Why is it ok? (actions of particular moderators)

[JParanee]

This was in the sword forum

Should mods be doing this

You are welcome to check out the Himalayan Imports forum in the manufacturers section and website to see if what is offered there suits you.
Everest katana, Wakizashi (wajaski is how it ended up being spelled), tarwar and tibetan long and short swords..... and other fine knives.
Made from differentially heat treated 5160 steel at very reasonable prices by the finest craftsmen in Nepal.

 

[Karda]

Hey STeven

Excellent points:



Absolutely frigging right:

As a knife maker if you don't want your knives subject to critique...don't post them.

Critiqing is an art many cannot grasp the concept of. The membership should not have to fear posting their wares in that forum because of a clique of opinionated people with their own agendas.

What Karda (because of his limited knowledge of custom knives...which is the reason he cannot appreciate the invaluable information being provided by members such as STeven and JP) likes to ride in and try to defend those he feels are being picked on. Then when people disagree with his assessment...he likes to slap their wrists. Sounds like a guy who is in the position of authority for the first time...or just immature.

Karda has been had violations filed against him tonight. Specifically for taking a post in Allen Newberry's thread off topic. I have talked with Elliot about his as well as Karda. Personally a moderator should understand that if you are going to file infractions against other members then you (especially as a Moderator) should know the rules and not violate them yourselves.

This was a perfect example of what Steven is talking about. STeven gave his critique....Karda apparently didn't like the "style" that STeven used (not that the critique was not valid) . At which point he chastised STeven for his tone, then went off topic to talk about a particular knife that HI was selling like crazy.

Shouldn't advertising for factory knives be done in the factory knife forums? Again, isn't this something a Super Moderator should know?

Where did i act as a moderator or issue an infraction in that thread, les?
I don't consider my comment an advertisement.... are you actually reading the other posts in this thread?

 

[prsfx]

PRSFX,

Who told you this:

?

Not in those exact words, but I ran into Karda the first day I joined Blade Forums. I too recieved an infraction for voicing information. After supplying evidence to back up my words, he continued to heckle me in the post. He made it clear to me then, and from posts after, when Karda is involved, there is no discussion...it's his way or the highway. I took my complaint to Spark and it sort of disipated from there.

 

[Blues]

All manufacturers, Knifemakers/Craftsmen/ Service providers with their own forum are also moderators, are they not?

Karda, my point is that in crafting the section quoted above I was essentially addressing members who did not have the requisite status in order to indicate why they could not persist in taking certain liberties.

Whether a super moderator who is also an interested party as a manufacturer or dealer should be able to promote outside of his own dedicated forum is something I can foresee problems arising from. (If there is anyone besides yourself in such a position I'm too tired at the moment to realize who it may be and apologize for in advance.)

In my personal "opinion", I think it's fine to be partisan within the dedicated forum. However, outside of that dedicated forum it is also my opinion that a super moderator who has oversight over the forums in their entirety, should not even give a whiff of home cooking. A level playing field is paramount and too many questions of propriety can arise if a given discussion gives the appearance of "self interest".

Spark's call but that's my honest take.

 

[Kohai999]

Critiqing(sic) is an art many cannot grasp the concept of. The membership should not have to fear posting their wares in that forum because of a clique of opinionated people with their own agendas.

If you cannot take a spirited critique, there are other places for you to post. My initial response was a bit abbreviated and childish, but it was honest....that knife was real ugly...ain't no way around it. I didn't post my initial writing because it was also honest, but damned mean, so I considered it and pared it down. I write Karda, I get paid to do it, so you may not like my art, or Les Robertson's art, but he gets paid to do it as well.

What is my agenda? You know my agenda is the promotion of custom knives in totality, not one specific maker or even a group of them. What is your agenda? You promote HI knives....and you should stick to doing that, because you are good at it...in the appropriate places.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[JParanee]

Karda, my point is that in crafting the section quoted above I was essentially addressing members who did not have the requisite status in order to indicate why they could not persist in taking certain liberties.

Whether a super moderator who is also an interested party as a manufacturer or dealer should be able to promote outside of his own dedicated forum is something I can foresee problems arising from. (If there is anyone besides yourself in such a position I'm too tired at the moment to realize who it may be and apologize for in advance.)

In my personal "opinion", I think it's fine to be partisan within the dedicated forum. However, outside of that dedicated forum it is also my opinion that a super moderator who has oversight over the forums in their entirety, should not even give a whiff of home cooking. A level playing field is paramount and too many questions of propriety can arise if a given discussion gives the appearance of "self interest".

Spark's call but that's my honest take.

Pretty good take IMHO

 

[JParanee]

If you cannot take a spirited critique, there are other places for you to post. My initial response was a bit abbreviated and childish, but it was honest....that knife was real ugly...ain't no way around it. I didn't post my initial writing because it was also honest, but damned mean, so I considered it and pared it down. I write, Karda, I get paid to do it, so you may not like my art, or Les Robertson's art, but he gets paid to do it as well.

What is my agenda? You know my agenda is the promotion of custom knives in totality, not one specific maker or even a group of them. What is your agenda? You promote HI knives....and you should stick to doing that, because you are good at it...in the appropriate places.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

I used to purchase HI products but after being harassed by a HI moderator I refuse to do so. I even refrain from posting there anymore.

 

[Blues]

We have our own way of doing things, just like the Traditional Forums have their way, and believe me(from experience) they are different ways. Gus, Elliott, Carl, the makers....in Traditionals...that is a group of people actively engaged in traditional knives...

Don't forget, STeven, that Gus and I moderated the Custom Forum for a few years before we became kinder, gentler souls in our old age and passed the baton.
(Okay, kinder and gentler may be a stretch in my case.)

 

[Kohai999]

I used to purchase HI products but after being harassed by a HI moderator I refuse to do so. I even refrain from posting there anymore.

Yeah, Joe...I have a WWII, two nice Biltongs, a YCS, a beautiful Kothimoda, a BAS, and a Villager...been wanting a couple more but for the last year or so I just can't do it. Great products, Bill(RIP) and Yangdu were and are always awesome....but no the knives have been spoiled for me as well. Karda told me I didn't know what I was doing with Khuk's in our last PM go 'round, so I must indeed have no clue.

Don't forget, STeven, that Gus and I moderated the Custom Forum for a few years before we became kinder, gentler souls in our old age and passed the baton.
(Okay, kinder and gentler may be a stretch in my case.)

I do remember Elliott, and it was a bit before my time...but have been told that it was contentious at points before I got there, and also remember that Randy Morgan and Darby did a really good job, and we all had fun, and there was a lot more participation when I first started. While some members justifiably are intimidated to post in Customs, there are also a lot of makers and collectors that got turned off by a more "kumbaya" mentality which we all (not entirely willingly) seem to promote these days. I can only be me, but am also a "kinder and gentler" poster now than 9 years ago, and have explained why many times.

I'm also sorry the way things went down when we last talked. You asked me not to contact you anymore, and I have respected that request.

The implications and results of what I write are very clear and considered now, which is why I really resent Karda's trying to "Nanny State" us....it's WAY out of line...anyway, you asked for patience and time to let the dust settle, and will be done with this for now, see which way the wind blows, as long as not continually poked with a stick.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Blues]

Okay, on that note I'm gonna call it a night. I think I've pretty much answered what was asked and provided what info I could. The rest will be hashed out as we go forward.

I'll bid you all a good night.

 

[pap11y]

Hi Kohai,

I also thought your post was a bit harsh. I have nothing against you but if you read it there is nothing constructive at all in the original post. I also thought it important it was shown in this thread (as it is quite relevant).

-- Your post --

Why, just why?

I'm sure it handles very, very nice, and does it's job well, but it is exceedingly unappealing aesthetically....or....so ugly it's cute, but not really?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

-- end your comments --

While you did say later that you didn't like the forge marks with the satin as a lot of other people did, I thought your first comment wasn't helpful and was demeaning of his work.

The written word can always be misconstrued and I don't want to get in the middle of your stoush with Karma.

I have no ulterior motive and nothing against you. I have been guilty of writing posts I have then changed as at the time I responded quite abruptly without considering the implications of my words.

 

[roughedges]

I haven't been around much so maybe I'm confused by lack of back story or what not, but what exactly in STeven's post in that thread was so rude and harsh so as to etc. etc.? As if one man's opinion could harm a maker's business. C'mon now, that strikes me as exaggeration and, it seems to me, it rather obviously wasn't his post that caused any derailment.

When I first joined here STeven was almost ruthless when he saw something he did not like; that post is tame by comparison. I don't think he is abrasive though. If anything, he has sharpened his tongue along with his knives and, in my opinion, any maker with skin more resilient than delicate lace could potentially refine his skills and grow his business by considering what he has to say. Seems more likely than his post derailing that thread, in any event.

 

[Karda]

If you cannot take a spirited critique, there are other places for you to post. My initial response was a bit abbreviated and childish, but it was honest....that knife was real ugly...ain't no way around it. I didn't post my initial writing because it was also honest, but damned mean, so I considered it and pared it down. I write Karda, I get paid to do it, so you may not like my art, or Les Robertson's art, but he gets paid to do it as well.

What is my agenda? You know my agenda is the promotion of custom knives in totality, not one specific maker or even a group of them. What is your agenda? You promote HI knives....and you should stick to doing that, because you are good at it...in the appropriate places.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

Perhaps if one cannot handle a critique of their critiquing it is better to consider your critiques more carefully or there are other places for them to be posted? It matters not that one gets paid to do a job, there are plenty of people in this world whom get paid to do jobs that they are less than qualified for. There are also plenty of people whom do not get paid for their efforts when they are qualified and can do the job honestly, considerately and without ego playing a part in it.

 

[Blues]

I'm also sorry the way things went down when we last talked. You asked me not to contact you anymore, and I have respected that request...(snip)...anyway, you asked for patience and time to let the dust settle, and will be done with this for now, see which way the wind blows, as long as not continually poked with a stick.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

I couldn't resist one more peek before shutting off the machine so I just saw your edit to the post above.

I appreciate the words and as far as I'm concerned, no hard feelings remain. We just happen to approach things and express ourselves with different methods even if our appreciation of those very same things has much in common. No need for it to be a further source of conflict or any ill feelings.

Now I really am shutting this infernal contraption off for the night.

 

[2knife]

Whoever is the moderator for the custom/handmade section should be someone who is actively involved, or at least interested,, not someone that is disengaged, absent.

For the record..... i was not acting as a moderator in that thread, i was making commentary as a regular member. My commentary also was not advertising, but a comment on rude commentary and on how popular this style of blade is in reaction to your question of "why".

".*

I find this statement suspect. Given the fact that Karda posted in only one thread (see below) in the custom/handmade section, and none other in the search history. i wonder, Why this thread? , except that there is a business interest connection, as mentioned. So, as i read it, it wasnt truly acting as a "regular member" posting comments in the thread, besides how is this possible when handing out infractions and warnings. Three or four of us were told to clam up.

This is Karda's other singular post in custom/handmade:
(Snody knives thread)

"10-31-2012, 12:49 AM #26 Karda
Transcendental SuperModitation
Join Date
Jun 2007
Location
Cayuga Lake
Posts
10,853

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This is just wonderful.
As usual this little corner of the forum again generates more drama than it deserves.
It's also unfortunate that this forum hasnt gained any wisdom from the past, i had thought that we here had grown past the attitudes that so far has done this forum and custom knifemaking no favors.

Since this topic is so far off it's original mark and has turned into exercise in futility.
Thread closed.
Last edited by Karda; 11-01-12"

My question stands, why not have someone in this position that is more involved in the subforum? Wouldnt it be better to have an active participant? Karda is absent by choice.. if not disdains it.
David

 

[RogerP]

For what it's worth, I have been a long time member of this forum and frequent contributor to the custom knife subforum. I have also been the victim of Karda stalking / taunting / bullying. Bottom line, my clear impression is that he is the type of guy who likes to wear a badge just so he can push other people around. He stands in very sharp relief against the otherwise excellent moderation of this site.

 

[til027]

If this person isn't able to do his job professionally, Why may I ask is he a Super-mod(I believe this is a position of power is it not?). However although I may be new to this forum, it seems you are all just ganging up on him, why not let the person in-charge of these matters handle it? Instead of publicly bashing a Moderator. To be honest it looks like Karda has just become bored with his job, so he is taking it out on some players, its not an uncommon thing to happen in any situation on any forum.

 

[Blues]

By way of keeping all parties up to date...I just got off the phone with Spark and he has been apprised of the salient issues brought up in this thread as well as the carryover effect from other threads.

He understands the matters which need to be addressed and is taking the appropriate steps to do so.

I feel confident that an amicable resolution will be forthcoming.

 

[Kohai999]

By way of keeping all parties up to date...I just got off the phone with Spark and he has been apprised of the salient issues brought up in this thread as well as the carryover effect from other threads.

He understands the matters which need to be addressed and is taking the appropriate steps to do so.

I feel confident that an amicable resolution will be forthcoming.

I appreciate that, Elliott....both your involvement and also your communication as to what is happening. I am confident that a viable resolution will be forthcoming as well. We are all adults here, and there is no reason that the situation cannot be resolved, even if it means that individual parties are not happy with the resolution, and I include myself as someone who may not have personal satisfaction. That's life.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[knarfeng]

Not in those exact words, but I ran into Karda the first day I joined Blade Forums. I too recieved an infraction for voicing information. After supplying evidence to back up my words, he continued to heckle me in the post. He made it clear to me then, and from posts after, when Karda is involved, there is no discussion...it's his way or the highway. I took my complaint to Spark and it sort of disipated from there.

Looks to me like you got a warning for insulting another member, not for "voicing information". Here is your post for which you received your one and only infraction:

You should probably ask a few questions yourself. AFAIK, they sell no khukuri with goatskin on the sheath.

My bad, did not know I was talking to a Nepalese knife maker with generations of experience sweat and toil under his belt.... This was a question not asked by you, to try and get some information, dont know why you even opened your mouth. If you want to bitch and moan go to a Jenny Craig convention.