To the Forum regarding the XMTSAS Saltire

[Zardoz]

Guys, seriously!
I do not want to fan the flames on this, but I'll throw in one more thought.

This whole thing is rather interesting as an example of how seriously we take symbols. I'm reminded of a book I recently read, "The Invention of Tradition" which is mostly about how some ancient traditions are often something somebody just made up a generation ago, though it seems in the time of internet forums it only takes a couple years to do the same!

The airship Saltire was conceived in fun, based on a lighthearted bit of fiction, by a fellow who likes to have fun. It came from what was frankly IMO a less contentious, more lighthearted era for this forum. It's mission of friendship was heartfelt, and I did my part in it in that light, but I never thought of the little toy blimp as anything more than an excuse to go take some pictures to share with the forum.

Some of the posters have made the wee Saltire into some lofty sacred totem, like it was hewn from the earth when Hank put the first funny kilt picture on the internet in 2004. I bet it seems to our newer members like I was dragging the stone of Scone around with me! I assure you I was not, Hell, I'd put the little thing in my shirt pocket while I stalked around historical sites.


Hey, is that a sacred relic, or are you just happy to see me?


I valued the Saltire as 'a symbol' of friendship among X-Marks members at the time it was created, certainly not 'the symbol' of the forum for all time to come! We have other perhaps more lasting symbols, a lovely tartan, a good looking clan badge, the plant badge, and the "old" kilt pin not many of us have. I am proud to have an example of each of these, but honestly I don't value the forum's symbols as much as the idea of the 'community of kilt wearers' they represent .

I'm a little surprised at some of the vitriol and anger in some of the posts in this thread, I say 'a little' because lately threads about the simplest things seem to descend into fights so fast these days. At the risk of being referred to as a xenophobe or member of the 'insular old guard' club again, I agree with Jamie's thoughts that the forum that inspired the airship was not the same place it is now. This makes me a little sad, but change is the only constant, and change on the internet happens at the speed of light. A forum is a community of people, all individuals, their knowledge, talents, personalities, and attitudes shape the landscape. And the people change and come an go too. As has been observed, people have dealt with the changes in different ways, I choose to roll with it for now.

I also agree that sending something around for photos is a fun idea. But it does not have to be one thing, all the time. The 'thing' and it's origin could change from time to time. Please keep it simple, please keep it fun, and please try not to fight about it.