I understand completely, Andy.
I think that's because when I started making saws there were two people who seemed to go out of their way to cause problems. One I mostly ignored, though his logic was poor (historical and business issues) and I engaged him a couple times.
The other was caustic. Still is. He's now a member here and still is putting out dribble in the form of expertise from time to time. I chalk that up to ignorance and arogance. Because it often contained slights to slams on my character I fought back a lot. It was counter-productive in the sense it used up a lot of mental energy on my part. So I usually avoid his posts except where I can make something more clear to the OP or other readers.
I did take the caustic comments personal, though. Still do. I choose not to respond in kind now. I don't think that is a mark of maturity on my part as a couple people wrote to me saying--in a congratulatory way. Instead I think I am just tired of the fight.
I think that there are always going to be people who disagree with published articles and magazines in particular. Whether it is the ads themselves, means of advertising, or what have you. How they react and respond on a public forum is up to the mods to deal with. I am only responsible for myself, not others' perceptions of me or what I do in my life. It isn't easy, I fail and respond sometimes out of character. For that I need to deal with--but if in poor enough taste in a public forum, so too the mods may have to. For that, when it happens (and it has even here), I am sorry to them and the membership for causing the problems that they in turn have to deal with.
You have my respect for what it is you do professionally, as does each person here--even Jake. As well, each person who participates on the forum has respect from me on several levels. Though I don't post much in the forums here concerning actual woodwork projects anymore, I am amazed at what the members are up to. There is work here which rivals any professional maker.
Take care, Mike
