Hot Stuff!

[Nick Fiddes]

I'd just like to apologise sincerely to anyone who feels I've been downing either them or competitors. If you re-read what I've actually said, I've tried all along to make it clear that what I've been writing was mostly either as a personal opinion, or as wearing my 'hat' as a governor of the Scottish Tartans Authority, whose responsibility it is to defend Scottish traditions. Where I've been aware of having a commercial vested interest, I've tried to make it clear that I'm aware of that.

Perhaps people could give me guidance? When I post here, I'm always aware that what I say represents at least three different 'voices': my own personal thoughts; my company; and the STA. I'm of course aware of the risk of this, and it's clear from the above that I've lost Scotweb/Kiltstore at least one customer for my sin of speaking frankly. My aim wasn't to abuse individuals or other companies that think differently, but to explain how I feel on the issue and why. But of course that's a bit naive...

So what do people think? This strikes me as a wonderful debating board, and I'd love to be able to contribute both knowledge and opinions as fully and truthfully as I believe others may find interesting or helpful. But is this simply stupid, given that when I'm speaking as a personal individual rather than representing Scotweb's official stance it will inevitably reflect back on the company, and lose us business?

I'm seriously wondering whether I should register a second login, and call myself by a nickname that regulars will recognise but not identify me with the company, for general chat. Perhaps I need three logins. I'd appreciate advice. :-)

[Colin]

Perhaps people could give me guidance? When I post here, I'm always aware that what I say represents at least three different 'voices': my own personal thoughts; my company; and the STA. I'm of course aware of the risk of this, and it's clear from the above that I've lost Scotweb/Kiltstore at least one customer for my sin of speaking frankly. My aim wasn't to abuse individuals or other companies that think differently, but to explain how I feel on the issue and why. But of course that's a bit naive...

<moderator hat off>

Hi Nick,

I understand your dilemna. Personally I have always taken any posts or threads by kilt business owners as personal opinion (as you stated in your posts may times in this thread). The only time I see any business owners posts as business related is when the topic deals directly with their company. You have made it pretty clear that the majority of your posts in this thread have been your own personal opinion, and I strongly believe you are entitled to that. If someone thinks you have done a disservice to your "cause and business" by your personal opinion....well, I don't see that. The sponsors, like the moderators, on this site are members of the forum first. We sometimes feel just as strongly about issues as other members, why would we not participate in those discussions? and can we not take part in those discussions as kilt wearers and forum members without it being seen as a conflict of interest?

I for one am thankful for your first and subsequent posts. This has been an intersting thread, and one which I have passed on to others that I thought may find it interesting. I only hope that members here can follow the advise of Matt (and a few others) and except that we all agree that there is a place for the inexpensive kilts in the market. No one is bashing your kilt of choice.

<moderator hat back on>

Now I would hate to see this thread locked down, so let's ALL be respectful of each other, our opinions, and the kilts that we choose to wear. One person is no better than the other because they have 50 kilts, and I am no better than anyone else because I choose to save for a traditional wool kilt rather than buy 5-10 of the inexpensive ones. Most of us have gotten past this pettiness and own kilts from the whole spectrum. Let's have a nice discussion and debate without anyone getting their pleats in a bunch, okay?