I haven't been posting much here or anywhere else lately--a few health issues have sorta sapped my strength a bit over the last few months.
I have been following the threads though...I like reading about my favorite rifles here and over on the CZ and online matches forums over to RFC.
I didn't post on the "308 gone" thread because I felt like there was a certain amount of truth to the derogatory insinuations a few have made about those who post the most, to paraphrase what I perceive as the gist of what was said. Anyone who's been around here for a few months should have known these remarks were directed at Quick and Mac.
At first I thought, "hey, why don't Quick and Mac respond?". Then I realized that the "stuff" being posted about them was not only insulting but BENEATH comment. My grandmother taught me to ignore the small stuff; the folks who make fun and maliciously tease and make snide remarks and “stir the pot” are mostly just jealous anyway.
So, I did what I felt a bigger man should do and ignored the B.S. flak that I saw going around. I've seen it on other sites and it just doesn't seem worthy of a response, as in "I won't dignify that comment (or whatever) by responding.
I thought that Quick and Mac were doing the same thing.
When Bill (Graybeard) took the time and energy to comment on the shenannigans I felt that something bad was gonna happen if the kids didn't stop slinging mud on the walls.
OK, now Tim and Mac have removed all the stickies and good advice that they have shared with us. Kids, this is punishment, whether you realize it or not.
Yeah, I've been rubbed the wrong way by a couple of Mac's posts, and I admit that I am a bit jealous over Tim's fabulous collection and the time he has since he's retired, and I still must punch a clock for my bread (or will when I finally am able to return to work). But the fact is, that even at his advanced age and recent health issues he still was forthcoming with the tips and links we all benefited from.
Did these guys post all this info and links and helpful tips and experience out of a desire to share knowlege, or was it bragging and the "big fish in a little pond" syndrome?
I can't believe the latter.
I would hate to think that they got insulted and took their bats and gloves home and pulled in all of their stickies too. I feel that they are bigger men than that. But if that's how they really feel they are certainly within their rights to do just that. I mean, why hang around where you ain't appreciated?
But I think that either way, we're getting what we deserve.
As far as all of this being "internet fun", if that's what anyone really thinks they're showing their ignorance and lack of appreciation.
I've seen this type of thing happen on other boards, RFC, Marlin.com, to name just two, and it's never pretty.
Someone like Bill is nice enough to establish a place for like-minded individuals to share thoughts, knowlege and opinions. The door is open to all who will follow the rules.
You come in to someone's place, you wipe your feet or remove your shoes, don't pick your nose in public, etc., and then somebody comes in and tracks mud on the carpet and complains that the free beer ain't cold enuff or the right brand. Then they get their nose out of joint about one thing or another and want to pick a fight, usually about some fine point that they really have no clue as to the bigger picture, like the 30-30AI debate--yeah, it can be done---MAYBE, if the tolerances stack up the right way. But the bigger issues get ignored, like the fact that there are many novices that read the boards and take what they see there and maybe go and try something that will get them or another person hurt.
Some folks just ain't got no manners.
Yeah, sometimes Mac comes across as a bit superior or like he knows more about our favorite rifles. Why shouldn't he...it is, for the most part, true, after all.
Some folks just can't stand it when another person has more knowledge or wisdom, and it comes out in their posts. I have noticed Mac time and again trying to word his posts so as not to trample on another person's feelings; to impart a fact or a correction in a way that educates without intimidating. That's hard to do, and is in my estimation a mark of a "gentleman", of a truely generous spirit.
I just hope that Bill doesn't just pull the plug on this whole forum.
This IS his house. We're all just guests here. Mac and Tim do a lot of work here keeping the windows washed and the fridge stocked. Let's show a little respect.
If all this sounds like a bunch of hooey, well it's just my opinion, i guess.
