Thread: It's time

Guys and Gals of the forum,

I'm going into retirement from this forum as of tonight. I was just going to slip away but I'd feel I'd be letting down all the friends I've made on here in the past 3 years if I did it that way and that isn't right.

I didn't want to post a 'goodbye' thread because it looks like you are chasing sympathy wanting people to say 'please don't go' etc. I'm definitely not posting this for that reason. More so because I don't want any specualtion. I know how things get out of hand and build up over time. I don't want anybody to say 'Gumby spat the dummy' like they do about others who have gone for various reasons. Thinking about it, I owe many of you more than just pissing off without notice.

So, I put myself out here for ridicule or whatever, I don't care, just so I can make a clean break and you people know why.

I began here 3 years ago and was pretty careful in what I said. Gradually, and because I like a bit of a laugh, I joined in some of the banter and good natured humour which goes on around here. Some days, it really got obsessive and I think can be addictive to the point of being a problem. My wife often says "you're not on there again are you". That's OK 'cos she's a lovely lady and my best friend so she understands. (She's not the ogre I've made her out to be sometimes, that's just me playing around and she's aware of it)

Anyway, maybe it's me and maybe it's the forum but things have changed in here and we seem to have an 'us' and 'them' culture going on. I've had a few unpleasant and unnecessary exchanges with people in here who I disagree with. It's not my nature to take it lying down and I've usually fought back or been amongst the first to slap someone if I felt they were out of line. On most of those occassions, I got a lot of support behind the scenes from many of the regulars who I feel I've come to know well in my time here. Some I've met personally, some not but I have valued the mateship we shared greatly. Thanks to you all for that support.

I think recently it has got to a stage where it just isn't fun any more. The recent episode which lead to Neil having to spend time farting around with the rep points was over the top in my view. I know I participated in it and make no apology for it. But, after a few days, you begin to think that this is not fair on Neil or and begin to doubt yourself. Was I right or did I step over the line? I don't think so but I regret the fact that Neil had to step in. For that Neil, I apologise.

I got another slap tonight which has probably pushed me over the edge. If I've built up such a persona here that I get flamed for trying to offer assistance, then I think it's time to go. Not because of that post but a culmination of events which have got me to the point of thinking about whether I should reply to something and maybe cop some flak, or just let it go completely. I feel responsible when others in here jump to my defence as happened tonight (thanks Steve). I don't like that feeling, however, when people they do jump in, we get the 'inner sanctum' stuff from those who feel they are on the outer. They actually aren't but we can't help it if that's how they think.

I know I've #### stirred a few of you here but take it from me, it's just in good fun and never intended to be personal. How can it be when we are all annonymous anyway? Just a bunch of avatrs and code names stuffing around on the internet. It's better than being stuck in front of the TV!

Some of you are mates, some not. Such is life - we're all different. I think the forums need a bit of banter. It would be dead boring if all we talkjed about was bloody wood.

I'm not sure if I'll regret this in the morning and I'll think of things I should have said and should have added later. Oh well, it wouldn't be me if i didn't have to add something or edited out.

I'd like to thank all the people who have taken me from an absolute woodworking novice to an absolute woodworking beginner. That's where i'm at now and it's been quite a journey. I don't know how much further i'll go but I don't aspire to being in the league many of you are. I don't have the skill, equipment or the patience. I just get some satisfaction out of making a side table or small box and I'm happy with that. What i've been able to pass on has largely been what i've been taught in here anyway.

I don't want to name all the people in here who I have shared the fun with and consider my cyber friends. There's too many of you but you know who you are. Thanks for all the greenies, and reds too. Some were even deserved.

I probably won't be able to resisit the urge to lurk around but I will resisit the urge to post. If it gets too much then in the future, I may come back as somebody else, but you'll never know who So behave, you know i can't help myself.

So it's time for Gumby to leave (I can hear the cheers from a few of you already ). Good luck and good health to you all.

To Neil, and all who keep this place runnig, my sincere thanks. It's a great resource and a credit to you.

It's been alot of fun.

Ian