User Experiences

[Grumpy Grandpa]

SD,

Personally, I wouldn't like SUK to change. It has what I see as a good balance between the experienced and the inexperienced, those who live the life and those who wish they could.

A couple of things have been keeping me quiet of late though. One, is that, it seems to me, so many threads just break down into pointless wandering, entrenched opinions and personal attacks. I want nothing to do with that and would much prefer to see everyone's views respected.

The second, is that I am trying to come to terms with the realisation that I cannot be much of a do-er, for both fiscal and physical reasons. About a year ago, when I found SUK, my head still believed I was capable of the things I was learning - sadly, that's not the case, as I've discovered attempting some smaller projects inspired here. I find that I must resign myself to the fact that, other than procuring sustenance for my family and any equipment that I can, that my future contribution to their survival, must principally be with information - knowledge.

Now NR, you say we're, "...contributing nowt and just taking...", and you want to separate the newbies and hobbyists (I'm sure that's how I'd be categorised, as I'm obviously not a do-er,) from the elitists and deny us the important information that we need by excluding us from it. What would be left of SUK for me and those like me? Would the elite descend occasionally from Mount Olympus to distribute small parcels of knowledge to the 'unfortunates' before ascending once more? (a shade too dramatic maybe but I hope you see what I mean ) As for the lack of contributions, what efforts might a newbie make when it's likely to be deemed, "Banal, inconsequential waffle"?

I am thankful though, there are some with the status and reputation of HL and AL who remain ready and willing to advise and assist those of us who are not in as fortunate a position.

Little Lou - great post - not dull at all!