Forum Genesis

[Jelly Terror]

Hail Forum,

I have on occasions wondered about the origins of the BCMBF; the impetus behind its inception and the road to its current, well-established status etc. I’d be quite interested in how it all started and any background story.

Was it an instant hit and quickly patronised, or was its growth perhaps a more measured process?

Was it solely Mike’s creation or were there collaborators involved in getting it up and running?

Are its origins based in any previous projects or ventures?

What was the very first post/thread, and who was the very first person to join, and are there any existing members who recall the forum’s first steps?

Were there ever fewer or more moderators (or none, for that matter), and were the current mods acquaintances/friends of Mike pre-forum days, or recruited from the members’ rank and file?

I ask purely out of interest, and not for any dodgy, GDPR-breaking reasons. Hope it’s not too nosy a post but I think it might be interesting to learn a bit about the history of it all.

JT

[Artynut]

Great Idea JT, I can only surmise in a cheeky sort of way that,
1 In the beginning there were collectors
2 And the collectors were without form and in great darkness
3 And Mike said Let there be a Forum, and there was a forum
4 And Mike saw that the Forum was good and separated the Forum into Sub-forums so that light and knowledge came upon many.

With apologies to those of a sensitive nature! D.J.

[Jelly Terror]

Originally Posted by Artynut

Great Idea JT, I can only surmise in a cheeky sort of way that,
1 In the beginning there were collectors
2 And the collectors were without form and in great darkness
3 And Mike said Let there be a Forum, and there was a forum
4 And Mike saw that the Forum was good and separated the Forum into Sub-forums so that light and knowledge came upon many.

With apologies to those of a sensitive nature! D.J.

Wouldn’t take that as gospel, DJ.

JT

[matti467]

Special counsel Mueller has found that the Russians did not influence Trump into forming the forum to defeat an identical forum hatched in Hawaii by Obama who was not born in Kenya.

[Mike B]

Matthew 10:7-14
7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The Forum has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons of reproductions, fakes and pedlars of such rubbish. Freely you have received; freely give information and advice. 9 “Do not get any fake gold or silver or copper or Anodised Aluminium to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey to the militaria fair is big enough for all your wanted items ... 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave, admire their militaria collection. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, tell them of the Forum. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet ... for they are not worthy.

with respect ... no offence intended

[matti467]

Another rumour doing the rounds about the formation of the forum is that the nature and wildlife expert Chris Packham was involved. He overheard the words 'badge forum' and thought it odd so set one up anyway despite 'badger' being more logical.

[grey_green_acorn]

Mike (Owner) has a join date of 18 08 07

Early adopters who are still posting include:

badjez 27 08 07
Keith Blakeman 03 10 07
Peter Brydon 25 10 07
Alan O 05 11 07
54Bty 29 11 07

Tim

[Fatherofthree]

Greetings Earthlings

But alas, as the multitude increased there came some who were not worthy and hence came Exodus:
Some who disagreed with The Gospel of The Forum departed.
Those who were guilty of mis-deeds were banished.
Others who were proven to be wrong doers were likewise banished.
There were others who showed an egotistical persona and when challenged they too departed.
And furthermore, some used the Forum as a means to profit themselves only and like others before them, they too departed.

Regards.
Brian

[wardog]

May the forum be with you. I've been learning from the forum since November 2007. Regards, Paul.

[dumdum]

As a fairly recent member, I would like to say that I greatly enjoy reading and contributing to posts and I have learned an AWFUL lot from the members. Makes you realise how much knowledge there is out there!

I still am very grateful to the member who identified my E.A.M.C. badge. If you were closer, I'd shout you a beverage!

[Marcus H]

If you hold your screen arrow cum pointer above your name and/or finger on relevant devices, it should reveal your membership number, like this:

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ber.php?u=7684

JT, you were on the very day and time of joining this Forum allotted the sequential membership number 7684 - I believe that’s how it works.


Best,

Marcus