How many jackets do you have to sew to be an expert?

[nick123]

Arguments among jacket enthusiasts, when you look at the big picture, are silly. Come on people, love each other.

 

[Big J]

Arguments among jacket enthusiasts, when you look at the big picture, are silly. Come on people, love each other.

I agree with that. I don't agree with vendors using a forum to slam their business rivals- they can do that on their own webpages, surely?

 

[nick123]

I agree with that. I don't agree with vendors using a forum to slam their business rivals- they can do that on their own webpages, surely?

Vendors are a different story. It gets gnarly when you have a business to represent/look after. But for the "fans", disagreement is healthy when a passion is discussed, but I truly hope the personal poison doesn't go too far. We share the same rare interest. It's something to be celebrated.

 

[IXL]

......... We share the same rare interest. It's something to be celebrated.

According to my wife, what we share is an "illness!"

 

[Big J]

Vendors are a different story. It gets gnarly when you have a business to represent/look after. But for the "fans", disagreement is healthy when a passion is discussed, but I truly hope the personal poison doesn't go too far. We share the same rare interest. It's something to be celebrated.

Well, it's all academic now. I haven't 'served my country' by making caps and painting patches, so insulting me (a potential customer) seems like a massive fail of business sense to me. The total opposite of Ken's excellent customer service philosophy, in action.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I've come to the conclusion that management of the VLJ has decided that in order to have any daily traffic anymore they must put up with the personalities of the few regular posters that now dominate even though they are apt to run some others off with their bias's. They have mainly one professional WW2 military jacket collector, expert leather patch maker, and those who occasionally stop by to dis Aero (when Aero is mentioned) that those few wholeheartedly agree with and will promote. Every time they think Aero, their mindset automatically visualize A2s, that they consider not quite up to par, and civi utility jackets are a sub thought, if thought of at all.
So, if a newby is run off and not tough enough to struggle through possible admonishment by those few, then that's just too bad. Kind of a catch 22. The VLJ can't lose those few or allow their unhappiness much because, well, that's all that's left. Even if you are a longtime member, and now reluctant to post pics or aren't in agreement, when you do speak up too much against the grain, that constitutes an instigator or, at least, only participating to make argument. The VLJ was once a more friendly forum self moderated by the members who, together, would most usually attempt to keep it that way. Unfortunately, now it has become something else and, more than likely, is now going to stay that way to the joy of the new controlling few.
HD

 

[handymike]

It is however, probably the best place on earth to find a larger sized Goodwear A2 at a good price.
;-)

 

[cordwangler]

ah who cares - deleted!

... Nick123 has the right idea

 

[John Lever]

I've come to the conclusion that management of the VLJ has decided that in order to have any daily traffic anymore they must put up with the personalities of the few regular posters that now dominate even though they are apt to run some others off with their bias's. They have mainly one professional WW2 military jacket collector, expert leather patch maker, and those who occasionally stop by to dis Aero (when Aero is mentioned) that those few wholeheartedly agree with and will promote. Every time they think Aero, their mindset automatically visualize A2s, that they consider not quite up to par, and civi utility jackets are a sub thought, if thought of at all.
So, if a newby is run off and not tough enough to struggle through possible admonishment by those few, then that's just too bad. Kind of a catch 22. The VLJ can't lose those few or allow their unhappiness much because, well, that's all that's left. Even if you are a longtime member, and now reluctant to post pics or aren't in agreement, when you do speak up too much against the grain, that constitutes an instigator or, at least, only participating to make argument. The VLJ was once a more friendly forum self moderated by the members who, together, would most usually attempt to keep it that way. Unfortunately, now it has become something else and, more than likely, is now going to stay that way to the joy of the new controlling few.
HD

Hmm...
Van,
You asked us to control Platon and Bill Kelso, we gave him his own section as you suggested because he was hijacking all threads into BK ones. So we do listen.

 

[Edward]

I've modded elsewhere when controversy has blown up, and it can certainly be challenging. Sometimes wabing the big stick is the best way to sort it out, other times all you do is stir the hornets' nest...

The one interesting thing that came out of that thread was a point made by someone other than myself about a link between Thedi Leathers and BK. Is there anyone in a position to either deny or confirm said rumour ?

It was raised round here a while back. I think Andy Falzon stoked a lot of speculation some time ago by making oblique references to a "new UK owner" for Bill Kelso and seeming to suggest there would be a big announcement re this in due course. His posts certainly gave the impression that Bill Kelso was a brand that he had created, working with a pre-existing company rather than a start-up manufacturer. The announcement never materialised, but that plus speculation as to where exactly their jackets were made gave rise to all sorts of theories. When I last looked at the Thedi site, there was only one jacket which resembled anything in the BK line. Overall, I had a feeling that Thedi were aiming more for a late 60s / into the 70s biker vibe. Of course, it was still possible that they could have manufactured for another label. The owner of Thedi contributed to a thread where this idea was raised, and stated clearly that they had not produced jackets for BK, and that they had not previously been aware of BK either. Andy Falzon also denied any prior knowledge of Thedi's existence. Whether BK are manufactuering themselves or are a brand owned by someone else or however their business model works, it seems there's no Thedi link (if there were, I can't see any reason for it to be denied).

That 'A-2 patches' guy is a real laugh- according to him painting patches and making caps is 'serving our country' on a par with being an actual fighter pilot. And these people accuse others of having an 'ego problem':crazy:

One should hope he's at least doing his bit by paying taxes on the profit that results from these sales. not quite in the same field as doing a bombing run over occupied Europe, of course.

I've come to the conclusion that management of the VLJ has decided that in order to have any daily traffic anymore they must put up with the personalities of the few regular posters that now dominate even though they are apt to run some others off with their bias's. They have mainly one professional WW2 military jacket collector, expert leather patch maker, and those who occasionally stop by to dis Aero (when Aero is mentioned) that those few wholeheartedly agree with and will promote. Every time they think Aero, their mindset automatically visualize A2s, that they consider not quite up to par, and civi utility jackets are a sub thought, if thought of at all.

I suppose it's the same old, same old - the internet's a big place with lots of forums, and not all of them are going to appeal to all of us.... [huh] It is a shame, though, if there are folks put off joining and learning by the attitudes of a few (usually, in my experience, in any field - whether politis, music, hobbies.... - the first to complain that others aren't interested in getting involved....). The Aero thing makes more sense, in a way, if base on objective crictism of accuracy of reproduction of military designs. That said, even aside from the big changes at Aero in recent years (since Ken returned, they've solved the issue with the Irvin sleeves being the wrong shape, and I believe many if not all of their A2 patterns have been revamped with John's help), the level of vitriol which this sparked is on the extreme side. Mind you, you ain't seen battle lines drawn over ephemera til you see two Rocky Horror fans go at whether Meatloaf used a knuckleduster, so.... Some things really are universal.

 

[Otter]

Hmm...
Van,
You asked us to control Platon and Bill Kelso, we gave him his own section as you suggested because he was hijacking all threads into BK ones. So we do listen.

Hard and thankless job, danged if you do, danged if you don't. :mad2:

Edit: Thanks Edward, I had missed the Thedi post.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Hmm...
Van,
You asked us to control Platon and Bill Kelso, we gave him his own section as you suggested because he was hijacking all threads into BK ones. So we do listen.

OK, John
That is true. I'm not trying to dis the VLJ. It was started by a good guy...and is moderated by those of the same caliber. It's just a shame that some participants now fail to realize or care about how their forum comes across to others. Those who have no hesitancy to accuse, attempt to even ruin an established reputation and stifle those who dare oppose those antics. For all their cries for unbridled freedom not to be censored, they are yet, very content to censure others with crude hostility and ridicule. In my previous post, I was attempting to explain, possibly, how that is now happening on a continual basis...especially if Aero is mentioned.
HD

 

[robrinay]

What I found rather sad was that during the rather vitriolic Aero Threads 1 and 2 argument and testosterone took over and they didn't do the usual kind and traditional thing and wish a happy birthday to members whose birthdays are listed on the day at the bottom of the home page - I noticed this as mine was on the 22nd.

 

[John Lever]

What I found rather sad was that during the rather vitriolic Aero Threads 1 and 2 argument and testosterone took over and they didn't do the usual kind and traditional thing and wish a happy birthday to members whose birthdays are listed on the day at the bottom of the home page - I noticed this as mine was on the 22nd.

Sorry,a belated happy birthday !

 

[John Lever]

OK, John
That is true. I'm not trying to dis the VLJ. It was started by a good guy...and is moderated by those of the same caliber. It's just a shame that some participants now fail to realize or care about how their forum comes across to others. Those who have no hesitancy to accuse, attempt to even ruin an established reputation and stifle those who dare oppose those antics. For all their cries for unbridled freedom not to be censored, they are yet, very content to censure others with crude hostility and ridicule. In my previous post, I was attempting to explain, possibly, how that is now happening on a continual basis...especially if Aero is mentioned.
HD

Thanks

 

[Plumbline]

OK, John
That is true. I'm not trying to dis the VLJ. It was started by a good guy...and is moderated by those of the same caliber. It's just a shame that some participants now fail to realize or care about how their forum comes across to others. HD

Another one of those legendary HD quotes ..... I'm sure Paddy Middleton shares your sentiment HD !

 

[robrinay]

Sorry,a belated happy birthday !

Thanks John
Best regards
Rob

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Another one of those legendary HD quotes ..... I'm sure Paddy Middleton shares your sentiment HD !

You need to become more active on the new VLJ, Pl. Another perfect fit.

 

[Fanch]

:thumb:

 

[Otter]

I was in two minds about PL's post, could be read either way, perhaps he would like to recant as we fire up the auto da fe ?