Reality Check

[Dall_Piobaire]

Yes, but was it implied or infered from the posts.

High accolades, mention of a highly esteemed school, and apprenticeship under a very demanding supervisor might lead one to infer that Ron was implying she was the "be all to end all".

I have spoken with Kathy at length, when I can get her on the phone, and she is wonderfully supportive and helpful. she doesn't talk trash, or play politics, and has no time for that stuff, but she will speak her mind when it comes to her trade. She takes great pride, and feels quite strongly about her trade, and that the work she does reflects not only upon her but her training!

More likely than not, the reason she hasn't signed up, and I asked her this, was because she simply has no time to sit at a keyboard, she is busy making kilts. I can not, and will not speak for her, but I can certainly speak well of her, and to say she is worth her weight in gold! That is not to say that the other craftspeople here aren't skilled. They are, and they take pride in their work and that will always be evidenced by their work. It will always speak for itself!

[Highland Logan]

Ron,

I’m sorry to hear that someone who is supposed to be a well-respected member of the board has sent you a PM, which has upset you so.

I think the first thing which comes to my mind during this incident, is whether or not you decided to deal with them with the same respect they showed you… by using the PM system; “P” standing for private, rather than present it here for all to see with only one point of view.. yours.

I’m sure as a councillor you understand the idea of the effects of catching someone unaware by taking what was assumed to be a private conversation public.

Also of note is lack of the actual PM, and in its place is your condensed and paraphrased version. I’m sure as a councillor you see how this looks like a person attempting to gather followers before the accused get his or her say.

To all of those who chose to pick up torches and pitchforks and run Ron’s PM friend out of town… stop and think about your actions and words. You are all willing to burn someone whose identity is unknown, on evidence, which has only come from one source. That doesn’t sound very fair, now does it?

So in fairness to both Ron, and the mystery person, I suggest to the Mods that this thread be closed before too many bad feelings are created.

Frank

[KFCarter]

Ron,

I’m sorry to hear that someone who is supposed to be a well-respected member of the board has sent you a PM, which has upset you so.

I think the first thing which comes to my mind during this incident, is whether or not you decided to deal with them with the same respect they showed you… by using the PM system; “P” standing for private, rather than present it here for all to see with only one point of view.. yours.

I’m sure as a councillor you understand the idea of the effects of catching someone unaware by taking what was assumed to be a private conversation public.

Also of note is lack of the actual PM, and in its place is your condensed and paraphrased version. I’m sure as a councillor you see how this looks like a person attempting to gather followers before the accused get his or her say.

To all of those who chose to pick up torches and pitchforks and run Ron’s PM friend out of town… stop and think about your actions and words. You are all willing to burn someone whose identity is unknown, on evidence, which has only come from one source. That doesn’t sound very fair, now does it?

So in fairness to both Ron, and the mystery person, I suggest to the Mods that this thread be closed before too many bad feelings are created.

Frank

Acknowledging that there were some comments aimed at the poster of the PM, I felt that the great majority of comments were positive ones about an affirmative desire to hear (and see) information about Kathy Lare. I have to say, rereading the posts, that I don't conjure an image of torches and pitchforks until you paint it.

There has also been some helpful conversation about where the limits ought to be regarding reviews that can often come close to sounding like sales pitches. It's a touchy line and needs discussion on occasion. Are we meant to only discuss kilts and products by the forum's advertisers? Of course not, but where the line should be drawn is not obvious to me and, I think, to many others on the forum.

As to the privacy of the original communication, surely you're not suggesting that Ron should have posted the full text and identify the sender of the PM. And of course, the question of whether Ron has responded privately to the original PM is between him and the original sender.

Ron may have been reaching for some support ("gathering followers"? really?) and airing his point of view, but I also think he had a genuine question about whether he was in the wrong or not and I would hate to think that he, or any of us, would be hesitant to step forward with a question like that and bring it to the members.

regards

Ken

[Streetcar]

I can see KiltedGnome's point about implying Kathy Lare is "..the only properly trained kilt maker in the U.S." But for what it's worth (as someone who doesn't make kilts) I never had that impression from your posts.

Sometimes it is easy to find unintentional meaning in subjects we are deeply involved in.

[Abax]

Ron - your posts are among the interesting and entertaining posts on this forum. I too own several Kathy Lare kilts and enjoy them very much.

A post that celebrates the work of another in the form of a review is difficult to compose without sounding like an advertisement. The forum rules say something about that - reviews can't be de facto advertisements.

When a poster says "I want a cheap kilt," and you reply (with something like) "Save your pennies and buy an expensive kilt from Kathy Lare," some readers might think you're stretching the rules. They know many people can't - or won't - afford the spending discretion you advise. But I think you're offering good advice about quality with some exuberance directed towards your favorite kilt maker.

A PM about this? Nah . . . keep it to yourself friend. You, Ron, are who you are, exuberance and all.

Abax

[Urchurdan]

I can't stitch on a button, but I do appreciate fine workmanship - I like to read the DIY posts, and it is due to posts such as yours, that lead me to the web sites of many fine kilt makers around the world - I have just visited the web site of two of our members (I don't know whether to name them or not, getting a bit paranoid) but I am sure you will recognize them if I mention the beautiful double box pleat kilts they make.
I personally get my kilts made by my local kilt maker, why? 1) Because she makes lovely kilts, 2) I like to support local craftspeople - But the main reason, is 3) she always gives me a wee discount as I am a regular customer. Mony a mickle makes a muckle ye ken......

[GDub]

Ron, of all the people on this forum you are with out a doubt the biggest enabler of my kilt addiction--and I've yet to purchase a Kathy Lare kilt. Apparently you haven't mentioned her enough!

[wildrover]

No apologies necessary Eric, you're more literate than many .

I didn't see any rancor in anyone's posts here! Just a legitimate question from the OP...what better response to a whispered comment, than honest self-doubt?

What better response to a public request for feedback, than honesty?

What better response to a whispered snub, than an elbow in the ribs?

Whoever sent the PM remains unknown. I can only assume that the gentlemen involved will temper their remarks, public and private, as a result of what's been said here.

-Sean

[beloitpiper]

Well Ron, I for one would like to thank you. See, I've devised a grand scheme (which will go into effect soon) that will see the liquidation of my "other" (read:non-familial) tartan kilts and and replace them with one (perhaps two) handmade kilts, probably one from Kathy and the other from Barb. Had it not been for you postings and excellent photographic testimonials, I would not have been aware of her amazing craftsmanship.

[Spartan]

Well Ron, I for one would like to thank you. See, I've devised a grand scheme (which will go into effect soon) that will see the liquidation of my "other" (read:non-familial) tartan kilts and and replace them with one (perhaps two) handmade kilts, probably one from Kathy and the other from Barb. Had it not been for you postings and excellent photographic testimonials, I would not have been aware of her amazing craftsmanship.

And, you saw one of Kathy's first hand when we visited in May!