Board History - some questions for our Rob!

[Accompong]

I have "known" Rob since the day he started the boards. In the early days, I looked at Rob as a competitor as I was working for another Jamaican-related web site. Our paths crossed a few times in those years but I can't actually say we were ever really friends just casual acquaintences. It wasn't about anything that Rob was doing or what he stood for but it was more about "me" and my envious desire to be more like Rob or perhaps even better.

Over the past decade or so, I think our mutual desire to help Jamaica has brought us closer and my envy of Rob's living in Jamaica has turned to Nuff Respect! I am now living "most" of the time in Jamaica and now have a greater appreciation for just how difficult a job Rob has had to finally achieve the recognition he richly deserves.

There have been many others who battled with Rob over how he ran the board and were (like me) obviously envious of just how well and persistantly he made it work. A lot of them (old timers know the names) have left the board in a huff; some attempting fruitlessly to duplicate his accomplishment and others suss about Rob on these forums in a desperate attempt to step over him to some illusion of being an "expert on Jamaica".

One just doesn't know how hard a road one travels until they walk a mile in his shoes!

I think Rob is a classy individual that deserves what his efforts have reaped. I don't post a whole lot now as my focus is no longer about Negril but rather my home in the Cockpits in Accompong Town St. Elizabeth. Whenever I do make it to Negril, I know I have a friend who lives and works there.

Nuff Respect.

[beccajean_ca]

Accompong that was beautiful what you wrote.I had the pleasure of meeting Rob and Lisa when I was there last week.He does a great job and I am glad that you both worked it out.Negril is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people.

[rustedduck]

I first discovered the board about a year ago, while planning our first vacation to Jamaica. A lot of the doubts and concerns we had about visiting a different country were answered/addressed on the board. The result was a more relaxed enjoyable, and informed trip.

Rob, your doing a great job of promoting Jamaica, in fact, so good were are packing now for our second trip in seven months.

My thnaks to Rob, Lisa, and all the boardies who post here.

[Lax1724]

I found this website 2 and a half years ago when I was planning a family trip to Negril at Christmas time. I wanted to be prepared and boy did that ever work out. It was really fun to check out all of the places that I had read about prior to reaching the rock. I did even more research before returning for a second time last Christmas. The highlight of that trip may have been unexpectedly meeting Rob at 3-Dives. I can't imagine what it would be like if I ran into Clarity and Markus and Gerryg and Brasi and Tizzy and Patty and Manda and Joe and Ninja and Booger and all of the other regulars! So, let it be said that I am officially addicted to this forum.
I'm not sure when my next reach will be because my daughter is getting married in September (she considered Negril but opted out) and funds are a little tight. I have considered posting on Brasi's December thread because according to him, if one posts there, one's trip will happen. In the mean time, I love reading about other folks trips to keep me going until I can return. Reading the trip reports (and seeing the pictures) from the past few weeks have been amazing. I felt like I was along for the ride through the planning process, the anticipation and then they mayhem that transpired in the month of April.

[TizzyATX]

Wow, Accompong....what a great post!!

You know the more I think about this thread....Negril...my friends....I really can't put into words what this board has come to mean to me. When I first logged on (think its been a little over a year)....I had NO idea the experiences and relationships that this board would guide me to, and I'm SO thankful!) Just wanted to chime in one more time and say BIG UPS to Rob (and Lisa of course, much love girl)

[Marko]

been on since the start.......changed mi name once........
had to go find Rob a couple times one year when he was staying at Tigress to get on the internet.....
otherwise one couldn't get on from Negril..............lol
the webcasts started I think in 97 and were live and direct from places like the Three Dives.........
oh da memories.......

Cool Runnings, Marko

[ralfeez]

Well I found the message board in late 1998. Being the true web geek that I am, I spent many hours finding out about Negril before my first visit. Actually before my first trip in 1999, I had made a map with stars of the places that I wanted to visit. After getting there, I met Rob and Musicmon who treated me very well. They let me tag along with them for a few days as they went from webcast to webcast. Since then, I have been back to Negril four times. Each time, it has been a new adventure. Thanks Rob (and Lisa too) for sharing the country with me. Without you guys, I don't know if I would have ever left the office to explore the world.
~ Ralphie ~

[georgelenard]

1975 April, 29 to May20th stayed at Banana Shout. Never been the same since. Maybe neither of us, Negril or me. I loved, the sun, the sea, the food, the people and the hedonism and some of the finest herbs. A 22 year old pot smokers dream come true! Things have changed since then! But my memories will stay with me, the faces of those who I befriended. Some have passed on, the rest of us get older. But oh how we all love Negril!

[M&G Montreal]

Rob, my dear, you are pure delight! I can't wait to try out all the links! Crashed the original board in a week? That's awesome! I knew you would come through with some great stats and I am thrilled this my questions generated such strong and positive responses! Not a small statement on the genius and ingenuity that is Our Rob.

Thanks again, Rob, for the answers and for this board which seems pretty popular with the inhabitants!

And take that Mr. Zuckerman! Better 'n FB anyday! And nobody got cheated getting here!!!!! AND our Rob has TONS of social graces and skills that you appear to lack!

[Rob in Kansas]

I found the board shortly after launch and have always went by Rob in Kansas or Rob in Cold cold Kansas or Rob in Hot Hot Kansas or whatever the weather dictated. ( so no-one would confuse me with Rob in Negril) Rob turned me on to Catcha falling Star before it became so trendy ( and expensive) Now I stay at Blue Cave. Have caught a few boardie events but nothing in the last 8 years. Just got back last week and had a great time with family friends.