Ran,
I must admit that I had never heard of the site before it was mentioned this past summer at the Donald Ross Society meeting at Holston Hills. Your father promoted it a bit as well!
Thereafter, I bet that I have visited the site every single day. Although I have not participated in the DG very often, I do read and try to contribute in other ways, such as with the "in my opinion" section.
Many of my friends, some of which I have not spoken to in years, are starting to frequent the site as a result of a prior one-stop inquiry. They see what is offered and they are "hooked" just like myself. I now know of at least 10 gentlemen who visit the site often but do not contribute to the DG. My point is that there must be thousands who do the same.
Consequently, I think the architects are wrong for not contributing any more than they do because of their belief that they would be arguing points of interests against such a small group of inner-devotees. The site is much bigger than the Tom Pauls, Tommy Naccaratos, Pat Muccis, Mark Fines, Jeff Mingays, Tom Macwoods etc. I hate to single these few out but I'm sure that they would agree.
If the architects knew of their misconception and actually participated, it may perhaps bring alot of readers out of the woodwork. I, for instance, would love to ask Ron Pritchard a question about bunker restoration, and on a more personal note, I would love to talk to Bill Coore about Old Town Club where he played in college. Tom Doak gave Roaring Gap Club and Old Town very high grades in his Confidential Guide. I was pleased and surprised! But Why?
Thus, this site is BIG and it is still growing, but who knows what level of communication and education could be ultimately acheived if more of the experts, such as architects (Supers and Editors) participated.
Great Job, Ran!!! And Thanks!
