Today is the 20th anniversary of Slotblog’s first online appearance on October 5, 2005.
The Slotblog domain was initially registered by Philippe de Lespinay and I came on board as webmaster within a day or two. Working together, we crafted the original structure of the forum before taking it live. A few years later, PdL moved on to other interests, selling his share of Slotblog to me.
We created Slotblog for a number of reasons. To put a mature, professional ‘face’ on what many dismissed as a children’s hobby and to be a friendly place were civil discourse was required. To be a site where information about the hobby/sport was generously shared and where every segment of the diverse model car racing hobby (HO to wing and everything in between) was equally valued and respected. Where posters would not be permitted to be anonymous. And with a fierce commitment to achieve as close to 100% uptime as possible.
Today, Slotblog archives more information regarding the 1/24 hobby than any other place on the internet, and has always desired to have a similar level of info on all of the other scales and interests. Certainly Facebook posts are more voluminous but they are also more ephemeral and much less useful as a reference for slot car enthusiasts. And that platform doesn’t feature anything like the incredible community that exists at Slotblog.
The comment about Slotblog I have always cherished is this: “It’s where the adults hang out.”
I don't know how much longer I will be able to keep my hand on the tiller, but the objectives listed above will continue to be my primary goals for as long as possible.
(I don't think he's still in slot cars.)
