This last week the Ladyfisher posted a question on the FAOL bulletin board that asked a simple question: “What is FAOL worth to you?” For those of you that do not regularly read the posting on the bulletin board the responses have been overwhelming and heartwarming.

The question was raised as the result of our continuing desire to make certain that FAOL offers a product that meets the needs of its readers. Since we do not sell subscriptions it is hard to gauge whether or not we are relevant in today’s market. From the responses that have been posted it would appear that we are.

FAOL is the result of the work of many people. Originally conceived by the Ladyfisher its success is the result of the collective efforts of many people, and the support of our many sponsors.

FAOL puts up a new issue every week, and the content is free to anyone that has access to a computer with an internet connection. We have readers in 127 countries and our name comes up among the top ten on the most popular Internet search engines.

We exist because of the wonderful cadre of writers that continue to send us articles each week. We are very fortunate that we have Ron Tidd to take care of the technical side of our business. Ron provides his services for free, and despite the fact that he is not a fly fisher he continues to offer his invaluable services to FAOL and our readers each week.

However, putting FAOL on-line each week does not come free. We have to pay for a server to host our site, and we have to pay for computers, an Internet provider, and a high speed line to service our needs. In addition, since its inception FAOL has been the main source of income for the Ladyfisher.

Then there are the sponsors, that group of businesses whose advertising dollars have paid the bills around here for thirteen years. Due to the current economic situation we have sponsors that have withdrawn and others that are struggling to continue advertising with us. Currently we have enough paying sponsors to keep the site up and running. We are always looking for new sponsors, and it is helpful if, when you utilize a sponsor’s service, that you mention that you found them on FAOL. If you purchase fly fishing items from a business that is not a sponsor you might mention that they might think of advertising with us.

To delay the starting of any rumors, we want all our readers and sponsors to know that in April we will be changing the physical location of our business location from Poulsbo, Washington to Livingston, Montana. FAOL will continue to function from our new location, which coincidently just happens to be in the heart of fly-fishing country. Hopefully we will get more time to actually fish rather than just write about it.

In the meantime we wish to take this time to thank all of our dedicated readers. FAOL is your publication, and without your continued support we have no reason to exist. We currently have no intention of changing our business model, and as long as you, our readers, continue to read and support us, our contributors continue to send us articles, and we have enough sponsors to keep the lights on we will continue to provide you with timely and useful articles that will enhance your enjoyment of the wonderful sport of fly fishing.

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