IMHO: too much negativity. We all share something fun and valuable here

[Alan H]

There's been an awful lot of arguing and fighting on this board recently. I have to admit that I've played a role, dishing up a couple of doozies about hose and shoes that I think are unconscionably expensive.

So I'd like to say this....

This place is about kilts. It's come to represent more than that, because of the greater associations: Kilts and Scotland and Scottish history....kilts and alternative lifestyles...kilts and craftsmanship (craftswomanship?? ) and so on. But at it's core, this web forum is a place to celebrate something...

...Wearing a garment which has its roots in a traditional Scottish garment, called the kilt....

So it seems to me that when we read something here that we disagree with, each one of us ought to scratch our heads and think a moment....how important is that issue that lights our fuse, REALLY? Is it really worth a hard comment?

I participate in another online forum that's very different from this one. I've been there for ten-plus years. I've learned the hard way that people will do what they're going to do, no matter what I tell them. They will do the STUPIDEST things. That reality transfers here. No matter how many times I rant on about expensive socks, if someone on this forum wants to wear expensive socks, they're going to wear them. I'm not going to change anybody by what I say on this forum. I can share what works for me, and praise what I think looks good, but making hard comments and ranting doesn't work.

So I'm going to not rant for a while, in fact for a good while. In fact, I'm going to look for things to praise in those with whom I often disagree, and write good stuff about what they choose to wear, or in some manner in which they helped me learn something. And I'm going to start right here, and right now.

I sometimes disagree with Chef over the rightness or wrongness of those expensive socks! But Chef took the time to point out what "ghillie flaps" were, to me, and that I might consider the possibility of dressing up a pair of military brogues with a set of those. I had no idea what ghillie flaps were. Thanks Chef. And you know what? Chef looks pretty darned sharp in that new IoS kilt he's got.

I'm gonna choose to opt to say positive things, whenever I possibly can, for a while. I'm going to choose to celebrate the good things I experience while trotting around in my life with a kilt on, and there ya go.

[Galician]

Great attitude, Alan! May this forum be a vehicle only for bringing people together in the enjoyment of and appreciation for a garment, which is remarkable and lauded in today's society...even if seldom worn.

[Alan H]

And while I'm on the topic of good things.

The Nor Cal Rabble rocks. To a man (and woman) they rock. I never expected to make REAL friends from this website, but dang if that hasn't happened. Besides, I get to dance with a hot redhead now and then at beer night. THIS is what happens from hanging out with people who wear kilts? sheesh. Who'd a thunk it?

Also, string is cool in her understated way, galoshes and all. So is Yeti, though he's less understated.

I re-discovered, from this website, that I can sew. Who'd a thunk THAT, either?

[Panache]

Alan,

What a great sentiment. As with any large group (and we are well over 1000 active members here) there are going to be a lot of things that we don’t agree on. But we all do have this common love of kilts and it has brought us all together. From this have sprung friendships, knowledge, and inspiration to go forth and sew, throw, dance, play, and create.

Not too bad for a site all about men’s skirts!

I do have one question for you Alan, how is focusing only on saying positive things going to work when we talk about Grant?

Your Friend

Jamie

[davedove]

I do have one question for Alan. How is focusing only on saying positive things going to work when we talk about Grant?

Every policy has its exceptions Jamie.

[Panache]

Every policy has its exceptions Jamie.

Dave are you saying that Grant is exceptional?

Cheers

Jamie

[davedove]

Dave are you saying that Grant is exceptional?

Cheers

Jamie

In his own "special" way.

[DTrain]

Alan, the disagreements on this board are MILD compared to those elsewhere on the net. Nobody really flies off the handle, people just express their opinion on one subject or another and most members here do a great job of explaining their beliefs.
Hey, it looks to me like we're all one big happy clan with only the occasional minor difference of opinion. It's just like any family--we can agree to disagree sometimes.

[string]

Also, string is cool in her understated way, galoshes and all. So is Yeti, though he's less understated.

Thank you, I also count myself richer in my number of friends since I joined this site, and to think I just came to try and figure out what my brand spanking new boyfriend thought was so great on here. And because kilts are HAWT

I don't think I've ever been called understated. It's nice, I can work with this. *wanders off to find her socks so she can go to class*

[Arlen]

I think that's something worthwhile, Alan.
I know I've certainly said things I wish I hadn't. I learned a hard lesson about just not replying to a comment or thread that bothers you.

Here's to Alan's positive reinforcement.

Kilts are great and so are you guys.