Congratulations Idaho Fallz.Com and Joe Vandal !
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Since Joe started this site in Oct 2005, I want to be among the first to congratulate him on a job very well done. Think of the many ways we’ve communicated about different subjects that perhaps many of us wouldn’t have done previously. And, it has been great to see users talking to each other, mostly respectful, but always with their point of view. Users of many ages have written comments either in the chatbox or in the comments following an article. It has been interesting for me to think about different subjects in various ways.
I also think a HUGE thanks needs to go to Mrs. Joe and their family. How much time has Joe devoted to this site, to make it the best that it can be, and perhaps missed some family time, family outings or activities just to make sure we (the users of this site) had a better format for communicating our thoughts and feelings? How does one estimate the costs of his professional service, the hours to this site, his very patient attitude of those of use who ask the same questions instead of looking for the answers ourselves, and Joe footing the bill with very few contributions from users to keep this site up and running?
I’ve had some people ask me if I was an original member of this site. The answer is no, I’m certainly not this talented! I found the site in December 2005. I was impressed with the contents, the tips about computer software, the views of others about those leading the city and county government among so many others tpics, so I kept coming back as I have never seen a collection of the links that Joe has on this page, let alone the discussions.
At the time I found the site, there was a suggestion for users contributing, via Pay Pal or other means, a mere $2.00/month for use of this site. How many people have actually contributed goods or money to help keep this site open, I have no idea. But, I would encourage you to think of two things when pondering the question of the costs: First, how would your life be different without this site and secondly, has Joe ever turned anyone away because they didn’t contribute to a site, from which most users benefit.
Maybe this year it is our turn as users to help pay Joe back for what we have enjoyed. Maybe some of us will make financial contributions to help ensure this site stays open, or maybe some of us will donate our help in other ways. I would ask you to think about a few questions, as you think how you could help in maintaining this site:
1. What do you personally get from this site? The answers will probably be as varied as the people who write them.
2. How often do you check in to see what others wrote or what is going on here? Do you find your visits increasing or decreasing?
3. Approximately, to how many people have you personally given the link or address to this Idaho Fallz.Com? Some may wonder what other people may benefit from all Idaho Fallz.Com has to offer, thinking they don’t know anyone who would benefit from and contribut to this web site. All of us attended school at some point in our lives. Are there former classmates, or work associates who would benefit from being able to write freely their views, and to write them anonymously? In other words, have you helped promote this site? How hard is it really to give this address out at least once/day, if not 5X/day?
4. Have you suggested local businesses to Joe, which may be interested in advertising here, or recommended to local business decision makers that they visit? How could local business profit from this site? There are certainly goods and services I would like to know more about and don’t necessarily know where to find them. Most likely I would shop at businesses or service providers if I knew more about them, what about you?
5. Do you feel like a part of this site? What I mean is do you feel like others respect your ideas and views, even if they don’t share them? In how many local businesses, libraries or other places people gather can you speak as freely as you do here? If there are some, recommend them to Joe so he can list them in his business section and recommend this site to those businesses, library or other places.
I was very, very reluctant to register as a user on this site, due to a very bad experience elsewhere. This really is the first time I’ve interacted with others in a chatbox or comments following articles. However, it has been a pleasure because I’ve found my experiences to refreshing to me to find people who enjoy the Idaho Falls area and the things it has to offer, despite the challenges the people and city face, as much as I do. On this site, I read ways to improve what we alredy have. I love hearing insider knowledge about which businesses have made firm commitments to relocate here, or add another location of their national businesses. I like to talk ponder the comments of many about local media coverage and why certain media outlets don’t do more and read so many other articles I had never thought about previously. And, at the end of working several hours, I love finding people who check in at all hours of the day or night, given their own work/classes schedules and chat for a while. For me, I usually find visiting Idaho Fallz.Com a stress reliever. Additionally, I find the opportunity to see gorgeous pictures at all hours of the day or night a major draw for me. Not being talented in art or photography, I appreciate those who are and have shared it here. Usually, I log off thinking how great it is to get to know other people through this format that perhaps I never would have gotten to know better if we had talked in person.
I know some exciting changes are ahead for this next year. Some are ideas generated by Joe and some are ideas different members have for information they want to see displayed more prominently here. And while I say Happy Anniversary and Happy First Birthday to Idaho Fallz.Com, I have to think of how I can contribute to make this web site better, as it was developed for those who live in or near Idaho Falls, or have business or family members or other interests, in the people and specific atractions that make Idaho Falls what it is.
Happy First Anniversary, Idaho Fallz.Com and Joe Vandal. I’m looking forward to a great second year!
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Comments
Vote:
0 
0 First and foremost, thank you Joe Vandal. This site is a great asset, not only to me but my community as well.
I first came upon this site looking for info on Taylors Crossing, and found your post (Joe) about how good it is for IF. I checked back here and there and was very reluctant to join, but alas I did.
Joe, you have allowed me to speak my mind and write about things that are “passionate” to me. You are always positive about my ideas and I hope that someday we can have a collaborative effort on ideas.
OK4Now, thank you for writing this thank you to Joe. I am actually quite suprised that no one else has left even a “Thank You” to Joe, and that makes me sad.
During my short time as a member of this site, I have found myself chatting with a lot of intellegent and passionate people, and Joe, again I thank you my brother for letting me write for your site. I would have nowhere else to do this if it weren’t for you.
So anyone else wish to thank Joe and wish IFz.com a happy B-Day?
Vote:
0 0 TOP TEN THINGS I LIKE ABOUT IFz.com
1. It keeps the local media on its toes because it’s usually ahead of the local media.
2. It has introduced me to several new, interesting FWF’s. If the teenagers can invent acronymns, so can I. This one stands for Friends without Faces.
3. It has given me a renewed interest in my city and my surroundings. Community activism begins with awareness.
4. There is no better site for learning anything you want to know about the city of IF. If the answer to your question isn’t found among the links, try chat. I’ve gotten everything from computer instruction to a recommendation for a good carpenter.
5. The free exchange of ideas on a myriad of subjects. We can argue our opposite points of view, and in the process expand out own way of thinking.
6. I can usually find people interested in chatting about topics that have little, if any interest, to members of my inner circle. Great place to vent too.
7. I feel the site reflects a good cross section of the community; gender, age, religion, political persuasion. Builds tolerance.
8. Great photos
9. Daily quotes that are thought provoking and memorable.
10.The respectful, tactful and intelligent nature of our host, Mr. Joe Vandal. It is reflected throughout the site.
Happy First Anniversary!
Vote:
0 0 Thanks dnix0112 and Paula for your comments. I happen to know that both of you appreciate this site as much as I.
I’m a bit discouraged though, given how many people log on here daily to give their latest views on KM, or grocery store prices or hopefully soon the election debates etc., that give NO thoght (or at least not that they are willing to write) of the work and cost it takes Joe to maintain this site. How many have stopped to even say thanks?
I’ve seen some compliment Joe in the chatbox, which is good, but I think I’m most disappointed in the regular to often users. Those who have so much to offer others; however, all that information, thinking about different viewpoints, tips about how to make things better etc. wouldn’t be happening between hundreds of people, if this site weren’t here.
And yes, this site has influenced the media. I know that for a fact, but am not at liberty to repeat what I know. But, never doubt the major media checks in here. As for radio stations, I doubt it. Maybe someone has info about that. However, I really don’t know which radio stations want to take on the hard news or views of locals.
Thanks dnix0112 and Paula for recognizing this site is a LUXURY in our lives, not a given.
Vote:
0 0 Since I believe Joe told us that Oct. 18, 2005 was the actual start date of Idaho Fallz.Com, then it is time to once again say Congratulations on your first year of hosting this web site, Joe. You have done a marvelous job. We all owe you for this format you’ve given us to communicate different ideas with others we may never talk with otherwise.
I hope your second year brings continued success and possibly some corporate sponsorship.
Keep up the great work!
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Vote:
Awww shucks thanks, I try to push the focus off me and onto the site, but thanks for your kind words.
I appreciate also your numbered list, hopefully it causes people to stop and think about the growing role of this site in our community, and the influence many people have in shaping that role.
The actual one-year anniversary date is on October 18, when I plan to post a blurb of lessons learned and hopefully unveil a new site design.
Thanks again.