Just wanted to share a little history, but not factual, more conceptual:
The board was Dave's idea to create a "neighborhood watering hole" for anglers across the great expanse of the internet. At the "bar" they could discuss fly fishing topics.
You can see this in the opening sentence of the site policy:
"This website is here to help foster a shared interest in expanding our knowledge, experience and most importantly our enjoyment for fly fishing in Pennsylvania. Humor, ideas, debate, and opinions are encouraged."
When the first Jams began, it was clear that the nightly firering was an expanded and also more interesting correlate to the forum itself. In turn, the forum became more like the firering because the core of the posters had at least met eachother once or were a mere degree of separation from that by knowing other posters who had met you and vice versa.
At my club, there are some folks who like to encourage the jukebox to play some country tune called "I love this bar." Those that attend regularly, whether they like the song or not, generally agree with the sentiment. The same may be said of the PAFF community. While there are a few detractors among that post, most people enjoy the social interactions with others that share their bizzarre interest in FFing.
This site can be very useful and entertaining in its own right, but the gatherings we have had and the friendships I have formed with anglers all over PA (and beyond) have enhanced my enjoyment of the site immensely.
