The Diplomatic Bag....

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

The Diplomatic Bag....
Ego’s, Barriers and my shit smells better than your shit!!
These should all be left at the door when people enter this forum,
We should all come together in a spirit of peace and harmony for the love of our beautiful instrument, malicious undercurrents only serve to deter the better players from posting on here and it only lowers the tone of the place.
We are all equal from the bottom to the top, just some of us been playing longer than others.... if it looks even slightly controversial, read it twice before you post it then cover it with smilies (it helps)
Are we agreed on this ????????

[Ken Byng]

I don't do diplomacy too well JD. One of my many faults I'm afraid.

I try to help newcomers, and will not rip people off when it comes to doing a deal with them. However, if something needs to be said in my opinion I won't leave it to others, or say it by innuendo. Like others here, I believe in calling a spade a spade. I have been upset by the comments of others, but then I believe in freedom of speech so I can't dish it out and not take it too.

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

Good subject John,
Fortunately the steel community are very nice people and this forum has not suffered from bad manners very often(if ever)
I have always considered Myself to be quite diplomatic, in My day job I seemed always to be the one who was asked to speak to certain awkward persons since I seemed to be able to show appreciation of the other guy's opinion.I have met, and spoken to Many players,from the newest newbie to the world class player and I can count on two fingers the players who were less than friendly.
Many times the written word does not correctly convey the thoughts,feelings or meaning of the subscriber and often is the commencement of a heated exchange.If people would apply a bit of latitude the world would be a better place.
My ex Wife always said I was Mr Perfect,Funnily enough My present Wife says the same thing,Many of My friends are also Mr Perfect.It must be a male thing !!
Billy

[Malcolm]

Agree with Ken.There are very very few on this forum I do not like or agree with on many subjects, like Ken I just ignore them unless they directly say something derogatory , then I will reply with gloves off.Like Ken I do my best to help anyone here on forum, and some not on forum and hope that everyone here would do the same.In all my years of playing steel I have , with the exception of about four players,who were either unfriendly, or unwilling to help, or downright rude, found Steelies to be the most friendly and helpful bunch around.Try asking some six string players how they did this or that and see how friendly or helpful they can be!
All in all this is a great forum with great people on it, let's try and keep it that way.

[Tony Smart]

Everybody's right here. We need honesty and good manners and that's about as much as you can ask of anyone.

Billy, how can you be Mr.Perfect? - - there can't be two of us.....

The only gripe I've got is when people say "not mentioning any names" etc. (normally with regard to steel guitar brands)
Well this is the whole point of the Forum, to keep people informed. As long as it's an honest personal opinion, it may help others. If somebody differs then they can give their personal opinion. As long as it's done on a friendly basis, it's what makes a Forum worth reading.

[Ken Byng]

Everybody's right here. We need honesty and good manners and that's about as much as you can ask of anyone.

Billy, how can you be Mr.Perfect? - - there can't be two of us.....

The only gripe I've got is when people say "not mentioning any names" etc. (normally with regard to steel guitar brands)
Well this is the whole point of the Forum, to keep people informed. As long as it's an honest personal opinion, it may help others. If somebody differs then they can give their personal opinion. As long as it's done on a friendly basis, it's what makes a Forum worth reading.

There is a problem with naming brands Tony. I once reviewed a British steel guitar (on a small British forum/society newsletter) that was manufactured in kit form. One or two guys that I knew had expressed to me the problems that they had experienced with the kits. I relayed this in my review, and the guy who manufactured the kits threatened to sue the forum as a result. The chap who ran the forum was a fine fellow, but was obviously worried about the threat. I resigned from the forum to avoid any further embarrassment to my colleagues. I merely mentioned facts, and it was supposed to be an honest appraisal. Sometimes the truth can hurt, but equally some things need to be said.

JD's comments are a bit vague and non specific, and would be better if he had made clear what exactly his gripe was / is, who with and why. (By PM if necessary)

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Ken, I did not make any comments, just my humble opinion on how I thought we should all conduct ourselves on the forum, I was probably naive to think everyone would just say Amen to that and agree with me?.
I do not have any “Gripes” with anyone to the best of my knowledge, if I did, I think they would be better resolved round the back of the bike shed rather than on this forum.
I can however give you an example of an undercurrent, when you said you had “Blocked two people” , I know of four that immediately thought it may be them and wondered how many others out there may have thought the same? Either way, I am glad I am not one of them and if I happen to be in the same pub as you will gladly buy you a pint. JD.

[Ken Byng]

John
I have said before that I have a lot of time for you in respect of the help that you give to many of the members here. You are always first to offer advice and general helpfulness. This forum is richer for your presence, and I would gladly discuss Gordon and Eric with you over a pint or three in a quiet pub bar anytime.

[Basil Henriques]

The Diplomatic Bag....
Ego’s, Barriers and my shit smells better than your shit!!
These should all be left at the door when people enter this forum,
We should all come together in a spirit of peace and harmony for the love of our beautiful instrument, malicious undercurrents only serve to deter the better players from posting on here and it only lowers the tone of the place.
We are all equal from the bottom to the top, just some of us been playing longer than others.... if it looks even slightly controversial, read it twice before you post it then cover it with smilies (it helps)
Are we agreed on this ????????:guitar:

Whilst I'm 100% sure you mean well John, your post comes over as a De Facto rather than a personal opinion, i.e. you don't once say "I think" it's more of a statement of requirement of forum membership... and as much as your presence here is probably more frequent than any others, I don't think you should be "Policing" the forum in this way.
What you say here does not come over as your personal wishes but more of a direct rule and requirement.

I completely disagree about the all equal..That's definitely not the case. As much as some aspire to greatness, I personally think that at least four levels of capabilities exist here on the forum, respect for those of greater knowledge and prowess is given by all to greater or lesser players.
The beginners are helped along by one and all and as for the higher echelon I have never found them to be unapproachable, BUT they do deserve respect, I absent my self from this categorisation as I don't really know my standing amongst my peers, BUT I can categorically state the some of the players that frequent this forum are equal to any, anywhere. David, Ken Shakey, Alan and quite a few more have been and are the mainstay of the steel community here in the UK.

I honestly can't see the point of your post ! BUT, as this is a 'Forum' then the post is up for discussion isn't it ?
Forums are for discussion and controversial topics will inherently instigate controversy by their very name and nature..
Debate, will by it's nature also have it's share of yeah's and nay's..
I will continue to agree and disagree with whomsoever I agree and disagree with in perpetuity, that's me, always has been..

forum |ˈfɔːrəm|
noun (pl.forums)
1 a meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged: we hope these pages act as a forum for debate.
• an Internet message board.

Having said that, if not for your posts John the forum would be a lot less active, if anyone cares, go to the member's list and arrange the names by their postings..
Click this ..
memberlist.php?sk=m&sd=a
You'll get this:----->

[Malcolm]

Baz your standing in my opinion is extremely high, I know of few who have your playing capability and all things steel knowledge, and I also admire your no nonsense tell it as it is replies.Your willingness to help others is an example to all.