I had to sign in and second this thought. What got me interested in FCF - way back in the day - were the articles and NOT the discussion forum. I later participated in the discussions and saw a certain level of intellectual debate that has been waning for some time now on nFCF, AFF, etc. I think a few factors are at play here:

1. The lack of the "articles" component that was central to FCF
2. The way that so many issues have been discussed "to death". There's just no meat left on the bone...
3. The shifting landscape within some Apostolic circles, especially the UPCI - gets reflected to some extent in the forum discussions.
4. A tendency by some to avoid real discussion, perhaps out of "topic fatigue", and jump straight into a defensive stance that usually has a messy overtone...

Jim and myself had a quite heated discussion via pm over two different articles I did not at first understand the concept but after our discourse I was convinced he was correct in his theory of airing the matter. All those discussions with Newman and them Elder Blume and here came the Branhamites were fun. I think the discussions between Elder Blume and Elder Chalfant and Parson was the best you could have gotten of those topics all three were students and articulate. Newman and Sab were great.

Good post!

You know some of us had some heated but informative discussions on Calvinism did we not???? And while it did get very hot we remained friends of course we could not helped it we were predestined to do it!:happydance :happydance

Those were the days. It's good to see what one believes and if it can stand the test of scrutiny.

:D

Great series of posts Pastor Epley. I miss the old days as well, regardless of the fact that I couldn't tell a Branhamite from a Spamanite...

I miss trading one-liners with Brother Groce too...

Jim gave FCF a flavor that remained even after his passing. However, as life goes, when you add other seasonings to the mix, the taste changes. All of us that were involved added some things that caused FCF to explode with growth after Jim's untimely demise. That can happen here, also.

If you can get good writers to write, bring back the article/issue oriented threads, you would be amazed what would happen here.

It may not seem related, but at the start, the articles were what pushed us...the general area was something we never expected to take off, but it did as a result of the "hook" of the articles. You give folks a hook, they will catch themselves...if you get what I am saying.

Make sure the articles are balanced between conservative, liberal, and moderate.

Good post...excellent points well made. Thank you for stopping by, Elder...:tiphat

I agree with everything you say here.

Thanks for confirming the fact that FCF really took off after Jim's death. I remember this because I was diligently watching growth of the membership #s. :) It seemed like it was growing very slowly; the numbers had increased ....... and then *poof* .... Jim was gone but with that came a dramatic increase in membership #s.

The "flavor" did indeed remain for a long while after and you sir did a great job having to step in and take over the leadership.

Those were the days my friend .... :)

Matt..

I don't know if it's been said or not.. but I do believe the popularity and dynamics of the forum FCF was that there wasn't much to choose from out there at the time... now we have more and more to choose from... that may be why there is diminished interest....

YES!!:)

I was mostly lurking on the GNC when Jim blew in like a hurricaine as CYCLOPS. :)

He was banned over there at least once that I remember.

I was shocked to the core when one day he was there and the next gone.

I was/am more of a lurker than a poster on GNC, FCF,NFCF but I've been sad, angry, disappointed, excited, laughed-out-loud, etc, etc... by the posts.

I agree that we may need a focal point like Jim gave us in the articles when he was around. The article gave a foundation or starting point that could be used to jetteson oneself off, so to speak. And it gave us an understanding of exactly what the "issue" was.

I was part of that "Poof". i came to FCF right after he died. in part because of first hearing that FCF was his site, then secondly because of the Ethopian deal. that all kind of happened at the same time if I recall.

I lurked at the time the letters were being posted...signed on after he passed.

I havent read all 90 odd posts here but this is my 2 cents.

If you look at posters who have been around going back to the time that FCF was really strong, you find that they do debate with respect.

Pianoman, CC1 and Carpenter well represent the Apostolic left in a way that clearly conflicts with others like Coonskinner and Epley.

There have been very hot debates with these folks involved but the level of discussion generally isnt personal. Not only is it not personal but nobody acts like they are being attacked.

Some of the newer posters really need to review their style of posting. I have seen threads started that were clearly over the line in tone, then when someone disagrees, the person who opened the thread gets bent out of shape because they got called on it.

this probably only makes sense to me so I will shut up.

No Ferd, it makes sense to me too.

Almost like some have come with an agenda (on both sides).

When I first came to FCF there was the thing about Elder Kenneth Haney being nominated for UPCI GS.

You were making sense to me too... what did you shut up for? :D

That's pretty much right on, IMHO! :friend

But the "winner" will offer the most. There are a million fast food shops out there. Who continually makes more money and is the most popular? As bad as it is, the answer is McDonalds.

It won't matter how many are out there if the content and "ingredients" are the best.

Hey somebody didn't tell me he moved to TN.

Were is the correct wordage. I do miss it, but I don't, if that makes any sense. I will always fondly remember my time and the membership of FCF. The pressure? No. :D

Matt, I hope you never get the emails I got.

As RRFORD says, you may not be good, but you are slow. :D

Not entirely moved yet. 26 foot UHAUL filled top to bottom, front to back, and still not done. At least 4 more days of work between packing, moving, and cleaning. Un-packing? I don't even want to think about it.

I hadn't heard from ya I haven't died or anything,but I hope things work out good for ya.

No you haven't died...either that or St. Peter had DSL installed. :D

Good to post with ya. Things are well.

well, It looks like im less of an idiot than I think I am. maybe we need a remedial course for some folk?

Howdy friend.

I'm sure I could take courses for alot of things just ask my wife.:slaphappy

I think one way Jim did it was he didn't worry about hurting anyone's feelings!

He called it like he saw it.

There have been a lot of good answers.

I know when I first came to FCF it was from the letters posted.

At first I thought the posters were the most unchristian folks with all their fussing going on. :)

They gave me a warm welcome and advised me to stay around and read and get to know them and then see if I still felt the same way. You didn't have to stay to long to see the "family" would love, defend and and chastize each other.

I think the articles were a definite hit and generated a lot of debate.

Also, I think the DT was also another main factor. Many people say that they don't want to hear gossip, but they are just as interested in what is going on around the organization as those who posted.

I came here to learn more indept Biblical dept. Hence, you will find I have started many threads in that regard, asking questions and trying to get valuable input.

I also have enjoyed the threads such as recipes. Now who can out sing and cook than us? ;)

I have laughted, I have cried, and have opened my eyes wide and reread a post again to be sure I read it right. I have learned and I have shared.

Forum life is different and I have enjoyed my time spent with most folks here. I have gained respect for some folks I have never met and look forward to meeting even more.

But to make it a success it takes the posters. If you don't see the kind of thread you like, start one.

If someone takes a shot at "you" not your post, report it!

We can't possibly read every thread and every post.

But it takes all of us to make it work.

It takes "you" to input the kind of input "you" like, and know there are most likely others that agree with you.

I think that is where I see a sutle difference of late, we don't want to offend those that are supposed to be on the same sides.

When no two people can think alike on every subject.

Good point, Renda!

I thought the prophecy section on FCF was a mine-field.
I thought Pre-MID-Post were the schools of thought on prophecy out there,boy was I living a sheltered life.

I always wondered who DT was? Perhaps I'll never know.

I know! :D

You Do,since FCF is no more you can pm me and tell me.

Me too. :)

Great POST FERD! I agree with you 100%, your Lortab is helping your clarity this time.

Howdy. :D

There were two...the original and the fill in. Shhhhh.

My lips are sealed. :D