State of The Giants!

[madmax]

Dear FG Crew,

I wanted to drop you all a line and give you an update of where we are, and where we’re going in the coming months. First off, I would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting what we are building here. Friendship and camaraderie is contagious, and what I have witnessed over the past 45 days is simply unbelievable. I am in absolute astonishment at the good attitude and yearning for fun of the folks frequent this website. The toy airplanes are a side effect of the big picture; good times, camaraderie, humor, and personality on parade. That’s what we’re all about, and we’re on a charge!

I witnessed this first hand during my recent trip to the frozen tundra of Champaign. I immediately found myself in good company with fellow members that I had never met before. Everyone was having a blast with their new buddies and it was like one big hippy internet bro-fest on the floor of the UI Armory! I’ve been a part of this in the past, and I’m stoked to see it continuing, and growing.

It’s hard to deny that we are now “in the groove”. Our community has formed an incredible vibe, and our group has the best attitude around. Seeing all of this come full circle, and watching people enjoy what we have built makes all the effort very much worthwhile. Thanks again to everyone who continue to help with this effort, and to all of you who call The FlyingGiants home.

Today I finally had a chance to sit back and absorb everything we have accomplished. Many doubted that a fledgling website could grow into what it has in such a short time, and what you are seeing today is just the tip of the iceberg. As it stands, FG is firing on all cylinders. Vast amounts of knowledge are being transferred by some of the most experienced hobbyists on the net. New media is being uploaded non-stop by our members, and we’re editing tape like mad to bring you the best videos and content available.

Over the course of the past month we’ve filled our moderation staff with the best cats we could find. They get the vibe, they know our hobby, and best of all enjoy a good belly laugh. Honestly, we have required very little moderation since the dust has settled, and between all of us, there’s always someone with a foot in the door to help you out if needed. We got a little out of hand with the rated R stuff in the first few weeks, but we’re now on track.

So what’s on the dish you might ask? Quite a bit! Bob and I have a whirlwind tour this year that will criss-cross us around the country. We will be bringing you the best videos, photos, and write-ups of our travels. While we might not make it to all of them, our field reps will pick up the slack for the ones we miss. I can’t wait to hang out with all our friends while on the road! It’s always a good time. I you weren't able to make it to these events, we'll bring you there with our coverage.

We are also working feverishly on GroundSchool. The Trailer is just a taste of what we have on deck. Mark Leseberg, along with some other huge names on the circuit will be working hand in hand with us on a number of different flight topics. The first videos in this series will be released in early March and you’re gonna love ‘em!

The Leading Edge information source is also our passion. We enjoy writing these articles, and bringing you the best of what is going on in the hobby. We are also looking for writers to jump into the fray – if you’re up to it, throw me a pm.

The BiffCast will be back shortly now that 'ol Biffo has the caster-gizmo. Who's next? I wish I couldn't tell ya. Bob has the amazing gift of gab, and these are very impromptu, unrehearsed, and generally unplanned interviews. Bob never ceases to amaze me with these things!

While this isn’t quite exciting, I feel it’s important you all know that beginning this week, advertising will begin on the site. I promised you before that we will never turn this place into a commercial pile, but we have to pay the bills. We've sunk a ton of cheddar into this project, and our families are our priority. I personally feel that the funds to operate a monster like this should be covered by industry that profits from it, not our members. I'm sure you'll agree. You have my word that all banners that are run will be “compatible” with our landscape – kinda like those cell phone towers that they make look like pine trees.

We are also working on integrating a full product review section and a number of other site enhancements that you will surely enjoy. You will notice that site elements change daily, and I will be constantly tweaking and improving our system over time. What you are seeing now is only 30% of what we have on the plate. Our numbers are continuing to grow, and people are catching the on to the vibe. When the ice thaws and the flying season begins, get ready... We will be seeing a huge influx of new members, from a number of different sources including media coverage.

Schew! That’s my thoughts for now, and an update from my perspective. Again, from the bottom of my heart, a sincere thanks to all of you. I am proud to be a part of the buzz that we have created within our community, and in the hobby at large.

We simply built the framework folks -- You all created the mojo, and the foundation for greatness.

So sit back and enjoy the ride! The FlyingGiants is on a tear, and 2006 is going to be off the hook. Thanks again, you guys are bad-ass.


Sincerely,

Mad Max Duncan, Bob Sadler, and Staff

[ConRadical]

Thanks for everything you do! It's not just anywhere anyone can stop in and call it home.

[ShortBus]

its 2:44AM that says enough

[excelpoint]

Mate banners, adds whatever it takes just keep the site going, and look after the family. No complaints here.

[Boulder]

All I want to know is, when does Max sleep?

[solitare]

Well said Max. I've seen enough young talent out there to make a bulldozer fly and some old dogs fall in love with 3D. Is that great or what! Thanks for the effort. We're in for the long haul.
All Addictions arent bad,

[loan4utoo]

Thanks for the update Max. I think we all were "treading water" for a few days there at the start. But like everyone has said, "Hat's off to you and Bob!" You guys laid the foundation that all the crew has built into this community, and it really is great. We are all better in some small way for the friendships you allowed to happen.

Now get to work!

[crazyextra]

Congrats Max and Biff!!

you guys have a great thing going here!! I'm really looking forward to the future of the Flying Giants!!

[Ion01]

Hey! Just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate all the work you guys do on this site! This is my favorite site! I can't imagine doing all the work to keep a sight like this running for free. I think its great that you will have some advertisements cause you should be bringing in some money for all the work you do on this. Keep it up guys!

[Cracky]

Lookin forward to hanging out with ya this summer.......keep it real and ROCK OUT

[Rolling Thunder]

Max, You and Biff have done an outstanding job building this site. The video quality is the best I have ever seen on the net. I wish everyone had access to enjoy it.

[cal_mag]

This is by far the most unique place on the net and a great place to call home. It is great to see the new content and make new friends here. Thanks Guys!