Yes, I agree that it is a shame Firko has decided to leave. As have some other notable characters from times gone by.
Things change...
The forum is a public thing, and it's always been my view that we have to take the good with the bad.
In the case of this current brouhaha about the Metisse frames, I don't understand what all the fuss is about. But it's a strongly polarised issue it seems and the discussion has both positive and negative tones. Sadly, some people feel the need to sling shit but really, why would you bother worrying about it? I reckon Ross' contribution was totally dumb, but in my view if he wants to make a dick of himself in front of the world it's up to him.
As far as Cheapracer locking his thread, why not? He sought comment about what seems a fair thing to do. he copped some criticism and that's entirely reasonable if people have concerns. Some of those concerns Firko aired as did others. However, the thing did end up being counter-productive in that the general carry-on started to get away from core point of the post. So Cheapracer locked it off. Sounds fine to me.
Sometimes of course threads just go bad, and I will lock those and send them to the Dumbgeon. But here's the thing. Personally, I just don't care. I only do that cos I keep getting PMs or emails complaining about them, or because I can see some members are getting upset.
For me, it's words on a screen. You could NEVER say anything stupid enough, rude enough or insulting enough to make me worry about it. I might be concerned if I got a threat of physical assault, as I did recently from a now departed member. Or if I was threatened with legal action because a club was upset at how it was being portrayed on the forum. Or if some clot was sending PMs to all and sundry with all sorts of dopey comments and threats. Or if someone posted obscene, vulgar, or violent images or commentary (which luckily has never happened).
But if I see something like the comments on the Metisse thread, I just ignore them. It doesn't detract from the actual thread itself unless you let yourself take it too seriously. My advice is don't. It would only be an issue if someone were to clog the thread with stupid comments. Then I'd delete the things as I have in the past.
That's my view. It's words on a screen. Read what you want, get what you can, ignore the crap. It's a microcosm of life and I am not about to start heavy handed censoring of the thing. I *like* its flavour. It's a shame if people don't agree and choose to leave, but that too is life.
Firko, I hope if you read this that you reconsider and rejoin, as your knowledge, views and input are highly valued even if we don't all always agree with you. But I also understand that part of your reaction is to do with both the changing scene of vintage racing and your own outlook. Nonetheless, your contribution has ALWAYS lifted the tone of the place and helped make the forum the remarkable place that it is.
Things change...
