I'd like this to stay up for at least a couple days, or it can stay if the message has sufficient merit.
RFC is recognized as a great community. A diverse group of people from all over the world come together here, bringing an incredible amount of knowledge and experience. Many members are only too happy to lend a helping hand to those with questions. We all benefit from this, as new shooters grow into experienced shooters who in turn pass down the knowledge to others. Perhaps they might even innovate and bring fresh ideas to the table. Experienced shooters can still learn tricks and tips too, we never stop learning.
As a diverse group of people, we all have our own talents, specialties, and experience to draw from. While this should mean that we could all learn something from one another, at times it can be the source of disagreement. Disagreement in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it can promote discussion that leads to learning.
I suppose it is only human nature for individuals to feel that whatever they have concluded about something is good and right. After all, in our own minds we are (generally speaking) smart, funny, good looking, etc. Sometimes, some of us may feel the need to be "right" in any disagreement that arises. What is being "right" worth?
Nobody is perfect, I certainly am not. If we succumb to frustrations and let disagreements disintegrate into the disparagement of others as the methodology of showing how one is more "right" than the other, then we have lost sight of the ultimate goal of the community. That being continued learning. One might come out being "right", but if friendships are shattered and reputations tarnished in the process, we are all at a loss as individuals and a community.
We have seen some people come in like a hurricane, causing quite a stir. I can only assume that their sudden disappearance was the result of a ban. There has also been some lower level, shall we say, friction. This post is not going to get into any of that beyond acknowledgement of it's existence, and acknowledgement that I had a role to play in some of it.
I stand before all members of the forum, and offer my heartfelt and humble apology. I was caught up in my own mind, swimming in my personal frustrations, and did not give due consideration to others enjoyment of the forums. I am sorry for any unpleasantry I have caused, both to those directly involved and those caught up on the sidelines just trying to enjoy a thread. I resolve to do better.
I would like to see this community continue to thrive as a friendly, helpful place. Many, if not most of you already exemplify this spirit and need no reminder, but some recognition for a job well done never hurts
I have no intention of implying any individual member needs this message, as I believe any personal matters have already been resolved prior to my posting of this. Let us all keep up the good work and continue to be kind to one another.
Well said R4B! We all need a little reality check now and then, myself included. This is a great forum & subforum with a lot of very experienced contributors. It's ok to have differences of opinion &/or different ways of doing things. We just need to remember that our way may not be the only or best way and we can share our methods and ways without making someone feel like their way is inferior. Teach rather than preach!
pipestone
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