R-e-s-p-e-c-t

[sqoon]

Well, my 1000th post came and went without event. I know it is customary for folks to run a contest to show their appreciation for the forum as well as for others. I'm sorry, but I simply don't have the means to run any type of give-a-way.

I like to think that I've been a part of this forum for a while. I may not be the most active participant at times. I don't have any blade modifications named after me, although I'm working on it. I don't make custom sheaths. I haven't made it to any gatherings. Still, I like to think that I am a member of this community, and therefore have an interest in the way it is run and how it continues to grow.

With that said, I've been noticing a really disheartening trend lately. A lot of people seem to be forgetting that this is a hosted forum by KA-BAR and Becker. In other words, this isn't your house. If I ever have the pleasure of having any of you over at my house, I would frankly find it rude if when you came in, you found it necessary to criticize my home, my offerings, or my family.

Lately, however, as I drop into KA-BAR's home to chit-chat, I'm noticing a large amount of criticism and negativity focused towards them. Everything from really, truly, insulting comments about sheaths, handle slabs, QC, warranty wording, etc. You don't like it? Fine. Change it. Mod it. Buy an alternative. We'd love to see them, but go easy on it. Some of the comments are just down right mean spirited towards a company and people, human beings, who provide us with fantastic products, amazing customer service, contests with free, expensive swag, direct answers from senior employees and designers, etc. For crying out loud, show some respect. As customers, we keep KA-BAR running. No doubt about that. However, I think KA-BAR has been doing a pretty good job at not biting the hand that feeds them. Let's try and reciprocate.

Sure, this is the internet. Free speech. Right to an opinion. Blah, blah, blah. I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that while we are all paying customers, and customers have the right to satisfaction, keep in mind that some things might be best taken up with KA-BAR directly. Somethings need not be said, especially in their own home. You have a grievance? Call KA-BAR. 800-282-0130. PM Toooj or Ethan. But please, whatever you do, have some manners.

Thank you, Moosez45, Bladite, Guyon, Ethan and Paul. Thank you for everything. Keep up the good work.

Maybe when I hit 2000 I'll be able to give back more to this forum than just my big mouth.

 

[Kabarcamper]

I agree completely. Very well said sqoon. I've always respected that THE Ethan Becker would even bother taking time to get on a forum and answer questions personally and coment on mods to his own designs. As well as tooj, the personal kabar encyclopedia, sharing all his knowledge of kabar's history. You won't find any company that has more pride and commitment than Kabar and BK&T. Thanks to the moderators and everyone here.

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

+1 on that. Well said, sir. I definitely think that the whole entitlement complex could stand to be rethought, particularly in a hosted forum. I can see the other side of the story, of course, and to Ka-bar's credit, the grievances or complaints that have been aired have all received a thoughtful response or quick resolution. Nothing I've seen gives me anything but the utmost respect for Ka-bar, or Uncle E, or any of the trinity. This is still the most happening and interesting forum on this site, however, and I can't see that being anything but good for Ka-bar, negativity or not.

 

[Myker]

No way am I as eloquent as my brother here, well said good man!

I guess I could add I as well am getting tired of all this bashing lately, not only of our beloved Beckers but of a lot of brands out there. Most things I've read all seem to end with the company willing to make good on a variety of issues, instead of "these guys or this knife sucks" for whatever reason, you could always say this happened and this is what there willing to do for me. Just my rant as well, thanks for the space.

(and tell Jonah I'm sorry I couldn't play, at Lilys part for sure!)

 

[edctac]

I agree, 100%

And keep up the good work guys

 

[Doogoon]

I agree completely with what you've said, however it's a little difficult for people to understand that as we're on the internet here. I'm sure you've visited other websites and forums that aren't related to knives or tools that are waaaay out of control! I suggest you take a look at the mess 4chan, youtube or other sites of the like. One glance and you'll appreciate the order and manners this site has.

 

[EseeDownUnder]

You have a point there sir!

 

[Bladite]

you are not obligated to do anything, imho.

me? i'm the original lifer.

be as you may be. 1000, 2000, 10,000, whatever.

just BE.

here.

bro.

 

[RogueBowie]

#186 is in! Thanks for the chance!

 

[oXide]

While I have to agree with you, Doogoon is right too, compared to other sites, knife related or not, what has been posted here is far more civilized (what?) than one might think. That being said, there is no reason to complain about anything, maybe offer constructive criticism (where/when appropriate), but no reason at all to complain.

And from what I've seen in my short time here, and even back in my first post, there is HUGE support from Ethan, Tooj and the Trinity, and on top of that, they don't mind putting up with all the, excuse my French, crap(e'), there's the French, from everyone here, be it active posters, onetime ranters, or BeckerHeads (yes we post some really dumb stuff, myself especially), they put up with, and even laugh with us.

In closing, I have never seen so much respect (see what I did there?) in a(ny) forum or website as I have in this sub-forum, nor the same camaraderie in any other forum/website.

 

[sqoon]

KA-BAR does not host any of those other sites or forums. They host this forum. The fact that it can be worse other places doesn't make a lack of respect and manners towards them any more acceptable.

 

[Doogoon]

The fact is that this is the internet, and the internet isn't regarded with much seriousness- especially on discussion boards. I myself learned only about 2 months ago that important people make an effort to communicate to their customers on this site. This is an amazing set up here and I'm blown away at the courtesy and respect that already exists on this forum. Honestly, I've never visited a more hospitable open forum.

It's unfortunate that we can't achieve courtesy and respect levels that we would in the real world. But you have to remember that on the internet, most people can hide behind their screen and mouth off as much as they want. Really, the only way to get a more respectful environment would be to close membership and screen anyone that signs up.

I'm very pleased with the Becker subforum, and I have nothing to complain about.

 

[tradewater]

Thanks sqoon. I've had that song stuck in my head ever since you posted this.

 

[K9-Handler]

KA-BAR does not host any of those other sites or forums. They host this forum.

Is that true? Define "host"...

 

[Dave from State Farm]

Not that I troll too many, but I agree the people and bosses here are leaps and bounds ahead of the rest. Not to slander, and I won't name names, but I could easily direct you to another knife related forum (not on BF) that has gone in a negative direction. I don't ever see that happening to this one. Thanks again all for letting me hang out here and post my crappy pics, lol.

 

[C_Tanner]

[video=youtube;hK6J_zw29RY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK6J_zw29RY[/video]

 

[Haze240]

Don't think they "Host" this forum, or even the official Kabar forum they may have employees that moderate it on their own unpaid time, which is nice, but Kabar as far as I know does not provide money for Sharp and the rest to keep this place running. We can talk about Kabar how we want, we are the customers, Kabar needs our money and our input, and I'm not going to feel muzzled because you call this "their house", this is "our house". And I really don't know what youre talking about in terms of disrespect to Kabar. We are allowed to voice our opinions, experiences with product and services, reviews thoughts, opinions. You know, all those things we take for granted living in a "free" society. Ill say what I want as long as I'm not violating forum rules or hurting anyone's feelings... too badly. I understand what you're saying, and right on for sticking up for the big guy, but I don't believe what you say is necessarily true.

 

[K9-Handler]

Don't think they "Host" this forum, or even the official Kabar forum they may have employees that moderate it on their own unpaid time, which is nice, but Kabar as far as I know does not provide money for Sharp and the rest to keep this place running. We can talk about Kabar how we want, we are the customers, Kabar needs our money and our input, and I'm not going to feel muzzled because you call this "their house", this is "our house". And I really don't know what youre talking about in terms of disrespect to Kabar. We are allowed to voice our opinions, experiences with product and services, reviews thoughts, opinions. You know, all those things we take for granted living in a "free" society. Ill say what I want as long as I'm not violating forum rules or hurting anyone's feelings... too badly. I understand what you're saying, and right on for sticking up for the big guy, but I don't believe what you say is necessarily true.

Hear. Hear. Well put.

 

[sqoon]

I can't say I expected any less from either of you. Thanks for not letting me down.

 

[Tilley Knife]

I agree with sqoon; however, there is a balance to be found. I don't think that anyone is suggesting that folks cannot voice criticism, but it should be constructive criticism. Perhaps I have too much of a military mentality, but if you point out a potential problem, you should be able to present a possible solution. Otherwise, you're just a whiner. That’s just my outlook. There's nothing wrong with voicing our opinions, but I agree that a certain amount of tact and respect goes a long way. Personally, I don't regard this as being as big of a problem, here in the Becker forum. Just my $0.02.