quote: Originally posted by mitchforgie quote: quote: Originally posted by kinger ^ I would bet the MAIN reason why new "members" who sing up then don't come back is strictly because of the current features/options on this site. It is a dinosaur compared to what Ratebeer and even Beer Advocate offers. They likely don't spend enough time to get familiar, cozy and involved in the forums or chat before they've seen enough and decide to go to or stay with the other sites. I found this site back in 2005 because of an internet search for a couple specific beers, got the info I wanted, poked around a bit and thought how cool it was to have a site devoted to good beer and have been involved from that moment on. Probably a good chance I would have clung to RB or BA if their sites came up first on my search(scary thought huh [:0]) Since that time the other sites have continuously updated, upgraded and listened to their customers meanwhile our local pack has accepted what is offered here. Seems this discussion happens a few times a year, and this topic is extremely refreshing this time around since it started with a post from a new member. Has there ever been a forum about how you got here in the first place? O would find that information intersting. beercronic told me it was time to start rating beers as I was the sous-chef of one of the best beer bar in Edmonton in 2007. This is where I came. Leaving takes too much effort, and for what reason? This site provides me with the ability to archive babbling tasting notes and drop a couple lines to people across the spectrum living all over the place. This for me is my only "digital life". I have an RB account that I have never used and don't know the password too, facebook which I use for work, and thats it. No comic books, star trek or otherwise. I think this is cool and its great for me!

Best example I could find with search terms "how first find beerpal" was: http://www.beerpal.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2187

Good one, Foam. Interesting to see in that one page 2 folks from Alabama (no longer active on the site as best I can tell). I guess now I'm a lone wolf here. Oh, well... still enjoy the people here.

quote: Originally posted by FoamDome quote: quote: Originally posted by mitchforgie quote: quote: quote: Originally posted by kinger ^ I would bet the MAIN reason why new "members" who sing up then don't come back is strictly because of the current features/options on this site. It is a dinosaur compared to what Ratebeer and even Beer Advocate offers. They likely don't spend enough time to get familiar, cozy and involved in the forums or chat before they've seen enough and decide to go to or stay with the other sites. I found this site back in 2005 because of an internet search for a couple specific beers, got the info I wanted, poked around a bit and thought how cool it was to have a site devoted to good beer and have been involved from that moment on. Probably a good chance I would have clung to RB or BA if their sites came up first on my search(scary thought huh [:0]) Since that time the other sites have continuously updated, upgraded and listened to their customers meanwhile our local pack has accepted what is offered here. Seems this discussion happens a few times a year, and this topic is extremely refreshing this time around since it started with a post from a new member. Has there ever been a forum about how you got here in the first place? O would find that information intersting. beercronic told me it was time to start rating beers as I was the sous-chef of one of the best beer bar in Edmonton in 2007. This is where I came. Leaving takes too much effort, and for what reason? This site provides me with the ability to archive babbling tasting notes and drop a couple lines to people across the spectrum living all over the place. This for me is my only "digital life". I have an RB account that I have never used and don't know the password too, facebook which I use for work, and thats it. No comic books, star trek or otherwise. I think this is cool and its great for me! Best example I could find with search terms "how first find beerpal" was: http://www.beerpal.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2187

quote: Originally posted by slowrunner77 Sweet baby Jesus, there's TWO of you??!' quote: quote: Originally posted by cyrenaica Volunteers fanatics don't need a forum, just some colour

[:D][:D][:D]

I am “fla-beer-gasted” at all the responses to my OP request! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I believe we got Brian’s attention because I see that the new Women Beer Enthusiasts forum topic has been added to the BeerPal Community Forums! Thank you Brian! [:)] But, to all of you, I am grateful for your attention, your direction, your suggestions and your passion! It is clear and evident you “own” the culture because you make the culture. In any community, that is crucial and key. I took the time tonight to read over all four pages of the replies and I would like to make a few points: #1: I am not looking for a women’s’ Only forum. Guys, you are more than welcome to "chime and rhyme" in anytime. #2 Living in Schuylkill County (Yuengling Beer Company) and working in the Hershey “Chocolatetown” area (Troeg’s, ABC, Bube’s Brewery, Lancaster Brewing Co., Stoudt’s), my graduate school and teaching at Bloom U. (Selins Grove Brewing Company & Old Forge), along with visits to my favorite Philly breweries when visiting my son (Iron Hill Brewery, Dock Street, Manayunk Brewery, Triumph, Victory), I have more woman friends back home in PA who like craft beer than male friends. I guess I may be a bit homesick for female “camaraderie of the draft” with my recent move to VA. So, I may be looking to fill the void with this women’s forum. #3 I wanted to have the women's forum appear on the first screen so it is easy to find for other women members in BeerPal who are looking for the same type of exchange. #4 I hoped to have one women’s discussion forum out of the twelve forums that are already there, which are predominately male in attendance. Please do not think that I don’t want to interact with the male members of BeerPal. I love males just as much as any other woman out there[:X]; I am simply looking for less testosterone in the dialog. #5 I agree with Sassy. Since my very recent time in the BeerPal community, it does feel like a men’s’ club, and I say that with a BIG smile and positive energies [:D]. As Sassy stated and I agree, that isn’t a bad thing. But couldn’t the women have a small piece of the site to have that same closeness among other female BP members as the “bros” do here? In other words, I was hoping the women’s forum would provide me a place to feel my femininity while enjoying the foam! ;) I like Stoutlover72’s “big group hug!” idea and anyone who wants to add to the women’s forum is so very welcome. Hugging is a good thing! Also, I am very happy that Cat has initiated a meeting with me and FoamDome took the liberty to reach out to other local BeerPal members and dub our group with the name Alexander Brew Crew. Sweet! I hope that my forum posts in the new women’s forum get half the attention and passion as what I have read here! You are all incredible! So I will now move forward to write my first post! I am looking to share recipes that I prepare which call for beer as an ingredient, some interesting reading I’ve done on the beer subject and just some fun moments I run across in my new life in the DC Metro Area. Thanks again to everyone! “Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world.” -- Kaiser Wilhelm

quote: originally posted by mwiscount In other words, I was hoping...to feel my femininity while enjoying the foam! ;)

Well that is convenient, since you are both in Alexandria. [;)][8D] ....oh...that's why you wanted a forum with less testosterone, isn't it?

quote: Originally posted by mwiscount #1: I am not looking for a women’s’ Only forum. Guys, you are more than welcome to "chime and rhyme" in anytime.... Please do not think that I don’t want to interact with the male members of BeerPal.

I would welcome men's participation.

quote: Originally posted by mwiscount I have more woman friends back home in PA who like craft beer than male friends.

Even without your background, that's been true for me too, though it's beginning to even out.

quote: Originally posted by mwiscount Also, I am very happy that Cat has initiated a meeting with me and FoamDome took the liberty to reach out to other local BeerPal members and dub our group with the name Alexander Brew Crew. Sweet!

I'm looking forward to this!

When y'all do your Brew Crew, check Untappd for more locals to invite (if you want more) and you may be able a few to your beer party. If it worked in Knoxville, it will definitely work up there. Sounds like fun.

quote: Originally posted by bluesandbarbq When y'all do your Brew Crew, check Untappd for more locals to invite (if you want more) and you may be able a few to your beer party. If it worked in Knoxville, it will definitely work up there. Sounds like fun.

Lou, the initial name Alexandria Brew Crew is an homage to your Knoxville Beer Crew http://knoxbeercrew.com/ If our group can eventually be only half as fun as yours, we will have done a very good thing. I thank Qat for suggesting this idea. The call has already gone out to BeerPals in Alexandria to attend our inaugural meet-up. So far, we have 4 confirmed and 1 definite maybe. As for local brew, we have plenty of venues and brewers in Alexandria, and more on the way. Port City is celebrating there 2d anniversary soon, and Portner's Brewhouse is coming online this year. Stepping out from Alexandria, there are myriad options (insert plug for my recent blog post on that subject here >[url]http://bit.ly/13Uf9VC[/url]<). Look out, Knox Beer Crew, Alex Brew Crew is up and coming! HA

quote: Originally posted by FoamDome So far, we have 4 confirmed and 1 definite maybe.

I sent out an invite to a friend-of-a-friend, FYI. Will keep you posted. Who knows what we may have started?

Just a quick thank you to everyone who was a part of this conversation. Number 1: I believe your contribution encouraged Brian to give us ladies our own brew "sista" place on Beer Pal, and Number 2: I LOVE that my forum discussion folder is aflame! Dang! That's neat! Happy weekend to all of you!