On the outside chance I make it to the Cirque, I'll be the one wearing the scarlet "I WAS RUDE TO LOU DEETER" button. It all happened a few years back in my internet newbie days when my first exposure to the web was through various music discussion groups. Man, were those things confrontational!!! Sure, people get a little bent out of shape on this list, but it is amazingly civil (thanks Dale!).
I was getting back into cycling after a ten year layoff and advertised a frame on rec.bicycles.marketplace. I had forwarded some pics to a perspective buyer who I told could have first refusal. Another buyer e-mailed me practically demanding I sell it to him right then and there. I then got an inquiry from Lou Deeter about the frame asking if I had sold it and if I could make a better price. Well, I managed to read all sorts of things into his message and quickly fired off an EXTREMELY rude reply that would have made BIOREM (remember him?) blush. Guess I thought that was the way of the web.
I joined this list right as it started up and Lou later signed on. I was totally shocked when Lou offered a very friendly reply to one of my questions! I made a half hearted apology for my previous outburst, but was too ashamed to really do it properly. I still feel like a total jerk and appreciate him not holding a grudge. Man, the guy's a saint! I guess the moral of the story is...THINK BEFORE HITTING THAT SEND BUTTON!!! Thanks again Lou for all your contributions to this list and the world of vintage bikes at large. You certainly deserve all the accolades you receive not only here, but all over the web. I move to enshrine that Lou Deeter autographed Campy box in the Ghisallo chapel!
Jim "the jerk" Cole
Memphis, TN