I just wanted to remind you all that this may look like just another internet forum but in reality it is much, much more. It is actually the waiting room of a very small company that is trying to convince really big companies to spend their money to keep their workers and customers safe. Doug Ritter works his tuckus off trying to get airlines, cruiselines, railroads, auto manufactures, etc... to try and take safety seriously. Meanwhile he's graciously allows us crazy people to hang out in his reception area.

Now look over at the "Who's Online" tool, who do you see on the board? Mostly names we recognize, right? Same people day after day...plus (as I write this) 28 guests. Who are these guests? I don't know, you don't know, they could be anybody.

There's a good chance one or more of them is from one of those big companies that Doug is trying so hard to make safer. Why are they checking out this board? Quite likely to find words to use AGAINST Doug. So when Doug is facing them across a government table they can pull out a bunch of knuckleheaded quotes and say, "Why should we listen to this guy? Look at the types of people he hangs out with!"

This exact scenario has happened to Doug a number of times. The fact that he keeps this forum open in light of this is nothing short of amazing.

So what does this all mean? It means that from this moment on I am no longer loyal to a particular religion, race, friend, or political dogma. My loyalty is only to Doug Ritter's dream of making the world a better place. As a moderator my actions will be driven by what is best for the Equipped to Survive Foundation.

As forum participants, I hope you will do the same.

Thanks.
-Blast

Many thanks extended to Blast and KG2V! Here's to great things accomplished, and many more to come.

RE: Words from the sheriff - a good reminder, and duly noted.

Blast, good point. I never really thought of the Guest section that way. I'm sure in the last 900 or so posts I've probably said one or two things that could have nipped DR a bit. If so, I apologize. And then I thank you Blast for the reminder!

Several weeks ago I had a big lecture on professionalism at work. Guess it's good advice here too.

Blast- I am glad you will be moderating. Each moderator brings a certain style to the party and yours has always been fun and informed.

Agreed sir thanks.

Lee

Good points, Blast.

Excellent point, even for those who know it in our heads and don't always remember it in their typing fingers. Those "guests" include everyone from school kids doing homework to people's bosses (or prospective employers if you link here from a blog or some social network) to, as Blast has said, people who we really want to take us as a group seriously. The reason I've hung around is because we aren't stereotype "survivalists".

ETS has always had style and sanity. My mother, a medical librarian who is on the contingency team for her hospital, has used this place. I can't imagine she isn't the only parent/spouse/child of a member to use us as a professional source, and I know a lot of us regulars have as well Even if we are the sideshow in Doug's circus, let's not embarrass ourselves.

Thanks Blast, This schould be a BLAST haveing you as the Modarator. Also I am looking forward to the new Forum. Put on your star and load up with 6.

You Definitely have the Right Mind for this position,& I will pledge: NOT to "Point my finger"in Cyber speak as,I so did in my last post.I Apologize to All involved,& to All of whom,Read it! I digress! Hey! where did I learn that?

As you are not likely to receive much thanks from forum members who really get aware of your actions as moderator: Thanks in advance and may your job be an easy one.
I will try to behave.