Official Luthiers Forum!

After reading Kevins post "A Community" I started thinking. Yeah, this is a pretty cool place. A bunch of guys with the same passion for guitars trading advice, stories, techniques,family problems or whatever. Sometimes it makes me just throw my hands up and say what was he thinking. Other times I'm mesmerized by the quality of work that some of you do. Sometimes it makes me mad and sometimes it has me laughing to a point my wife thinks I've lost it.
But, what Kevins comments made me most realize is how a thread turned negative like my last one can hurt that community. I personally don't like to let myself get drawn into a spitting match. It's just not a positive thing for anyone. And it's not who I am. So, without any excuses..I would like to express my apologies to any and all who were unfortunate enough to have followed it. And to Lance for having to step in and say enough.
Since I'm no longer a sponsor of the site and don't build much any more...I guess it's really not a place for me to be posting anything. So, I've made a decision to just kind of hang out here from time to time (if that's O.K.)and drool over all the pretty stuff you guys are creating. But, as for postings, I will never make it past the ranks of a "Senior Member".
But, I never like to part anywhere on a negative note. So, please accept my humblest apologies.

I just read your post and it made me go back and re-read the thread you are referring to. I don't think it was directed at you at all.

My opionion is I'd like to see you stay and post away. I don't know your thread you are referring to and I read here every day (all most).

Threads do turn negative from time to time but the nice thing about a forum is you don't have to read them!

My advice is don't take it personal, stay around and post at will.

_________________
Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

No problem with me, Jeff. We debate ideas and don't flame members. Stay close to the family, brother. No apology necessary IMO.

_________________
JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

hmmmm,, i don't remember your negative post.. Like the Beav, (I hope I can call you that Joe) I read every post, I'm on alot. I don't recall you having a negative post. While I am thick skinned I think you may be overestimating your negativity. I frequent several forums. This one is tops by far, and if you did anything negative, I'm very sure your apology will be accepted and all will be forgotten. Post at will I say...
Mike

Jeff, I didn't read the other posts until now. That was a very spirited and not so nice thread to wade through. Now, you've apologized, but that's not enough. Really.

If apologizing was all that was needed, why are you leaving? You see, the community spirit fostered here can only continue if you stay, not leave.

Now, address the issue which had Hesh all hot and bothered. When you do that and either reconcile to the CITIES Treaty and legal export to the US, then you've really apologized to the point of remaining in community, rather than leaving.

So, clear this up. Do you legally send Brazilian rosewood into the United States? I'm sure every luthier who's ever considered buying from you would like to know the answer to that question.

I appreciate the spirit of your posting this thread, you are halfway to where you want to be.

_________________
http://www.dickeyguitars.com

   I've had enough arguments with my wife to know that she can whip me in one on any given day, but I get my shots in. Do we like the things we say when we're angry? Not really...and are some of those things said more out of anger than out of a desire to make our point? Sometimes, sure, but we never forget who we are to each other and how much we need each other. Too many times, we're busy loading our guns for the next time it's our turn to fire to really listen to what the other person is saying.

   The same is true with friends and family. Arguments come and go and discussions can reach a heated point just short of an outright brawl, but it's just the way relationships are. I heard it said once that "Church would be a perfect place if it weren't for the people". The same applies to jobs, schools, society and, yes, even family and friends. All are perfect in definition, but when we throw people into the mix of any of them, sparks are gonna fly sometimes, fur's gonna get pulled and feathers are gonna get ruffled.

   It's always important to remember that if we're in a great mood, not everyone else is and if we're in a terrible mood, not everyone else is either. I never get offended by a post or anything in print since its dimension is so shallow and inefficient for communication. I'm probably oneof the most misquoted and misunderstood posters at forums that I've seen. I usually will PM someone and discuss things offline and get a real feel for what they're saying or trying to.

I've been through the smashing machine that some forums can become and, believe me, once you've been beaten on the wrong side of town, you learn quickly what tuens not to take and what ground not to tread. Gladly though, those forums usually end up being a ghost of what they once were since more people like the kind of environment we have here than the tense, condescending environments that are typical of those other venues.

Enjoy this bunch of guys and keep this forum healthy. I'm glad I finally found them and have been honored to be counted as a part of the group here. Don't get offended and leave, but be a part in any capacity that's possible for you at any given time.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega GuitarsKevin Gallagher38814.964212963

[QUOTE=mikev] Like the Beav, (I hope I can call you that Joe) Mike[/QUOTE]

You bet...the Beav is good, been called that before.

_________________
Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Jeff, i don't know you but i do have a feeling that you want to stay with us here, so STAY! I sure don't want to be part of a debate where we should all know wheter or not what you do is legal or not, that is the least of my interest. That part of living in the truth belongs to you and to you only. IMVHO, you and you alone are living with yourself. And if you have any apologies to make, well you did not hurt me at all. You probably know better than anyone else how to solve your problems.You sure know who you should apologize to if need be right?

I also don't know how many years you have been in lutherie related work but i have a feeling that you can help many of us here with some tips, cheers and laughter and that in my book, is more important and constructive, aren't we here for sharing and friendship?

When there's a will, there's a way. If you have anything to settle to be more comfortable around us, you have all the answers within yourself bro, it's just a matter of making the right choices, once a decision has been made, you're just not turning back, you live with it.

I hope i did not get you more mixed up, i'd like to hear you say that you'll stay and that you'll be happy here! AS SIMPLE AS THAT FOR ME!

Ditto on what Serge said
and I 4 1 hope we dont have to get into this matter again with more discussion on CITES and your business - as for your business, thats your business as long as it doesnt impact OLF >if you ask me.
Cheers
Charlie