I would like to echo Michael Lebron's sentiment. As someone who has been on the CR list for just under a year now, I have come to highly value this forum. I can honestly say that I have learned a tremendous amount in a short space of time from many different people - experts, enthusiasts, amateurs, etc. From the likes of Richard Sachs, Sheldon Brown, Chuck Schmidt, Jan Heine, Lou Deeter, and Dale. I was glad to see someone like Ken Denny return to the list and bring with him his knowledge.
I am saddened, therefore, when I read his posting in which he asks to be removed from the list after such a short return. There seems to be some sniping and ill-feeling creeping in to many of the recent discussions which troubles me. Healthy disagreement is one thing and, for the sake of a good discussion on the list, occasionally necessary. Personal animosity and bad-natured remarks on-list are another thing. If there is bad-blood or even simple mis-understandings between some list-members surely these disputes should be settled in another forum.
I have made many "good friends" in the CR cyberspace. Some of whom I have since met, others who I hope to meet in the future, and some who I may never meet. I have developed friendly, helpful, and instructive correspondence with many off list and I highly value that.
Of course, I am not so naive to think that we are all of one mind or of similar personality. Nor, that comments made in the heat of the moment aren't going to happen from time to time. However, I was always of the opinion that there was nothing that "bike people" couldn't solve by getting together on the bikes and literally thrashing things out over the miles.
There are too many other problems going on elsewhere at the moment - hence the reason I often just turn off the news. I enjoy my hobby and enjoy reading many of the listings on CR, I don't, however, enjoy the negativity which is creeping in to some recent postings.
I highly commend Dale for the wonderful job he does keeping such a disparate bunch in some sort of order. He must have the patience of Job. The onus is on all of us, however, to make this forum work!
Paul "feeling somewhat jaded by events" Williams, Ottawa, ON, Canada