STeven, who BTW is still reading all these posts, made the suggestion himself. I hope he'll stick to it and I think he will because I know him to be a man who keeps his word.
None of us is vital to the on-going forum discussions. When any of our voices become too loud, too strident, too forceful, it prevents others from joining in. Ultimately, when a forum becomes (more or less) dominated by one, or a few, loud and urelenting voices, growth is stunted and people start taking pot-shots at thoses who are perceived as dominating too much.
STeven is a great resource, but he is not the only one and I believe he would be much more effective without the prickly exterior - and I think the forum would be better off (with STeven) if he would stop using the "This is the way I am and it isn't going to change" excuse. Nor should we support him or anyone else who invokes that defense.
Anybody can change if they choose to. And if they don't, and what they're doing is too irritating and stiffling, then they will ultimately get voted off the island (for a time, if not forever). And I'm not talking about just the occasonal obnoxious troll. Remember, such notables as Les Robertson, Rhett Stidham and Bernard Levine, all notable experts with much to contribute have been made to experience consequences for chronically engaging in behavior deemed detrimental to the health and functioning of a forum.
When someone cannot control their emotions such that the content of a given discssion is pushed aside by the personal conflict and bickering - the persons responsible will ultimately be banned, asked to relocate or get suspended. At the very least they will undermine their credibility and wind up on a lot of peoples' ignore lists.
For those who have perceived my position in this and similar discussions in related threads as being weak and conflict-avoidant - you are mistaken. Forums are by nature anarchic and anarchy IS the history of the human condition. What's happened on this forum mimics the human condition. Tyrants emerge and are overthrown. Newer, kinder-gentler leaders appear from whom more tyrants emerge. The new tyrants are overthrown etc., etc., etc.
I don't think this historical tide will ever be changed at its core, but here in this little corner of the universe, it would be nice if we could see what is happening, recognize it for what it is, let the individuals who need to get it together and tone it down a notch take the opportunity to do so before drastic measures are taken, then meaningful discussion of "Custom & Handmade Knives" will continue. Visitors, newcomers, established makers and new makers will naturally feel more comfortable in participating. A wide variety of issues will get discussed and life will go on.
So... STeven's placing himself on sabatical isn't just good for him and the forum, it's a very clear message and a fine example for the rest of us. STeven isn't the only one around here who needs to get a grip. It's time for all of us to begin asking ourselves, "Is what I'm about to say on this forum relevant, useful and offered in the right spirit - or am I just spouting off, impulsively saying what I think without realizing the negative impact it may have?"
We're all human though. We started off on the wrong foot but since I've gotten to know him he's always been a good guy.
