Hi Future Boy and Surfguitar 101 friends,
I have found this discussion thread provocative and worrying. So much so I feel compelled to share my 10 (Aussie) cents (which converts to 6 US cents!).
I support your solution focused approach. Overall, to my thinking, SurfGuitar101.com is a vibrant and active online community for surf music enthusiasts and a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this unique and exciting genre.

I know that I have got a lot from SurfGuitar101.com features and I think of all of these as strengths that could be leveraged. Already existing are the discussion forum where members can post and discuss topics related to surf music, including gear, music theory, and performance tips. The site also hosts a wiki with a comprehensive list of surf bands, albums, and songs, as well as a database of guitar gear and equipment. Social media may not be the best option to house this wonderful resource. I applaud Brian for all his design insight back in the day to create this and appreciate his contribution to my own personal growth as a musician.

In addition to the forum and wiki, SurfGuitar101.com also features the options for a radio station that plays a variety of surf music, as well as a podcast that features interviews with surf musicians and discussions on various aspects of the genre. Could these be revived?

As a recent member of the surf music community, I can say that what I want out of SurfGuitar101.com is a vibrant and active community where we can come together to discuss all things related to surf music, share resources, and connect with other fans and musicians. We want a place where we can learn, grow, and be inspired by the music and the people who create it. I understand the current risks and challenges include surf music is a niche market, competition from other online communities and social media platforms is a reality, and technical issues are impacting the site's functionality.

To help support the site, we could contribute financially through donations of course, though that may not always be an option for some of us; or purchasing merchandise (though for others it could be a real option.... Volunteering our time and expertise to help with web development, content creation, or other tasks that might help the site run smoothly are realistic for many of us.

One way we can take some of the burdens off of Brian, the site's founder and administrator, (who, btw deserves more credit) is by contributing more content and helping to moderate the forums and wiki. Maybe the simplest thing some of us who are active on social media could do is to help spread the word about the site to bring in more traffic and new members.

Other offshoots of the site that might bring more traffic could include social media channels, such as a Facebook group or Instagram account that, or a YouTube channel featuring interviews, performances, and other content related to surf music.

As for the forum platform, it's important to ensure that any updates or changes to the site are done carefully to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to the community. But I sense that Brian is telegraphing big changes are going to come if we do not as a community step up. Sure, we can look to other forums and online communities for inspiration and ideas, but ultimately it will be up to the community to decide what works best for us. What do we want?- to lose this resource in favour of a fragmented social media approach or to upgrade to something that is sustainable moving into the future? I believe that if we fragment now we will lose something that we all value.

Of course there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what could work best for a forum platform as it largely depends on the needs and preferences of the community. However, some factors to consider when choosing a forum platform include:
• ease of use,
• customization options,
• moderation tools,
• security features, and
• compatibility with mobile devices.
• cost

I understand it's important to consider the community's preferences in terms of the features and layout of the forum. For example, some members may prefer a traditional forum layout with discussion threads and sub-forums, while others may prefer a more modern, social media-style layout with status updates and likes. Having said that, I suspect folks may be open to changes in the visual layout if it means, again, keeping this important site moving into the future. Let’s not be old men/women shouting at clouds!

Ultimately, the best forum platform for SurfGuitar101.com will be one that meets the needs and preferences of the community while maintaining the site's unique identity and culture. It may be helpful to now be deliberate in how feedback from members is gathered and conduct surveys or polls to help determine what platform and features would work best. I am sure there are some good brains here among us!

As we continue to consider the challenges with our website, I want to remind everyone of the power of our community. We have come together over a shared passion for surf music and created something truly special. But we cannot let our site fall into disrepair or disappear completely.

Best wishes to all,
Patrick Kincaid
(Kincaid and The Memetics)

Yes we want to attract young people, but we want to attract the right young people, correct? We don't want people who just hit like buttons and move onto another post. We want younger people who are actually interested in the community, and discussing it. In a sense, like buttons are what has brought us to the state, so why add that function here? I fucking hate light buttons. Just another reason to be lazy and not contribute.

Daniel Deathtide

Last edited: Apr 14, 2023 12:13:45

I love this community. I love the simplicity and the history on here. I have learned so much from old threads. I would love to help share the burden of time in any way possible.

Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/TheOutpost/
https://www.instagram.com/theoutpostmusic/
Music
https://theoutpostmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/theoutpostmusic/
Merch
https://the-outpost-7.creator-spring.com/

DeathTide wrote:

We want younger people who are actually interested in the community, and discussing it. In a sense, like buttons or what has brought us to the state, so why add that function here? I fucking hate light buttons. Just another reason to be lazy and not contribute.

Not a fan of like buttons either, just wanted to show the poster who thought it was complicated to implement them that they are not at all complicated to implement.

And as for young ppl, yes - hence my idea to have the site function as a library or archive. An active one to which contributions can be made. My main point was that in order to keep the genre alive and rise about the adage "music by old men for old men", which is needed, the site should offer in-depth information about what have you. But the interest frankly is more likely to be generated on other sites that youngsters frequent. In other words: if their interest in the genre truly is created they will at one point learn of this site as a point of background information, tutorials and whatever. But that interest nowadays will be most likely created on sites like facebook or instagram or whatever it is they are looking at. It's a balancing game - see, I don't like facebook that much either, but I do use it to promote my albums and videos because it simply is the easiest way to show things to a wider public, including those who hadn't thought about instrumental surf or other instros prior. You simply have a better chance of them catching your material there than you have here.

Albums:
"Introducing..." (8 September 2021), "Impala '59" (17 July 2022), "De Favorieten Expres!" (22 November 2022 - charity album)
EP's:
Mr. Magnatech is not afraid of you! (2020), Surfin' the Tolka! (2021), An Evening With Magnatech (2023)
7":
Lana Del Rey/Do You Believe In Surf? (2020), Bundoran/Sweet Surfin' Sabine (2021), Cymopoleia/ Surfin' Demon Twist (2021), Dr Mabuse/Zombie Love Theme (2022)
Compilers:
Surfin' Kitty Xmas Vol. 2 (2021), Surfin' Kitty Xmas Vol. 3 (2022)
Sea Sea Rider (2022)
Surfin' Britannica vol 3 (2022)
Triple Agent IV compilation (2023)
Continental Magazine compiler (2023)
_An Evening With Magnatech (June 2023)"Herr Magnatech Bittet Zum Tanz" (October2023)
7" "Do the Swine"/"Suvla Bay" (December 2023)
_Surfin' Kitty vol 4 (compiler)

https://magnatech.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/magnatechmusic
https://www.magnatech-music.com
https://sharawaji.bandcamp.com
https://sharawaji.com

DaveMudgett wrote:

IMO, there is no point in trying to compete with facebook tik-tok, twitter, instagram, and the like. But nor can they compete with forums like this one. I believe that, no matter how many changes are made on old-school forums, they will never have the mainstream reach of the Big 4. And I am pretty confident that the Big 4 will never be a viable replacement for forums like this and the Steel Guitar Forum.

agree 100% - social media doesn't offer the permanence and connected sense of community a forum like SG101 has. I've been a forum participant for a couple of decades if not more (though only here for a short time) and social media definitely doesn't offer the same experience.

Frankly, I prefer it here & other places like this. Social media has its place, but from an experience standpoint, it comes 2nd place in my book.

--
Project: MAYHEM by Hypersonic Secret now available!

I haven't been on here forever but when I came on in 2013 or so it was a very lively place. The place was filled with the movers and shakers in surf performance and music releases. There used to be some very lively discussion and banter. Jake, Ivan. Lorenzo and whole bunch of others talking gigs, gear, along with friendly jabs here and there. This is what I miss.
Once again. I go back to Covid and the decimating effects it had on live shows and the way we entertained ourselves and the oversaturation placed on social media during shutdown. There is nothing wrong with the site. It is people. we can put a little more effort to support those that are creating new surf and out there performing surf. People that are trying to contribute to the culture should be noticed and supported in some way. I've been guilty in the past on not responding to a new recording.
I recently released a 71/2 minute song that I poured years into writing and worked my ass off to record then posted on SG101 and heard mostly crickets. Did it upset me? No, it's a very complex song and we are in the post Covid era. People have changed and the song is a bit different. One thing to help the site is support the people making new music.
https://themetabolites.bandcamp.com/track/climate-of-catastrophe

The Kahuna Kings

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kahuna-Kings/459752090818447

https://thekahunakings.bandcamp.com/releases

Last edited: Apr 14, 2023 16:56:57

UPDATED ( because part of the original post didn’t post.)
Well I know I’m not around much anymore. I’m 73 and I have seen the elephant. So to speak.
I’ve met many members here at the conventions, surfing Sunday shows, and get togethers, and some Stars of the first go round of surf music.

I’ve always loved this site. It was always my first go to, when I opened the computer. But over time I have, like others before me, just drifted away. Mostly because the music style has changed beyond my enjoyment. Although there has still been some very nice stuff posted in the past few years.
Plus I’m not playing as often as I did 30 or so years ago. And like Danny (I think it was Danny) said. A NGD post just doesn’t excite me much any more.
Anyway, a famous musician, not surf, once said in an interview, Surf is Dead. These days it seems on its last legs. I know many of the posters of the past have aged , just like me. A lot of us have drifted down the swell.
So maybe,
Jimmy H. was right.

And it’s time to archive this wonder wonder resource of materials from days gone by.

Joel

Last edited: Apr 16, 2023 22:48:07

Joelman wrote:

Anyway, a famous musician, not surf, once said in an interview, Surf is Dead.

They've been saying "print is dead" for decades, but I still get a newspaper in my driveway every morning and several magazines in my mailbox every month.

Nothing in our culture is truly dead as long as there are those who adore it. I mean, seriously, vinyl is selling better than ever these days - outselling CDs, though of course both pale next to digital-only sales - and I can remember when the vanguards of the music industry said "vinyl is dead."

--
Project: MAYHEM by Hypersonic Secret now available!

I am a newbie to SG101 and just trying to fit in with a few posts.
I have asked advice and received plenty, much appreciated.
I would have never considered buying a Surfybear until I read reviews and experience here.
I may never have considered buying a Jaguar until I read a lot here.

I enjoy modifying guitars and sharing my experience here.

SG101 just by its namesake suggests a resource for where one can begin to learn 'how-tos' for the genre.

I am not new to surf guitar.
Born in 61' and grooved to the beat in my youth.
Playing guitar for 45 years.

I appreciate everything that is offered by many here on SG101.

It saddens me to hear replies from members whom are tired of hearing the same repeated posts of "what's the best surf guitar"..or amp..but I do understand your point.
If the expectations of more elite experinced members is to only discuss the more complex topics of surf music, then IMO , those individuals need to learn how to be more accepting and tolerant of the newbie basic inquiries.
That is, if "SG101" is to survive.

I applaud Brian the site owner for providing a discussion group that does not rely on advertising to sustain.
In this internet world that is almost unheard of.

I also applaud the total lack of political trash, another unheard of topic in chat rooms.

Facebook is a total joke.
I manage an international FB group over 1500 members. It's private.
I review membership requests before any approval.
I ban members as soon as a rule is broken, like an advertising post, or a personal hate post. It's difficult to manage, especially when considering international communities.
(Iceboard Windsurfing)..yup its 'surfing"
And to state I don't trust privacy of FB is an understatement.

I hope that SG101 stays just like it is.
I will gladly contribute donations.

Thanks for reading.
Jeff

Last edited: Apr 17, 2023 09:20:47

synchro wrote:

One last thought. Samurai was able to start a new life in a new place when his nation was invaded, in great part, because of this forum. What an amazing thing! Put a dollar value on that; it can’t be done.

Yes, for me this forum is much more than just a community around music and I think I am not alone here.
Some 10 years ago forum members helped me to get out of depression and to go on with my surf band when my first wife died from cancer, this topic is still there and I even reread it sometimes.
The story of the last year you all know.

Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine

New Single is out!

https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single

Waikiki Makaki

https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki

Lost Diver

https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin

Last edited: Apr 17, 2023 12:38:25