Official Luthiers Forum!

TYL for helping me through this.

Serge

Thanks Billy, i'll PM you my friendSerge Poirier39034.3100462963

Serge, don't sweat on it dude, sometimes you speak your mind, sometimes you mind your speak, it is just a matter of sorting them tis all, like when your wife ask, "Does my bum look big in this?" Mind your speak boy, mind your speak

Cheers

Kimlarkim39034.0005439815

I hear you Kimmy, i guess i'm trying to say that i'm changing and hoping it's for the best, i'm not going to post as often as i used to, i already slowed down a bit( ok, i'm a slacker ) but want to make sure that what comes out of my posts in the future will be more thoughtful. That's all!

Serge,

I think you're taking too much of the burden on yourself for any negative things that have gone on here. It's not your fault, my friend! Believe it. Every team needs a cheerleader, because he or she gives hope to those who need it; and, trust me, hope is welcome in the face of criticism--constructive or otherwise. You've been an invaluable asset to the OLF, so please don't change a thing! Besides, considering the difference between your #1 and #2 guitars, you're living proof of what can be accomplished with a little creativity and determination. Especially since you've been willing to share the whole process with us.

I often wish that some folks would be a bit more judicious in their appraisal of those who offer criticism, even if that critic is less than tactful. However, their transgressions aren't your responsibility, so don't feel as if you have to carry that weight on your shoulders, Serge.

I generally wait until someone asks for opinions here, and you can do that too if you want to. If you're not comfortable with that, that's okay too. Save it for face-to-face meetings with people that you know share your passion to get it right. By the way, you've been one of the few who've consistently asked what we think about your work, and that's praiseworthy in itself.

You seem to not have noticed it, but you already are grown up, and there's nothing wrong with being a pleasant and supportive adult! Just keep on keeping on, Mr. P!    You've got every reason to hold your head up high at the OLF.

    There is a burden to bear when one undertakes to be non-offensive. It is the examination of the deeds often above what one may be able to handle alone. All have finite abilities to discern, some, of course, greater than others, and there's a purpose in this.

   Your example of intention, no matter what you may judge yourself, is truly inspirational to me. There are some that use offense as a means of compulsion against others. To bring to pass their will, by excluding themselves from contribution and brotherhood. These men will be left to their own design, as these are often conficts inside themselves.

   I suggest if your conscience is troubled, as I sense, that you spend time examining by the sense of peace that befalls the mind when undertaking a worthy cause, that you personally have applied yourself to.

   I am pleased that you have brought this up to us but I feel you know who else to bring it to. There is only one that may judge correctly, and by the right spirit, and its not Serge.

    Please forgive if I sound pompous or my words as a poor example of my deeds. I also value the friendship and the spirit of sharing not just of guitars but of friends also.

    

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Carlton, thank you!

I think that you understood my message very clearly and it feels great my friend! I chose to humble myself instead of pointing fingers at anyone but the truth is that i decided not to hurt anymore from my wicked ways so your suggestion to give an honest critique only when asked is quite welcomed...of course i will still encourage my dear friends here but i will be more careful of my writing on posts and threads not to be nice only to be accepted or by fear of rejection like i used to...

I really love your wisdom and judgement Carlton, you're a good man!

Serge

Billy, although i'm still a kid with your great language, i understood(i think! )what you said to me my friend and appreciate your friendship, sensibility and refined intelligence!

I did ask the Holy spirit to guide me before writing this and felt great after, i don't think i, alone could solve all of our problems that we face as a growing community but i thought that my being humble and true could spark something, i just hope and pray that it will be for the best interest of us all and my growing up to be a better person.

Best regards

Serge

Serge,
I don't know much, but I'm pretty sure that we should do what we are supposed to do - finding out exactly what that is often is the hardest part.
Some of us are gifted with discernment and need to use that gift and let people know when the need correction. Perhaps Mario and Rod are good examples of that.
Others are gifted with teaching and they should use that gift to teach others. I'm not sure who on this forum that is because I've not been here that long, but I bet a few names popped into your head as you read this. (Mike Collins?)
I think you have a gift, that you are strongly gifted and you have been using that gift.
You are an encourager.
That is a great thing!
I know because I have been encouraged by you several times. I know others have also. You are doing exactly what you are supposed to do. I believe your gift is from above, from the great giver of gifts. Somehow you have let the discourager come along and convince you that your gift is not special, not as valuable as other gifts.
(If I am wrong please forgive me as I take this a bit further.)
Now you are looking at your gift, a wonderful gift, and saying you don't want it anymore. I have to ask, are you being rude to the one that gave you that gift?

Serge, I don't know you that well and I could be wrong. I have written what I believe you needed to hear and I hope it helps. If I am wrong I hope you do not take any offense in what I have said.    
   

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"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered." G. K. Chesterton.

I will never take offense at a careful and thoughtful post or PM Steve, thanks for your concern, i'm not being mad at the One who gave me my gift but i plan on using it wisely and not abusing it, by being a fair partisan of truth for instance,. I'll still encourage others as i replied to Carlton's but i'll just be more careful of how i'll do it.

Thanks Steve, i appreciate this from you, i know you are sincere when you give your opinion and it makes it special for me!

Serge

Serge my friend. I have come to know you as a caring and supportive person. I do not beleive that this is a lie, maybe just the demons in you telling you it is.

Funny that you say Mario has left, when I just logged on, who's name was also logged on but Mario.

I think it takes a lot more for Him to get his back up and just leave, regardless of what is said. To the best of my knowledge, no one has asked him to leave and I certainly hope he doesn't. I don't believe he would either.

Serge I forgive you my friend. I have always wanted to help you out and if I can see something that jumps out at me, I do want to help you be the best that you can be, your my friend. I'm sorry you took the crack on top #2 hard, I hope you know it wasn't my intention to make you look bad or put you down, just wanting to help with your guitar building is all.

Time for another phone call.

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Serge, I know exactly what you are saying and where you are coming from. I too have wrestled with those demons. In my life I have gone back and forth from wanting to please everyone and be accepted to just the opposite, hating people because I felt that I had to betray myself to be accepted. Why couldn't they accept me for who I was?? It took me a long time to answer that question, even though the answer was so simple. They didn't because I wouldn't let them know who I was.

I have often used truth as a weapon and I see it routinely used on forums the same way. I justified doing so by saying, "hey, its true isn't it?" Yes it was true, but it didn't not justify me using it to slap someone upside the head with it. After feeling the sting of many "honest comments" I dropped off of a couple of forums. After licking my wounds for a while, I realized I was just as guilty as those that were being honest with me.

When I stumbled on to this forum, I sat in the background just reading for the longest time, watching the dynamics of the posting populace. I was relieved find that there was someone who had a kind word and was supportive. I would read those posts and smile. Eventually I started posting. And many times I found myself heading back to my old ways, wanting to bash someone with the obvious truth, but it was your example that stayed my hand. And for that, I am very grateful.

You feel you have gone too far the other way and are being false to your friends. Maybe you are and maybe you aren't. Only you can say for use. But know this, we will be supportive of you finding your balance. Your insight and thoughtfulness are always welcome, but never feel you have to be our cheerleader. Its hard to tell someone that you disagree or you don't like something, but its even harder to do it with thoughtfulness, and that is something you will always do.

You are not in this world alone. Trust in the powers to be to help you through this.

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Aoibeann

Lillian thank you, and everyone else BTSW!

I edited that post so it stops here, I thank the Lord for the real friends that you all are, i reread myself this morning but could not make sense of what i had written, sorry about this mess folks. i need your prayers...

Serge

God's talking to ya Serge. That's really great news if you hear Him!

Blessings to you!

Thanks Terry, all i'll say on this is that it was painful moments ending on a real blessing, i heard His message in time!

Thanks

Serge

His timing is PERFECT. A little introspection inspired by the H.S. is good. Self condemnation isn't from Him though. ANyhow, I'm praying for you. I read that early AM original post. We're all movin' forward eh?

Right you are brother, He did wonders in just a few hours, must be that newb thing, even in the spiritual department can we sometimes learn pretty quick with faith and good will! I sure feel a whole lot better than when i wrote that!

Serge

Serge, my friend, in my life I have met many many people... And I must say that you are one of the nicest, most decent and unpretentious souls I've ever met....

Don't let all this brouhaha discourage you, my friend. It is but a little ripple in the pond, so to speak. In time, all this will pass. I'm sure everyone will come back... This place is more adictive than nicotine!

Serge, if I can only give you ONE piece of advice. Be yourself. That's all. I you want to share a thought that is in your heart/soul, do so... Be it positive or negative (and in that case, we wouldn't believe you anyways... )... Keep on keepin' on, my man...

Love,

al

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

Hey, Serge

I've been out of town for a couple of days and don't even know what this thread is about, but, I doubt, my friend, that you have done anything offensive to anyone. You may be the most decent person on this forum. I, for one, miss the earlier days when you posted continually. You always have my support, please pm me if I can be of any service to you.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Thanks Al and Ron, i'm back to normal except for the camera! , had a little tough ride but i learned the lessons i needed to learn and had to let go of some things. Turned out better than i expected to say the least. A healing sort of took place and it was due time for me!

Thanks also to all who replied their concerns towards me here, in my PM box and on the phone, i realize how precious you all are to me because true friends are a blessing and in that manner, i'm a spoiled man!

You have no idea what you all mean to me!

Your bro Serge

[QUOTE=Serge Poirier]
You have no idea what you all mean to me!

Your bro Serge [/QUOTE]

Oh about as much as you mean to us.   

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Aoibeann

Thanks Lillian

Serge my friend ;something we're all proud to call you!

When the Zoot gets there you'll have a reason to put a smile on your kind face.

Mike COliins

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Mike Collins

Thanks again brother Mike!

Hey Serge, I live on 'dial up' so don't make it to the off topic side very often. I missed your original post but am saddened to see you packing a heavy heart. You are a class act, as Steve noted a great 'encourager'. Don't ever be afraid to post, you are an extremely important part of this community and the lights are a little dimmer without you energetic participation. I only hope that wahtever has brought you down has now left you. If it hasn't, pm me and I will give you a call.

Take great care my friend, this forum needs your smiley faces!!

Shane

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Canada

Thanks Shane, don't worry bud as i mentionned above, all is fine, there was a lesson i needed to learn that i should have learnt many moons ago but learnt it here recently only. I learnt that lesson with the help of God and the true friends that you are!

Peace

Serge