If you guys will remember, we had a bunch of lists: JimmyD's Renegade list- Jimmy made this list up to celebrate the wack-o's on the list- and anyone could be on it if they were short of perfect
The IOFF 'International Order of Fanatic Flyfishers'- This list was for anyone who loved flyfishing and flytying- anyone. Still is open. Still have 'Ye Rooles' for anyone who joins. The Charter Members of the IOFF- I think it was for the first 30, then 40, then 50 who signed up, and we would have made it 60 or 70 or 80... The Board Members of the IOFF- all voted in by VFB'ers, and of course all tongue-in-cheek. I've been on the list almost from day one, and I like the format. And I'll probably get flamed and moved up on the renegade list, but when we've had discussions over the years about list 'improvements' or list silence, the most vocal complainers are the most silent lurkers. How can anyone who just lurks feel like they've been left out??? THere's not one person on this list that has to lurk. Period. Anyone with any level of expertise can do a little research about flies and fishing on the net, find something interesting, and post the url and make a comment or ask a question. Anyone. Find a picture of a baitfish, or an insect- post it and ask for advice on how to imitate it. Easy enough. Tell a fish story, post a fishing trip review. Read a magazine article- post a review. Yeah, it's called effort. I've been really busy with work, but I am always on line and always see all posts, so I like this format. If you guys don't like the alter-ego antics, I'll be happy to quit. It's no fun if it's not appreciated, for sure. It was only to spice up the comments with a little diversity and humor. Had a few others on board with their own alters, and Murph was right in there. I still miss him. We had lots of comments on Whiting hackles and hackle co-op swaps. What's happened there? THe co-op is still listed on the VFB. I'm still demonstrating the rope-dub at shows, and many times to tiers who think they know how to do it. I've added many variables to the technique, and have enough to fill about 5 cd's with instructions. Those who have mastered it have made it their only style of dubbing. And if you're still bored with the list, host a swap or two. Make it for 30 tiers. That'll keep you busy for a little. This list is only what we make of it, and it takes effort, not lurking. DonO
