Just keep swimming...

[mFrame]

 

Dear Austin Reef Club members,

I hope this message finds you well and that your reefs are thriving. Many of you have noticed that I haven't been able to dedicate the time to ARC as I previously did. Changing life commitments and aging parents have occupied more and more of my time.  I've been blessed with the means to relocate to San Marcos into a home that lets my folks live with us.  You may have seen the build thread of our new house (and new tank!) and wondered about everything else.

I tried to juggle a few too many plates and finally decided that I wasn't doing the members, the club, or myself any favors by denying the obvious.  After much introspection and  discussion I have stepped down as `el Jefe Reefer` and will be passing that (or a title of his own choosing) to Timfish.

For those of you who don't know Tim, he has been a member of our community for years and is a dedicated hobbyist (Ok, obsessive might be a better word) with a wealth of knowledge about all things reef-related. He served as the club's benefactor from my first day with the club and was always there for support and advice. I have no doubt that he will lead the club with the same passion and commitment that I have.

It wouldn't be fair to bow out without thanking all of you for your participation in the club over the years. Between our meetings, events and field trips, I'd like to think that we helped some people to learn and enjoy our hobby a little along more the way.  While I wore the leader hat most recently, I was really just a figurehead for all of the energy and advice that you and our staff bring to the club.  Specifically I'd like to say thanks to those who gave their time and energy along the way.  Thanks to Andrew Campbell especially for starting this all.  I'm sure I'll forget someone, but I'll begin with our moderators who performed a thankless job admirably, so major props to Rob, James, Mark, Mitch, Ian, Ty, and Jim.  Dave and Robin did more than anyone will ever know to host meetings and staff events, supplying food and smiles (and photos!).  Christy was always our go-to volunteer.  Brian Srock not only wore multiple staff hats but took fantastic pics along the way. Kim also hosted many meetings and was always there to help (as well as being mother to the first official ARC baby!) Dan and Meg did too much to call out specifics. Isaac served as tech expert and moderator as well as being a good buddy.

(I reserve this space to edit in the most important person(s) that I forgot to mention, ***  *****. It's only because I took you so much for granted!)

Our LSF sponsors have also been incredible and supportive.  Thanks to Gary, Teri and Hunter at the Aquadome and to Jake and his crew at River City Aquatics (RCA).

While social media has definitely impacted traffic, our google searches and hits on discussion threads and topics continue to show that we have info that people are looking for.  We've begun to see an uptick in participation and discussion again, which I'm sure can grow with the proper nurturing. All things go in cycles, right?

I'll still be around in the forums and in Austin when I find the time to make it up to the fish stores, but from here out Tim will be the one calling the shots (and hopefully not causing any major catastrophes).

So once again please accept my heartfelt thanks.  I'm not gone, just fading back into the woodwork.  

With that said, please join me in welcoming Tim as the new leader of the Austin Reef Club. And remember, Keep Calm and Reef On!

Best regards,

Mike Frame

 

** Obligatory latest tank pics attached

[Timfish]

Mike, you should be proud of what you accomplished.  One of the things that stands out for me was the high participation rate compared to the bigger forums.  This was especially apparent when the various social media platforms started impacting the forums and ARC kept a higher participation rate and posting rate.  I'm grateful for your friendship, thankful for the opportunity to build such a cool tank for you (been thinking about that design for a couple decades) and honored you chose me to take the reins!  (But don't call me if you ever decide to move that tank!)