I was a member (class of 98) of FR's inner core. I know them all. Helped man the FR Traveling booth at many events all over the place. Consider Jim and his family to be friends until he let idiots like "Californian" and "Elsie" run wild spewing religious bigotry 24/7/365. I talked to Jim about it, begged him to stop it in fact and he flat out refused so I just left. No opus, just left and took my money with me. Got banned years later when I publically told Jim exactly what I thought he had allowed himself and his forum to become. Missed what I had long consider to be my home for a long time but I'm over it now and never go there for any reason these days. Haven't spoken to Jim or any of the others since I got banned and have no reason to change that.
@Quix
You and I have had a couple of conversations about our Class of '98,
@Bigun. You did have a bright blaze of glory on the way out...lol.
I'd met Jim and Sheila a few times, Chris was usually there, as chauffeur. We had a couple lunches when he was in Phoenix. I liked him personally, but I could see the forum going to places that weren't good, echo-chamber wise.
I did learn a lot about being a Moderator, primarily through their bad examples. It's why I have the philosophy that I do, and it's a pleasure working with a like-minded Boss Lady like
@mystery-ak. We think a lot alike about what we think a good discussion forum should be, which combined with my tech knowledge is why she promoted me to Administrator.
I think TBR is a great place to be. And being friends with so many people is nice.