One major problem in discussions of this nature is that folks tend to take these forums as a given. Remember: this whole thing was basically a pet project of mine - Fender.com existed for quite some time with no forums at all. I thought it'd be way cool to use Fender.com not only to promote new products but rather to build a community of Fender faithful as well - and one day, after a slick proposal put together by myself and a talented designer on my team, I got the green light to go ahead and give it a shot.

Don't get me wrong ... we've been at it here long enough that now even within the company now many folks don't realize that these forums once didn't exist. And very many here, including our CEO, absolutely do take great pride in the forums (and in you, the participants!) and the content here but ... whenever folks start critiquing lock policies (this thread is headed for one in just a moment) and making generic semi-accusations about corporate policy and whatnot it really makes me cringe. I really stuck out my neck here and made the argument that a community of Fender faithful built right here on the mother ship would ultimately prove to be a group of (a) fine, outstanding, intelligent individuals, and one that (b) would be largely capable of self-policing itself and keeping things focused on the fun, vibrant, wonderful thing that is music. And we've achieved just that, for the most part - but I'd really ask everyone to, right now, make a newfound commitment to helping guide those who aren't quite on board yet toward the "light."

So, here's a quick test ... hows about we stop the political debate starting to brew above and have everyone identify their favorites of the onslaught of new products Fender just launched for NAMM, which is currently going on in Anaheim? Someone start a new thread on the topic and let's go!

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Director at Fender. Guitarist & guitar collector. All views/opinions expressed here are my own and not Fender’s.

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