In response to some of the recent product bashing threads on these forums I decided to share my thoughts with you in writing instead of continually shouting at my computer in my otherwise peaceful home. Although most of us share in the commonality of our beloved hobby we in fact are quite unique individuals when it comes to our feelings about any number of things and if my words here make even the slightest difference with at least one person then it was worth the effort.

There is seldom a day when something or someone hasn’t rattled my cage but I learned long ago that feeling like a victim was the simplest emotion to have and in reality is the most counterproductive. There are still moments in my life where my emotions are light years ahead of my brain and I can tell you with confidence that this is not a good thing. Many times I have blasted someone for fairly inconsequential things only to regret it later when I cooled off and all of the details where clearer to me. Frankly I’m ashamed at myself for this behavior but as long as I recognize my flaws there’s still hope for me. There is a pretty famous quote by an American author that really sums things up. It says, “Life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it”. So true.

With that said, if you feel that someone has done you wrong you are entitled to feel as crappy as you wish and no one can take that away from you. And how far to pursue the matter and whether you continue to do business with a particular company is also your choice. But by nature we also learned long ago that when we have a beef with someone it always feels better to have others in our corner and there lies the problem. Whether intentional or not we tend to focus on the terrible things that have been done to us, and these are often the points that provoke the “best” reactions on any internet forum. Again, as the non-perfect humans that we are, we sometimes “forget” to include all of the details when airing our woes with the rest of the world, which might otherwise tell a much different tale. This is not a jab at anyone in particular it is just a mere observation of human nature.

As a business owner myself (non hobby related) I can tell you that if anyone had a beef with me they would have far better results if they dealt with me directly rather than tell his/her version of the story to thousands of his/her friends across the country via the internet who then conclude what a horrible person I was before knowing ALL of the facts. This will never put you in a better position in resolving your problems. And don’t assume that the vendors are not responding to these forums because they are guilty of anything. Frankly put, there will never be a 100% satisfaction rate in any business and if every vendor came on the internet to tell their side of the story there would be little time left to run their business.

So in conclusion, I wish that everyone in this hobby had perfect equipment all of the time and that everyone would see things the same way but that is not reality. What I can tell you is, like them or not, there is little chance that there are any vendors who are out to get you or your money. If you have a gripe please consider not dragging your laundry into the forums where most of us have come to relax and enjoy this hobby that we love so much. This rant was intended to make a positive difference and not critical of anyone in particular. If you don’t agree with what I have written that’s perfectly ok but instead of bashing me or my message why not share something positive of your own.

Whew!..its not a poll.

Stan, very nicely written, thanks for taking the time, many true statements included there.

How many times do we see people asking questions here about an issue, that is best answered by the manufacturer, all well and good because we seek advise from our friends, but lots of times it turns to a brand war or the like, when a simple phone call could have resolved, what in many cases is not even a problem, just a miss interperation of operating instructions, or slight lack of knowledge.

Again, well said.

Excellent Post Stan!

On a side note, does this mean Ill be calling for you next year on the IMAC circuit??? Ill make sure I bring my reading glasses this time!!!! All kidding aside, thanks for the post, it is representative of how 98% of of the FG population feels!

Banks
Listen,as long as I don't get "Stanned"we are all good!!!!

Stan,
Nice post.Don't worry,I will continue to call for you next year!

Good post, I think that philosophy can be applied to many areas of our hobby as well as to life in general.

Hear! Hear!

Well said stan

No matter what brand we fly they will all break from time to time.

Tony

Great Post!!!!! It sums up how I have felt all day about things. If we just bring more positive and realize life is too short for the BS that we bring in.

Thanks again!

Great post! That is the most accurate description of what FG is.

screw you guys.....I'm going home!


seriously......fly what you got, get what you want for whatever that reason is. If your not happy for whatever reason, unload it and get something else. Free market.

yea what they said. kill em all. i mean shame on you

Can't we all just get along.
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Originally Posted by dontmesswithgus

Can't we all just get along.
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No.

Very well put, Stan, I agree wholeheartedly.