It takes all kinds (you're gonna flame me!) long

[RAdams]

While we are conning Skip out of pens........ I sure could use a Rat pen myself!!!



I have recieved quite a few PM's about this topic. I am in the process of speaking to Jeff about it as well. I don't want to snitch on anyone, which is why i posted this instead of telling the Principal.

The truely messed up part is that I think most of us know who I am talking about, and i think if it is that obvious, then my thoughts and feelings are right on target.


I also want to add something to this little debate.

I am unemployed. My wife is on disability. My household (of 4 adults) survives on $700 a month plus whatever i can sell from my shop, which isn't much. I wanted to share that info because some of us are poor and can still manage to make our shop work. No doubt i have enjoyed the generosity of our members.... In fact, I just got a PM from someone that is going to send me a video on using the skew. I remember posting asking about airfare trying to get my wife to Chicago for a funeral... One person was actually trying to give me money to help.

No doubt if i needed help in some way, I would ask without hesitation. I think there is a big difference in giving someone a hand up, and giving someone a hand out.

There are members here that i would absolutely go out of my way to help if they even hinted that they needed it. But to me, it is a give and take. I take knowledge from this site, so giving some supplies is a small price to pay for what i have learned, and the fun i have had.


I just wanted to start this thread to give everyone something to think about and maybe some direction if they get the "I need" PM. Look into the persons threads. See if they are someone you think actually needs help, or someone trying to get a handout. Of course, your best judgement is about all you have to go on, but at least you can do some reading and have a little bit more insight.



And on the topic of my avatar....... You people are IMPOSSIBLE to please!:biggrin:

It's too scarey.....
It's too soft and cuddly...

I am darned if i do, and darned if i dont!
I am gonna go find a DOOZY now!!

 

[mtgrizzly52]

Ron, first of all, no flame here....humans will be humans and some of them just have a strange sense of how they interact with others. In every group, whether a forum, a club, or whatever, there will be a wide variety of individuals to have to deal with.

I don't think that the couple of "please help me out" requests I've responded to were scams, but I definitely have that thought in the back of my mind when I first read the requests. Simple thank you's are proof enough for me that I wasn't scammed, but then I believe in Pollyanna too! *grin*

The only thing that gets my dander up is being a part of a pen swap, make up in this case not one, but two different pens because I was told the first one never was received, and I'm still waiting for a return pen. I cannot believe the second pen was lost in the mail, especially since I got delivery confirmation. If you are going to enter into any of the various swaps, make sure you are going to reciprocate if you get something from your swap partner.

Ok, now I'm off my soapbox!

Rick (mtgrizzly52)

 

[bobjackson]

I've donated some blanks and kits to new turners who've asked for help without batting an eye. I hope and assume they will use what I've sent them and gain a deeper appreciation for the hobby. Maybe once they've become established, they will pay it forward for someone else. If I get ripped off I've only lost a little. If the need is real, I've gained a lot.