I recently joined the "other" forum in conjunction to get more technical feedback as to the process involved of making your own straight razor from scratch. I also posed questions about belt grinders to get feedback from people with experience. Also, I inquired about different honing stones, specifically about high-grit natural stones.
Some people treated me very well, but some so-called "moderators" had the audacity to say such things as "I can create a better blade on my homemade ryobi grinder than you ever will with a Bader grinder. I responded to this politely, however I alluded to the fact that I wasn't aware that this was a "pissing contest".
When inquiring about stones, I said if anybody had some particular stones I was looking for, and would be willing to sell them to contact me. I was reprimanded by someone in a very condescending manner that I couldn't do that on that particular forum. I responded by asking what his authority was in speaking to me in such a manner.
I also pointed out the contradiction that the site also owns another site where they actually sell the items that they are critiquing, and how this may be a conflict of interest. Though I also alluded to the fact that it is a good idea to offer a centrally located retail area to purchase hard to find items. But if they can do that, why is me asking to buy stones on the forum such a travesty?!?!?
To make a very long story short, the "mods" need to "meet" to determine my eligibility to remain as a member. This is vexing and ponderous to me because I thought the underlying intent of these forums was to propagate a traditional art form that is dying out in certain respects, and de-evolving. What gives the rite to these so called "moderators" to be so pompous and obtuse as to say that my opinion or question is inappropriate? By nature and definition, a forum is a place to express any and all ideas; even if someone is abrasive or overtly opinionated, they should still be afforded the opportunity to say whats on their mind.
I'm flustered, and very disappointed with my fellow enthusiasts!!!!!
Some people treated me very well, but some so-called "moderators" had the audacity to say such things as "I can create a better blade on my homemade ryobi grinder than you ever will with a Bader grinder. I responded to this politely, however I alluded to the fact that I wasn't aware that this was a "pissing contest".
When inquiring about stones, I said if anybody had some particular stones I was looking for, and would be willing to sell them to contact me. I was reprimanded by someone in a very condescending manner that I couldn't do that on that particular forum. I responded by asking what his authority was in speaking to me in such a manner.
I also pointed out the contradiction that the site also owns another site where they actually sell the items that they are critiquing, and how this may be a conflict of interest. Though I also alluded to the fact that it is a good idea to offer a centrally located retail area to purchase hard to find items. But if they can do that, why is me asking to buy stones on the forum such a travesty?!?!?
To make a very long story short, the "mods" need to "meet" to determine my eligibility to remain as a member. This is vexing and ponderous to me because I thought the underlying intent of these forums was to propagate a traditional art form that is dying out in certain respects, and de-evolving. What gives the rite to these so called "moderators" to be so pompous and obtuse as to say that my opinion or question is inappropriate? By nature and definition, a forum is a place to express any and all ideas; even if someone is abrasive or overtly opinionated, they should still be afforded the opportunity to say whats on their mind.
I'm flustered, and very disappointed with my fellow enthusiasts!!!!!
Don't take it too hard. Just avoid dealing with such people, and, as needed, avoid the internet forums they start to gratify their frail egos and irritating personalities. 
B&B is definitely friendly and helpful. Most of my questions have already been asked and answered. I do a lot more reading than typing. I started as a skeptic, but now enjoy what's shared here.
