Forum

Wow this is a good topic. thanks Paul for resurrecting it.

If i may i'd like to throw in my change from an outsiders point of view..

Before i came to Australia back in 2009 i did a little research to find what was happening down under. Of course i had heard of some of the big players out there like, Simon. I saw a random youtube vid with Jesse P at a DUG. I met Shane in the U.k at one of the comps at Southsea, but that was about it. Apart from that i didnt know of any spots, who the locals were...where they hung out, nothing, let alone of any bike stores.

So, i pretty much Googled...flatland Australia. And surprisingly enough there was a live forum.
And it wasn't complicated at all, there were threads pointing to the local scenes, which was rad.
Some info and some photo's..the forum community was cool and open.

Facebook... there are many opinions about that i am sure..
it has killed many forums ( like ours here in south africa - http://www.bmxdirect.net/forums )
> please dont shut me down for trying to direct traffic and monopolize - using only as reference.
We had a small community going, mainly street riders, but a good place to check in.
But in saying that FB killed the web - it also has it benefits, like for instance... i was chatting to Bobby carter And Jesse P last night, it has brought many of us closer together, where before we were only able to watch a dvd and be like Wow - and that was it! now we can actually contact riders from all over the world. The forum is a source of info Not a bonus. A huge thanks to the guys who have been keeping it running over the years.

I see what Shaun is trying to do, he is creating a good source of info - he is building and promoting a healthy/ open/ approachable scene both online & offline - which should benefit all within Oz.
His FSN squad is getting the interest going in the youngsters, it pulls in the crowds and makes an impact. Which in turn brings more people into our sport.

And to the person who said flatland is dead... its only dead in your mind!
I am a lone rider, i come from a country where there are 2 of us that ride flatland...and the other just happens to be related to me. he is my brother.
So people mustn't come and bullshit.... oh there is no one to ride with..the scene is dead...
We have NO scene here, but i manage to go out and ride everyday for at least an hour. risking life and limb to ride - this is africa after all. I can tell u many stories of 'close' calls i've had nearly being jacked for my bike, run over or chased down the street by an angry mob welding machettes ..not fun.

I got wind of the beef on the whole Eiji story.. people not showing or supporting.... its not even about contests or jams or sunday sessions....its about pride and support - for someone to turn around and say i am not coming to the contest (because it is a contest - is so sad)
if they had the means and the time..then it was their loss and being poes for not turning up.

You guys all know how great your country is, it promotes itself...so just roll with it.
You will always get haters.
There is no need to slap a label on FLATLAND, its an art form and will never appeal to the masses.

word !