[chuckt]

Well I was away for a few days and have been trying to get caught up on the posts. It seems Lynn that you've taken offense at some things that have been said either in the Avatars or the Art v. Craft discussion or perhaps in PMs. Not saying that is the definitive reason - only you know that unless you share it - but that's how it appears to me.

I sincerely hope that you won't let that keep you away all together. That is just sort of the nature of discussion boards at times. If I have said anything that offended you I too apologize. I sincerely hope that anyone else's posts were not intended to ridicule or hurt your feelings. If there was something posted - keep in mind that things can often seem harsher in email/online discussions than the person posting intended.

I also hope that you will not deprive everyone else of your wisdom and participation because of hard feelings over some posts. There is plenty of room for ALL here and for differing perspectives and points of view.

In any case, I hope you will reconsider and remain with us. If not, I know we'll miss you here and will likely keep up with you via your blog.

Forgive me if I am leaping to conclusions and if I am way off base or out of line here. I am just reacting to what I've read so far.

ChuckT

[BobD]

Just to clear the air here.
Lynn and I discussed the Bill of Rights for the message board, and he disagreed with the Message Board Admin team's intrepretation of the Bill of Rights.

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[chuckt]

Ok. Thanks Bob and I apologize to both you and Lynn if I've overstepped in my above post. I for one feel this board has become my carving home on the web, and I hate to see when discussion forums lose members due to misunderstandings or folks feelings being hurt by disagreements (as happens with some regularity on other non-carving boards).

In any case, best wishes to all and I hope Lynn will reconsider.

ChuckT

[AlArchie]

Maybe we should ALL watch our comments a bit closer and learn to recognize when they tread onto contentious territory. It's awfull easy to stray into personal confrontations when differences of opinion arise. We should be able to discuss these different opinions without insulting each other's views or beliefs. And maybe when discussions fall into these more amorphous areas, we, as monitors, should be a bit more circumspect in moving the discussion to the "Off Topic" arena.

Al

[Mottles]

Lynn, this is so distressing to hear you are leaving us here. Lynn, you say "it's been fun and you'll miss the comraderie." Think of those of us who have enjoyed your carvings, inspiration and encouragement.
Speakng for myself I'll miss you and will make your blog a daily visit. Your Avatar says it all.
Kathy

[Tom H]

Lynn. Your blog site is now on my favorites list, and will be visited often. Your carvings, techniques that you have shared, and general or specific comments in your postings have always been informative and enjoyable to me. Wish you were stayin...Tom H

[Kenny_S]

Lynn, I enjoy your wit, you willingness to help others to achive the level they should be at, your teachings, and your friendship. Please reconsider and at the least, take a leave from the board for a while,but don't quit it. There are many of us who wants you to stay. You are respected for you opinions and willingness to help lesser carvers like myself.

Guess I am having second thoughts of what this board is about. Sure isn't the friendly board of yesteryears.
They call it progress.
Really is a shame and I will leave it at that.

[chuckt]

Kenny -

It seems to me that based on what Bob wrote above Lynn's decision appears to have more to do with a disagreement over board policy (i.e. the Bill of Rights and its interpretation) than with what I was initially concerned about. That is something between Bob and Lynn and hopefully has nothing to do with the vigorous open discussions I referenced.

Personally, I STILL think this is one of the most civil and friendly discussion groups on the web. Ok - maybe sometimes we make an offhand comment in stating a position or opinion that could be taken the wrong way. In every one of those instances I've seen here, folks say they're sorry and we all move on. Yes - we need to be careful with our words, but we also should not be too quick to read offense into a post and harbor grudges as it usually is NOT intended that way.

Like I said earlier, there is plenty of room for disagreement over carving, tool choices, art & craft, privacy etc. Some will state their opinions pretty emphatically and others will be more demure. Its all good as long as we take care not to jump too quickly to conclusions and read them as attacks where none are meant.

Your statements that we somehow ran Lynn off (though that WAS my initial fear), or that the board isn't "friendly" seem a little too strongly worded to me but you are free to express your thoughts. I am sorry to hear that you feel that way, but I've not seen anything that has approached unfriendly. (short of the two threads I mentioned - and even there I wouldn't characterize it as unfriendly, just strongly worded opinions that's all) But perhaps I missed something or posts were removed or edited that I am unaware of. I've also only been active here since last Fall, so perhaps I am not in a position to detect a change in tone from yesteryears. If I am wrong then I too would feel saddened. But I still think this board IS about more experienced carvers helping out lesser experienced carvers, and about ALL who love carving getting an opportunity to get together a share our experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

Just my $2.00 worth. (Been getting wordy lately. Sorry)


ChuckT

[Canopener]

Lynn,
I sure wish you would reconsider! With out a doubt, you are one of the most talented; not to mention, helpful carvers on the board. It would really be a loss if you just bailed on us. I think you can bit a bit salty at times; but what is life without a little salt? A lot of times we can agree to disagree, it don't make anyone a bad feller, or gal.
In your avatar post, I mentioned a lot of people coming and going. It is sad when we lose a good one. I also mentioned that I don't post all that much, I kind of prefer it that way, it has allowed me a long run with no hurt feelers; but I sure enjoy reading all of the posts.
Consider the sage old advice, "Always drink upstream from the herd. It's the cowboy way!"
Uhh oh; I don't mean any offense to anyone, I'm just saying.
Best of luck to you, no matter what you decide.
Jim

[groozier]

I don't post much, so I'm not worried about getting kicked off.Lynn was one of the most frequent posters that actually said something to help the less experienced carvers on the board. I know that he stirred the pot a little sometimes, but it made for good discussion. I've got his site on my favorites and will still visit it regularly. So long from the board Lynn.
Lance Brooks aka groozier