The Kilt Kops

[CMcG]

I believe Steve Ashton's original post was directed inward rather than outward. That is to say that his statement was meant for the ladies and gentlemen of Xmarks, with the intent of reminding them of the spirit of this forum...

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Great posts Steve and Matt, and some great discussion. We all need to reign in our personal prejudices/preferences regarding "proper" kilt wear, and allow others the freedom to define their own comfort and preferences in wearing a kilt.

And as an interesting side note, I just completed an online class for work dealing with diversity, and it pointed out that encouraging and allowing diversity within a group, whether at the office, or here on XMarks, will lead to better discussions and solutions. And that has been confirmed by some Gallup polls.

[AFS1970]

There seems to have been a lot of posts recently about "The right way to wear a kilt." or "What is or is not proper with the kilt."...

There are no, and will not be any, Kilt Kops on X Marks.

Just to point out, usually when there is a thread on here about this semi-mythical law enforcement agency, they are usually poking fun at them, not joining in with them. Yes there are allot of threads, but they are generally not complimenting these self appointed intruders on a job well done.

...On the other end of the spectrum, I once saw a man representing his clan in the parade of clans at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games...It honestly looked like he opened his closet that morning and asked himself what was the most ridiculous combination of clothing he could possibly wear...

Ah, but what if that wasn't the MOST ridiculous combination he could come up with? Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it some day.

[Steve Ashton]

CMcG,

You hit the nail on the head with this.

I believe Steve Ashton's original post was directed inward rather than outward. That is to say that his statement was meant for the ladies and gentlemen of Xmarks, with the intent of reminding them of the spirit of this forum...

When Hank first set up X Marks he set the standard that this forum would be different from others out there. I'm sure you've all seen other sites. The flaming and the discord are rampant.

Hanks original vision was that this would be a place that welcomed anyone who wears the kilt. At that time the modern types and styles of kilts were in their infancy. We talked about them a lot because they were new, but even in the early days of X Marks everyone was welcome and any style of kilt was accepted.

Hank also set the standard that those who wished to be members here would treat each other with respect and civility.
It was this atmosphere of civility that first drew me to this place. The respect that members showed to each other was noticeable even on my first visit. I hope each of you remember that sense of fresh air that greeted you when you first found this forum.

In this big world there are a lot of different people. Each have their own opinions biases and prejudices. We who put on the the kilt, find out very soon, that some of those out there, are more than willing to share their opinions with anyone within earshot.
We the kilted will always run into the so called Kilt Kops when out there in the world. We have many posts here about members who have experienced them and how they responded.

My original post was not concerned with what others do. In actuality I can only control what I do and say.

Here on X Marks I am first and foremost a member. Just like each of you. I see this place as my home on the web. I truly love this place. I have met many X Marks members in person and hope to meet many more.
I have yet to meet an X Marks member who I could not call my friend. Those who choose to be members here are some of the finest people in the world.

Three years ago I made Hank a promise that I would keep this forum true to his original vision. That all kilts would have equal access. That the forum would maintain an atmosphere of civility and respect.

My original post was not about what happens out there in the world. It was about that happens here on X Marks.

I do my job by keeping the spammers and hackers at bay. I keep the forum free of the viagra ads and the porn site links. I am responsible to each of you to keep this forum on line and to insure that it is available for our members.

My original post was a call to you, our members, to keep this forum true to the original vision. It was a call to all to remember that feeling of acceptance and civility that first drew you to X Marks.

We can't control the feelings or actions of others. We can only control what we do and say. My call was not an attempt to control or impose myself on others it was a reminder of why we have chosen to gather here.

It was a call to keep this special place, the sort of place, we are proud to refer our friends to. A place we can share with our spouses and families. A place that welcomes, with open arms, any and all that choose to join us.

[tpa]

CMcG,

When Hank first set up X Marks he set the standard that this forum would be different from others out there. I'm sure you've all seen other sites. The flaming and the discord are rampant.

Hank also set the standard that those who wished to be members here would treat each other with respect and civility.

It was this atmosphere of civility that first drew me to this place. The respect that members showed to each other was noticeable even on my first visit.

We can't control the feelings or actions of others. We can only control what we do and say. My call was not an attempt to control or impose myself on others it was a reminder of why we have chosen to gather here.

It was a call to keep this special place, the sort of place, we are proud to refer our friends to. A place we can share with our spouses and families. A place that welcomes, with open arms, any and all that choose to join us.

Well said and long may it remain so. There are plenty of discordant sites out there for those that choose that route, but there you never know whether what is said is said for effect (to be deliberately provocative) or through belief. Here you feel the opinions are honest and respectful, but without pulling punches and laced with a good degree of humour, one of the most important elements.

[James Hood]

Steve Ashton for Emperor of Earth.
Praise be for common sense and respect for individual expression.
Soon, kilts will be as popular as blue jeans, and too difficult to police, anyway.