Tony (Divotmaker)? Mystery solved!
- Thread starter Libohunden
- Start date
- Status
Grampy
New member
In addition to Tony (Divotmaker), BHamel (AKA-Ben from Ohio) is also listed as an administrator for this forum. Currently, things seem to be running smoothly on here and I don't see a need to abandon ship and try to find a new moderator just yet. I am sure Tony has a very good reason for being absent. Along with everyone else, I hope and pray that he is okay.Limey said:
SconnieQ
New member
I agree. BHamel doesn't seem to participate much anymore in the day-to-day posts, but is available as an administrator, and has been called on by Tony many times to resolve spam and other issues. Lets just keep posting and hope that Tony might return someday. If not, I've found this forum to be as polite, and friendly as ever in his absence, so no action has been required to police it by a new administrator. Some of us might need to STEP UP though to fill the gap of knowledge. Tony's input and enthusiasm will be missed TERRIBLY, if he decides not to return (can't image that he wouldn't at some point)!
Durangosmoker
Member
I, too, am worried about Tony, and sent him a private message the other day asking if he was ok. No response.
But I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone, but notably David and Kari, who seem to have stepped up to fill the void left by Tony. By their kind and thoughtful posts, they are educating new forum members as to the proper tone on this forum (and reminding longer term members). You are helping to keep this forum the relaxed and easy place to share information about an activity that we all enjoy.
But I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone, but notably David and Kari, who seem to have stepped up to fill the void left by Tony. By their kind and thoughtful posts, they are educating new forum members as to the proper tone on this forum (and reminding longer term members). You are helping to keep this forum the relaxed and easy place to share information about an activity that we all enjoy.
Libohunden
Member
I've always wondered if he was a paid employee or under contract in some way. Never really cared. He did such a great job and really cared about everyone here. His disappearance seems to give some support to this theory. He may be contractually bound not to interact. If so, I'm sure it's tough for him not to respond.
I like this theory better than he has severe health issues!
I like this theory better than he has severe health issues!
NDKoze
Moderator
I don't know for sure, but I do not think that he was paid. I think he did get some perks like the test units that he was able to keep as well as maybe some clothing swag once in a while.
Like Dave said, I am sure that he has his reasons for his departure, and I respect that.
On the other hand, I get where RG is coming from too. I do consider you guys as friends and while most of us don't get together for beers and talk about the football games and our wives, I do care about you all and if I ever had to leave for an extended time, I promise that I will check in and let you guys know.
As many of you guys know I usually check out pretty good for the summer as that is lake time for me with little time for reading forums. But, I do try to check in on the Sausage/Jerky/Venison forums once in awhile. I still smoke quite a bit of food in the summer, but just don't write about it as much as I haven't really tried much new stuff lately. I do need to start honing my brisket making ability though as I have only smoked a few of them and none recently. So, I may be asking some brisket questions in the future although most of the answers to my questions are already out there I think if I look for them.
I am still holding out for Tony to make his return to the site. His knowledge, unique personality, and effort has really helped shape this site and build it into what it has become. May God's Blessing Be With You, Buddy!
Like Dave said, I am sure that he has his reasons for his departure, and I respect that.
On the other hand, I get where RG is coming from too. I do consider you guys as friends and while most of us don't get together for beers and talk about the football games and our wives, I do care about you all and if I ever had to leave for an extended time, I promise that I will check in and let you guys know.
As many of you guys know I usually check out pretty good for the summer as that is lake time for me with little time for reading forums. But, I do try to check in on the Sausage/Jerky/Venison forums once in awhile. I still smoke quite a bit of food in the summer, but just don't write about it as much as I haven't really tried much new stuff lately. I do need to start honing my brisket making ability though as I have only smoked a few of them and none recently. So, I may be asking some brisket questions in the future although most of the answers to my questions are already out there I think if I look for them.
I am still holding out for Tony to make his return to the site. His knowledge, unique personality, and effort has really helped shape this site and build it into what it has become. May God's Blessing Be With You, Buddy!
RG 2.0
New member
NDKoze said:I don't know for sure, but I do not think that he was paid. I think he did get some perks like the test units that he was able to keep as well as maybe some clothing swag once in a while.
Like Dave said, I am sure that he has his reasons for his departure, and I respect that.
On the other hand, I get where RG is coming from too. I do consider you guys as friends and while most of us don't get together for beers and talk about the football games and our wives, I do care about you all and if I ever had to leave for an extended time, I promise that I will check in and let you guys know.
As many of you guys know I usually check out pretty good for the summer as that is lake time for me with little time for reading forums. But, I do try to check in on the Sausage/Jerky/Venison forums once in awhile. I still smoke quite a bit of food in the summer, but just don't write about it as much as I haven't really tried much new stuff lately. I do need to start honing my brisket making ability though as I have only smoked a few of them and none recently. So, I may be asking some brisket questions in the future although most of the answers to my questions are already out there I think if I look for them.
I am still holding out for Tony to make his return to the site. His knowledge, unique personality, and effort has really helped shape this site and build it into what it has become. May God's Blessing Be With You, Buddy!
Very well said and I agree 100%. Tony is a good guy for sure and he was doing this out of his passion for the SI. That's what makes this all the more odd. HE LOVED those smokers and being on here. His knowledge was readily shared. You won't find a nicer person willing to help as he did. I do hold out hope that at some point he'll break the silence and come back and have fun with the rest of us. Hell, I don't even have an SI and I still hang out here, lol!
SconnieQ
New member
I agree it was his passion for these smokers and this forum that makes it so odd. I'm hoping he'll return someday. Even in a more limited capacity. But he might be an "all or nothing" kind of person. He might feel he would need to dedicate the same amount of time to it, or he would feel bad about coming back. If he has made major diet changes for example, he might feel he can't participate in the same way he used to. Just speculating of course. 
gregbooras
Moderator
For now it sounds like the best we can do is wish him well and hopefully we will meet again!
Greg
Greg
Libohunden
Member
gregbooras said:
Agreed
I think it is important to realize that Tony had a full time job and a family outside of the forum. He amassed over 10,000 posts as well as doing quite a bit of R&D on improving the smokers. In addition Tony dealt with some rather difficult people regarding their experience with the smokers. All of this and more. It takes a lot of time and effort. So as I have said earlier, Tony has his reasons, maybe personal. Just keep a kind thought and carry on in the spirit that Tony demonstrated. By the way I called him today and left a message. Time will tell.
- Status
