Reality Check

[Dall_Piobaire]

Yes, but was it implied or infered from the posts.

High accolades, mention of a highly esteemed school, and apprenticeship under a very demanding supervisor might lead one to infer that Ron was implying she was the "be all to end all".

I have spoken with Kathy at length, when I can get her on the phone, and she is wonderfully supportive and helpful. she doesn't talk trash, or play politics, and has no time for that stuff, but she will speak her mind when it comes to her trade. She takes great pride, and feels quite strongly about her trade, and that the work she does reflects not only upon her but her training!

More likely than not, the reason she hasn't signed up, and I asked her this, was because she simply has no time to sit at a keyboard, she is busy making kilts. I can not, and will not speak for her, but I can certainly speak well of her, and to say she is worth her weight in gold! That is not to say that the other craftspeople here aren't skilled. They are, and they take pride in their work and that will always be evidenced by their work. It will always speak for itself!

[Highland Logan]

Ron,

I’m sorry to hear that someone who is supposed to be a well-respected member of the board has sent you a PM, which has upset you so.

I think the first thing which comes to my mind during this incident, is whether or not you decided to deal with them with the same respect they showed you… by using the PM system; “P” standing for private, rather than present it here for all to see with only one point of view.. yours.

I’m sure as a councillor you understand the idea of the effects of catching someone unaware by taking what was assumed to be a private conversation public.

Also of note is lack of the actual PM, and in its place is your condensed and paraphrased version. I’m sure as a councillor you see how this looks like a person attempting to gather followers before the accused get his or her say.

To all of those who chose to pick up torches and pitchforks and run Ron’s PM friend out of town… stop and think about your actions and words. You are all willing to burn someone whose identity is unknown, on evidence, which has only come from one source. That doesn’t sound very fair, now does it?

So in fairness to both Ron, and the mystery person, I suggest to the Mods that this thread be closed before too many bad feelings are created.

Frank

[KFCarter]

Ron,

I’m sorry to hear that someone who is supposed to be a well-respected member of the board has sent you a PM, which has upset you so.

I think the first thing which comes to my mind during this incident, is whether or not you decided to deal with them with the same respect they showed you… by using the PM system; “P” standing for private, rather than present it here for all to see with only one point of view.. yours.

I’m sure as a councillor you understand the idea of the effects of catching someone unaware by taking what was assumed to be a private conversation public.

Also of note is lack of the actual PM, and in its place is your condensed and paraphrased version. I’m sure as a councillor you see how this looks like a person attempting to gather followers before the accused get his or her say.

To all of those who chose to pick up torches and pitchforks and run Ron’s PM friend out of town… stop and think about your actions and words. You are all willing to burn someone whose identity is unknown, on evidence, which has only come from one source. That doesn’t sound very fair, now does it?

So in fairness to both Ron, and the mystery person, I suggest to the Mods that this thread be closed before too many bad feelings are created.

Frank

Acknowledging that there were some comments aimed at the poster of the PM, I felt that the great majority of comments were positive ones about an affirmative desire to hear (and see) information about Kathy Lare. I have to say, rereading the posts, that I don't conjure an image of torches and pitchforks until you paint it.

There has also been some helpful conversation about where the limits ought to be regarding reviews that can often come close to sounding like sales pitches. It's a touchy line and needs discussion on occasion. Are we meant to only discuss kilts and products by the forum's advertisers? Of course not, but where the line should be drawn is not obvious to me and, I think, to many others on the forum.

As to the privacy of the original communication, surely you're not suggesting that Ron should have posted the full text and identify the sender of the PM. And of course, the question of whether Ron has responded privately to the original PM is between him and the original sender.

Ron may have been reaching for some support ("gathering followers"? really?) and airing his point of view, but I also think he had a genuine question about whether he was in the wrong or not and I would hate to think that he, or any of us, would be hesitant to step forward with a question like that and bring it to the members.

regards

Ken

[Highland Logan]

As to the privacy of the original communication, surely you're not suggesting that Ron should have posted the full text and identify the sender of the PM. And of course, the question of whether Ron has responded privately to the original PM is between him and the original sender.

I'm not suggesting that Ron should have published the text of the PM, and with Ron's background, my hint was that it should have stayed between both him and the other person. Not aired in a manner which could lead to the other unknown person being vilified without a defence.

Ron could have asked his question in a whole manner of ways. He chose a manner which may force the PM member to come forward to defend themselves against a large group of people already lined up in support of Ron. I would hope a councillor would know better.

Frank

[ChubRock]

I would hope a councillor would know better.

Frank

That sounds a little too personal for my liking and I think at this point I am bowing out of reading this thread.

[be da veva]

So in fairness to both Ron, and the mystery person, I suggest to the Mods that this thread be closed before too many bad feelings are created.

Frank

I would hope a councillor would know better.

Frank

That sounds a little too personal for my liking and I think at this point I am bowing out of reading this thread.

Let's hold on a minute here, we are all able minded individuals.

Let's not forget that this is xmarksthescot.com...
We all keep saying that we feel like this forum is extended family.
Well, Brother Ron has been informed that a few of his comments were not really appreciated by some here on the forum. From the original post we can suppose that the PM was sent from one but it could also be a few member who have had the same thoughts and decided to let it known to Ron.

I have a habit of always having the last word... It can be really annoying...
It got me in a lot of trouble with a lot of people. Eventually, somebody told me about it. Now I know and I try to control it. Sometimes if I meet someone else that does the same thing, I just keep on going just for the fun of it. Point is, I know I do this.

Did Brother Ron do it on purpose?
I don't think he did.
Did he do something wrong by saying that a kiltmaker not on this forum make wonderfull kilts?
I don't think he did.

By making this PM be known, did he do something else wrong?
I don't think so.

Let's remember the forum-family part. By asking everybody if what he did was wrong, He was opening himself to others. He asked the family if he offended anyone by his actions. Like we would do if it happened in our real family. We bring it to the light and if we did offend, then we know and we can do something about it.
This is how interpret his first post.

Is he the best of communicators? Maybe not.
Did he do it to spite us on purpose? I don't get that from any of his posts. (And we all know that there are a lot of those around here...)

Brother Ron's posts have always been good readings. And he always share his feelings. I don't remember him being nasty or offending intentionally.
More like a brother or a cousin that says what he thinks but also stand by what he says. And being ready to face up and take action if needed.

It's not a question of job, lifestyle, or image.
It's about a community, a family and having to communicate with everybody without insulting anybody. Unintentionally.

English is a second language, but I think you get the jest of it.
If it comes out to be insulting, I apologise as this what not what I wanted it to be.

Regards everyone.

[GDub]

Ron, of all the people on this forum you are with out a doubt the biggest enabler of my kilt addiction--and I've yet to purchase a Kathy Lare kilt. Apparently you haven't mentioned her enough!

[wildrover]

No apologies necessary Eric, you're more literate than many .

I didn't see any rancor in anyone's posts here! Just a legitimate question from the OP...what better response to a whispered comment, than honest self-doubt?

What better response to a public request for feedback, than honesty?

What better response to a whispered snub, than an elbow in the ribs?

Whoever sent the PM remains unknown. I can only assume that the gentlemen involved will temper their remarks, public and private, as a result of what's been said here.

-Sean

[beloitpiper]

Well Ron, I for one would like to thank you. See, I've devised a grand scheme (which will go into effect soon) that will see the liquidation of my "other" (read:non-familial) tartan kilts and and replace them with one (perhaps two) handmade kilts, probably one from Kathy and the other from Barb. Had it not been for you postings and excellent photographic testimonials, I would not have been aware of her amazing craftsmanship.

[Sammac]

Ron, sometimes enthusiasm can be be miss read. I like the fact that you left out the PM itself which shows a respect for others feelings. It sounds like you might have to agree to disagree which not a bad road at times. I like hearing about different kiltmakers so when it is time to purchase I can try to make an informed choice. Some may only use kiltmaking members,some not. I value the input of you and other members on this forum, it has been and continue's to be a fun learning experience.