Official Luthiers Forum!

Maybe 'chastise' is a bit strong, but I still think not much good can come out of identifying the donors for the none-donors. Specially the way it is done. Meaning the donors get some sort of a medal while the users that contribute with many hundreds of posts get a 'koa' or 'mahogany' stamp.

I agree that Lance's work is awesome. But what makes this forum great are the people who share their knowledge much more than the ones that give their money. It's a bit of a pitty that the later get's more recognition.

Anyway, it's not big deal. But I still think it is not a good idea.

_________________
Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

I don't mean any offense, and I'm not specifically calling you this, but to me this is kind of childish. This is nothing different than a hundred forums do all over the internet with nary a problem. To me this way of thinking is as messed up as the preschool teachers who play musical chairs with the class but make sure everyone has a seat, so that no one feels left out or gets their feelings hurt. It's simply a way to bring more awareness to the need for donations to keep the site going, which Lance needs in order to keep this forum available to all of us. We see this next to someone's name and it reminds those of us that can to help when we can.
My income is such that I cannot and probably won't ever be able to donate, but I have no problem with this whatsover, because I understand the why of it. Nobody's singling anyone out, or lecturing anyone. The guy's just trying to find a way to boost awareness of the need.
No offense meant, and I sincerely hope no one takes offense, but that's my take on this issue.

_________________
Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

Mike, I'm trying real hard, but I don't see with which angle I should read your comment so that I don't get offended. I feel that my previous comment was far from being childish.

_________________
Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

Maybe childish isn't the right word, but I'm afraid that any I choose will elicit the same reaction. I knew I probably shouldn't have posted that.
But I cannot get past the fact that such a big deal is being made over someone trying to find incentive for a few dollars worth of donation, when this forum is full of people who spend hundreds, maybe thousands on wood. Yet the mere thought that the owner of this forum wants to try to find a way to recognize those that donate, in an attempt to raise awareness of the need for donations to help keep this place open, is met with such opposition, and accusations of people being singled out, pressured, chastised, turned into second class citizens, etc.,etc. Over such a small amount of money relative to what is spent elsewhere in this hobby/occupation.Yeah, I know, it's not the money, it's the idea, right? I think there are bigger battles that can be fought than this very small one. MHO. Call it childish, petty, ill thought out, or anything else. No matter what you call it, it looks pretty sad to me.
Probably shouldn't have posted this, either. I think I'll quit while I'm behind.

_________________
Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

I look at this differently. The fee is an investment which has paid a very good return in savings on the wood and tools I have purchased (remember Sniggly's blowout?). If you don't want to pay to have Classifieds access that's great. Less competition for me.

This was not meant to chastise or guilt anyone. Just to bring awareness to those that use this site as a place for extremely accurate info and advice as well as the sacrifice that has been made by our moderator. There are plenty of ways that people contribute to this forum, some money and some advice, both are very valuable. Both keep the forum up and running. Personally I could care less for he contributor title, but if it helps keep the forum open then so be it.

R

Richard