What do you like about Reef2Reef?

[4FordFamily]

^^This is a huge plus. Other boards have threads that already answer complex questions. Or explain procedures thoroughly. It's nice knowing we can just copy & paste a link in the interest of saving time. And not have to reinvent the wheel due to censorship.

I think an even better executive summary of this comment and many others is that the mods and "senior leadership team" of this forum value the benefits of the users over any political BS. If a competing forum has a thread of value with good information that will benefit users of this forum, it would be selfish to "sensor" it as is done on many other forum communities.

This does not end there, it is clear that the members and hobbyists are of utmost priority here.

Just my .02.

 

[ilovereefing <3]

Things I like:

1. The staff here is amaze-balls! Randy, Humblefish, 3FordFamily (don't feel bad if I didn't mention you, I just haven't come across everyone else yet)...these folks are just amazing. Responses are quick, knowledgeable, and there is such a feeling of family. The knowledge base in just the staff alone is amazing. Reefing can be so stressful at times, having access to these minds and good attitudes is a huge relief!

2. Ease of use: I mean really...can it get any easier?

3. The community here is so supportive. I don't think I have come across a more diverse group of people that help rather than attack. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion or way of doing things, and we all know that no tank is the same. There are too many variables to reefing that prevent a "one size fits all" kind of thinking when it comes to reef keeping, and I like that everyone here understands that.

Things I don't like:

1. Ummmm...I can't think of one yet. Hahahaha!

I am totally addicted to this site, whether it's to learn or to help. I am not a newbie, but I don't claim to know everything either. Having this massive collection of knowledge and information is priceless. Honestly, this is my second attempt at a reef tank. The first one crashed and burned, badly. I did EVERYTHING wrong. I am not kidding...the burn was so bad it took me almost 2 years to start back up again. Learning from past mistakes, and having access to this forum has by far made my second attempt much more successful. Many thanks to the staff here, and the members of this forum who are willing to lend their $.02.

 

[vetteguy53081]

The knowledge of members, the number of topics and structure of the site

 

[klp]

R2R is always interesting and a lot of fun. Great staff and a great group of hobbyists trying to help or be helped. I am also impressed with how everyone interacts without any acrimony. A great site and great people on it makes for a sure winner!

 

[retiredsailor]

The site itself is extremely easy to use and navigate and aesthetically pleasing.
The membership: Experts, both certified and uncertified; Mods who act to further discussion, rather than rule it; Active members who post often and help answer questions without hesitation or degrading treatment; Sponsors who actively engage and answer questions objectively
The content: A wealth of knowledge; Beautiful pictures; Video demonstrations

And the personal: In my intro post I mentioned how I was just diagnosed with cancer and wanted something pretty to look at after chemo. But no coral until I learned enough to maintain the tank. No sooner do I post it when Skinz78 messages me offering free Zoas to make it more pretty. It would have been nice to get free Zoas (which I declined) but it was even better to be welcomed with a show of genuine kindness.

 

[CoralFreak_350]

First off being a member of other sites this one is vastly different in its own respects and always for the better. I came to this site for many reasons that flat out beat any other forums.

First off: Everything I have posted has actually been viewed and people have replied in a very friendly manner and everyone that has replied actually has a clue what they are talking about.
Second off: This is a judgement free zone. I say this because no matter if there is a difference of opinion you will always get helpful and friendly advice. Most of the time this advice may not be what your expecting but it forces you to think outside of the box and makes you better off.
Third off: The experiences from other people on this site is better than any information you can find on any product label and it gives you hope when other methods have failed.
Fourth off: I have read countless articles on chemistry by Randy and he is a true blessing for this site. I have learned way more on Reef Chemistry than I thought was possible and it was broken down in a way that I can understand.

This site really is amazaing to people who love saltwater tanks and it services people from true beginners all the way to experts and the layout and ease of use is a true plus as well. I have no complaints at all and absolutely am the biggest fan of R2R

 

[Harold Green]

One thing no one mentioned. I find myself checking the forums daily because they are always interesting. It's nice to have a place to go where you can ask a question, from beginner to advanced and there are plenty of people to offer helpful advice. Pictures of builds and livestock are probably the most useful thing here for those starting out and always entertaining for those of us who want to see how others did it their way. If I had an issue it would be that I had a misunderstanding on one forum where someone said I was running down their product. I apologized saying I missed the fact that it was an ad instead of a forum column to debate the type of ato's pros and conns. For those of us who are slightly oblivious to some ads it would be better if they were a little more forthcoming in being an ad and not a regular thread where they welcomed a discussion which obviously they did not. At any rate you have the best forum out there and I appreciate the chance to use and enjoy it.

 

[kendavjac]

What they said.....
I have been a member for a while, but only recently have been active. The main reason I was not active is because I got a sour taste in my mouth about forums in general. To many experts "flaming" other peoples posts/questions just to prove that they are the smartest person in the room. So lately I tried again. Fortunately I tried this forum and one other. The other forum still flames new people for not knowing what they don't know, and this one doesn't. In any business, its all about the people. You have a great group.

 

[chaoha]

Ease of use. Friendly people. Had an issue a little while ago where I couldn't access the whole site. Notified the admin and it was fixed asap. Great community

 

[ahmed.boomer]

One thing I like about a dedicated forum like Reef2Reef is that you can check previous posts from a given person and determine if they can give you good advice on something or not. Users can build a reputation and credibility over time. This is my biggest issue with any Facebook based group. You get a ton of people giving you advice, but you never know the credibility of any of your sources.

Also when buy from another hobbyist, I like to check to see if they have a good reputation and good feedback from other users. Makes it easier on the buyer.

 

[Stephanie11]

Wow so many heads hit with hammers here. so many I won't even discuss more. About some.

I love the forsale section. I love buying and selling, staring at coral! I love coral more than fish, but get along great with people here who love fish more than coral.

I love how so many people from beginner to advanced can come to help from so many angles. Just the amount of knowledge from this crowd is amazing. Not everyone knows everything. We have different characters, and that's how we make a good show.

Thank you r2r

I'm glued.

 

[cu455]

The auto save feature which saves very often, which just saved me and is the reason why I posted in this thread. My I pad has been freezing a lot. When it freezes while typing a post most, if not all of the post is saved on this site. The post will also show up on other computers which is cool.

The competitions. I never came to this site until someone posted something about the grow out competition on a different fourm. Then I started checking in here to check put the competition. While checking out the competition I noticed the new aggressive fish section and decided to join.

The effort and open minded approach of the staff. I have seen several threads started by rev asking for suggestions on improving the site, competitions, writing articles and other random stuff. Which is a benefit because it show that the staff care and it brings more ideas to the table.

One suggestion is that the staff should figure out how to get reef2reef higher up on google search results. I search a lot of random reef stuff and rarely will threads from this site show up.

 

[4FordFamily]

The auto save feature which saves very often, which just saved me and is the reason why I posted in this thread. My I pad has been freezing a lot. When it freezes while typing a post most, if not all of the post is saved on this site. The post will also show up on other computers which is cool.

The competitions. I never came to this site until someone posted something about the grow out competition on a different fourm. Then I started checking in here to check put the competition. While checking out the competition I noticed the new aggressive fish section and decided to join.

The effort and open minded approach of the staff. I have seen several threads started by rev asking for suggestions on improving the site, competitions, writing articles and other random stuff. Which is a benefit because it show that the staff care and it brings more ideas to the table.

One suggestion is that the staff should figure out how to get reef2reef higher up on google search results. I search a lot of random reef stuff and rarely will threads from this site show up.

I believe some degree of SEO (Search Engine Optomization) is being utilized already. Perhaps it can be further investigated though

 

[BryanS4]

I didn't read any of the replies, so not to be influenced.

I've been a RC guy all along but for some reason this site has really gotten my attention over the past month or so.

- user interface. Love the layout and overall look
- friendly members. No entitlement
- more people seem to reply and really be interested In helping

Other than that I really don't know, but I dig the site for sure. Just get a good vibe.

 

[Horn]

No billsreef or BrianD

 

[Diesel]

UGH............ simple but deep, David.

Well, first of all cause I get a lot of likes and second ppl think I know a lot.......LOL!
No kidding, ok here we go....... Knowledgeable members all over the forum.
Friendliness.
NO diversity, your presents count in any which way all over the forum.
Site by it self went to a great renovation and it can't get any easier, it explains it self.
A great Team and even a more awesome Staff, not to mention the Reef Squad.
Of course I can scroll and copy a bunch comments on here but really R2R is there only for YOU and because of YOU R2R is what it is and we can do better, cause we want R2R to be better, same as you tank.
You never settle and always want improvements.
It's because of YOU who logs in every hour, every day or even once a week, the more YOU login the less you miss, and that's a fact.
It's YOU who are reading this and it's YOU who wants to feel home here.
There's so much going on and happening everyday on R2R that it should be as simple as checking your Email and it is.
Wish more ppl will download a AVATAR, it's so simple and it makes this site a lot more colorful but it's for yourself as a Avatar will say something about you in some cases.
Numerous sponsors that go the extra Mile for the members and it doesn't matter if you be here 8 years or just 8 days YOU will be treated the same if it comes down to a give away or just a fun price trivia from the sponsors.

 

[glb]

R2R is as respectful of beginners as the experts. This is critical in growing the reefing community. No question is too basic. The staff and moderators keep it family friendly, which is so refreshing compared to other forums. Randy has helped me beyond words. People respond to my posts. This is my online community which has helped me with startup, recovering from a crash, losing fish and corals and every other problem I've encountered. I'm very grateful and look forward to meeting some of you at a show in the future.

 

[D maul]

I have to admit the updated on the site was weird at first, but I like it now. The staff, vendors, and hobbyist are friendly. The one thing I appreciate the most is when the Rev helpled out some people who were get scammed in the marketplace.
Keep up the great work Rev it's showing strong

 

[buzzword]

Things that stand out above the other sites:
Ease of use. this site is very user friendly, easy to navigate, visually appealing.
No attitudes, unlike this other site with the holier than thou attitudes, my wallet is bigger than your wallet comments, and or condescending, flaming replies.
The Staff are all very knowledgeable, willing to help and appear to be truly invested in this site. You see all the names helping each and every day, Evolved, Diesel, Humblefish, Randy, 3FordFamily, mdbannister, etc. The great staff and their work attracts like minded users who flock here day by day. I learned about this site while on the other big site, came here and rarely return to the other site.
Contests and giveaways, who doesn't love the chance to win something! Heck I never win anything and I won a discount card when I registered but was unable to use due to moving to Florida.
I'm sure I could go on but I'm sick and can hardly think straight. I believe that R2R is the best, friendliest and most helpful forum I have visited. I have lurked for some time seeing how this site flowed rarely responding because I don't want to tell someone how or what to do. I have become much more comfortable and have been responding and trying to help or seek out info when in need.
I had the pleasure of meeting Rev at RAP Orlando and had a pleasant conversation, truly a good guy.
Ok rambling now gonna stop.

 

[jeffp1]

Ease of use, Lots of Good information and not a lot of Big ego's on this site. Everyone is good about helping each other.