I guess this goes to the moderators, apologies if it's been asked already, here goes:

Has there been any interest in additional support forums from the other manufacturers? Pflueger, Daiwa, Abu, etc.

Do you think there would be enough interest to keep additional forums going?

It's cool that Shimano (Bantam) does this for the members. I realize Shimano users are probably the majority on this site and thats ok, just throwing the question out there. 8-)

There's a Pflueger fan here.......but also a Shimano fan when it comes to rods. I doubt we'll see a support forum though. It would need someone who works for the company to head it up I would think. Or someone who is a total geek about Pflueger reels....which I'm close to being but not quite there. ;D  It's great that we have the Shimano forum though, I got some answers about the rods I was interested in pretty fast.  Helped me to understand what it was I wanted to know a little better.  Thanks Bantam1!!!

The Shimano forum is a result of a relationship Glenn made this year.  Bantam stepped up to fill the spot and answer all our questions.  I believe others had gotten the offer but didn't see the potential.

This is a good spot to say thanks to Bantam/Shimano for taking the time....

Maybe the other mfrs. don't need a  support group...

How about an Athletic Support Forum

Maybe the other mfrs. don't need a  support group...

Partially true... your zebco 202's and 33's are pretty self explanatory and aren't likely to be upgraded this decade.   ;D  just kidding around

Actually though, it shows me that some of the higher ups in Shimano North America understand the value (in marketing and support) of being available to the customer base for questions or concerns.  And as a by product they get tons of exposure that the 800 number and other contact sources can't provide.  Remember we have over 17,000 members and countless lurkers... each is a potential customer.  The Shimano forum is unique, but it is certainly a 2 way street.  

I think the cost of one employees time is far less than the customer service and marketing efforts required to accomplish the same exposure and service, company direct.  I'm surprised the other mfr's haven't done it yet.

With all of the service techs that are out there, there is the availability of support information from most any of them on most any reel/s if you know how to search the info.

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!

With all of the service techs that are out there, there is the availability of support information from most any of them on most any reel/s if you know how to search the info.

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!

ddigit,

I agree with you on the service end.  However, there are lots of product updates, new product info and other non service related things that Bantam can provide that the techs can't.  

Having said that, let me go on record and say I miss ReelMech and I'm sure many others do also.  He provided a support to many brands and to the rodbuilders... not to mention he is a friend of many here.  

I have spoken to both sides and know for a fact that there was a misunderstanding in the recent events.  A couple people jumped to an incorrect conclusion, and with that, he is no longer here.  He will be missed.  He was one of the guys that helped build this into the site that it is today.