I Joined R2R To Learn About Reef Keeping - But Something Interesting & Unexpected Occurred Along The Way

[PeterC99]

I joined R2R in August of 2020. I started posing questions and sharing my experiences to expand my reefing knowledge. To my amazement, absolute strangers responded with great information, strong encouragement, and funny antidotes. The more I posted, the more I got to know the diverse R2R members and the more they got to know me. Soon, the R2R posts evolved into real conversations with all the typical compassion, good natured ribbing, and honest exchanges that are not typically found on social media. Before I knew it, these absolute & diverse strangers were becoming good friends! The kinda friends that you would have a beer, glass of wine, or seltzer (depending on your beverage of choice) and talk for hours about reefing and whatever else is going on in our lives. Didn't matter where these R2R friends were located, what they do for a living, or even their background. The only thing that mattered was the strong passion for this hobby.

It's been very difficult finding and making new friends during this COVID time. It's also been hard keeping up existing friendships because of the isolation. But here on R2R, I found many new great friends that are genuine, interesting, hilarious, and always ready to help! One thing I do know is that if these friendships can develop during COVID, then lookout post COVID for these friendships to thrive as we gather at coral conventions and backyard barbeques!

Wishing all R2Rer's and especially my new R2R friends, a very happy and prosperous New Year!

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Before I knew it, these absolute & diverse strangers were becoming good friends!

Yo right!! The Nerve!!! I was perfectly happy as a lurker, Then they had to go and screw all up!

#Cafelife

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I joined R2R in August of 2020. I started posing questions and sharing my experiences to expand my reefing knowledge. To my amazement, absolute strangers responded with great information, strong encouragement, and funny antidotes. The more I posted, the more I got to know the diverse R2R members and the more they got to know me. Soon, the R2R posts evolved into real conversations with all the typical compassion, good natured ribbing, and honest exchanges that are not typically found on social media. Before I knew it, these absolute & diverse strangers were becoming good friends! The kinda friends that you would have a beer, glass of wine, or seltzer (depending on your beverage of choice) and talk for hours about reefing and whatever else is going on in our lives. Didn't matter where these R2R friends were located, what they do for a living, or even their background. The only thing that mattered was the strong passion for this hobby.

It's been very difficult finding and making new friends during this COVID time. It's also been hard keeping up existing friendships because of the isolation. But here on R2R, I found many new great friends that are genuine, interesting, hilarious, and always ready to help! One thing I do know is that if these friendships can develop during COVID, then lookout post COVID for these friendships to thrive as we gather at coral conventions and backyard barbeques!

Wishing all R2Rer's and especially my new R2R friends, a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Well said! Happy New Year to everyone!

 

[SteveG_inDC]

Happy new year! I'm glad this community has been helpful in so many ways. I can say the same.

 

[dvgyfresh]

Before I knew it, these absolute & diverse strangers were becoming good friends!

Yo right!! The Nerve!!! I was perfectly happy as a lurker, Then they had to go and screw all up!

#Cafelife

That part

 

[Zach B]

Cheers @PeterC99 Very well said! I am thankful for everyone on this site! Everyone who I've ever spoke to or I've asked for advice, I thank you as well!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Great post @PeterC99 ! Very well said.

Everyone have a safe and happy New Year.

 

[Supa]

Yea I can agree

 

[vetteguy53081]

The power of a forum group and power of knowledge

 

[PeterC99]

The power of a forum group and power of knowledge

Agreed but there are so many other forums out there and NONE come close to this one!

 

[jdri7]

I just joined a few days ago and I am highly impressed how positive and helpful everyone is. Just goes to show that we can use digital media effectively for a hobby we all love and want to learn more about. Happy 2022 everyone.

 

[jassermd]

I couldn't have said it better!
Happy New Year to all our R2R friends!! I hope this new year brings you all the parasite and disease-free reefing success you all wish and hope for!!

 

[Sean_B]

Happy New Year to you as well!

as for the friendships, I'm sure you played a roll in the development of these. You receive what you give, you find what you're looking for

 

[PeterC99]

Happy New Year to you as well!

as for the friendships, I'm sure you played a roll in the development of these. You receive what you give, you find what you're looking for

Very profound!!!

 

[Utubereefer]

Definitely made some unexpected friendships

 

[D9ohsoar]

Totally agree!!

 

[A;exr54]

Happy New Year!

 

[RedReefer]

Right back at you @PeterC99!!! Happy 2022!

 

[Chessmanmark]

I agree, COVID is isolating hobbyists.
If this pandemic ever ends you’re invited to an HVRK meeting.
You‘re basically 40 minutes away in White Plains.
We had some great times when we used to meet up regularly.

 

[PeterC99]

I agree, COVID is isolating hobbyists.
If this pandemic ever ends you’re invited to an HVRK meeting.
You‘re basically 40 minutes away in White Plains.
We had some great times when we used to meet up regularly.

I’m there! Thank you for the invite and am really looking forward to the next meeting!!!