Dumd Question, Or Stupid Answer?

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Status
Not open for further replies.
rd_ab_penman

rd_ab_penman

Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2007
Messages
1,654
Location
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.
I thought Russ's answer to George's question with respect to finishing was very inapropriate! I thought this forum was for a learning experience and not a forum to put down questions other members ask!

I feel ALL questions are worth a worthy answer! Like I used to tell the people I used to supervise,the only way to learn is to ask questions and that "there is no such thing as a dumb question, just stupid answers!"

If you fell the question isn't worthy of an answer then keep your answer to yourself!

Les in Alberta
200779224734_Alberta.gif


"What's YOUR Carbon Footprint?"
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
I had to look for the thread to find what you were referring to. The answers were right on point. Completely appropriate and to a slam. Facts are facts. If an item is abused it will look abused. Knocking a pen around with keys and coins is, IMHO, abuse of a fine pen. If the pen is a 59 cent Wal-Mart special, that's different. For knock-around wear and tear, I carry an older Baron that I really messed up the finish on, beyond hope. For regular, and dress, carry it is my full sized Gent that I don't want ruined. I have two watches also. A knock-around one that only cost $15.00 and a nice one that was a gift from my wife. Advising someone that a certain action is destructive to a fine pen is teaching and helping.
 
Maybe you should e-mail Russ instead of posting this. I assure you all of my dealings with Russ have been quite pleasant and highly beneficial to me.
 
Before you go off half cocked and start a flamewar you should consider one thing.

Russ Fairfield has probably forgot more about penmaking and finishing than many of us will ever learn!


Have a nice day [:)]
 
Les,

Take a deep breath, and calm down. Without referring to the poster of the thread in question, there certainly are dumb questions in this world of ours. I would have to say that if I sold someone a pen and they came back a week later and asked why I didn't tell them that using the pen as a hammer would damage the finish that I would consider that a dumb question.

I for one have no problem with Russ' reply. I do feel that your red letter response is a bit over the top, though.
 
As you probably can see and tell...there are a lot of people here who know Russ well enough to know that his response is in no way to belittle anyone or discourage questions.

I for one learned a lot from Russ (more if I can get my act together) and benefit much much more if I actually practice what he preach that I read. He is one of those people who shares knowledge the most that I know of in this forum or any other forum that I visit.

This is not a mob mentality but I support Russ also and as mentioned, lighten a bit [:)]
 
Les, some questions have been asked and answered numerous times on this site - finish durability particularly so. Russ has done more research and testing of pen finishes, and posting his findings, than just about anyone. Russ, if he didn't invent the CA finish, at least made it easier for others to use by sharing his methods, so I can understand his frustration.

Here is what it comes down to:

Coins and keys wear themselves out, banging together in pockets, surely no pen finish could be harder than that.

Chris
 
I am sorry that you were offended by my answer. I did get your attention, and I consider that as being a successful answer. If I was wrong in the tone and wording of the message, then I appologize for that. If the truth hurts, so be it.

It seems obvious to me that a pen shouldn't be carried in a pocket full of keys, just as it is obvious that the finish on the dining room table will be damaged by repeated hammer blows. There is nothing that winds me up faster than people who abuse a writing instrument or a piece of fine furniture, and then complain about the finish.
 
Originally posted by rd_ab_penman
<br />IIf you fell the question isn't worthy of an answer then keep your answer to yourself!

Les in Alberta
200779224734_Alberta.gif
<br />
"What's YOUR Carbon Footprint?"
Click to expand...

An honest, intelligent answer is always worth posting, even if at times our sensibilities are hurt. Thank you Russ for taking the time to enlighten us here.

-Peter-[:)]
 
I don't want to get in the middle of a flame war here, but he did ask for people's opinions. And that is exactly what he got. As far as Russ putting him down, sometimes learning things the hard way is a very good thing [:D]

Perhaps we can close this topic before it gets ugly (uglier?) Opinions for everyone have been expressed. Now go make some pens [:)]
 
Hi Les,

I think some of us have on line personalities and sometimes without knowing the person it can be easy to read the wrong intent into some one's post. Lets say a lot of us have known Russ a long time, his format for posting, his voice many of us know and respect. I would not jump too hard here on this, it's okay..sometimes even I can sound off key.

Russ knows more in his finger about pen turning than I know in my whole body. I think he said it straight, in his style and we all know it...if you have ever had the pleasure of watching him on DVD you will also know he is a straight shooter, no punches, and will help you if you ask for it.

Dumb questions...[:eek:)] hey Man, I have them all ...but always a straight answer from Russ.[;)]

Is the water a little more comfortable?[:D]
 
Hi.

I usually stay out of those discussion because i find them useless as far as my penturning is concern. But i just can't read this post and stay calm. If you can't stand a criticisim, you don't post a pen. If you can't accept an honest answer, you don't ask question. If you can't stand that someone very highly skilled in our hobby give you an honest and straight forwar answer just don't ask. Telling that an answer is stupid just because you did'nt like it is just worst than the answer itself. I second Tuba707 about this thread, the orgiginal one is still open and will probably degenerate too.

My lathe is calling me , sorry i have to go[:)]

Alfred
 
Awwww, thanks Cav [:D] Hey, when I first joined the forums, I asked a bunch of questions and you politely but firmly told me, in a nutshell, to do the work and find them myself. I appreciated that. Seems like Russ was just doing the same favor for Texas. Just my $.02 =)
 
This post is meant to exhort. I am trying to be respectful with this.

Let me earnestly caution some of you about your disrespectful comments. It would go well with you if you could show well deserved respect for Mr. Fairfield. I would urge you to show Russ the respect he deserves as his experience and knowledge require. If Russ says something I listen. Experience is the best teacher and Russ has more than most of the board combined. That needs to be recognized and respected. Which finish you prefer is up to you and I have never seen Russ discourage anyone from making the choice themselves.

Some of the things that have been said publically about Russ were very disrespectful and that brings into question the integrity of both the person and their opinion. I'm a young guy, 30, but one thing I have learned is to listen to those who have gone before me. To me Russ's opinions about wood finishing are worth more than their weight in gold. If your opinions differ, show me the experience that backs it up and convince me that it's more extensive than Russ Fairfield's. If not, than with all due respect, I advise that you change your opinion.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom