Near 25 Years Online!
 

In early 2001, on its mother website of 3D Gladiators (3DG was born in 1999), a "Rag Tag Fleet" became a subforum. That was the original name of Colonial Fleets.

It was created for modelers of Battlestar Galactica ships, props and other items, the most prominent being Don "Titon" Bergren and Steve "SteveW" Wilson. The image above was created with Steve's fantastic models and rendered by Fabio Passaro. In very early 2003, that subforum, along with "The Subspace Relay" and "Agoraphobia", grew so large that it was decided to launch them onto their own website communities.

Now, "Rag Tag Fleet" had a slight issue with it's name, as there was already another website dedicated to Galactica out there with too similar of a name. So a bit of brainstorming later, "Rag Tag Fleets" became "Colonial Fleets". Steve Wilson's impressive model inventory truly made it a "Fleet", with a variety of ship designs that expanded both the Colonial and Cylons fleets. Steve's models were based on the designs of Todd "TheHobb" Boyce's designs. Additionally, one tends to name things after the forces of good. In this case, the Colonials.

Hence, "Colonial Fleets" became the new name, and in 2003, it launched on its own website.

As can be seen by reading early postings here, the website has had its ups and downs. We have lost some great friends, to include but definitely not limited to, SteveW, Fabio Passaro, Bryan "Gemini1999" Garrett and a number of the creators and actors that brought BSG to life.

It's membership has mostly left for "greener pastures", like Facebook and the majority of "groups" there, or the awesome artists that once graced these spaceways outgrew the need for the community and left for the Pros.

But like any fugitive fleet fighting for survival out amongst the interwebs, Colonial Fleets is still here and kicking Cylon ass.

Re: Near 25 Years Online!
 

"There are those..." who are thankful to have this hunk of metal, out in the middle of nowhere, to call home!

Namely, ME!

:salute:

Re: Near 25 Years Online!
 

Ditto!

Re: Near 25 Years Online!
 

Indeed, I too am one who is very thankful that CF is still "On Patrol".
There are A LOT of memories, friendships, discussions and good times tied to this wonderful site.
It has, in certain cases, helped me cope with some of the insanity of life. An anchor, if you will.
A place to see amazing things and socialize with friends.

Thank the Lords it continues on... :salute:

Re: Near 25 Years Online!
 

Congrats, it's a good run and some fondly remembered names, starting my CGI journey here, and exchanging ideas and thoughts on BSG back in the day was a wonderful time. Steve Wilson was instrumental in my move to CGI offering sound advise.
:salute:

Re: Near 25 Years Online!
 

Honestly, I thought Fleets was gone for good because there seemed to be a long stretch when then site disappeared and I feared that all the good discussion of the past still to be found was lost forever. So glad to discover tonight the site is still alive and well and I can restore it to my BG bookmarks.

Re: Near 25 Years Online!
 

Take that, Imperious Leader!!!!!!