Addressing Rumors

[Matthew Schenker]

Dear Members,
As a complex and vibrant community, our membership comes from many directions and places.  Like any other complex community, sometimes things get a little messy.  The power tools we use may be perfect, but we're just humans!

Recently, as part of the life of this forum, some members have developed a new forum to compete with this one.  As a way to gain attention for their new site, these members have started sending offline messages to other members to spread less than accurate accounts about the FOG and my management of it.  In other words, they are spreading rumors!

Rather than attacking particular rumors, I thought it would be better to raise a general idea.  When someone posts something publicly, everyone who has a point of view can express it.  However, when people choose to express their opinions offline in personal messages (PM) or e-mails, there is no way to address all sides of the issue.

I have always relied on the good judgment of our members.  That's been the cornerstone of this forum's great success.  Today, I am appealing to everyone to please watch out for any rumors or suspicious negative messages you receive offline about the Festool Owners Group.

Here are some suggestions about what to do if you receive negative offline messages from someone:

• Ask the person why this must be expressed privately rather than using the forum.
• Be skeptical of any message that does not jive with what you know about the policies and history of the Festool Owners Group.
• If you are wondering about a claim someone is making regarding the forum, write to me and ask if it's true.
• For the good of the community, do not spread any claim you hear that lacks proof.

Again, these are just suggestions.  Mostly, it is up to each member to use his or her best judgment.

It is sad that certain members have made it necessary for me to issue a message like this.  But it would be much worse if I were to avoid addressing this.

Thank you everyone,
Matthew

 

[The Woodentop]

Matthew,

I've been PM'd but I told the person to 'sling his hook' (an English way of saying 'kucf off')!

I wouldn't take any notice of anyone who can't ask a question in the 'open'.

Larry

PS Keep your chin up.......another English saying!

 

[Michael Kellough]

A follow on from both these posts...

The other day Matthew sent a PM to me saying a couple of people had written him asking him what I meant in a post of mine.

If any one is puzzled by what I say in a post you should ask me about it not Matthew. He has his hands full already.

Well, after posting this I discovered that what I suggest above just might be a violation of rule number 7 of the "Rules of Etiquette"

"7. If you're truly offended by what someone wrote, or if you have other problems with a post, please use the "Report to moderator" link located in the message window.  Do this instead of responding with anger.  Your complaint will come directly to me.  I'll read the problem post and deal with it."

 

[Bill Wyko]

I would just like to say, I've enjoyed most everything and everyone I've come across here at FOG. This has become the site I most frequent. I hope we all can continue to treat each other with dignity and respect. Mathew, I feel you do a great job when it comes to being a moderator. Please continue to keep up the great work and thanks for your efforts and generosity. When you have a group of intelligent people like we have here, there's going to be strong opinions regularly. We just need to keep in mind that our individual opinions are not the ONLY opinions and that respect is deserved to all. Again, great job with FOG. 

 

[Warrior]

I agree with Bill's sentiments wholeheartedly. I came to the FOG for help and insights on using Festools and this is still the place to get it.

Eiji

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Everyone,
I'll use this space to address rumors, thereby storing them all in a neat little corner of the forum!

There happens to be a fun little rumor floating around right now.

The Rumor:
People are being banned from the Festool Owners Group just because they belong to, or manage, a particular forum.

The Facts:
To date, the Festool Owners Group has banned only one member, named Festeringtool.  I am proud of the fact that there has been practically no need to resort to this tactic, and I don't intend to start now.

So, if you hear this rumor, would you kindly dismiss it for me?

Thanks,
Matthew