SumoForum's 10th anniversary!

[Manekineko 200]

Dear Forumers,

amazing as it may seem, SumoForum was established (almost) exactly a decade ago, just in time for Kyushu 2001. It's goal was to provide a new and richer forum (heh) for sumo fans to meet, as a supplement to then already venerable Sumo Mailing List (now 10 years older and still going strong). As you can see, it was a success, mostly thanks to enthusiastic contributions of numerous sumo fans through the years. So first, let me thank all the SumoForum members, past and present, for all they brought and still bring to this Forum. It wouldn't have lasted so long without you. (Holiday feeling...)

Ten years is a long time in human life, and we've witnessed many changes, both in sumo and in membership, although I'm glad to say that most of the earliest members still visit the Forum. Forum's founder and first Rijicho, Kotoseiya Yuichi, retired from active participation on the Forum (and perhaps sumo fandom as well) years back. Our acting Rijicho, Kaikitsune Makoto, kindly took over the Forum, which is now still up and functional mostly through hidden efforts of the tech behind the curtain, Exil, aided by a small group of moderators. My thanks go to all of them, as well. ;-)

Ten years is even longer time in Internet years, and the Forum turned from a new and fresh medium of communication to something common and perhaps even conservative. I do not pretend to know what the future will bring, but the example of the Mailing List and the influx of new members to the Forum gives me hope of being able to celebrate the 20th anniversary (probably comparable to a centennial in "normal" years), too. These are tough years for sumo, and I guess none of us is in a party mood, but we still love sumo. As long as we keep this love (which isn't blind to the defects of the loved one, but persists nonetheless), the Forum will have a purpose.

Cheers! ;-)

[Fay 1,677]

Wow, time really flies ...

I learned a lot here and still do! A big thank you to all members around the world and may we all are able to celebrate the 20th anniversary!

(Holiday feeling...)

[Sashohitowa 6]

(Holiday feeling...)

Cheers all and sincere thanks to those that make this forum such a great place!

[Jejima 1,360]

A toast to us all (Holiday feeling...)

[Fujisan 532]

Wel done to all.. ;-)

And big thanks to all those running the forum... (Holiday feeling...)

[Exil 301]

Wow, ten years. I feel old. Again. (Another year older...)

Manekineko already put it well, but I must emphasize: we couldn't have made it this far without your contribution, whether you are a reader, a poster, a moderator, a troll, a spammer or a hacker. Thank you all! (Bow...) As a sign of our gratitude, even spambots are welcome to join the celebration! (I'm joking -- you're still banned xzyzoe) Anyway, it's been a ride. Here's to another 10 years! (Clapping wildly...)

Relevant links:

• The SML post (somewhat) officially announcing the forum on December 8, 2001
  
• First thread (the oldest surviving one, anyway)
  
• Members by join date
  
• Members by number of posts
  
• Kyushu 2001 banzuke
  

[Rōnin 0]

I'm soooooooo late! (Another year older...)

[Asashosakari 19,078]

I'm soooooooo late! (Clapping wildly...)

Don't worry, when I got here a year and a half after the forum opened I felt like I was late to the party, too. (Bow...) (Another year older...)

Big thanks to rijichos and mods past and present and of course the incomparable Exil for making this such a nice place to hang around - and to all other members for giving reasons to hang around. :-)

Edit: Who the heck is that in your avatar, Exil?

Edited November 11, 2011 by Asashosakari

[Kintamayama 44,756]

Edit: Who the heck is that in your avatar, Exil?

Michael Palin from Monty Python in the "lumberjack" sketch.

Sketch:

Edited November 11, 2011 by Kintamayama

[Sashohitowa 6]

Members by join date

Somethig that I always wanted to ask, but fnally got the right context... Who is (was) forum member #3 and why is (s)he missing from the list?

[Asashosakari 19,078]

Edit: Who the heck is that in your avatar, Exil?

Michael Palin from Monty Python in the "lumberjack" sketch.

Ahh. Always weird to run into the Monty Python guys in non-moving form, I could swear I would have recognized him on TV.

[Kaikitsune Makoto 206]

Members by join date

Somethig that I always wanted to ask, but fnally got the right context... Who is (was) forum member #3 and why is (s)he missing from the list?

Me, I was only Kaikitsune back then and the first thread seems to be my post even.

10 years ago I wrote that on my 26th birthday. Now 36th birthday tomorrow. Such is life. Sumoforum lost most of its Swedes it seems. Yubiquitoyama gone, Kashunowaka's mysterious disappearance was a big topic back in time. Tokimori vanished, Maguroyama vanished. Swedes gone. No more Swedes.

My active days were in the past but it is good to see sumoforum is still going, if not strong, at least going. Small circles naturally but such is life.

[Fujisan 532]

I miss my good friends Tummpi(Thomashimaru) and Hidenhana......

Last I heard Tummpi was doing national service and Hidenohana seems to have fallen out with me,he popped in last year but didn't reply to the messages I sent.. :'-(

Worst of all, I dont know why...(Sigh...)

[Harry 67]

Congrats on ten years!

I was a late arrival too. Don't post like crazy anymore but still love sumo.

Funny that first post mentions Takamisakari returning to juryo and now he has returned once again...

[ilovesumo 12]

Late or not, we are here and that is good. :)

Let me thank you folks for a lot of support.

This forum really helped me to developed and make the passion the way of life. I joined looong ago, learned a lot, got SOOO MUCH HELP from many members, several became friends offline as well. Am glad I have you all. Big hug!

[hoshidango 0]

Thank you Sumo Forum. I am on and off taking interests in sumo over at least 30yrs and this forum helps me keep the inspiration going to follow this most simple, perhaps the 2nd best sport in the world(first is of course triathlon!)!!

[Jakusotsu 5,892]

Before this thread turns cold again I'd like to say thanks to the one and only Kintamayama whose tireless efforts to keep the community informed are all too easy to take for granted, and who is the bread and butter of the forum (now even with videos).

Bless you, Sir!

[Yubinhaad 11,604]

I thought 8th December was the anniversary date, but anyway...

I want to add my congratulations to the Forum and everyone involved in running, moderating and contributing to it. (Cheers...)

[Asashosakari 19,078]

Long overdue thread bump.

To another 10 years!

[Swami 245]

Hearty congratulations one and all from the Swami!

Swami