Billy H., with your attitude toward this whole state of affairs, you sound like my kind of guy. I hope you keep on posting regularly. Since my name has come up in this thread on various posts, and even if it didn't, how could a topic like this go by without some of my input.
Before any names were even mentioned, I'm certain there was a lot of finger pointing in my direction thinking that Rude Dog was singling me out and his post was a veiled chastisement of my specific actions. However, I know that it would never happen that way. Rude Dog and I have a tremendous mutual respect for each other and if either one of us got really torqued off at one another, we'd very simply PM behind the scenes, and we have. He and I are both very straight forward and we don't need to pull any punches intimating things through some bullshit post for all to see.
I have been in my share of range wars, but after they're over, for me they're over. Celtic mentioned a squabble that we had, yep...so big deal. I have a lot of respect for his views and he's a great contributor on a variety of subjects. (just not aiming systems)
Sorry Celt...had to get that one in.
I've been playing this game almost my entire life and it's been right in the trenches. But I'm here just like everyone else and that's to learn what I can about the game from others, and there are some very knowledgable individuals here that have provided valuable insights in ALL areas, especially cues which I love to read about.
I learned how to make balls, run a lot of racks, and win money for a longgggg time now and you can't do that without having a good understanding of the game and what you're doing. But to be honest, I've never been a die hard student of the game trying to learn each and every nuance just so that I could be a walking encyclopedia to spout off to others or even improve my own game. I just wanted to play and make balls. I have always believed the statement "paralysis by analysis" is so true and I didn't want to go so far off the deep end that I was actually thinking too much while I was playing.
For some reason within the last six or seven years, I now have a keen interest in learning things just like you guys. It's not going to help me run more balls like a beginner or a struggling league player, I just want to know. Trust me when I say this, this forum on AZ has more players that really CAN play the game than any of the others. That's what I like and respect most of all. It's not a bunch of wannabe rocket scientists just theorizing about how to play the game and make balls.
As far as the flame wars go, whether it's me or anyone else, hey.. shit happens. This kind of thing occurs on every type of forum out there. That's not to say it should be expected as a regular diet, I don't like seeing it and I really don't like being a part of it, contrary to what some of you might think. But if it happens, it happens. What's really disturbing is that when someone takes all of this crap so seriously, whether it's by way of a vehement disagreement, trash talk, name calling or whatever and then gets so out of control that they start making threatening psycho PM's, that's when it and they are REALLY out of hand and it has to cease immediately. Some of you know what I'm talking about, and some of you don't, but it does go on. Now THAT is unhealthy.
Other names have been coming up recently like SJM, Williebetmore, Rodd, and a few others in a very negative fashion which is totally ridiculous. It's just beyond my comprehension that thoughtful, experienced, articulate, gentlemanly posters like that can be ridiculed or demeaned. Without them this forum would definitely not have the ooomph and pizzaz that it now has and I think EVERYONE in the know already knows that. What's surprising is the relatively low amount of group outcry regarding the attacks as compared to what's occured in the past with FL or Silencer. Although maybe this thread IS the start.
JAM said that this forum was tame compared to some of the hellish ones out there. She should know as both the taker and giver of a lot of wild and whacky words, especially when she was ganged up on by a gang of goons time and again. But you do learn. You have some hellish forums...and you have some totally dead beat forums with no excitement at all and they are
B O R I N G. I don't like hellish and I dislike boring just as much. When that happens, you can count on me to stir the pot a little, either through some very dry humor, sometimes sarcasm, other times controversial statements or viewpoints, or a dig into somebodys arse. I kinda like the taste of tabasco from time to time, but I don't take this crap seriously. I hope you don't either, but I know that's not always true. Egos and nuts seem to get busted quite easily at times. Let's just keep having fun and learning...with a little tabasco chaser from time to time.
But Gremlin, you've really got to cut the shit. Everybody enjoys your pictures including me, and if that's your contribution to the forum, so be it and it's welcome. The other stuff gotta go.
I hope everyone has a good day...votes...and can live happily with the outcome of the next prez at the end of the day.
If anyone else is tired of this stuff going on, feel free to reply to the thread. Peace!!!
who keep the flame going. That's their thing. They think they are right. 
Are you going to make it to Phoenix next week? I will be getting there Saturday the 6th of Nov. at 8 PM. I want to play all day Sunday.
