Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #49540
From: LEON SMITH <lsmith541@msn.com>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Whiners, cut it out. The rest of you - at ease.
Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:12:32 -0500
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
I agree with Bill Wade; if you can't say something positive and constructive, don't say anything. 
 
I purchased my ES kit in 1999 and started flying in 2004.  The LML was and is a great source for me and we all owe Marv immensely for providing the service. 
 
However, I only post when I have a question that needs an answer.  Mostly I just read and sometimes shake my head in disbelief.  Why expose myself to the Alpha types that must feed their ego by jumping on anyone with which they disagree.  The post below by Grayhawk is a prime example.  The pilots I truly respect are not the type that dominates through intimidation.  I live at an airpark so I'm exposed to other pilots constantly and VERY FEW of them are the so called Alpha type.  They are thoughtful, caring people that respect the views of others, even if they themselves disagree.  I learned a long time ago how to disagree without being disagreeable and it has served me well.  Too bad we can't all do the same.
 
Marv, I'm in favor of a limited amount of censorship.  - Leon Smith
Posted by Bill Wade:
  This is exactly why people are reluctant to post. Who needs the aggravation? I didn't realize this forum was only for Alphas. Alphas dominate through intimidation. That applies to wolf packs and baboon troops but it should have no place here.
 
  People with thin skins are especially courageous when they put themselves at risk of ridicule and abuse by posting their opinions. Those who don't care are simply insensitive, not tough. For this forum to benefit the greatest number of people there needs to be a certain level of respect. Otherwise it will end up with just a few posters.    -Bill Wade

Scattered amongst the normal Lancairians are at least two other types:
 
1. Those afraid to be criticized (not those that claim to have donned flame suits) and thus don't enter the Q&A milieu.  How the devil can they be pilots?  Do they shrivel and shrink when ATC issues an analysis of some recent dunderhead flight maneuver?  Have they forgotten the abuse heaped on them by things called CFI's?  Are they always perfect at work?  Are they just ex-airline captains? Huh? Huh? Come on, we're supposed to be type-A, take charge people...........  Who cares if a stranger from half-way around the world is punching holes in your statements?  Are you going to get embarrassed?  Do you think the crowd of chuckling Lancairians are going to remember your gaffes at the next fly-in?   So what?  Get over it.  Move beyond your critiphobia so the learning can start (I know of a 12 step plan) .
 
2. Those that ask questions that have no answer.  Like, "Why?"  Actually, there is evidence that some don't know how to ask a question.  A recent example was, "What exhaust do I use on a Lancair IV?"  These are the same people that drop their airplane off at the shop with the terse squawk, "The AP doesn't work."  Or, the Geek Squad is coming over to your house because you called and said. "The whatchamacallit isn't blinking."  To answer any question, one needs some context. 
 
Try this the next time you text a query on your device (Blueberry or whatever) - Before sending it, get up or remain standing if already up, and walk around to the other side of the screen.  Pretend you are an ignorant recipient of the glorious piece of prose you just prepared.  See if you might need to provide some additional information to intelligently frame an answer to the question with relevance to your needs.  Really, try it and you may be surprised.  OK, I know you can't read through the back side of the screen, think vertically and keep walking in a circle until the screen face comes into view again.  Geeeeeez.
 
Grayhawk



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