Forum Etiquette?

[Colinz]

Hi!



I have a question about etiquette on this forum that will be asked in the end of this post. First let me explain what I think about selfdefence.



I believe that you should take responsibility for your decisions and actions in all aspects of life. I take responsibility for my future that´s why I study at college. I take responsibility for my health that´s why I train regularly and think about what I eat. I take responsibility for my private economy that´s why I work. I take responsibility for the less fortunate in society that´s why I pay taxes. I take responsibility for how I relate to other people that´s why I act nice and polite. I take responsibility for my own selfpreservation that´s the reason to why I carry a knife and sometimes an ASP.



Where I live it is not legal to carry a weapon (CS, PS, ASP, knife etc.). Why should I care about the legal issue when I don´t use my tools for crime? I would carry a gun but that is almost impossible for economical reasons (which also would be illegal). My economy is the main reason behind my choice to carry and train with a knife. I choose to use the term selfpreservation because in my opinion it better describes a proactive attitude toward surviving an attack. Selfdefence means to me a more passive and reactive approach towards survival. Semantics I know, but I believe it gives a better understanding of how I think.



Not today or in the future do I want to offend anyone by posting questions and thoughts here that may not be in the spirit of this forum. I´m wondering what the thoughts on this forum are concerning open discussions about selfpreservation?



Thanks,



Colinz

[baszerkawits]

I think that "selfpreservation" is fine, but I also think people are being made paranoid by watching TV.

I think it's fine for the 1% of the population that is smart enough to avoid dangerous situations, and to take responsibility for their actions.

I think it's 10X more important on learning how to avoid dangerous situations, then how to react to them with a weapon.

[sks]

Colinz,

Most of those that I know here are all for the rights of individuals to protect themselves and loved ones. Let the discussions fly.

Awareness, prevention, and avoidance are important and more effective than any type of self defence, but one should still be prepared.

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

I don't get into my car everyday expecting to be involved in a crash, but I always wear my seatbelt.

Steve

[Guntaholic]

Colinz, I think you can prettty much post any questions you might have as long as you keep an open mind and respect the views of others. Looking at the fact that you took the time to ask about this first I don't think you will have a problem. Sadly I have watched a few jerks ruin a couple of good forums in the past. I hope this will not be the case here. The information that is shared is way to valuable to us all....

[BRAM]

Colinz: sorry for the delay. I'm in the center of the WEB here at SPYDERCO...getting ready for the upcoming seminar..
Because of the seriousness of the post...we are taking it very seriously..
"the beginning is the time to take the most care"
So since you brought up many valide points / questions the whole MBC group wants to respond...
It will take a few days because we are presently all over the USA..BUT we will get a full response to you..
Personally I think you're on the right wave length..but you've given us a chance yo respond and set some guidelines as well...
Self preservation is what MBC is about..semantics can be confusing but the meaning in our case is the same...
So welcome to our forum and hold on...
Gail, Sal, myself, Mike..we're all going to bring ourselves together to respond!!!!

Be well
you guys can keep posting away!!!!

[Jazzman]

I think open ended questions of self-preservation are welcomed. Hey, good to see you over here. I'm sure that you'll enjoy it.
Have fun,
Matt

[Colinz]

A big thanks to everyone that has replied to my post.

BRAM,
I look forward hearing from you.

BTW had the chance to check out a Gunting trainer at a fair today. Very interesting.

/Colinz

[sal]

Hi Colinz. I too have seen forums damaged by lack of courtesy and respect.

The first line of defense against that type of activity was careful selection of the "masters" involved. Our experience with Michael, Bram, James and Mas have shown Gail and I that a sensible mature attitude is essential. Since these "teachers" all have excellent understandings of responsible behavior, it would follow that their students would also learn and adopt the responsible point of view.

I believe that the person interested to "hang out" here would have the maturity and control to keep this a "safe" place.

We can come up with "do's and don'ts" but courtesy and respect for each other is core.

sal

Edited by - sal on 4/22/2001 8:42:06 AM

[BRAM]

Poppa Spyder was right on...Respect is paramount...
and responsibility for ones own actions...

[Colinz]

Thanks to everyone taking time responding.

Sal,
I will do my best to show courtesy and respect.

BRAM,
Responsibility for ones own actions sounds OK for me.

/Colinz

[BRAM]

honesty works... and knowing that the same thing said by others might sound different at times...but the intent is the same...
and knowing that differences are good..
we alll don't think or process information the same way...

Glad you're on board the forums!

[Michael Janich]

Thanks to Colinz for asking the most important question of them all, and to all those who offered their thoughts.

In my opinion, the biggest problem with internet forums is that they encourage people to express things that they would never say in a face-to-face conversation. The impersonal nature of the medium enables us to take an impersonal attitude towards others. We can't allow that to happen.

The most important thing we can do is to clearly establish our standards and continue to emphasize them at every opportunity. If someone steps over the line, we should NOT redraw the line. We should acknowledge the mistake, address the mistake, and correct the mistake. If we all make the commitment to police the forum on a regular basis, we can maintain our standards - kind of like society used to be.

Honesty + respect = integrity.

mike j

[Guntaholic]

Welcome to the forums mike! I loved your Fighting Folders video and am currently reading your Knife Fighting, A practical course book. Keep the great info coming!

[Michael Janich]

Dear Guntaholic:

Thanks for the kind words. It's nice to be here.

mike j