family do for us knuckleheads. I cannot stop singing the praises of the instruments you produce and how well run your company is, to anyone who will listen. Happy 10k post and Cheers to 10k more.
Congratulations on your 10,000th post! And thank you for your generosity, your passion, your dedication, your time, and for making this forum possible.
I lurk far more than I post, and sometimes I don't regularly make this place a part of my day, but when I do come by, it always feels like coming home. Part of this is due to the wonderful knuckleheads who post here frequently, but large credit I think goes to you as well.
Everybody, please join me in a virtual toast to the man himself, Sterling Ball!