What Happened to John's Message?

[Barbara Gill]

The one about people not checking to see if their question has been answered and at least acknowledging the answers.

[kstrait]

Hi Barbara,
John and I having been having discussions about the forum and in particular how the posting has slowed way down. In some respects it has seemed to coincide with the switch to the new software, but I'm not sure that it can be pinned to just that.

I took down John's post because those of us that know him, know that he's very direct and he's a huge supporter of this forum. In my opinion, I felt that his post was too direct for those that don't know him and that maybe what was needed was a little gentle nudging.

I know that from my own experience of responding back to the requests for help that come via email, I often wonder if they found the advice helpful or not. Occassionally I will hear back so I understand John's frustration.

As always, I welcome your suggestions and comments on jump starting this forum. Would you like to see a poll, a tool review, an opportunity to review tools, design discussion, workshop pictures, project pictures..... let me know.

Kay Strait

[JohnP]

Kay; you didn't really say why you took down his post. Many of us are very blunt / direct. I know that I never post any answers to a question in anything but the most direct way possible. So are you now saying that if any of us are direct or blunt you will pull thier post? That will be a sure way to keep us around here.
JohnP

[Barbara Gill]

I see. I really prefer direct to the point replies. Were you afraid he would "scare" away someone? His language certainly was not out of line. Since I rarely do any flat work anymore I rarely contribute. I stop by about once a day just to check on what might be posted.

[John Lucas]

John and Barbara,
Kay asked me when she pulled it. I want only success here so I am more than ever wanting not to offend new lurkers. I will say that other than Kay, we three and a handful of others can do more than anything else to get this forum running better. Barbara since you dont do much flatwork anymore, can you start a thread of what you are turning. I told Kay that I would try to start a "projects in the works" but as I assess what I do, I may be better at starting a "favorite tool or method" thread.

[JohnP]

John; thank you for the information. The way Kay presented her reply seemed a bit draconian, thus my response. I won't presue this any further.
JohnP

[Barbara Gill]

Now that my question has been answered I don't mind if you remove my question.

[Sporter]

I see what was predicted has come to pass.

Will you be renaming the board? Or does John like it the way it is?

[Sporter]

I'd like to see some reason for thinking of this as a women's board. After reading a pile of messages in one session, it's confusing as to why it's called a women's board.

[John Lucas]

I am not sure if the "John" refers to me of JohnP, but I like that this Forum is for women woodworkers. From the tone of the message, I take it that men (me) have taken over the forum. That certainly is not my wishes. I like to think that I, and other men, can contribute without having readers think that we are taking over. I add comments to a number of "men" forums where women contribute and, in my mind, are always welcome. I have a website that has both men and women readers and I like it that way. Are the men readers more important? No. Are the men readers more talented? No. What readers feel, I hope, is that they are considered to be equals even though they come from both sexes, all sorts of years experience, newbies and old-bies (me).
Kay Strait is an excellent moderator of this forum. I bow to her wishes as to whether I and others should back away. As for the people raising the question: the easierst way to have this a true women's forum is to contribute to it.

[barbsiddiqui]

Sporter-
I don't really understand why it bothers you that we have a women's forum for woodworking. All are welcome here, and John (both Johns) are some of our most valued woodworking mentors. How about filling out a user profile so we can know your level of experience? I hope you enjoy the wealth of information available here. -Barb Siddiqui, WA state, woodworking writer and hobbyist.

[kstrait]

John,
Thank you for the kind compliment. I can see no reason why you or any other male participants should not be contributors to this forum. You've been a long time supporter of this forum and it would be a tremendous loss not to have your input. You've helped make this the community that it is - safe, respectful and welcoming!

We welcome all who want to contribute and keep this a positive and supportive place. Male or female - anyone who wants to learn about woodworking at their own pace, who feel that they can ask any woodworking question - basic to advanced - this is the place to be.

As always, John and John, you're contributions and support are greatly appreciated!

Kay

[John Lucas]

Thank you.