Be grateful fellow forum members. I just watched another forum owner have a meltdown and flame all of its members. Its a sad day for what was a good forum. In the end, I think it is him that is goig down in flames.
I am very happy that this forum is well moderated and that its members are cool headed and open minded. I will definitely be sending in another donation in January.

Chris

I would be surprised if Chris hasn't often wanted to do a similar thing. We should, indeed, all be grateful that he previews and re-edits his responses and takes the time to interject humor and patience where appropriate!

I think we are beginning to see "computer rage." Computers have become a social phenomenon going where ever humanity takes it ( or is taken.) There is a marvelous passage in Antoine de Saint-Exuperys' WIND ,SAND AND STARS. 12 airmen had to land in the North African desert on the same spot where two colleages had been murdered. Knowing 300 hostile tribesmen were in the vicinity, they arranged their aircraft into a small fort with mailbags and cargo piled around with candles and a central fire for illumination. Ex describes how men who had flown years together finally had a chance to exchange stories,sing and get to really know one another on the ground. They had established that most necessary and ancient human institution, community. We all say really poorly thought out things sometimes. I am probably the worst. It is also easy to bring other agendas here not always appropriate. We are human, we have passions. With luck someday our thoughts may persever like the cave paintings in France and Spain. Whether they make as much sense is another matter. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The anonymity of the keyboard sometimes brings out the worst in people. At those times it helps to get up, go to the window, take a deep breath and watch the rain come down....then realize you left the windows on your vehicle open!

Like you and many others, I am both saddened by the recent events there and all the more grateful for ETS. As with ETS, there are many interesting and knowledgable intellects in the forums there and sadly a relative few that provide a negative contrast to the bulk of the members there. It was one of the few websites that I generally was proud to refer folks to... <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Hopefully, the owner there will have a chance to take what is to all appearances is a much needed breather, and perhaps time will have a chance to smooth things over.

Having personally met the owner of that site, I am VERY surprised by the recent outbursts as they do not fit the demeanor of person that I met several months ago and the recent outbursts seem quite out of character from many of his posts that I've read over the last year or two.

Playing Devil's Advocate here... while I do not condone the flaming etc there, I do try to keep an open mind as even the most timid of creatures will strike out with surprising force when they feel boxed in a corner. IIRC there was an old Indian saying along the lines of "don't criticize someone until you've walked a mile in their moccasins".

Over the years, I've enjoyed the many hours spent there, made several worldwide acquaintances & friends there, and last but not least, have increased my "light" weight survival knowledge... Let's hope for the best.

Well, that forum is back to normal now, except for the absence of the former moderators, and there are still plenty of posts. I'm sure everyone there would be happy if you all returned.

if your both talking about OSF, the moderators moved to a diffrent forum. Members has to be invited by other forum members. Before inviting members you must ask hoodoo first ( or something like that )....

Hi:

Sorry, I was referring to the candlepower forum.

Chris

They had indicated yesterday that today would be the day of reckoning...looks like things have cooled off, when I cruised through the site again this morning, it was apparent that the tone has become more peaceful. It would be a shame to lose the site and information it generates. Hopefully things will remain on a more even keel and I will once again be proud to refer others there again.

> "don't criticize someone until you've walked a mile in their moccasins"

Or, as the modern version has it:

Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. Then if he gets angry, he's a mile away and barefoot.

<img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />