Courtesy as common sense

That pretty much nails what I'm trying to say, Kit. I see times when my "meter" says a thank you would have been appropriate to someone and it doesn't happen. Unfortunately for my blood pressure, I notice those kinds of things.

I am sincerely glad others chimed in and said it doesn't really matter to them. "Others' mileage may vary" and all that, I know not everyone feels the same as I do about it. I'd bet, though, that those who don't expect it are still happy when someone takes the time to say thanks. :)

I am one of those people like Nick mentioned who says thanks every time the waitress refills the coffee or drops off the A1. It has been my observation that I rarely have to actually ask for a refill.

I guess my whole point is that while it's true you'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar, it's also true that if there ain't no honey either it's going to be tougher to catch flies at all.

Thanks for the comments, folks. I do appreciate all the responses. I've really been mouthing off for a couple weeks to make a couple points and I'm sure there are those who will be happy to hear it's time for me to shut up again. I really like this place, and appreciate the good people here. Thanks for this community that is more precious in my life than you'd imagine. It's probably real pitiful that you buncha hairballs are this important in my life, but there ya go. Life is strange...... :) God Bless you all and may knifemaking brighten your days.......
 
I sincerely believe that a considerate environment is a productive and a educational environment.

Kevin makes a good point. Giving credit to another takes nothing away from your accomplishments. It only enhances your own credibility. It also opens door to information that was hard earned by others at thier own expense.

Mike your consideration comes through on every post you make, it is an excellent example of productive behavior in this public space.

This thread like others, helps initiate the new maker to a culture of consideration. Consideration builds friendships, Friendship opens doors to information, customers, and positive publicity toward your work.

High standards and good behavior begets good knives.

Thanks for the post..Ed
 
fitzo said:
That pretty much nails what I'm trying to say, Kit. I see times when my "meter" says a thank you would have been appropriate to someone and it doesn't happen. Unfortunately for my blood pressure, I notice those kinds of things.

I am sincerely glad others chimed in and said it doesn't really matter to them. "Others' mileage may vary" and all that, I know not everyone feels the same as I do about it. I'd bet, though, that those who don't expect it are still happy when someone takes the time to say thanks. :)

I am one of those people like Nick mentioned who says thanks every time the waitress refills the coffee or drops off the A1. It has been my observation that I rarely have to actually ask for a refill.

I guess my whole point is that while it's true you'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar, it's also true that if there ain't no honey either it's going to be tougher to catch flies at all.

Thanks for the comments, folks. I do appreciate all the responses. I've really been mouthing off for a couple weeks to make a couple points and I'm sure there are those who will be happy to hear it's time for me to shut up again. I really like this place, and appreciate the good people here. Thanks for this community that is more precious in my life than you'd imagine. It's probably real pitiful that you buncha hairballs are this important in my life, but there ya go. Life is strange...... :) God Bless you all and may knifemaking brighten your days.......

:o you big lug you :D I'll bet you're Nancy's big teddy bear :)
I have NO dought.. ;)
 
For all the information I got to each of my questions posted on this forum, not to say at least thanks would be very unpolite, even though I believe the best way to say thanks here is to share the information you have when yopu feel you can answer someone else´s questions.
 
I'm trying to perfect my bs'ing skills in the Cove and W/C. :D :p

I'm actually trying to learn something here in the Makers forum. Thanks guys.
 
Dan Gray said:
:eek: I'm glad I re-read that...


Dan, it read as partially correct either way you wrote it. :D Like everybody, I have my definite moments at either end of the spectrum.

31 years of marital bliss for me tomorrow. Nanc could probably claim 31 years less a few days for when those times I was less than a teddy bear made her suffer. Happy Anniversary, Sweetiepie................. :)
 
Kevin R. Cashen said:
One of the things that I learned early on in this business is that the best way to say "thanks" is to do something equally as important and that is give credit. If you pick up a really great tip and are passing it on, it is the worst of form not to acknowledge the guy who showed you.

One of the ugliest and just plain stupidest lines I have ever heard in this business is "No, I can't tell you that- it is my secret!" :rolleyes: :barf:. That attitude will be the death of this business and I advise all newbies that if they ever encounter a smith who has "secrets" to turn and walk away from the pinhead, as he as just proven that he has nothing at all of value to teach.

But I have also found that there are some very knowledgable guys out there that now hold their cards closer to their vest, unless they get to know you, because they got sick and tired of slimeballs who eagerly gobbled up their information and then claimed it as their own invention.

So yes, it is very important to do two things- say thank you, and give credit for the source of the information,when you pass it on to the next guy , as that is an excellent way to repay the kindness.
Kevin that is right on! Too often people don't give attribution for what they've learned and that's just as discourtious as failing to say thank you.

There have always been those makers who are slow to share their hard-earned skills, and that is fair in my opinion. Possibly it's because of what you said, people taking credit for another's work but I also think it can be a simple business matter of keeping proprietary processes proprietary. That is a reasonable business practice and should always be respected.

But one of the things that, to me, sets knifemakers apart from other craftsfolk and businesses is their general willingness to share their methods. As in the Free and Open Source Software movement, sharing what you've done only strengthens the entire "industry." We advance more quickly as a group by sharing. I like to tell FOSS folks that knifemakers started the whole idea thirty years ago. I'm proud to be a part of our community and will happily share whatever little bits I've been able to squeak out of my own pinhead. ;)
 
ddavelarsen said:
But one of the things that, to me, sets knifemakers apart from other craftsfolk and businesses is their general willingness to share their methods. As in the Free and Open Source Software movement, sharing what you've done only strengthens the entire "industry." We advance more quickly as a group by sharing. I like to tell FOSS folks that knifemakers started the whole idea thirty years ago. I'm proud to be a part of our community and will happily share whatever little bits I've been able to squeak out of my own pinhead. ;)

Dave, you summed up why I collect knives to a T. Without the dedicated makers who share their knowledge, techniques and ideas, I would have lost interest as a collector long ago. It is also why I only collect the work of makers who understand exactly what you and others have posted in this thread.
 
fitzo said:
Dan, it read as partially correct either way you wrote it. :D Like everybody, I have my definite moments at either end of the spectrum.

31 years of marital bliss for me tomorrow. Nanc could probably claim 31 years less a few days for when those times I was less than a teddy bear made her suffer. Happy Anniversary, Sweetiepie................. :)

and a big congads to nancy for putting up with you that long :D
kidding .... :D to you both :)
pinkpanther.gif
 
Mike, thanks for just being you!!! ;)

Aside from that though, I do agree with you and the other comments here! It sure doen't hurt anyone to say thanks now and again.

Also, happy 31st!!!!!!! (now I have to thank you for something else to shoot for) :p
 
Mike, there you go, you're the group Teddy Bear Mascot :D I for one sure go along with all that you've brought up. I've learned one heck of a lot of information here, and I think I've always acknowledged my gratitude, but if I missed one, it was due to the excitement of having some newly given information and wanting to go try it out. So for those times, thanks to everyone :) (but, I swear that last year you told me that you were I.G.'s teddy bear, I surely must have misunderstood you. Maybe I.G. is Marks teddy :D
 
rhrocker said:
(but, I swear that last year you told me that you were I.G.'s teddy bear, I surely must have misunderstood you.

Oh, gack, Robert. :D He's well, well, so hairy. Try to cuddle me at night and I'd, well, itch. ;)

Besides, if you haven't seen it on that other thread, Mark and IG are boys in the band together now and doing the YMCA thang down to the funny bar on Tuesday night karaoke last I heard. :D
 
fitzo said:
Oh, gack, Robert. :D He's well, well, so hairy. Try to cuddle me at night and I'd, well, itch. ;)

Besides, if you haven't seen it on that other thread, Mark and IG are boys in the band together now and doing the YMCA thang down to the funny bar on Tuesday night karaoke last I heard. :D
:D :D

I saw that :D
villagepeople.jpg
 
you guys are Awesome!
the help is always there just for the asking...
your right Mike a thank you is the right thing,but not always there...
i guess some take it for granted...
with that being said Thanks to all of you folks that spend there time answering the sometimes small and trivial questions and the more involved hardcore stuff that we all try to learn, one way shape or form...
and to you Mr. Fitz for also being the kindhearted person that you are...
please never change :)
 
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