Happy 24th Birthday to BWE.

[JimHow]

It was 24 years ago this morning that I woke up and, on a whim, created this site. I had zero expectations that it would last beyond that day, or certainly not more than a week. 24 years later, through thick or thin, we are still here! It has been a great ride. Happy Birthday to all BWEers around the world who have made this site possible.

And as is our annual tradition, I am posting that very first exchange between myself and Ben “Whuzzup__” Nelson… 24 years ago….

+++++++++++++++

Reply
Recommend Delete Message 1 of 1 in Discussion

From: JimHow (Original Message) Sent: 2/26/2000 11:02 AM
I have created this community on 2/26/00 in the hope that I can get at least 10-20 Bordeaux enthusiasts to keep a lively discussion going on a weekly basis. I was very frustrated when Wine Spectator changed the format of their bulletin boards. We had a good community of Bordeaux "experts" under the old Wine Spectator system who came on board regularly and offered a lot of information on tasting notes, where to find deals, etc. For some reason, the editors at WS changed to a much less user-friendly system and they have arrogantly ignored our requests to go back to the old format. If we can get some of the old participants to visit here, and work out any kinks along the way to improve this site, I am convinced we can generate some of the old enthusiasm. Time will tell....


Reply
Recommend Delete Message 2 of 1 in Discussion

From: Whuzzup_ Sent: 2/26/2000 11:51 AM
Hey JimHow. I am in full support. I have tried some interesting wines lately. When I have a little time this weekend I will post some notes. Thanks for taking the initiative. Ben


Reply
Recommend Delete Message 3 of 1 in Discussion

From: JimHow Sent: 2/26/2000 11:57 AM
Great to see you here, Ben. I'm really game to give this a try. I'll be posting some tasting notes as well this weekend. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated greatly. Thanks, Jim.


Reply
Recommend Delete Message 4 of 1 in Discussion

From: Whuzzup_ Sent: 2/26/2000 7:28 PM
Got a question for ya: I like to share TNs with you guys on non- Bordeaux wines from time to time. I figure we all have similar palates so that if I run into something I like I should share... is it ok to break out of the Bordeaux topic from time to time?


Reply
Recommend Delete Message 5 of 1 in Discussion

From: JimHow Sent: 2/26/2000 11:40 PM
Of course you can write about anything, Ben, I always look forward to your comments. At this point, as we're just getting started, I'm looking for as much discussion as possible....I've got some essays in my word processor that I'm trying to figure out how to get to this site. I've got a lot of ideas on how we can improve this site, I just want to get to know it better. But by all means, give us your notes on California or anything else.... Thanks, Jim.JimHow

[Gerry M.]

Congradulations Jim on sheparding the best wine discussion forum for these many years!

[RPCV]

Thinking we should do a 25 year tasting of all 2000 Bordeaux.....

[stefan]

Happy 24th, BWE! Thanks, Jim, for creating this board and running it for almost a quarter of a century.

[Jay Winton]

Quite a ride. Is "whuzzup" still running the ship at HDH? Happy BD BWE!

[Lucie]

I never would have guessed I would be writing this as I have to admit when stefan first suggested we fly to Chicago to meet up with some wine geeks whom we had never met I was a bit skeptical. But as history shows we went and have gone to every BWE convention since, minus one when Stefan had an appointment with a surgeon. These "geeks" have turned out to be some of the most interesting people we know, warm, friendly and definitely generous. When I describe a BWE get together to other friends I typically describe it as a family reunion only where you like everyone. Over the years people have come and gone, but BWE has continued and will I hope for may years. Thanks Jim.

[s*d*r]

Congratulations, Jim, and thank you.

Can anyone list every BWE Convention?

[Thong_WAS]

The BWE just had a new member joining to celebrate its birthday. Congrats, Jim!

[JimHow]

Welcome to BWE, TW, and thank you to all BWEers far and wide.
What an incredible ride!

[DavidG]

Congratulations Jim and happy BWErthday to BWEs everywhere.

[esl]

Congratulations! From my experience not many on-line forums last that long. Looking forward to next year's silver anniversary.

As a recent member, I wish I had known about this board some time ago when I lived in Sacramento, CA. Seems there are several other members in that area and would have liked to have met them. Are there any members in eastern Kansas? I am south of the KC metro area?

[dstgolf]

Congrats to the longevity of BWE and all the friends we've made along the way. Well done Jim for sticking through this amazing site and making it all happen. Many happy returns.

[William P]

Makes me feel old, but it has been fun.

Bill

[Comte Flaneur]

Congradulations!

[Tom In DC]

Happy Birthday to our BD's baby!

[JimHow]

Tom In DC, you and Gail have been BWE joys in my life, I truly hope to see you soon.

[Nicklasss]

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you, dear BWE!
Happy birthday to you!

An incredible achievement for a non sponsored site.
Friendly, generous, loveable people is the secret.

Started from a sparkle from Jim.

Long life to BWE.