OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

262887 <gtgrouch@r...> 2017‑08‑15 Re: Concern for the list
I was about to chime in, then Dennis sent this gem.

I agree with him, only he said it a lot better than I could have.

Gary Katsanis
Albion New York, USA

---- Dennis Heyza  wrote: 

=============
As someone who has been around since nearly the beginning (June of '96),
guess I'll toss in my two cents...

I was very active for the first five or six years, then not so much,
primarily because jobs I had were very demanding for both time and travel -
something that continues to this day. It's not that I wasn't interested, it
was more that by the time I saw a question, it had been answered multiple
times. I also didn't get much shop time either. But I still try to read the
emails at least once every couple days and often wish I could offer more
than the occasional "very nice."  I for one, hope that Oldtools continues in
something resembling its current format despite my lack of participation,
which could well change after I retire early next year. For anyone who
cares, here is this geezer's  "why I love the Porch" list followed by a
couple nitpicks.

1. It's not commercial. Facebook, et al are money making machines and you
must "pay" in some way, shape or form for using it.

2. It's genteel. In spite of the fact this list is primarily composed of
men, the language and tenor used is mostly appropriate for a child, so long
as they can't find Natalie's postings in the archives. And on the rare
occasions that someone has let their personal opinions about subjects other
than tools and woodworking get in the way, they are quickly stifled by the
ListMom(s).

3. The Archives. While the search capabilities are not as good as before,
there is a wealth of knowledge there that is fairly easily found. Try that
with Facebook.

4. OT Terms: What else needs to be said?

5. Camaraderie: I can't tell you how many friends I've made as a result of
this list. On the other hand, I wouldn't dare friend anyone on FB who I
didn't already know.

6. Almost zero spamming, phishing, scamming, trolling, etc. Bet I can count
on one hand the number of times I've seen malicious postings get onto the
list.

7. Galootaclaus: I participate only occasionally because things interfere,
but try that on Facebook or any other forum.

Nitpicks

1. I miss FMM. Remember the anticipation? Spending most of that Monday
morning doing little at work other than read FS posts?  Yes, people like Pat
Leach and Josh Clark are out there, but there was lot of people selling
stuff they found at garage and estate sales for very reasonable prices. It
was amazing what a newbie with limited funds could find for very little
money. And there were OT terms (try that with *Bay).

2. Wish we could add attachments. Yes, I understand why we can't and accept
it. Yes, you can put links in your post. Unfortunately, those links don't
always exist in perpetuity. I'd love to be able to look at photos people
posted years ago from the archives.

One last thought...

Somehow over the years OldTools became so focused on old tools, often
venturing for into collector territory, that those who were more interested
in making stuff and learning technique were left out. To that, let me quote
from Tom Bruce's original announcement regarding this list, "... We
endeavour to give SATISFACTION, EDIFICATION, and ENLIGHTENMENT to those who
have a BURNING INTEREST in OLD TOOLS, RESTORATION, TRADITIONAL WOODCRAFT and
the elusive problems of HOW THEM OLD DUDES DID IT..." So, feel free (and
please do) post about techniques, historical references, furniture examples
whether you made them or in a museum, and ask questions about how people
approach challenges you have. This isn't just about mystery tools and how
much is my burfl is worth. 

Okay, one more last thought...

THANKS TO ALL THE LISTMOMS, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE!

Dennis Heyza - who is thrilled about the topic of next year's symposium at
CW and is checking daily for registration to open
Utica, MI
IT #191 (stuck that in for fun)

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Recent Bios FAQ