Matthew - A lot of us are Watching and waiting





Yes, we are watching and waiting because the success of this forum is the product
of the contributions of it's talented members and not your tinkering.
I have been reluctant to get involved in this discussion until that newbie
questioned my curiosity. It is curious that you were threatened   with 
with a copyright law suit but not that other forum. You say that you
are on good terms with Festool but with the exception of the tool of the month
I see no other evidence of any good will. Wouldn't it be prudent to step back
and stop messing with the forum. The title "Meddling Matthew" does not become you.
Your lavender name is all over the place, back off and all this will go away.
It ain't broke yet so don't try to fix it, don't even tweak it.

Bob

And you, of little posts, newbies,  try cutting wood if you can,  perhaps you can
make a contribution with something other than your mouths.   

Brent,
I don't appreciate some one coming out of the wood work and attacking
me because I  wrote that it would be funny if the other forum was owned by Festool.
there is a deference between posters who come on this forum and insult people, and the
ones who talk about tools or their projects, whether it's post one or one hundred, they are the people
who have made this forum great.
I am curious about where people like that come from and what  their agenda is.
I said what I said because  their insults are not contributing to anything.
If you think this is bull stuff than so be it.   

Hi Bob,

I didn't feel he attacked you with that post, but that's for you to decide, not me. I just took exception to your grouping everyone with a few posts together (notice I have just a few posts here!!). My response was directed towards that one statement.

You're right, insults don't contribute anything even remotely worthwhile to a forum. You took (or I expressed myself) my bullshit statement wrong. I wasn't referring to your post, but rather to what's been happening here lately. I haven't posted much, but I've been a member for a while and watching the BS that's been going on is getting tiring. Everone that leaves seems to think that a grandiose parting statement is in order and the Admin feels a need to repeat himself over and over...neither is necessary!!! I think every one here has the picture by now, whatever that picture is to each individual, I'm just saying it's time for all parties to stop before someone gets poked in the eye with a stick  .

So Bob, if the way I phrased my post insulted you, you have my apologies. 

Actually, it's a combination of both.  Certainly, a forum cannot succeed without contributions from members.  But a forum like this one cannot exist without the tremendous administrative support that goes into it.  Every feature you see in this forum is the result of planning, thought, implementation, and technical support.



It was trademark, not copyright.  I was not "threatened with a lawsuit."  An explanation of the trademark issue can be found in the joint statement written by Christian Oltzscher and me (click here).

Regarding why Festool was interested in the FestoolOwnersGroup domain but not "that other forum" (by which I assume you mean TalkFestool), you will have to write to Festool about it.  I'm not going to speculate. 



Is there a reason you are suddenly calling into question the honest statements I have made on this subject?



I'd be thrilled to step back and let the forum get back to the purpose I always envisioned for it.  We've had some disruptive members recently.  As the forum administrator, it's my job to step in at times like this.  It's not meddling, it's management.  If members all post about woodworking and projects and helping each other, I would happily step back.



I've said many times, everyone has the same value here regardless of the number of posts.  We don't judge people by how many posts they contribute, but rather by how much value they contribute.

Matthew

Perspective from a "non poster"

I have been a member since the yahoo days. 

I have a full time job.
I am nearing retirement and don't care for golf.
I cut wood when when I have some spare time.
I would like to get better at this craft.....(need to cut more wood)
I don't post as I am a newbie at this and simply cannot add a lot to those of you with a lifetime of experience.
Hopefully this this does not devalue me in either Bobs or Matthews eyes.
I DO learn a lot from everyone here.  ( or did before all of this BS started.)

I suspect there are a lot of people that are like myself,  hobbyists who want to to get better.

It is distressing to see this happening to a group that has been working togther for a number a years.

Bottom line is that everyone here is interested in woodworking and Festools in general. I  would suggest everyone step back and take a deep breath.   Grab a beer.  I think a neutral arbritrator may be called for.  I don't like seeing this site the way it is.

Len

Nope, hopefully it was  a  door opening.

Bob,

Your latest reponse I took to be genuine.  That was a classy thing to do.  If there is a way that I can possibly help all I would love to.

Peter

Is anyone here an SMC member? I'm just curious because they don't tolerate any BS what so ever. I don't see any problems like this and the site is enormous. Your post can be 3 pages back in 10 minutes though. Why has keeping the peace here been so heated. It's just the right thing to do. This post itself would most likely be deleted on SMC. It's what it takes for a site to grow. Some may see this as shrinkage, I totally disagree. This is the beginning of a site that will not tolerate bashing. I think you'll all find over time that this what's best in order to grow. Just the fact that these issues arose proves that it was time to put the brakes on. I think everyone will agree, everyones opinion has it's value but it must be presented with the utmost respect.This goes for anyone who has posted once or 1000 times or if you have 1 day of woodworking experience or 100 years. Respect is respect. I have thousands of posts on SMC and I plan on having 1000s here too. Come to the realization that the bashing will no longer be tollerated and deal with it. So if you all don't  mind, can get back to wood working please?  

And the second best way to avoid them is - don't contribute to one that someone else started.

How could I get that message across without adding to this discussion?  Hmmm.

Thanks Mathew. Now back to wood working. Heres a pic of my latest veneer for a project I'll still have to dream up. I got it because it called my name. It even called at 3:00 AM so it was the only way to stop the calls. If yoy guys have any ideas what I should do with it, please let me know. 4 pieces 16x32

Thanks. I posted it in projects in case Matthew wants to lock this. So we can discuss it there. I felt the same way. It has so many personalities.