Ya know, , I am a "newer" member. With that in mind, I remember what it was like here some years ago. I posted a bit, but was intimidated just a touch...
Years went by, and I learned a lot. From the easy going folks, and also from the "gruff" folks.
There are a number of folks here on the forum that I think quite highly of. T Bone, Johnny C, Wookie, The Chairman, Sam Miller, and a host of others. I had a series of PM's with northernone.
In my early days, I was "moderated" a time or two. And I deserved it.
I can't speak for anyone else, but at one time this board was pretty brutal. Over the years things have changed, as they always do. I don't post a lot, anyone can see that. I don't have the highest dive count. But I strive to be better, always.
Sometimes, I believe, we all need to take a step back. Remember that we are all divers, however diverse that term may be. Are the mods always right? Of course not. Are WE always right? Same answer, in my mind.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is not required that we like each other. Hell, it aint required that we respect each other. But, in my Hillbilly mind, things are so much nicer if we at least LISTEN to each other with an open mind.
All it takes is the first step.....
DW