How should XMTS grow and improve?

[Bugbear]

No worries, mate. I wasn't criticizing...just sayin' is all.

Ok, understood.

Let me put it a different way, though. I don't see any of these problems between the traditional and contemporary members etc having anything to do with the structure of the forum. It is human nature.

So, I am saying that I will change and be more aware of how I interact; that is be careful of my own nature.

[BroosterB1]

I still think the forum needs a formal Tattoo and Drill team; tan bush whacker shirts with epaulets, X-marks tartan kilts, oatmeal hose, French mil boots with spats, pith helmets, and of course waxed mustaches, with pink parasols in honor of Hamish and horsehair sporrans for Jock. Arggh!ith:

[DWFII]

I don't see any of these problems between the traditional and contemporary members etc having anything to do with the structure of the forum. It is human nature.

So, I am saying that I will change and be more aware of how I interact; that is be careful of my own nature.

I quite agree. I don't see it either.

If everyone were as thoughtful and aware as you are proposing to be, whatever problems or unrest exists would be greatly reduced.

Let me give you an example...when I first came on board one of the first things I "heard" was that there was no kilt police. Fair enough. And, on the face of it, reassuring.

But I soon came to realize that the term "kilt" police" and the many imaginative variations such as "kilt nazi," "kilt taliban," etc., were more often used as a club to provoke and castigate people than to reassure newcomers. Such terminology is now...if it wasn't to begin with...entirely derogatory no matter what the context. I am surprised the mods allow it.

This is a kilt forum. People do come here for advice. And to learn. Just naturally, some people, by virtue of their personal histories, the culture they grew up in, or their dedication to learning about kilts, have a certain cache in that when they give a piece of advice you know it is coming from a POV of seriousness...not flippancy. It is, in other words, well intentioned. Whether it is always well positioned or well timed...is another matter.

But characterizing that advice, and those people, with derogatory remarks is contrary to the expressed mission statement of Xmarks as I understand it.

We seem to have come to the point where saying that there is no "kilt Police" is tantamount to saying "watch out for the kilt police." And it is such a dishonest statement--even if someone is giving you gratuitous advice that you do not particularly welcome...it ends there. It's just advice. No one can cut off your allowance or send you to your room. No one can force you to even give that advice serious consideration much less abide by it.

It is, in my opinion, a critical factor in whatever level of dissension exists on this board. If characterizations, and name-calling, and ad hominem attacks are unwelcome on a forum that seeks to be "family friendly" and comprised of gentlemen and gentlewomen, then such behaviour ought, in my opinion, be cause for concern.

[sathor]

But I soon came to realize that the term "kilt" police" and the many imaginative variations such as "kilt nazi," "kilt taliban," etc., were more often used as a club to provoke and castigate people than to reassure newcomers. Such terminology is now...if it wasn't to begin with...entirely derogatory no matter what the context. I am surprised the mods allow it.

Godwin's Law.

[thescot]

Dang. It's awful getting old. Some of these things just go right over my head.

Here I was thinking that lively, spirited discussion was the stuff of life, that this site was a place where "family" could carry on, disagree, fuss, and make jokes without anyone taking much of anything too seriously. Contemporary vs. traditional is like . . . well, kids' clothes vs. old geezers' clothes. (We all know the geezers are correct!)

And now I find out that when I call myself the "Kilt Police," it's a pejorative. I meant it as a joke, kind of a self-effacing hyperbole with me as the butt of the joke. Now I see that I've been insulting myself all along. I shall be forced to send myself to time-out, restrict my personal play time, and write "I will not use pejoratives about me any more" 1000 times on the board.

Of course, when someone disagrees with me, they really are being the Kilt Police and should be castigated with all haste and alacrity.

In all seriousness, I do think that this is not exactly anything that any of us should be up in arms about. The site changes, shifts, evolves, and grows--or contracts--as a product of natural selection. And as long as we all follow the site rules set forth clearly--play nice, keep religion and politics out of it, be civil, and share your toys--there's no reason for us to do something. We aren't in a selective breeding experiment here where the perfect hog is our goal. We're a family of sorts, complete with old Uncle Harold that no one talks about (he stays in the basement).

So I think we should just let 'er go and see where she's headed. As long as we have guys like Panache and the other mods to keep the herd headed down the trail, it'll all be fine. New

So, having said all that--and it was a bunch--let me apologize all over myself if I have ever insulted anyone or hurt someone's feelings. That was never the intent, and I wouldn't want that. If you are still mad at me, then it is on your head.

And only JockScot and I are licensed to shoot those who diverge from good taste on sight!

That's a joke, son, I say, that's a joke. (Leghorn)

Sathor, you hit the nail on the head. And BresterB1, I'd like to volunteer as Sgt. Major of the drill team. Except for the pink parasol thing. I'd have to arrect you if I caught you with one of those.

[DWFII]

Godwin's Law.

but where's Quirk's Exception when you need it?

[macwilkin]

Jim,

I don't necessarily think your use of the term "kilt police" to describe yourself is pejorative, but the term has been used in that way at times on the forum. For me, it's not as bad as the other variants DWFII mentioned, such as "kilt nazi" and "kilt taliban".

I think DWFII's point was that a pejorative use of "kilt police" or its variants goes against the very spirit of the board and the oft-used statement that wearing kilts is about "freedom". As I am want to point out ad nauseum, if kilts are about "freedom", then that freedom should also extend to those who choose to honour the customs and traditions of Highland attire -- and dare I say it? -- the "rules"?

That being said, I personally try to temper my traditionalist POV with a basic respect for others who disagree with me -- it hasn't been easy, especially of late, but perhaps I'll incorporate it into my Lenten discipline -- "Three Hail Marys and Four Our Fathers", to quote Michaleen Og in The Quiet Man.

Regards,

Todd

[DWFII]

Dang.

And now I find out that when I call myself the "Kilt Police," it's a pejorative. I meant it as a joke, kind of a self-effacing hyperbole with me as the butt of the joke. Now I see that I've been insulting myself all along. I shall be forced to send myself to time-out, restrict my personal play time, and write "I will not use pejoratives about me any more" 1000 times on the board.

I don't want to get too serious in response to what was obviously a light-hearted remarkbut...

Sure and isn't it a little like the black man using the "N" word to describe himself? He's perhaps entitled but there's still a little bit of onus attached to the word...and everyone understands that.

I think even when you call yourself Kilt Police in jest, if you roll it around in your mouth a couple of times you'll taste the lingering bite of condemnation.

It's a joke but it is a wry and acerbic one..

[Cherub]

Well thanks. Sometimes I feel that I am not on the same wave length as the rest of a group in a thread, and I need to, at least, be careful about that...

Ted you might not be on the same wave length as some of us, I know i'm not, but that is what makes the board a living and breathing being.

contrast makes good reading and good conversation.

now to keep this on topic I think the kilt advise sub forum could go bye bye I don't think i've been in there more than once.

[CameronTaylor]

now to keep this on topic I think the kilt advise sub forum could go bye bye I don't think i've been in there more than once.

I've never looked at it myself.
I also surf a discordant wavelength.


CT - luckily I've found a pub and place to lay my head after next month's how-de-doo