BamaJDon41's blog

There does indeed seem to be a general split among users here on MF. If you do a search of global members who have had past opponents, it turns out that approximately only about 50% have met another user here for a match. Among those who actively use the site to meet other opponents, I agree there's generally two camps: those with experience who seek competitive matches as well as the pro wrestling/pro fantasy camp who share an affinity for the ring. There's also a whole lot of guys in between who maybe enjoy grappling but appreciate the more playful side of pro.

Among the remaining 50% who log on but haven't yet had a chance to meet up IRL, I imagine the motivation is primarily to peruse other profiles, check out videos and photos, and maybe chat with others to fulfill a fantasy or take tenuous steps to making that fantasy a reality. No judgement in that - we all 'get there when we get there.' MF is a magnificent resource to help a lot of guys learn about a community that they might not otherwise know about.

We definitely live in a golden age for this hobby. And it's great to have a resource like MF to build a network of like-minded combat fans.

Excellent comment! Yes, it may be a surprise to some that with over 20k members on this site, approximately 10k have no past opponents listed. For many it's always a matter of geographical access, how far does one have to travel and how far can one travel to meet that match. It's a big world and the internet reaches every corner.
But unlike the old Sears or JC Penny wishbooks, we can't just order our favorite matches and have them delivered to our door. And failing to get those matches does not mean that members should just leave, no matter what some may think. Everyone is free to wish and to dream.

MF exemplifies the Faustian bargain that we all make with social media. Yes, indeed, platforms like this can bring you "closer" to a community that for many would otherwise be out of reach. If one lives hundreds of miles away from the nearest opponent - a virtual friendship formed in a chat room or through messages is probably better than nothing. Well managed virtual connections can bring us a lot of fun.

But it cuts both ways. By showing us profiles of guys with hundreds of opponents (who either travel frequently or live in environments with lots of fellow grapplers) we can become frustrated or envious. And that's not good.

Let's acknowledge the wisdom of your final sentence, BamaJDon and make the most of "what we can, with whom we can, when we can." Deeply profound and true for all of us here on MF.

The internet is a facade. Our screens are right in front of us. But the people behind those profiles could be halfway around the world. You can talk and make plans but it all comes down to who is really willing to travel all those miles just to meet up. It is what it is and you just accept that desire is not always enough to make some meets happen.