Have seen to some small degree that is the case, Lorien, and don't understand it....nor is it wanted...it's constricting....that, if for no other reason is why I stepped down from the Board of Directors of the CKCA.
Steven,
your name and words have been published particularly with regards to custom knives in Blade mag and likely elsewhere of similarly high profile.
You also have a lengthy written segment in Dr. Darom's latest book.
You have tenure on this forum and through your personal involvement in the community over a great many years.
You personally know some of the more significant patrons and significant artisans in this community.
In short, you are seen as a significant member of this community by a good number of people. You have sought out and gained this 'constricting' position, it isn't something that is simply bestowed. As you pointed out, you've earned it.
That you underestimate the power which comes with this exposure is something that I have tried to point out here, and over the past few years to you in a handful of similar situations.
It's a responsibility that I feel you take too lightly, and that you sometimes exercise your power at the expense of others, on the surface in a seemingly mean spirited way. Hell, if I weren't so damn stubborn, some of the stuff you've dished my way could very well have driven me away from this community entirely, and a few times it almost did. But receiving support and encouragement from others in the community witnessing what was going down really helped me to keep myself in the game.
Perhaps it is necessary to have the counter balance that your approach provides. I would argue that it is. However, there are ways to provide that balance without hurting people unnecessarily. I've seen very few cases here where the one at the receiving end really deserved it.
It only takes a few words in a particular context to cause damage. The pen truly is mightier than the sword. Sure, the lasting effect might prove positive, but are you really so willing to take on that risk? To make enemies over something relatively insignificant, in a community to small and tight knit as this one is?
Steven, you have so much potential to bring good to the table- that we sometimes see
brilliant glimmers of- and because of that, it is extra disappointing to see the opposite come to bear.
I hope that you take my words for what they're worth, which probably isn't much in your view. But please trust me when I say that my goal is to try and help you improve your approach, and feelings be damned
.
.
Kind of reminds me of what happened to Bob Loveless in the summer of '58 when he lost a bunch of orders -ironically I own one his knives from this exact time period which no one wanted! 