To the Forum regarding the XMTSAS Saltire

**Mike_Oettle** · 23rd January 11, 01:07 PM

Well, folks, I disapprove of Azwildcat’s language, but I do agree with him and DownunderKilt that retiring the Saltire is somewhat premature.
I understand that Jamie wants to be less involved in X Marks, but I cannot see why the Saltire can’t continue its travels.
And whatever you gents want to say about its “around the world” travels, it has certainly not been around the world.
In fact, Zardoz’s remark about travelling outside Texas being international only underlines the insularity of the whole thing.
We need a symbol like the Saltire to emphasise the internationality of X Marks, and parking it permanently at Bicknell Grange is not going to do that (nor will keeping it at Jamie’s house).
Regards,
Mike

**RockyR** · 23rd January 11, 02:55 PM

Even never hosting the saltire, I must too add that this decision saddened me. I thought that all differences (no matter how big) could be put aside for the love of the forum and comroderie amoung it's members. As Jamie made the Saltire, it is his to do with what he wishes. I would ask him directly, won't you reconsider and donate this saltire to the forum membership?

If the answer is no, then I add 1 thought to the new symbol to be shipped around the world...

If you keep the item AND BOX Under 1 pound, the shipping costs will be much cheaper. When you make something that weighs 2 or 3 pounds, the price of shipping goes up (which can get VERY high... especially shipping international to all 7 continents).

**Jordan** · 23rd January 11, 03:00 PM

Do you have any suggestions Rocky?

**Cowher** · 23rd January 11, 03:15 PM

What about a sgian dubh. One with out the blade to avoid issue. It's representative of cutting the tie to the airship yet also shows connection, trust and friendship within xmarks. As the blade was hidden but when in company of friends it was placed in the hose. I think it has good symbolism.
What ever we choose should have meaning. Not just something to replace the airship.
Matt

**Teufel Hunden** · 23rd January 11, 05:08 PM

Hmm. Almost seems offensive in a way. "This was a symbol of those other guys... not you guys. New members don't get to be a part of it. The end." Though I'm not terribly offended personally by this, that is sort of the impression I get from the op. But when you get down to it, does the forum necessarily need a symbol like this? We're all bound in some way by our love of highland attire, be it historical, traditional, or contemporary. To me, that's good enough. But, if its determined that newer members aren't deemed worthy of being a part of the small group of people who have had their hands on this thing, so be it.. just stop calling it some symbol of the community as a whole and call it what it really was: an exclusive club.

**Detroitpete** · 23rd January 11, 05:26 PM

Sheesh lads, the things we can create to trouble ourselves with. If a 'traveler' is desired (I like the idea, it fosters comaradarie and allows us to 'meet' other Xmarkers) how about a simple small Xmarks banner made from Xmarks tartan--perhaps 1ft. X 3ft. ? A small parcel box or mailing tube should suffice.

**CDNSushi** · 23rd January 11, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by Mike_Oettle

Well, folks, I disapprove of Azwildcat’s language, but I do agree with him and DownunderKilt that retiring the Saltire is somewhat premature.
I understand that Jamie wants to be less involved in X Marks, but I cannot see why the Saltire can’t continue its travels.

Mike, the reason is, from what I can tell, that Jamie never intended for the Saltire to become communal or forum member property. It is, and always was his own, personal property, with which he has full rights to dispense or dispose of at his sole discretion -- something he has clearly chosen to do in a particular way.

Not that I agree, but let's think this through to its logical conclusion. Had the Saltire "succeeded" in visiting all the world's continents, then what? Jamie would still have the option of EITHER displaying the airship and logbook in his own home, or donating it to Hamish or Steve or someone in order for other members to see and visit.

I have some ideas that I would also like to contribute to the future of a similar project, but I think a new thread might be in order for that.

EDIT: Done. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...estions-63951/

**azwildcat96** · 23rd January 11, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by Mike_Oettle

Well, folks, I disapprove of Azwildcat’s language, but I do agree with him and DownunderKilt that retiring the Saltire is somewhat premature.

I actually resisted posting the night that I first read the OP, as I was pretty upset. My post was toned-down, and self-edited for language, as compared to what I was really feeling.

Fact is, that this appears to be a slap in the face of every X-Marks member that still calls this forum "home". I didn't host the Saltire, nor did I want to, but I did enjoy reading the posts, and seeing the photos associated with it.

This is why I suggested that the forum owner, or moderators, or other craftsman here create a new version to start new adventures and journeys.

**macwilkin** · 23rd January 11, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by azwildcat96

I actually resisted posting the night that I first read the OP, as I was pretty upset. My post was toned-down, and self-edited for language, as compared to what I was really feeling.

Fact is, that this appears to be a slap in the face of every X-Marks member that still calls this forum "home". I didn't host the Saltire, nor did I want to, but I did enjoy reading the posts, and seeing the photos associated with it.

This is why I suggested that the forum owner, or moderators, or other craftsman here create a new version to start new adventures and journeys.

Respectfully, though, if you believe that Jamie intended this as a slap in the face, then you really do not know Jamie/Panache, who is one of the most respectful people I know. CDNsushi's post above is spot on when it comes to the Saltire. As a former Moderator when the Saltire was commissioned, it was never officially sanctioned by the old forum owner -- it was Jamie's idea and Jamie's efforts that got her flying in the first place. Therefore, I stand by his decision to retire her.

T.

**Zardoz** · 23rd January 11, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Respectfully, though, if you believe that Jamie intended this as a slap in the face, then you really do not know Jamie/Panache, who is one of the most respectful people I know. CDNsushi's post above is spot on when it comes to the Saltire. As a former Moderator when the Saltire was commissioned, it was never officially sanctioned by the old forum owner -- it was Jamie's idea and Jamie's efforts that got her flying in the first place. Therefore, I stand by his decision to retire her.

T.

Todd beat me to it, my thoughts exactly.