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Post by trickytree on Sept 13, 2011 4:13:38 GMT
Just thought I would put up a post for Charlie to read regarding how important this site has become to me since I joined. Theres been a bit of tension in some posts just lately and having read Charlies response in 'Moved: IN MY DEFENCE!!!!' I'm a bit worried. I joined in Dec 09 and purchased Charlies eftp patches for my zoom g2 the following month and have visited the site mostly everyday since. I'm just a novice living room player but have gleaned so much useful information from this site and all of its wonderful members. It all started for me when I came across the clip on youtube of Hank demonstrating his echo and mentioning that a fan in the uk had created what I came to know as EFTP on a Quadraverb. I did some searching and came across his site 'Charlie Hall & Friends' and since then I've spent hours reading the wonderful posts from members not to mention listening to the sound files. Sorry for rambling but I just wanted to show how important Charlie is to us all and how important all your posts are on this fabulous website....long may it continue! Ian
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Post by igbi on Sept 13, 2011 4:44:45 GMT
Hello everyone...
Amen Ian....
Im a menber from august 2011. Ive heard that there is an eftp pacth about a month ago from my guitar teacher. He even gave me the name "charlie hall and friends'he said. I have the eftp patch for my g2nu and it sounds great. Now im almost everyday on this forum...reading and listening.
So thanks to charlie and all friends and lets hope we can do this for a long time.
Greetings igbi
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Post by noelford on Sept 13, 2011 6:26:51 GMT
Charlie, I too am dismayed at this news but, reading between the lines over the last month or so, not surprised. No doubt the recent problem on the forum has reinforced your desire to 'retire' though, I suspect that desire has deeper roots.
Charlie Hall & Friends has become a huge resource to its members and has no equal on the Internet. It would be a massive loss should it and it's archives disappear from the web. Unfortunately, I know of no way such an archive could be kept alive and accessible to members if the forum itself was discontinued.
I know, from personal experience, what it is like when something becomes such a burden that the will to keep going disappears in a flash and nothing will persuade you to change your mind. Like many of the members here I sincerely hope that this is not the case, but I accept that it is a strong possibility. If that is truly the case, would it be possible to offload the day-to-day running of the forum, whilst retaining the role of Chief Executive? I'm sure there are plenty of willing hands who would be prepared to help out in this way. I have no idea what it costs run this forum but, again, I'm sure many of us would be happy to pitch in to keep it alive.
Whatever the future holds, I hope things go well for you, Charlie. Whether that future includes the continuation of this invaluable forum is entirely your decision and one I absolutely respect. But, like everyone else here, I hope it does.
With very best wishes and thanks.
Noel
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Post by abstamaria on Sept 13, 2011 6:52:06 GMT
Dear Charlie,
I am sorry to hear that. I hope it is not a fait accompli and that you will again find the enthusiasm to maintain this wonderful forum. I have learned much from the very constructive discussions here. I appreciate the advice freely given many of the members and by you especially. Thank you.
Stay on, Charlie.
Andy
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Post by bor64 on Sept 13, 2011 7:12:08 GMT
Charlie,
A peaceful surrounding is one of the reasons I'm a member on this nice site. Some other sites are ruled by the schoolyard cronies system....argo and ego rules more then genuine knowledge.... That's why i rarely comment in threads,and just keep reading... I don't feel the urge to comment on every single thread and subject,just because of.
Charlie, please keep this site as it is, don't let a few rune it for many...keep up the excellent work! As i wrote on a other thread, you have my full support
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Post by godzilla on Sept 13, 2011 7:54:34 GMT
Charlie
I totally disagree that you are not able to run this site properly - quite the reverse. No other site I know is anywhere near as well run as this one. In any human enterprise, especially where the written word is involved, there are going to be occasional misunderstandings and disagreementst - just like in a family. The key is how well such occasions are dealt with - and boy do you do it well!
I can understand your frustration with recent events, but the overwhelming majority of the members will, I'm sure, offer their support and I for one beg you to reconsider giving up completely. Running this site must take up a massive amount of your valuable time - especially as you conscientiously respond to nearly every thread, so I can see that it would be heartbreaking if you thought it was not appreciated. Let's hope that the recent events were a temporary blip and that people will now return to the normal friendly banter and massively helpful information.
Please don't abandon us Charlie.
Regards
Keith
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shadmad
Member
Ready when you are Grandad!
Posts: 326
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Post by shadmad on Sept 13, 2011 8:06:08 GMT
To Charlie, I too am dismayed at reading of your letter. As many members,like me, who have joined this,joined because of the friendliness and genuine help given by all.
To Members, I first had dealings with Charlie a few years ago because of a problem(self inflicted)on a RFX 2000 unit,He helped me solve the problem over the phone in an understanding and friendly manner. When I met him at the "gettogether"I found Charlie to be a very unassuming and amiable GENTLEMAN.Since the he has helped me yet again,on both occasions,despite being very busy, Charlie was under no obligation to do so.To loose such a genuine person of such character,from a site HE started,would no doubt destroy it and possibly turn it into another site that is similar to others. PLEASE members, support Charlie and the administraters for the work they do and trust there judgment.
To Charlie, I appreciate the way you must be feeling,and although I cannot comment for other members,I would support whatever decision you have to make and wish you well. My Very Best Wishes, Garry.
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Post by normg on Sept 13, 2011 8:12:49 GMT
Hi guys, i am just an amateur guitarist playing at home for my enjoyment. I visit this site perhaps twice a day just to see what i can gain from the experience of others. Hey a couple of well respected members may have had a disagreement over the interperatation of what was said or not said but lets shake hands, forget about it and get on with what Charlie and this site is all about, friendship, discussion and our love for music. Hang in there Charlie i'm sure all members think like i do.
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Post by asimmd on Sept 13, 2011 8:34:55 GMT
Hi Charlie
This site practically runs itself,and I don't know how it came about that you think you have to answer every post yourself,you don't. This only puts you under more pressure,which you don't need.
Leave it to the Mods to regulate the site,and only chip in if something happens that they can't handle. Delegation is a wonderful thing Charlie,and with respect I think it is something you should get used to doing,you really need to start trusting the people around you instead of thinking you have to bear the weight of it all yourself.
Time to test the water Charlie and see if we really can cope without your considerable input. As has been said before,if any help is needed,just ask.
I wish you the best whatever you decide,but I would ask that you don't throw it all away,you have come too far to do that.
Alan
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Post by rosemary on Sept 13, 2011 8:38:05 GMT
Thanks Ian for starting this thread. I read that news earlier today (Australian time) and felt too stunned to start a thread myself but sent a message to Charlie expressing the same sentiments as in the posts above.
Running a fantastic board like Charlie's would take an enormous amount of time, effort and cost too and I think most of all we need to be concerned about Charlie's feelings at the moment. However I agree with Noel's question above "If that is truly the case, would it be possible to offload the day-to-day running of the forum, whilst retaining the role of Chief Executive?"
If we can give Charlie some breathing space and take away some of the pressure maybe this would work. I think most of all we would need to ensure the goodwill of this board is maintained without the need for Charlie to step in.
Once again, I am very grateful to Charlie and the members for all the help I have received here.
Best wishes Rosemary
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Post by twang46 on Sept 13, 2011 8:44:00 GMT
Charlie, I too am dismayed at this news but, reading between the lines over the last month or so, not surprised. No doubt the recent problem on the forum has reinforced your desire to 'retire' though, I suspect that desire has deeper roots. Charlie Hall & Friends has become a huge resource to its members and has no equal on the Internet. It would be a massive loss should it and it's archives disappear from the web. Unfortunately, I know of no way such an archive could be kept alive and accessible to members if the forum itself was discontinued. I know, from personal experience, what it is like when something becomes such a burden that the will to keep going disappears in a flash and nothing will persuade you to change your mind. Like many of the members here I sincerely hope that this is not the case, but I accept that it is a strong possibility. If that is truly the case, would it be possible to offload the day-to-day running of the forum, whilst retaining the role of Chief Executive? I'm sure there are plenty of willing hands who would be prepared to help out in this way. I have no idea what it costs run this forum but, again, I'm sure many of us would be happy to pitch in to keep it alive. Whatever the future holds, I hope things go well for you, Charlie. Whether that future includes the continuation of this invaluable forum is entirely your decision and one I absolutely respect. But, like everyone else here, I hope it does. With very best wishes and thanks. Noel Well said Noel !! I would also like to offer my help as well in any way that I can, it's a great site & I would dearly like to see it continue Take a break if you can Charlie....you have a good admin team in place already that will keep things going while you look at the way you want this site to go. Best regards Dick
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Post by grip on Sept 13, 2011 9:05:44 GMT
Hi Charlie, Quoted from another thread: To everyone else, I also apologize for not being able to run this site properly any more. It is becoming too much for me. I suggest measures are taken to start archiving anything useful here. Regards, Charlie I'm saddened to see the way you feel things are panning out on the site, this is the best site that I have ever been on by a long way. It's friendly, members are so willing to help each other, a wealth of knowledge exists here (mostly your input) and some wonderful soundfiles have been posted. I've enjoyed seeing the progress of members as they glean from the vast technical and playing knowledge you and other members have and shared with us. You even share your knowledge and allow advertising by members that could be considered your direct competitors - where else in the world would that happen? Above all, there has been great respect between members and staff on the board - something that I haven't seen to this extent anywhere - and it's all because of your running the site PROPERLY and YOUR WAY Charlie. I can appreciate why you are feeling the pressure, whilst trying to develop a new product with someone who lives thousands of miles away (which I'm sure demands a great deal of your time) and run your business, you still have (until your recent PC problems) managed to comment on every soundfile, and join in every technical discussion - anyone else would have thrown the towel in long ago. Whilst I tend to agree with Alan's comments regarding delegation, I somehow don't think it's in your nature to be able to take a back seat - but if you did I'm sure you would start to enjoy the site again. Like others, I respect whatever decision you make and thank you for the many, many hours of enjoyment this site has given me. Kind regards, Chris
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2011 9:28:57 GMT
My view on this : Lets keep the site going as it is with front line management (administrators Joeboy, Bill and newly elected) and Charlie Hall as a consultant. Just to answer the technical stuff. Things only he could answer with experience expertise and authority. Charlie has done his bit and us proud. No question about it. George.
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colljaw
Member
The Controller
Posts: 426
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Post by colljaw on Sept 13, 2011 9:32:10 GMT
Hi Charlie, unfortunately, this situation is due to the growth of membership and their personalities. I respect and agree with your decision to take a back seat from now on. I always wondered how you managed to cope with replying to all posts and find time for your own work. It looks like there are some here who dispute your decisions that are always fair, and I can understand how you must be feeling in reading some recent comments. I feel for you, so get on with developing the new CH Echo and let others run the site, you have done enough in getting it where it is now!
You have done many things for me over the last two and a half years and I have had the pleasure of playing with EFTP through various units. I thank you sincerely for all that! I have also had lots of help and advice from nice members.
"Why do some spoil it for all"?
regards, jim.
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Post by neil2726 on Sept 13, 2011 9:50:08 GMT
As we all know with the "other " Shads site, there are always a few who like to stir things up, start arguments etc. Seems they "get off" on this sort of thing. However if no one replies - which is the objective of their comments - they will soon depart to pastures new and leave the rest of us in peace. Please think again Charlie.
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Post by John Haldane on Sept 13, 2011 11:38:41 GMT
Hi I joined in 2008, and have learned more since joining this site than when I took up playing again 15yrs ago, I know Charlie has a lot on is plate with the new Echo unit, running this site and his other commitments, but I hope this site can be kept going. Regards John H
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Post by ubique on Sept 13, 2011 11:56:09 GMT
Hi Charlie I totally concur with all the comments posted so far. This forum is really special, mainly due to your hard work and dedication, but also due to the personal qualities of the majority of helpful friendly members, who really value and appreciate what you provide and don't abuse it. You must do what is best foryou and if that means taking a back seat for a while then we'll fully support you whatever you decide. In the meantime, many many thanks for all the help and support you have provided. Kindest regards Neil
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Post by fenderbullits on Sept 13, 2011 12:43:07 GMT
Hi All
I would just like to echo many of the points raised in this thread.I joined this forum after I received an e-mail from Charlie inviting me to join,I don't make many post but I come on line almost daily to catch up with the many varied threads some are of interest and some are not but none the less they are interesting to read and very often informative I have learned much to do with guitars,effects and amps from this site and have been glad of the comments and helpful suggestions I have received when I have had equipment problems.I have though noticed that of late some member use this site to push home their point of view in a sometimes rude and pushy manner or use it to air grievances.This site was set up for like minded people to share knowledge and experience and help each other and I have to say that some people seem to have forgotten that.I hope that Charlie continues on this site and is not chased away by the few. I know I speak for everyone when I say that Charlie has been invaluable to us all before and since this site was set up.There rant over,Charlie keep up the good work which ever way you want to run the site is OK with me.
kind regards to all
Martin
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2011 13:04:11 GMT
HI CHARLIE I am very saddened by you apology -post as to the running of this your site , You instead should take a'' Bow'' for all those late hours you have put-in over all these years developing this site Congratulations are certainly in order .. I am not aware of the problems that have arisen & do not care to know ,but obviously they have given you much GRIEF & this hurts me as well as all the Genuine freindly members as can be seen by the comments above .. I have as you know been a member since the very beginning in the MSN days your personal help to me has been more than I could have expected ,with many many private emails giving me your advice etc.. I have said many times that I do not know how you ever were able to cope with all the comments you contrubute , I for one would not be able to cope at all ..A mamoth Task .. I- WE are not privy to your personal issues whether these are health issues & or other & its none of our business & respect your privacy & your decisions .. I feel as many above have said A Break in your over worked comments to all the posts you answer in your very honest & fair way,,, is in order to let you maybe REVIVE , & catch-up on your personal & business requirements ,A holiday from the site as it were ??.. just a brief message now & then to let us know you are OK .. CHARLIE you should never-never have to apologise to anybody reguarding your running of this Great site you have developed .. Please Take Care mate & do whats better for you personally ,but we do not want to lose you .. My best ''AUSSIE'' -REGUARD's to you Charlie ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Barry..
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Post by BarryH on Sept 13, 2011 13:21:21 GMT
Having been with Charlie Hall through many different sites and boards right up to the current one, I have no idea whatsoever he has to apologise TO ANYONE for. It's his name on the top of the page and, for me he does an excellent job in managing it the way he does.
He's the man who has put in all the long hours and hard work getting the site where it is now, we shouldn't forget that.
Over the years, Charlie has been so helpful to so many people in freely passing on his help, advice and vast knowledge, Charlie Hall is the site. The main problem has been the popularity and growth of the site, this bringing with it the people who do not appreciate all that Charlie has done for them.
As Barry says above, all that Charlie should be doing right now is taking a very big bow, saying look at what I've created. What a shame to see such a great and once extremely friendly site turn out the way it seems to be going.
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Post by rogercook on Sept 13, 2011 13:43:32 GMT
It's hard to add anything to what has already been said. The forum is a wonderful place to exchange information and ideas and I'm sure everyone has benefited from Charlie's help. There will always be differing opinions and points of view, that's human nature. It's very sad when something we do because we enjoy it (and surely that IS why we're here, isn't it?) spills over into the sort of bitterness and acrimony we're now seeing. Charlie has no need to apologise for running his site the way he thinks best.
I will be sad if the forum goes but I support Charlie in whatever decision he makes
Roger
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Post by tonybiker on Sept 13, 2011 14:40:30 GMT
Well done for starting this new thread Ian.
For those of us that were about when the MSN Community sites were the place to be, will have memories of some of the antics that took place, and that was when the memberships were much smaller. Some sites when they moved from MSN also took with them the same problems, I do not feel this site did that, and that is why it has been the success it has been and I am sure we can accept that Charlie being the sole decision maker has been the main reason for that success.
Charlie took a decision to form this site for his EFTP Business. We should not loose site of this fact. And with it came membership. This membership should always be looked at as a privilege not a right.
The membership is over 4 times bigger than the old MSN site, and with the nature of the beast we call forums, disagreements and fall outs do and will always occur, and the more members the site has the more problems the site may encounter.
This site has over 2000 members, and given what issues have occurred, they are small compared to other sites with far less members.
Charlie has always taken great pride in the fact he was able to read all posts and reply as required. That is a staggering commitment given he has a family and a Business to run. I now feel the problem is that Charlie is unable to continue giving that full 100% because of the three reasons I have noted.
Charlie has strong values, and I feel that by not being able to give that full 100% he may well feel he is letting us all down. I can say with certainty that we are unanimous in the belief that is not the case in our eyes.
I now feel we all have a duty of care, and what i mean by that is that each and everyone of us has taken a part of Charlie in one form or another, if that is advice from messages or phone calls or whatever, so Charlie in his own way felt a duty of care towards us all, it is clear that we should all now take responsibility and do likewise.
I am sure Charlie will appreciate all the sentiments being expressed on this thread, but we all need to do a bit more by suggesting alternative arrangements for the site and then excepting Charlie's decision without question, whatever that decision will be.
As a way forward, I can only see three alternatives because we have to accept that Charlie is saying he can not cope with the site in it's current format. I consider these to be.
1. The site is archived, which is possible by locking all threads and stopping any further posts.
2. To have a strong Admin Team but with Charlie as it's figure head, who can then contribute as and when he feels but at the same time retains full control. It is Charlie's site and it should always be his site and Charlie at any stage is then able to reintroduce himself in whatever working capacity he see's fit.
This 3rd alternative is one that does deserve to be at the bottom of the list, and that is for the site to be handed over to an Admin Team. I have little doubt that if this was the case, the site would disintegrate within months and we would see a mass exodus of members.
It is a difficult time for Charlie and he has to make a difficult decision, and all of use without exception should stand side by side and accept Charlie's decision, whatever that decision is and whenever the decision is taken.
We all need to draw a line now with the more recent issues that have taken place. We can't undue history but we can learn from it and not repeat it.
For the moment the site is up and running, so lets us try and continue like we have and keep it a safe and enjoyable place to be, give Charlie some breathing space and support his current Admin Team.
Tony
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Post by betowelch on Sept 13, 2011 15:28:35 GMT
Hi Charlie and all:
I'm an old member since the first day of this site when we all migrated from the old MSN site days...And the difference of this site from the another Shads similar sites is the Charlie himself and the key of the great success of more than 2000 members.
For all these years that I had treat with him and with a lot of members, I can't let of expressing about how was great and deeper technical all the Charlie's help, checking all the posts and commenting all it in an incredible work task....
In also my opinion, this site is Charlie and he doesn't need give us his apologizes for nothing. In fact under my external point of view, it's a pity that some members could had forgotten that we stay here just for enjoying all us....
Charlie...I'm with you....whatever could be you final decision
Cheers from Brazil! Roberto
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Post by marvingers on Sept 13, 2011 16:53:52 GMT
Hi! This site is absolutly the best and Charlie will forever be my friend. It´s thanks to him I have my band The MARVINGERS. I have met Charlie once and it was great. Here is a link to the page "We met a legend" www.marvingers.se/wemetalegend_eng.htmlBest regards! Lars G. Vinger
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Post by eltrasero on Sept 13, 2011 17:15:00 GMT
Charlie, do what is best for you. Recent events have taught me that life is all too short to get caught up in other people's stooshies. Take care.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2011 17:59:18 GMT
Hi Charlie,
I fully concur with Tony's, and the the comments of all others. You are are a legend in the world of The Shadows, and your contribution in keeping the enthusiasm alive will never be forgotten. I do understand fully how you are feeling and I am happy to stand by any decision you make.
Best Wishes.
Ian.
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Post by mojolomjl on Sept 13, 2011 18:13:00 GMT
Hi Charlie, I am in total agreement with all the previous posts, and I do hope you realise what this site means to the vast majority of members. Many thanks for all your help and guidance since I joined this site.
Best regards,
Maurice.
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Post by paulnic on Sept 13, 2011 19:00:25 GMT
Hi Charlie,
I too in agreement with all that the members have said. You have been nothing more then a true gentleman to me and always answered my questions THANK YOU. and as for EFTP it's nothing short of one of the best creations I have come across (have been a Shads fan since I was 12 and to actually sound like him now is brilliant)
A big thank you to you Sir Charlie Hall whatever decision you make, and if I can do anything to help then I will.
paul
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Post by ade on Sept 13, 2011 19:38:04 GMT
Hi Charlie
I am in total agreement with the sentiment of the previous replies.
I have found this site full to the brim of wonderful people who have been so helpful, kind, providing constructive comments, guidance and encouragement.
Additionally I have always found the "atmosphere" of the site to be warm and friendly and would like to express my gratitude to you for this.
I do so hope the site with this friendly atmosphere will keep going.
Whatever you decide to do you have my support.
Regards
Ade
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Post by strat197 on Sept 13, 2011 19:48:59 GMT
What has happened ?
Ive not been on here for a good few days ..judging by the post its not good..
This site has always been a top friendly site...good helpful people, more importantly from the man himself..I couldnt imagine anything else from this site.
If Charlie has other plans and needs the time then we all need to respect this. Im sure he has us all in his thoughts and would always try and assist when he can.
We will always endeavour to support Charlie and his team.
Thanks Charlie -
Regards Tony
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