Frontstretch Message Board Shutting Down?

[FS Bowles]

To All It May Concern,

After much discussion during the offseason, we've decided that the Frontstretch Message Board - a dedicated, lively part of the site for many, many years - may have finally run its course. Between the evolution of Facebook and Twitter, our vibrant community that comments on the articles themselves each day and the gradual shift of our readership population, and the occasional use of our live blogging system there's so many ways to discuss racing here now it seems like the board has become a last resort of sorts for general conversation.

But that doesn't mean we're opposed to continuing on some sort of board in another way. Jeff Meyer, one of the moderators and a longtime writer here suggested a Frontstretch group "Discussion Board" on Facebook led by either him or one of the longtime Message Board Members, where both of you could act as admins and patrol a smaller version of this board on a site people visit much more frequently. How would people feel about that choice? If you're interested, we need to know now otherwise this idea will die on the vine.

At this point, the board is scheduled for shutdown on Sunday, February 13th, 2011. We hope you'll continue to read the site - our growth continues, and with a new podcast / radio show and several other exciting ideas on the agenda we won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Hopefully, this Facebook idea is one that catches on with everyone here and takes off! It'll still be the same ol' Frontstretch faithful - just a little different...

Sincerely,

Tom Bowles
Owner / Managing Editor
Frontstretch.com

[OregonSHRFan]

Sorry, but "To All It May Concern"? How much more impersonal can you get!!!

I truely understand the need to cut back in this economy and if that is the REAL reason you are choosing to shut down the site, it would have been much more informative and professional to state just that.

One of the best aspects of this site is that it isnt filled with people talking about how cute their favorite driver is ad nauseum. The people who post here are genuine race fans, interested in sharing their opinions about the race, track and cars. I don't post or comment on each and every post, I just plan and simply don't have an opinion on EVERYTHING! I do check in here most days to find out if anyone has posted something. I do that with a couple of other boards too but this board has the most sincere race fans.

Sadly, I will rarely come back to Frontstretch; I much prefer to check out the "general" racing news on other sites. I don't do facebook to follow NASCAR either and don't plan on doing so in the future.

Chris, check ya out later on your site!!!

[Gordon Fan]

I come back and you put up the closed sign. I can take a hint. The REAL reason Nascar boards are fading is not because of social networks, it is because Brian France has ruined the sport! I used to be active on 4 boards for a long time and now I am down to this one which is playing the bagpipes. So sad that he took the number 1 sport (by many opinions) and flushed it down the toilet. I remember the days when tires wore out so you could save them for late runs. I remember that the cars had some adjustability to get a little edge due to ingenuity, not cheating. I remember when earning the most points won you the championship. I remember when Bristol was a great track. I could go on, but you get the point. I am all for safety, but some of it has really affected the racing. Soft walls at some tracks removed the best groove. The COT, although safe, has turned Nascar into IROC. Remember IROC? Same cars, same set-ups etc. and now it is gone, why? because it became a bore. I used to look forward to race days with passion and now it's like, oh yeah, I think there is a race on today. Also, the guys in the booth have become embarrassing. When I hear that Boogity Boogity Boogity, I actually cringe. Where are the Ned Jarrett's, Eli Gold's, Bob Jenkin's etc. They made the broadcast about the race and the drivers, not a circus with catch phrases and redundant explanations and theories. Call me a dinosaur fan, fine. Come by my house sometime and I will pop in a tape from North Wilkesboro or a Southern 500 from the 80's era and you too will enjoy the whole experience. Now we have 2 hour plus pre-race over-analysis and can't get off of the air quick enough once the checkered flag flies. I still watch because I do love the sport of car racing, but it has really become more of the show and less of the go. Sad to see another board go by the wayside, but it is a reflection of the sport that once was king.

[Chris]

I think I SHOULD of put my reply here...
I most folks are like me... they check out THIS area,.. and not the one listed on top.
FIRST of all I want to say a big THANK YOU to Tom, and all the other staff who have been here to moderate the board and provide us a place to meet and discuss racing.
I had a fear this may be coming,.. but I was hoping things would pick up.
I am sure we all know that these things cost money to run (what with bandwidth, time for moderators, etc)... so it's just not possible to keep throwing money at something that doesn't drive much traffic to your Front Stretch.com web site.
THANKS AGAIN for all you have done here (and at the OLD forum site).  It's a shame to see it go.  I am sure we'll miss a lot of old friends.
I want to thank you for providing the Front Stretch site, and all the up to date info it provides (although I admit I usually come to the forum, and hardly visit the FS site)

I do want to add that trying to do something on Face Book might work.  I know personally I was all into FB a while back.. but got so involved I now try to avoid it.
IF the face book idea dies on the vine,... I would like to let everyone know that I have just started a small race chat board where those of us "die hard" folks here might still get together and talk racing.  I won't publicize it here now... so as not to interfear with the FB idea you are trying to cultivate

If that falls apart,.. Maybe at some point I can post the web link if all else fails.
I think I speak for everyone when I say "Thanks again for all you folks have done.  It's been a lot of fun"
Chris

PS.. if anyone wants to know the web site... message me in private for now.

[Tyyrus]

Wow , well can't say we didn't see it coming ! I also would like to say Thank You to the Staff of FS , I have really enjoyed the Fronstretch Family . I hope that we can again find a way to share our thoughts on various Racing and Non Racing Events and or Trivia. I sure hope that many of the past members find out about the closing and we can find away to continue our conversations in a similar fashion face book or else where . All the Best in case we don't meet again on the Internet Highway you have All Enlighten my Life ...Thanx for Your Time and Consideration Ty !     

[south jersey girl]

I'm sorry to see the forum go.  I'll miss you guys... 

[Chris]

well... make sure and drop in on my racing forum gal..
I am hoping some of the FS folks will come along..

[CodeBlueEMT]

 I'm glad I found The Frontstretch. Thanks to the staff and the members of this website. I enjoyed my time on the forums, but understand the reasons for shutting down.

 I discovered this site by accident. Found the link on jayski.com and was hooked.

 Chris, I'll be sure to check out your racing forum. I'm not a fan of Facebook either.

 Once again, thanks.

 Y'all take care.

 Shayne

[Tyyrus]

Hey Bro enjoyed our Hockey Chats Go Canes lol 

[Chris]

Be sure to stop in Shane.. 
Love to have all of you folks that are still active come join us at my new site.
Be a good group to start with
Have a great weekend
CT

[SMOKEN14]

IT'S A CRYING SHAME

[Chris]

come visit my chat board.. just getting started..  love to have some input
Chris
http://fantasynascarracin.yolasite.com/