I wasn't aware of the Scapino incident, but it's both funny and sad. While it probably shows the respect his work gets, it also points out what Glad Handing is, mostly empty or useless posting. And I guess in some ways that's better than someone not posting at all, but just barely. And yes, VPF has vastly improved, which in some ways only makes their preceived shortcomings more noticable.
I hadn't really thought about the social aspects of VPF and the other VP forums, but I'm sure you're right about that, Bob. And I guess I'm sort of guilty of wanting it both ways, I reply to those Outlanes threads I find interesting, but complain about the ones that irritate me, and I'll probably continue to do so.
And being an also-ran as a VP forum isn't always easy, but I think it can be useful. We'll never have the numbers of VPF, nor will the tables we offer be as popular, but again, no problem. JPH and I do this because we want to, and our small but slowly growing nmber of members seem to apprciate our efforts. It can make for some very inrteresting discussions, and so far, when we don't agree, it is always friendly. There doesn't seem to be as many ego problems here.
And although I've tried to make Pinball Nirvana all things for all of the VP community, there are a lot of folks who will never spend much time, or any time here, and that's OK too. And yes, it is ego that makes me try to keep this place fresh and interesting, so we keep increasing our numbers. Not in the sense that I think people come here because it Jon's and my site, but because I can mold this into what I think a VP forum should be, and that at least a few hundred folks appreciate it enough to visit and post regularly.
So I don't have a problem with being either number 3 or 4, I'll do thijngs I enjoy, the way I think they should be done, and be glad that at least someone notices. But I sure wish you'd rediscover your funny bone again, Bob, you seem much more somber than you once did.
tiltjlp