Most of the early members here were on Benzworld back in the early 2000's (??? ). We found it a bit too generic, so most of the SLK owners migrated to a new forum called 'Pointed3'. That too was starting to become a 'bit fractious', so it was decided to set up an SLK only forum,
At first we didn't think it would work, being a very niche market, but we were proved wrong. One of the early members was hosting the site for us, but ran into strange & serious trouble with MB. He had put NOx on his car, but then suffered a serious non-related problem with it. MB tried to blame his Nox setup, and wouldn't sort his car for him. There was a long process of litigation, which ended with MB buying the car back, on condition that he wouldn't own a 'Benz for the next 10 years - scary????
Obviously, that member lost interest, and as Eddy said, the hosting was taken over by Ken, who also set up SLKStore - 'our' on-site shop.
Both the forum, and the store started going ballistic, but then Ken bought a Volvo????? He lost interest in SLK's, the forum hosting moved to VerticalScope - a Canadian company who host a plethora of automotive (amongst others ) forums, and SLKStore was sold to Roderick. (SLKStore now closed).
Due mostly in part to the calibre of the early members, SLKWorld has been the antithesis to most motoring forums. We try to be polite & friendly to anyone who visits us. Working on the principal that anyone who likes the same car as you do, they can't be all bad (!! ) and there is no room for the histrionics found on a lot of forums.
We tried to make this place somewhere that anyone is happy to join, regardless of age, gender or persuasion. I think, judging by a lot of comments from both new & old members we have succeeded.
We were very lucky that Mr. J Banks decided to join us - he had always been a great contributor to Benzworld, and we were delighted when he signed up to be a member here. With his military background, he soon 'whipped' new members into shape. We decided to set up a 'Ride of the Month' comp, and asked Jeff if he could organise this, and also keep the new members 'on their toes'. We were pleased that JB accepted our offer to be a moderator here, and I think we'd all agree what a sterling job he does.
Shortly afterwards, we decided we need a female 'presence' helping to look after the place. Again we were so lucky finding MK (MaryKay (SimplySLK )) - she stepped seamlessly into the role - always giving her own special viewpoint on any tricky moderation decisions, but also regaling us with the delights of her 'Pic of the Day' thread - always guaranteed to raise a smile.
So, that's a rough picture of who and what SLKWorld is - apart from THE MAJOR factor that makes the forum as good as it is. The members here. In 8 years, (not counting the ubiquitous spammers that we are bound to get, unfortunately ), we have only had to ban 4 members, and moderate less than a handful of posts.
This is a truly great community, and I'd like to personally thank all the members here. (can I go for a pint now?
).