Hi, Folks.
First up, please don't get me wrong. I am very pleased to have both BB's up and running and I will be eternally grateful to the people responsible for them. I don't come to either of them to criticise or belittle anything. I hope that all my comments are constructive.

Willie, when I said that allowing people to choose their own descriptor would possibly bring up questions of honesty, I was not saying that such a thing could not work. I acknowledge that the the question of honesty applies to pretty much all walks and aspects of life and I would point out that the dishonest ones usually are sorted out fairly quickly, although not necessarily without some pain sometimes. I have no doubt that the sorting out process will work here too.

GWH, I would never knowingly criticise somebody who is learning to operate for not being able to operate. I have helped my fair share of beginners improve their skills over the last 40+ years and I am eternally grateful to those who took the time to help me improve my skills along the way. And after those above-mentioned 40+ years, I am STILL learning.

On top of which, you have already earned my respect for numerous things that you have done and said over the last few years. You have been a constructive and conciliatory influence on both BB's for quite a while, not to mention the many fine photos and commentaries that you have posted. When you last scratched or cut yourself, what colour came out? LOL.

For mine, the main purpose of all BB's such as these two is the dissemination of information and to provide a place where the less well-informed - and sometimes even the more well-informed - can access that information. The sharing of experiences, opinions and photos is one part of that purpose. The frills and fripparies are incidental.

Each of us is entitled to our views and opinions and I hope that each of us will be tolerant enough and mature enough to allow others the same rights/priveleges that we ourselves so enjoy. Denigration and belittlement serve no good purpose.

You all have a wonderful day. Best wishes. Deas Plant.

I can't believe the size of this post, the ACMOC membership is finally given a fast and reliable BB system and right away there is something to argue about. It is amazing to see so much controversy over something so trivial. Titles mean nothing to me, operator or otherwise I have seen many bestowed with a title that they weren't worthy of and seen other less titled people surpass them in every way. I don't care who you are or what you have done, just as long as you are involved this is the place to talk to others involved with antique cats.

Northart I have great respect for your opinion I just happen to think there are bigger fish to fry at the moment. Being in the trade myself I know what you mean about adjusting for conditions, although I don't have the years of experience you have a little patience would be in order here, anyone who gets to know you knows you are a good hand, and you shouldn't worry about people not picking up on that, we do.

I have never met Joe Black but I know this, one thing you will always get with Joe Black is the truth, he minces no words, he is honest, hardworking, loyal to the cause, and just a good guy to have at the helm of a project or undertaking such as this. His track record is proven, and he is the right guy to keep the ship afloat.

"OzDozer" wrote:

Oooohh .. Warren .. you really know how to hit a guy below the belt, don't you?? ..

Heh Heh OzD. I was not specifically targeting you mate, But, if the shoe fits .........

Although, since you bring it up it is kind of amusing seeing the Master referred to as a Junior Member:rolleyes:


I see this post has ballooned into another round of belly aching, will it ever end? ( the belly aching that is. I am sure this post will end)

What does it mean?

If the idea is to show how many times or how active a member is at posting, then change the title/label to just that. Let the acknowledgement of the amount of posts read "junior poster", or "chief poster", then maybe, "Master @ Posting". Some good members who give much time at events, they are always willing to good for the ACMOC, and promote the true meaning of this club, may enjoy the BB, but just don't like to post. To degrade ones membership by rank, just because one does not post, is the wrong thing to do.

As for experience, I have been around Cats all my life. I've operated them. I served an apprenticeship in the Local 3. Then went on to be a journey man, to foreman, to superintendent, and owner of a engineering company. What's funny is, that when it comes to my experience towards the membership, or skills at restoring old Cats, I am a Junior Member. It is a new found pleasure in life for me. I really get a lot out of bringing a old Cat back to life. I am not a mechanic by any means, but I really enjoy getting my fingers dirty.

I have enjoyed the fact, that his forum provides a place for every one to post their views. As long as the general Masters @ Posting don't attack or belittle others, I enjoy reading one's opinion.

Joe Black thank you for your efforts. I do know how much times projects for clubs can take. All this web stuff is way over my head, but I thank you for your time. I have given endless hours for clubs at activities, only to here complaints, and it gets old, so thank you. Listen and .

For anyone who has thier panties in a knot over the "junior member" status, just keep posting. I think the default is 20 posts then you become elevated to another "title". ACME started out with "greenhorn". Big deal!! I know we asked questions then, but it certainly wasn't contentious. We were having fun and most of us already knew each other from the previous boards.

PS, JB, if you want me to send you a couple of my personal pictures of MY caterpillar tractors that I own the rights to for you to post on the header of the other board, I would be happy to allow you to do so. Caterpillar doesn't own the rights for MY tractor or the intellectual and artistic rights from my photographs that I take.

Thanks Bruce, we're fully in compliance with all copyright laws at ACME. I take my "due diligence" research seriously.

Al Letts, is the first to become a member.