Yikes - another newbie! I've been lurking for quite a while, and just decided to get in the pool. I'm a newcomer. In 1997 while at the Outer Banks for family vacation we stopped at Currituck Beach, and in the gift shop I bought my first HL model. Hooked. I've now got 4 of the OB lights - can't quite reach Ocracoke yet.
Anyway, as a lurker I have been able to intuit, decipher, or otherwise find reference to most of the acronyms - except WACKO! Other than the obvious implicit meaning, there must be another level. I work in an acronym-intensive industry, so I think I recognize one when I see one. If it looks like a duck, etc., etc..
Can anyone help me out?
BTW, I've lurked on a few other bulletin boards on occasion, and I have always been impressed by the class of the posts and contributions on these boards. I think this will be fun.

Welcome aboard Dave! I also started my collection after visiting Currituck; only we were there in December of 1996 so the gift shop wasn't open. We got our first HL just down the road that same day at Lighthouse Gallery and Gifts.

The Wacko explanation can be very long so I will try and give you the short answer…

It was the very beginnings of these forums and some of the core forum members were all on AOL at that time. There was a Harbour Lights bulletin board there and several of us posted there on a regular basis (several times every day). One day a person posted a message to another new person that had just posted a question, roughly the following statement…

You will find a lot of good information here, but watch out because these guys are a bunch of Wackos.

So we took the name as a compliment, not a derogatory label and the rest as they say is history.

SaintWackoPaul '
Keep the Flame

Have fun with the group Dave, it's always nice to have "new thoughts" filtering into the "old gang." Welcome

Welcome to the best group of wacko's that you will find anywhere Dave. Glad that you joined us!
Jim
Johnson

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[This message has been edited by SThompson (edited 03-12-2001).]

Welcome DaveVB - If you click on the back button then notice the "Newbie Jumpgate" link at the top of that page, you'll find a wealth of information.

Also check the "Forum on these Forums" and look for the mailbox item at the top of that page for information on "Wackos".

I moved this thread from the General Forum.

Hey there Dave. Welcome aboard! Since you have been lurking for a while, there is no need for me to tell you how great these Forums are! Montgomery Village eh? I use to live in Seabrook and Laurel, MD many years ago. I attended University of MD (don't hold that against me). Again, it's great to have you with us.

Tim - Keeping the flame lit...
[img]http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/torchbearer55/Octopuss[/img]

Welcome Dave, glad you decided to come on in, instead of just peeking in through the windows. We don't bite, & you will love it here.

TGIFIF

Go back one level from this page. On the listings for the Welcome forum, you'll see a mailslot icon over on the left. Click this to go to the Newbie Jumpgate where you'll see a listing for a message labeled "Forum Goodies & What are the titles all about?" That message will explain the different titles, including the Wacko term.

Or you can just click here ---> Newbie Jumpgate .

Welcome to the forums - lottsa good information here and fun people. Feel free to hop in to the conversation - we're glad you're here. :-)

__
/im

Welcome DaveVB.

Check out these tests to see if you might be a Wacko yourself. Ya never can tell 'till it's too late!

You might be a wacko if...

You might still be a Wacko if...

New Test for WACKOism Developed

From the Japan bureau of HL-Anon,

------------------
-Art

Hi Dave, ...Welcome to the wonderful world of Harbour Lights! I see the heavy hitters have already responded to your inquiry with some great suggestions. You'll defintiely find the folks here very friendly and helpful. I hope you'll join us often!

Bob

Welcome Dave, from yet another WACKO who got his start in that little gift shop in Currituck in August of 1998.
- Bob

Hi Dave-

Like you I have "visited" the forum for a long time without taking part. But recently common interest (and more time on my part) made me get more active. It is great fun and educational too.
Welcome!!!

WELCOME to the best site on the net!. U2willB A WACKO soon!





[This message has been edited by pharologst (edited 02-26-2001).]

Welcome Dave! Once your in your hooked.

Enjoy!
Sheryl

Its great having you with us, Dave!! 'Look forward to seeing your posts in the near future.

WELCOME

Welcome aboard Dave. You have definitely found one of the best sites available and filled with a large family of HL Collectors and lighthouse lovers. I know how difficult it must have been to just lurk and am glad you have decided to add to the discussions here. I look forward to reading your posts in the future.

"Keeping The Flame in New England"
Ron

Welcome Dave,
We are always ready for one more Wacko to join the group. I have never found a more enjoyable bunch, anywhere. Over the years, many of us, have made it a point to meet each other at different HL functions. My feeling is that HL created a culture for those of us who love lighthousing....welcome!
Nana

Welcome DaveVB . You will have many, many hours of enjoyment from this group.

KYKEEPER - Pat

Dave, Just wanted to say hi and welcome to the Forum.

Terry

Welcome, Dave from another newbie. This is a great place and it is very comforting to know that there are collectors such as this crazy / devoted and funloving group!

Again, welcome!

Iris

Dave,

Just wanted to say hello and welcome to the forums. This is the place to be for any HL Wacko.

Hi there Dave! Welcome and have fun.

Thanks, everyone, for the warm welcomes and the helpful hints! So, I THINK I get the picture - WACKO seems pretty much to say it all! My kind of people! I'm not quite sure that I'm there yet - but I did read all of the "WACKO Test" posts - so maybe that gets me a "W"?