Forum Governance Update: ANZLF Now Supported by Incorporated Association

[lamanoditrento]

We’re pleased to announce that the Australasian & New Zealand Luthiers Forum (ANZLF) is now supported by a formal incorporated structure.

To ensure continuity, transparency, and shared stewardship into the future, a new Queensland-based association has been formed: the
Oceania Luthiers’ Collective Incorporated.

This change won’t affect your use of the forum—it remains independent, non-commercial, and open to all who share an interest in the craft of lutherie. The new structure simply provides legal and financial footing to support ongoing hosting, moderation, and potential future initiatives.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. We’ll continue to act in service of the community that built this space.

– The ANZLF Moderation & Incorporation Team

[Bob_H]

A big thank you to all of those working to support the continuation of the forum.

[Joshyouare]

Great work team! Congratulations.

[TomBicknell]

As a recent blow-in, thanks for everyone who has built this place and those who continue to support it.

[lamanoditrento]

If anyone has any questions about this — why and what for — please ask away.

One I’ll pre-empt: why the forum, and not just have a Facebook group?

Fair question. But here’s the thing. Facebook is a revolving door. Posts disappear down the feed. The signal-to-noise ratio is terrible. And it’s not a reliable home for long-term knowledge. You can’t organise threads, tag resources properly, or build a culture of thoughtful contribution.

The forum, in contrast, is built to last. Threads can be indexed. Information is findable. Arguments are traceable. It encourages slower, more deliberate engagement. That’s what this craft deserves.

We also have more control. No algorithm. No ads. No risk of getting zucc’d for something out of context. And no need to sell our attention to keep the lights on. Just luthiers helping luthiers, across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

So while a Facebook group might feel more convenient in the short term, it doesn’t serve our long game. This forum is ours. Let’s use it well.

Cheers
Trent

[kiwigeo]

There's also the fact that some of us don't do Facetube

If anyone has any questions about this — why and what for — please ask away.

One I’ll pre-empt: why the forum, and not just have a Facebook group?

Fair question. But here’s the thing. Facebook is a revolving door. Posts disappear down the feed. The signal-to-noise ratio is terrible. And it’s not a reliable home for long-term knowledge. You can’t organise threads, tag resources properly, or build a culture of thoughtful contribution.

The forum, in contrast, is built to last. Threads can be indexed. Information is findable. Arguments are traceable. It encourages slower, more deliberate engagement. That’s what this craft deserves.

We also have more control. No algorithm. No ads. No risk of getting zucc’d for something out of context. And no need to sell our attention to keep the lights on. Just luthiers helping luthiers, across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

So while a Facebook group might feel more convenient in the short term, it doesn’t serve our long game. This forum is ours. Let’s use it well.

Cheers
Trent