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From: Byron / ByronBush@RedWingNet.com
Date: 09 Mar 1999
Time: 19:15:48
As the web master of Wing Tips I feel it is some times my responsibility to right the wrongs that do, unfortunately, occur in our open forums; namely Wing Talk & Ask Wally 'n Gary. In fact, when these pages were new to the site, I found myself frequently herding the strays until everyone got the feel for my idea of "Appropriate". I always find it amazing, especially in the last year or so, when things seem to take care of themselves. When someone strays too far to one side or the other we can almost always count on the masses (I call you that in the nicest of all possible ways) to let someone know when they have a booger on their face. Thanks to you all for making my life easier and Wing Talk a more pleasant (well, we're working on it) place to post!
To a certain extent I blame myself for some mis-placed (that's probably what we should call them) posts on the site. A simple note on the posting form on Wing Talk stating that history and value questions should first be placed on Ask Wally & Gary, then followed up with here is the most appropriate method. Next time I'm working on things, I'll actually cut/paste that terminology into the form to help guide the new-comer.
As for people like Julie that have been driven away from posting on this forum, I can't tell you how sorry I am for the bad experience (it may have been me) and hope that you, and the uncounted others will find your way back to sharing your thoughts on Wing Talk. Although I've never met Julie (don't think so anyway), we have done business, emailed, etc and I feel she definitely represents the type of person we want to hear from. I'm sorry for loosing you as a resource and hope that time and experience has taught us to be a little more thoughtful and careful with our wording.
On a similar note, I feel it's a crying shame that people post their concerns about RWCS activities on this site and are chastised instead of gracefully greeted, thanked for their input, and KINDLY guided to the appropriate place for resolution. It's gotten to the point where, after someone voices concern, I can hear the reply coming before the SUBMIT button is hit. This has really got to stop because it is making people feel uncomfortable about posting and, worse yet, driving them away completely.
I'd personally say that most of the "Complaining" that takes place in this forum is by those that feel any dissenting thoughts posted here are mal-placed. Especially with regard to the RWCS, it seems most people are expressing their thoughts on Wing Talk in the hope that others of the same mind might enforce their concerns; it's not a personal attack on the organization. After thinking back on Rochester 1999, I don't recall seeing any official signs up with schedules and feel that a "First Timers" meeting early on Friday and Saturday morning would be great for everyone concerned. I'd even be willing to personally host the meeting if the powers that be feel it's appropriate; put my name down right now! Who ever came up with the "First Timers Ribbon" should receive one themselves for such a wonderful, inexpensive, effective, and efficient way for the old-timers to seek out and welcome the new comers. These are all wonderful ideas and valid concerns that are being expressed by someone that cares enough to take the time to post them. Even if they aren't originally sent to an RWCS Exec. they're perfectly appropriate here and will, eventually, make it to the right email address. I'll say it again, in a different way... I think Wing Talk is an excellent, although NOT official, method of expressing thoughts about RWCS events, activities, decisions, etc. and will do everything I can to ENCOURAGE this type of activity on this site! Additionally, given the expressor is an RWCS member, I am willing to pass the communication along to the proper RWCS official if it is so indicated.
The very first post in Archive Z of Wing Talk was placed on 27-Jan-1998. I had no idea how consequential this forum would become in the word of Red Wing back then, but it's finally dawning on me. Even if we go a week, or even two, without a post the mere fact that you can is extremely important and I'll do what I can to keep the line open.
Thanks to all of you for your support at this time of not-enough-time for the Pearland, TX based Bush family. Additional thanks for your tolerance with some posts on Wing Talk; the good come with the bad!
BBBush