[sailaway21]

Well, at least the poster withdrew his post.

I did not think I'd see the day that Robert Ganier was attacked for being too harsh on newbies or anything else. A more experienced, thoughtful, and well spoken poster does not exist on sailnet. As was witnessed by his calm and measured response to the unwarranted criticism in the lifeline thread.

I about fell out of my seat reading No Doubt's attack. There had to be some mistake. Nope. Tartan got called an ass full of crap, with extreme prejudice.

There's been some talk about being a little rough on the newbies of late. Question. Which would you rather read, an account of Mr. Ganier's teenage solo crossing of the North Atlantic or another, 'why can't i just call it the right side of the boat?" posting?

Civility is generally the order of the day on sailnet. It should be remembered that the major purpose to the site is informational, and to sell the odd Sospenders. New members, many inexperienced, are essential to keep things going but it is the experienced members that are the attraction in the first place. If your feelings about tying a bowline are more important than tying a bowline correctly then you'd probably be better off over on the Oprah site or whomever is running the Sensitive Sailor Symposium. Let's face it. You've either got a bowline or you've got something that can't be relied upon to hold an arthritic three-legged dog. And, if you can't tie one, you may be many things, including a hell of a nice, and sensitive, guy, but you ain't no seaman. My first bosun's idea of constructive criticism while watching me tie a hitch was, "S'way, you look like a monkey trying to fornicate a football". I learned.

Sailnet isn't harsh. Harsh is hove-to in the Irish Sea with your vessel taking on water for three days and when the wind finally abates, there's no paint left on the starboard side of the ship. Where would you like to learn?