12 Years on the Santiago Forum

[sillydoll]

Wow! This Forum has out lasted many similar forums in the past 12 years since I joined in November 2004. [I think I was the 6th member to join]

'Santiagobis' (once the most popular an busiest forums on the Internet) started in 2000 is now all but dormant. One of the owners of Santiagobis, was an early member of Ivar's Forum, posting under the name 'DeCarrion'.

Santiago-compostela.net forum was started by Piers Nicholson in 2002. His old website included a link to 'Sylvia's Top-Tips' which 10 years later had so many pages of tips that it evolved into a 300 page planning guide!

Other forums were 'Ultreya' (a closed forum) 'St James at Yahoo' (still limping along) 'Go-Camino' (based in APOC) and of course Grant Spangler's excellent 'El Camino Santiago' web based forum.

When I joined Facebook in 2007 there were few Camino related groups but now there are groups in every language, from every continent and for every interest group.

Facebook might have replaced many of the Camino Forums with instant questions and answers but it still can't offer the 'all in one place' information that this forum provides and that, in my opinion, has been its success.

Ivar, may this forum continue to help pilgrims for many years to come.

 

[Dennis D]

Silly Doll - Thank you for posting this information.

Ivar - Thank your for this Forum. My Camino experiences might not have been this positive without this valuable resource. I feel like I have made a number of friendships on this Forum as well.

When I am walking on the Camino, other pilgrims notice my Forum Patch on my back pack and immediately start up a conversation. This forum helps me from never feeling alone.

Buen Camino

 

[Doogman]

Congratulations on your longevity on the Forum. That says a lot about both you and this Forum. And thank you for that little bit of camino-forum history. I guess I have never looked much further than this forum, but I did not realize that there had been, or still are, others.

Without naming names, are any of the other original 6 members still active?

 

[nalod]

Successful longevity takes a lot of hard work, innovation, imagination and investment. Well done Ivar and all those who helped.

 

[movinmaggie]

I'm always the 'odd ball' because I've never used Facebook and don't plan to, but I've always felt at home on this forum.

 

[Doogman]

I agree with @movinmaggie. I guess I am a bit of a dinosaur, but I have a personal policy of avoiding social media. I have never used Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, whatever. The one exception is this Forum. The intelligent, informative and respectful dialogue on this Forum is wonderful. Thanks Ivar and thanks Forum members!

 

[jmcarp]

I'll second the thanks to Ivar and the forum moderators who work so diligently to make this forum the outstanding resource that it is. Gracias a todos.
Jim

 

[fraluchi]

Congratulations Syl! Long time no see but we'll meet somewhere sometime?!

 

[VNwalking]

I'm always the 'odd ball' because I've never used Facebook and don't plan to, but I've always felt at home on this forum.

Ditto. With the added benefit that the discussions here can be broad, deep, and wide-ranging...about logistics, equipment, and albergues, but by no means limited to those mundane topics.
And unlike those using a certain other social media platform, we are not limited here to 120 characters.

Seriously, this is a special place.
I just went back and re-read the responses to a thread I started when I had only posted a few times, curious to see if I still felt the same way. The sentiments I shared and the many beautiful responses still ring true.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...s-remarkably-kind-community.31572/#navigation

The community here is really a community--which may be why it is more long-lived than other forums.

 

[HeidiL]

We are lucky to have this resource - thank you, Ivar!

 

[A walker]

Thank you Ivar and everyone who shared their experiences and advice on this Forum. It was invaluable as we planned and completed our Camino this past September from Sarria to Santiago. Buen Camino and here is to many more years of success and sharing.

 

[John Briscoe]

Wow! This Forum has out lasted many similar forums in the past 12 years since I joined in November 2004. [I think I was the 6th member to join]

'Santiagobis' (once the most popular an busiest forums on the Internet) started in 2000 is now all but dormant. One of the owners of Santiagobis, was an early member of Ivar's Forum, posting under the name 'DeCarrion'.

Santiago-compostela.net forum was started by Piers Nicholson in 2002. His old website included a link to 'Sylvia's Top-Tips' which 10 years later had so many pages of tips that it evolved into a 300 page planning guide!

Other forums were 'Ultreya' (a closed forum) 'St James at Yahoo' (still limping along) 'Go-Camino' (based in APOC) and of course Grant Spangler's excellent 'El Camino Santiago' web based forum.

When I joined Facebook in 2007 there were few Camino related groups but now there are groups in every language, from every continent and for every interest group.

Facebook might have replaced many of the Camino Forums with instant questions and answers but it still can't offer the 'all in one place' information that this forum provides and that, in my opinion, has been its success.

Ivar, may this forum continue to help pilgrims for many years to come.

Ivar, well done.

 

[DurhamParish]

I love this place. I feel at home.

I also avoid facebook and other current social media. Forums like this site allow for broader, yet more focused discussions, as well as staying as anonymous as you want to.

 

[james milliron]

I appreciate the Forum. It is a brief vacation from a busy life. The spirit is moving. The questions are my questions. The training gets easier. September gets closer. And again, the Pyrenees beckon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the end of the American West decked out in sagebrush.

 

[movinmaggie]

I appreciate the Forum. It is a brief vacation from a busy life. The spirit is moving. The questions are my questions. The training gets easier. September gets closer. And again, the Pyrenees beckon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the end of the American West decked out in sagebrush.

Wonferful post! back at you

 

[james milliron]

You are kind. Thank you!

 

[ncdcamino]

I'm always the 'odd ball' because I've never used Facebook and don't plan to, but I've always felt at home on this forum.

As a 78 year old that completed the Camino Frances last year - no facebook, twitter or instagram but I really enjoy reading this forum.
We are getting ready to go from Le Puy to St Jean in 2018.
Neil