Thank you Tom, I didn't want to say anything since I'm implicated by Steven's words, and so are many other well respected list members. I will assume (but I'm sure you know what assuming does) that you're speaking about the 16 year-old kids hired to build up new bikes. They're no less bright than most 16 year-olds, and brighter than many. People who are, and have been, professional mechanics are a very diverse group and are just as bright as any other diverse group of people. I spend my day at work around people with Ph.D.s and I spend my personal time around people getting their Ph.D.s. and have no problem hanging in conversation or exchange on ideas. I've tried to retire from the bike industry twice, but something draws me back every time. Right now I play accountant during the day while thinking about wrenching on bikes.
Steven I think you owe an apology to the mechanics on the list that you have maligned with your broad brush. ciao, Brandon"monkeyman"Ives I may be dyslexic but I'm not stupid in Santa Barbara, Calif.
On Friday, Sep 13, 2002, at 08:17AM, Tom Dalton <tom_s_dalton@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>Steven,
>I may be reading your message without fully understanding the context, but it sounds like you and I have spent time in different shops. Some of the brighest people I've ever known are, or were, bike mechanics. "Overall, generally" I'd say bike mechanics are as intellectually diverse as any population. The professional geologists and engineers I now work with typically have more education than my former bike shop colleagues, but they have never impressed me as brighter. Of course, there have been outstanding idiots everywhere I've been.
>Regards,
>Tom Dalton
>
>Steve,
>
>Simple. To be understood.
>
>Ever been around bike mechanics. Overall, generally not the brightest bunch around.
>
>Say it like it is written.
>Steven Johnson, Chesapeake, VA