semi formal?

[McClef]

I believe a lot of the "looking good" comments are the result of people being afraid to offer constructive criticism where it is needed, lest they open themselves up for criticism or personal attacks.

I would disagree and see the comments a genuine on the grounds that those who were genuinely afraid to make constructive criticism on those grounds would tend to say nothing at all.

There could of course be exceptions but on the whole I think that people who have something to say express it. I don' think that many take umbrage at criticism that is genuinely constructive and if they disagree they make equally robust responses. It's all done in good fellowship and without rancour in my experience.

[Hamish]

I would disagree and see the comments a genuine on the grounds that those who were genuinely afraid to make constructive criticism on those grounds would tend to say nothing at all.

There could of course be exceptions but on the whole I think that people who have something to say express it. I don' think that many take umbrage at criticism that is genuinely constructive and if they disagree they make equally robust responses. It's all done in good fellowship and without rancour in my experience.

I am with you here, Trefor, and I am one of those who will praise and compliment when I feel it is appropriate. Otherwise I generally remain silent. A few years ago, in X Marks' early days, I would make what I believed to be helpful comments and suggest improvements or alternatives, as I saw fit and based on my 50+ years of kilting experience.

More recently, I have mostly withheld such opinions, unless specifically requested, because I became aware of cultural, and other, differences between North America (where the vast majority of X Markers are domiciled) and the United Kingdom. We tend to dress up, or down, in different ways for similar events, and I found my own thoughts and suggestions were inappropriate for our American brothers. So, yes, now I remain silent on occasion.

Take care,
Ham.

[McClef]

As do I Hamish - yes we have to allow for transatlantic differences and interests about what goes with the kilt etc on each side of the "Pond."

Different climates and activities can have all have a bearing besides those of culture.

But one of the wonderful things is that the wealth of friendship and advice and knowledge is still there and last weekend at Ferintosh went to prove that what unites far overwhelms other considerations.