Yes, the giggle factor, quite right
, big part.
I came here when I was looking for a tiling course to make sure my mosaics will last, and found NETT, bonus!. Snooped about as a guest first and then signed up, and to be honest, I was struck, and still am really impressed, with Dave's obvious dedication and consistency of reply, and the relief people seemed to feel when he was there to help. And Dave's work was obviously good, so I put his own work and the time he spent on here together and thought, this guy would not be happy with wasting his time, so there must be something to this place. Then I got to know the other experienced people on here, the trusted advisors especially, and my respect for everyone's dedication to tiling as a passion and in turn for the forum, grew.
Also through the forum I got to know about different networking avenues, got help re my website from Dan, some friends on here even turned into customers and some of the people on here I do consider real friends now, some of whom I have met in person, with others it's just a matter of time. I have made unexpected friendships and got help in so many ways. I have learned so much, there are so many mosaic artists internationally I am in touch with who turn out beautiful artistic work that doesn't last for their lack of technical knowledge, it's such a shame and it's so good to be educated and to keep learning. Also the mods to a brilliant job, not allowing swearing, back stabbing and the usual negetive tittle tattle associated with forums. Everyone in charge here should be proud, I am just grateful
And it's mostly great fun.