Mano:
I agree about the unique aspect of this forum and I'll add the simplicity of the PHPBB software too - on other forums, I get lost when posting and replying because of the wording of the link buttons - might just be me, but I find this software a bit more user friendly in that respect.
But I do have the PHOTOS forum here - I hate to FORCE people to use it, matter of fact a flaw in the PHPBB software here makes it tough to restrict posting actual size images and frankly it is a lot easier to post an image here than a thumbnail which most people don't have a clue how to do,
So it is more of an honor system to ask people to post just links in all the forums EXCEPT the photos forum - I too have a fast connection but I remember well (back in the golden days before Al Gore invented the Internet :roll: ) when CompuServe and Prodigy offered 2400 baud as a standard and a whopping $9.95 an HOUR for 9600 baud (which was still 6 TIMES SLOWER) than today's dial-up connections. So I've been there and done that and I always try to make things friendly to everyone who has any kind of connection here.
The only exception to the rule (and I still think it important to our forum) is AVATARS which I like and I know most everyone else does too! Honestly, I look forward to NEW AVATARS which I haven't seen before when a member joins - I think it is one of the perks of having new people join us!
I often go to other forums (all different topics around the Internet JUST LOOKING FOR AVATARS) it is an interesting treasure hunt. I often save them on my computer but then forget to upload them to the avatar gallery - I have a few dozen great ones now that can be uploaded. I want to get rid of the crappier mini-avatars in my galleries, no one uses those at all and I could use the room for the new awesome looking ones I've been collecting.
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Personal Note: I was playing cards off and on Saturday night from 9pm until about 12am, I'm down about $3K play money (of course) but I suspect to be back on tonight after the Sopranos - if you get a chance, look for me :) Hope to see you later!!!
Anyone else interested - we play FREE POKER (7 card stud or holdem') at
www.ultimatebet.com - easy to install software, nice looking rooms with chat feature and easy to use betting buttons.