What's your Story? ...

[Calman]

Hi folks!

This goes out to everyone involved in GPW, whether it be the site owner, admin, moderators, coders, designers etc.

People always asked us (my wife and I) where the idea/incentive came from, in starting up our website/forum back in the day.  I would be keen to hear how GPW was born and how everyone came together.

I've always had an interest in the foundations of successful online communities, wherever they are located and whatever brings in the people.

Best Regards,
Cal

[Ian]

I was trawling the web looking for F1 stuff Cal and I came across a site called F1Wizard, that was back in March 2006, still here 'cos it's great, Wiz had to change it to GPWizard a while back because of threats from I believe from FOM (someone will correct me if I'm wrong I'm sure  )

[Monty]

GPW - small, friendly, apparently involving true enthusiasts and no Trolls

[cosworth151]

I came along 2 months after Ian in 2006. (No, the computer wasn't coal fired) I found a friendly community of F1 fans from around the world. There aren't a lot of F1 fans here where I live, so it was great to have friends who shared my interest in the sport. I've stayed here for that very reason.

[lkjohnson1950]

I followed Alia from another site in 2008. Everyone here is great except Cossie, who's just as grumpy and cynical as I am.

[Calman]

Myself, I was scouring the web looking for "F1 Photos/Photographers" ... and woo-ha-loo-loo, I found GPWizard.  In all honesty, it didn't grab me like a sugar coated overload, as I was still focused on finding F1 photographers for photo usage/permissions at the time.  However, something kept bringing me back along to the forums, other than my paralleled enthusiasm for everything F1!!!

In my short time here, it's clear that the shared knowledge, respect, maturity and pockets of humour from 99.95386% of the members, is the ingredient which has seen my visits increase (between other web commitments, waiting on a hot meal to be slapped down on the table, sick of yard work, renos or generally twiddling my thumbs and social media simply doesn't gimmi my fix!!) ... so there you have it. 

Best Regards,
Cal

[Scott]

I think I can speak for the 99.95386% when I say you are a welcome addition to our community and it has been a pleasure getting to know you. 

[Robem64]

I think I can speak for the 99.95386% when I say you are a welcome addition to our community and it has been a pleasure getting to know you.

Echo that Scott

[Calman]

Likewise and Respect to you both!! 

Best Regards,
Cal

[guest3164]

I came here as I found out about it when another forum I was on closed down.  I then posted, left, came back, left, came back, left again and here I am.  I keep coming back, perhaps like some kind of pest problem.   

[Alianora La Canta]

I'd launched my first blog and finally decided it was time it had an audience of more than 4 people (it was hosted on a different forum, now long-since closed). One of the people I encountered while looking for that audience said I really should check out this place. I did and... ...haven't left.

It's now the second-longest-running site I'm a member of (F1 Fanatic the only longer-running one).

[Robem64]

I think this is probably one of the very few social type sites that I'd consider a "troll free" zone...thanks friends