When and How did GameBoomers get started?

I know that most of you know the answer to this question. However I do not.
I've been here since 8/02 which is not long I know.
But some of the folks a lot longer-year wise I mean.
When I came on the boards Witchen was around a lot as was Dee,Syd and Zanthia, and a bunch of others-those of you that know me realize name remembering is not something I do-so please forgive me for those I left out.
Anywho-
Question is this please:
Who started Game Boomers and when?
Who is still left from those that started it?: (listen I know life moves us to other directions; so don't need the whys as someone leaving.)
I'm just curious as to the whole process and very grateful to those that did.
The concept is fantastic, and with the new talent GB's keeps attracting it will continue to only get better!
Thanks
Ingie

Ingie,

that is a very interesting question. I have been here since April 2001, a lot later than some of our pals!!

Bob and Karen started the site, not sure when but I will ask Syd to pop in and give us the background

Hugs

Tig

Hmmm...Excellent question! I'd like to know more of the "background" info on GameBoomers history also.
Rusty

Rusty..

this is the Ultimate Nosy Question!!

Tig

I wasn't here at the "very beginning" but let's see if I can remember how things were.

Bob and Karen started the site in 1999. GameBoomers went "live" on June 1. I think Bob told me that first month we had something like 50,000 hits Witchen (Jan) was the first administrator, Dee was a mod at Mixed Bag but soon after the board opened she became the second administrator.

As to the forums and their original mods :

Hints - Witchen (Jan)
Adventure - Linda Shaw
Mixed Bag - Dee
RPG - Ozma
Puzzles - Marcie

I became a hints mod in February of 2000 and the third administrator in July 2001.

So Ingie to answer your question - no one is left from the original group.

So, what happened to the original bunch? Like Jan, for example, did she just leave? Sorry, but being nosy is my GameBoomer job! I want details!
Rusty

Oh, sorry, I didn't know that Jan and Witchen are one in the same.
But, what about the rest?
Rusty

Real life got in the way for most of them - sorta like me

And as to details - if I told you Rusty, I'd just have to shoot you, so it's better if I keep them to myself

Okay syd.
Rusty

What everyone really wants to know is how do you become a moderator, progress to an administrator, and ultimately become GameBoomer God and leader of all? I think that's what we all want to know right?

Or is just me?

How do you become a moderator? Someone asks you

Generally the moderator or moderators on the forum (we can have up to four on each forum)decide they need help and come up with a person or persons they think will do the best job. That comes from reading posts and seeing how they interact with the members. The name then gets run past the administrators and owner. Nine times out of ten the person the forum mod wants gets approved - but not always.

Administrators are picked by the owner and run by the other administrators. Since we all work closely with each other, we have to be able to get along and especially as an administrator, we have to be able to trust that person - so if one of us has a strong objection to someone for whatever reason, it's a no go.

As to how you become the GameBoomer God - knowledge on how to run a website, the dedication and time to do it, and of course the biggie - the money to fund it

I was only messing around Syd, but thanks for the info anyway <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" /> Good to know.

Well I could have told you how you really got to be a high mucky muck but the other explaination sounded much more professional

Is Linda Shaw from Adventures, the Linda Shaw that has her own website and answers walkthrough questions sometimes? http://members.aol.com/LShaw3457/Main.html

Wow, I've been here since 12/14/00. I came looking for a walkthrough and stayed. Kinda like a burr on your pants, can't get rid of me

I am curious why the web site owners don't post very much. I've seen a rare post or two from Bob but am not sure if I have seen one from Karen. There are several "Karens" on the GB board, but am not sure if one of them is the other owner.

Hi All..........

Here's the scoop from before the first day of Gameboomers creation: Bob thunk up the name and the concept all by his lonesome. As the name of the site denotes, the site was originally created with an eye toward the more mature PC gamer. However, NICE and FRIENDLY was the underlying bulwark of that original concept, and it extends to all ages and all game genres residing at Gameboomers.

Three of us came from another site to start Gameboomers back in '99. Bob (and Karen) collaborated with Eve (technical and administrative) and myself (marketing and administrative) to put together the first Gameboomers board which came online, as Syders mentioned in June of 1999.

Bob and Karen have since moved on to other pastures over the years, and Marita is now the official Gameboomers "muckity muck." Laurels to all the moderators and administrators who joined Gameboomers early on, along the way, and who continue to make this site the best of the best. All this on a completely voluntary basis!

As for myself, I have moved in and out of those distant pastures for the past several months as life inserts other challenges, issues and interests. My first loyalty, however, remains with Gameboomers as my personal "home town." I come back as often as possible.


Witchen

Thank you all so much
I often would hear references made to names; but couldn't connect in my brain who was what.
Witchen,
Thank you for taking time to fly in and answer my question. :kiss:
I think that Bob and Karen and the others mentioned had a wonderful concept and the fact that it has stood the test of time proves that.
I feel proud to belong to the best of any group on the web and appreciate all the responses.
Rusty,
I was actually surprised you weren't here from the beginning and just decided to change IDs on us
to mess with our brains a bit.
Isn't it wonderful that Boomers just continues to grow and the first thought that of a "friendly spot" is still the main concern for those of us that love games.
Ingie

Many thanks to Syd and Witchen for laying out the way GameBoomers got its start (I've been out of town for the last couple of days). I joined back in Dec. of 1999, so I missed about the first six months--then in the spring of 2000, Dee asked me to help her moderate on Mixed Bag. Then a couple of years later I was asked to help with Hints--that was scary!!!

Now I'm helping Marita, Syd and Laura with the administrating, and I've been promoted to a Grande Olde Dame--at least the second and third words of that title are applicable...

Great history lesson! It's great to learn about how the board started. I definitely caught the "Gameboomers" "BabyBoomers" connection. I like the memorabillia link at the top of the page.

Can I add to the questions and ask how Gameboomers got to be known as a reputable name in the gaming community? Was it intended at the start of the site to make and build relationships with game makers and publishers?

i am proud to be a member of gameboomers and greatful to all founders of this site...

RydAstar I've asked Jan to answer that one - she knows more about what Bob had envisioned for this site than anyone other than Bob himself. I can tell you that we were all surprised and honored when a developer would post or when one would even lurk. As a matter of fact, I still feel that way.

I think a lot has to do with the fact we make developers feel welcome. Developers can post about their games and not worry about getting torn apart like on some other sites. I hope we make them feel comfortable. Even if they don't post, they read what we say - believe me

And yes, burpee - it's the very same Linda Shaw

This is a great topic. I just got back into town too.

I came to GB from that "other site" too. I wasn't here too long when Eve had to leave and Bob asked me to moderate Mixed Bag. I was scared to death! I'm very shy and didn't think I could do it. I became an administrator after about a year. That way one of the three of us (Bob, Witchen and I) would always be able to "watch" GB.

Bob's focus was on Boomer Memorabilia and he added the forums because he enjoyed gaming. If you look on the "About Us" page, you will see the awards for memorabilia. We never thought that GB would get this big. It still amazes us. Although life got it the way and I had to step down, GB is my home and always will be.

Owners don't post very much because they don't have the time. There is so much work involved in the bowels of a website. Martia (MaG) does a spectacular job!

BTW......Karen posted in the beginning with the username "Sparky". Then Bob got so busy with GB poor Karen rarely got to use the computer. LOL

Click here to see some "old" GameBoomers pages with the old gang.

This is the original discussion board Pretty small huh?

~Dee

Wow! Thanks Dee! Cool links.
Rusty

This is all so interesting Dee. Do you all ever get together and have a company dinner or picnic? Or is it all done on the computer?
Boggles the mind how it all can be administered.
Marita does a wonderful job.

How 'bout that - my first post on GB is on there Now that was a walk down memory lane. thanks for the link Deedle - man the board was bright back then, wasn't it?

Is that a hoot or what Syd? I can't find your first post though. Those links brought back a lot of memories for me too. Checking the old forums, I see I just never shut up. I can't believe how far we have come.

Doreen....Though we have never met in person, we all have become very close friends. GB is a labor of love for sure.

~Dee

Click on the original board link - click on the adventure forum and scroll down to a thread called "Coming out of the closet to say Hi" Voila - my little piece of GB history

Dee's right Doreen - we have become very close friends over the years. Jan (Witchen) and I have actually met in person. She and her husband came to Ca. on vacation a couple of years ago and they stopped by for a visit. Everyone else I've talked to on the phone. We've been through a lot together.

That was wonderful Dee, thank you so much
Boy, glad the color change was made!
It was interesting to read some of the Topics and note that they are ones that even today come up every now and then.
I did notice Faust on there.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" />
The Graemlins were a little strange, funny how much has changed in the computer world in 4-5 years!
What a wonderful thing,please never take that off.
The history and questions and Mods and Owners, is wonderful and fascinating.
I just can't express how much this place has come to mean to me.
Thank you :kiss:
Ingie

OMG Syd! Too funny! I've always loved your sense of humor! I wonder where all those people went. I know Linda is busy with her site and Ray is busy writing, once in a while we see Oz post and I know Pam still reads, but still.....

Do you know that back then DreamCatcher was as small as we were? And they say adventure games are dead. Ha!

~Dee

I catch DonM lurking every once in awhile which I'm glad to see. It tells me he's okay. I really miss him And Zoly pops up every now and again in the Glitches forum.

Dee, this stuff is terrific! The thought of Syd ever hiding in a closet has given me the giggles.

Hugs, Cheryl

Granny is there too

Tig

Thanks, Syders, for letting me know about RydaStar's question, as follows:

"Can I add to the questions and ask how Gameboomers got to be known as a reputable name in the gaming community? Was it intended at the start of the site to make and build relationships with game makers and publishers?"

Hi there, Rydastar. Yes, it absolutely was a part of Bob's original plan to incorporate strong relationships with game developers and publishers, right from the beginning. We've always had a strong penchant for Indie developers and, from early on we've encouraged a strong bond with the Indies including The Pixel Shop (Cracking the Conspiracy), Shine Studio (Comer) and, more recently, many others (Harvest, Dark Fall). We've also actively engaged with the vast array of "big guys" in the industry like Sierra, and the developing Dreamcatcher company, along the way.

Bob also encouraged unity, cooperation and friendship among adventure gaming sites through ongoing participation in the formation and activities of The Adventure Games Coalition , which includes over two dozen sites.

Perhaps this answers your first question too, as to how Gameboomers got to be known as a "reputable name in the gaming industry."

Best regards, Witchen

Yes, well Namma you should have seen the map Sparky gave me to get out again

This is a great thread! Thanks for the old links MacDee, I can't wait to snoop around for a bit.

Thanks for the answer Witchen, you did indeed answer my questions. Running a board is big work, I had a small board with 100 members and it was starting to get hectic. I can't imagine a site to run and a message board with so many members to account for. GameBoomers has definitely grown and I hope it continues with the support of all the mucky mucks. Life does move on and boards grow and change. I just hope the mucky mucks don't get crowded out too much and know that we really appreciate it.

This is a great thread. Thanks so much for the links Dee, I sometimes try to think what colors the board used to be, knew it was reddish, but couldn't remember exactly.

Thank you all for the great look back in time. It is fun to review the posts. We are very lucky to have Marita and such a terrific group of mods who put so much time and effort into making this site our second home.
Jenny...Now that you have been promoted make sure they supply petit fours for your coffee breaks and not just donuts.

Hi.

Really enjoying scouting through this topic and taking sneaky peeks at the old stuff

I personally enjoy Gameboomers SO MUCH because the atmosphere remains friendly and polite - even though the membership is constantly growing - and I'm pretty sure that is what appeals to many other members

Cheers.

Mad

The old site looks edible, like orange and raspberry sherbet! It was nice to take a peek at history in the making.

Lady K.

This really is good for a chuckle....Syd hiding in the closet??? and "only 181 of the little suckers". I bet the number has jumped a bit since that post!!! We love you Syd!!

Mugsy wrote..

Mugsy, I do try and provide special treats for the other Mods in our boardroom... thats what we use it for, a smorgasbord

Jenny is Very partial to donuts though so I do try to provide what she wants :kiss:

Tig

So I take it some of you find it hard to believe I was once a shy, retiring, wall flower???? Well!!!

Mugsy I have to admit the little suckers have indeed gone a tad over that 181 number the past four years

I was just reading the Adventure Discussion forum and member no 55 is still with us and active Advpuzlov, power to your postings

Hugs

Tig

And you should have heard the furor when Bob changed the colors! Looking at that orange and brown now, it's hard to believe how attached we all were to it.

Mugsy, thanks for the kind thought, but as long as no-one walks off with my Pepsi (and believe me they all know better than to do that! ) I'm a happy camper...

" Bob changed the colors! Looking at that orange and brown now, it's hard to believe how attached we all were to it."

Weelllll, maybe not all of us Jenny, me darlin'! LOL

Yes, I remember there were a few of you adventurous souls around, but I'm sure us stick-in-the-mud types had you outnumbered!

And honesty compels me to admit that now that I look at the old colors, I don't know what I was thinking of to oppose the change...

Same thing crossed my mind Jenny. What were you thinking - but you sure did kick up a stink IIRC

I was on Jenny's side. I don't know what I was thinking either, these colors are so much easier on the eyes.

~Dee

It was a real shock to look at the Red pages.... didn't we have another colourscheme before this one too?

Hugs

Tig

I think so Tig, I think MaG did this one. I've lost track. I know there was one with dark brown in the background.

~Dee

The colour scheme has changed during my GB lifetime - I remember a thread about it, who liked it, who didn't etc.

I thinl it was all black when I first arrived, or darker than it is now anyway.

My, how we've grown! Thanks for the links; that was fun looking back. I guess I didn't realize I joined so soon after GB started up. And those colors sure were bright, weren't they?!

Syd ------ Just to answer your question. I definitely find it hard to believe that you were a shy boomer before I joined the board!

Thanks for letting us go back in time to the early days of GB. I found it fascinating. When GB first started I was just getting to grips with my first Pc and the internet. I was playing my first adventure game and joining gametz, this ultimately led me to GB.

I used to be uncomfortable having 12 unplayed games on the shelf, thanks to GB I have 10 times that amount and it doesn't worry me in the least!

You know, I have so enjoyed the input on this question and especially seeing the "older" members posting and what they can speak of.
Jude,
I love your response. It indeed makes me comfortable too that I have games sitting around waiting for that mood to hit me to play.
Usually it will come from someone starting a thread about a game and realize-hey I've got that and never played-in it goes.
As much as Boomers is growing and so quickly, it's nice to know that those who started it are able to see that their realization of this site has been achieved and that they still love to check in to see how things are going.
Warm fuzzies are a part of Boomers that I love.
Ingie

Hmmmm--wonder if we should have some sort of warning on the main page:

DANGER -- joining GameBoomers may result in a serious lowering of your conscience level in some areas...

I remember those colours too. I see from my profile that I actually joined quite soon after GB started up. I'm still here, but I have nowhere near the number of posts of many newer members!

I swear I remember the colors as lovely burgandys and the soft gold like the GAMEBOOMERS Logo at the top of the pages.
Orange, bright reds and glaring yellows refuse to be recognised by my brain.

Wow, I didn't know much about Gameboomers history..I enjoyed it very much reading about how Gameboomers become what it is today, "A Success Story" and someday, "A Legend".

Gameboomers has proven to the Web-world as I call it. That there is such a place in the web-site you could call home. Where there is a place you feel comfortable and you find help when you need it. You learn new things, and meet different people from all walks of life..where you can share your thoughts and feelings and have fun playing games and know if you get into trouble with a game or get stuck, help is just a click away..

Love and kindness, and respect goes a long way, and Gameboomers has proven that to be so...

And for all those who started this wonderful site and those that are still with us.... I Thank you from the bottom of my heart for given me a place where I could unwind from the everyday pressures of life.

Liz Gameboomers Rock

Ingie wrote

Ohh Warm Fuzzies.. one of the best bits

Mmmm great for gaming tips, chats and a haven if you need cheering up

Tig

Thats it Tig, a haven. On those days when you're a little down in the dumps, nothing is going right, there is always Gameboomers. People to cheer you up, tell a joke or just help you out. I come here often just to get "the warm fuzzies".

Now thats another bonus.. the fantastic parties

When's the next one??

Tig

Hey Tig, how about Thanksgiving? Are you willing to cook for 5,000?

I think we might just manage that!!

Tig