Significant fact #1 Optiboard is free to all who come here
Some Historical background on Optiboard.
Steve Machol founded Optiboard in 1995 to act as a resource for the Optical industry. It originally started as Optical Help Wanted and evolved and grew into what we see today on these pages. Steve has always insisted that this site be free to all who came here. He did so because he felt the cost to do it was not great and he knew this industry well enough to know there were (and still are) people who are short of cash a lot, and lets face it folks, after 53 years in this profession I can tell you, as a retail industry, we are known to be tight with a buck if you get the drift.
As we grew, the site grew. Many people are responsible for what you see today. Many of the forums you visit regularly daily are the result of what you and the other members either asked for, or designed yourselves and presented Steve with the plan which he then carried out.
I am one of many who visit Optiboard multiple times daily. I volunteered to help in this worthwhile project because I love my profession and I feel strongly that I can learn from other members and increase my knowledge and effectiveness as an optician. I can also make new friends and occasionally spark a debate on some obscure and arcane subjects. Judging from what I observe daily, many of you members do the same. What I also observe daily is somewhat disappointing (because so few of you regulars do not subscribe) which leads me to the second significant fact. Sign up here:
http://www.optiboard.com/forums/payments.php
Significant fact # 2. Optiboard is not without costs!
In the old days all was well with us. Steve and Darryl were safely ensconced at Sola, Shanbaum with Gerber, Maria, John R in England ,Judy,Darris,Pete, my pard Jo and I were safely beating our brains out in the retail end, Clive Noble from Israel and David Wilson from Austailia made us truly international. We were a tight group of volunteers later joined by those moderators you see once in a while brought in to referee and keep spammers at bay. We do this gladly as volunteers and obviously are not compensated. But the administration of Optiboard has become a larger job for Steve,and not without costs involved. Steve is no longer with Sola, and recently split with Vbulliten. He has the same overhead we do but the little he brings in from our subscriptions does not go a long way toward paying the rent, the grocery bills and the health insurance.
Speaking of Heath Insurance, Steve is out on medical leave as I write. He was operated on yesterday (rotator cuff) He is wracking up some significant expenses not covered by his insurance. I think it's high time for those of us who can, to pitch in and purchase a subscription at whatever level you can afford. Optiboard is very good for us, it's time for us to be good for Optiboard. If you are a regular visitor here Please pitch in if you can.
Please do this as soon as you can because when Steve see's this he will probably delete it. He may give me an infraction for this or ban me for spamming. I do this on my own out of respect and concern for my friend Steve. I am sure that while he's the boss, Optiboard will continue remain free to all, but subscribers can help lighten the load.
Thanks for listening,and act if you can.
PS Younger Lenses are a Paid Sponsor for this site. They make excellent products. Please specify their products and use them wherever you can.
Don't be afraid to tell them why. We are most appreciative of their fine support, and of yours.
Go here to subscribe.
http://www.optiboard.com/forums/payments.php
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participate in the "For Professional only" forum................................
Originally Posted by hcjilson
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