srpatterson wrote:
1. The term "penguin" is a derogatory term I use to refer to non-pilots who try to tell me how I should fly or operate my aircraft. It most definately does not refer to all non-pilots. Reference the thread concerning whether or not warbird pilots should wear helmets. What a friggin joke. All that most embarassing thread did was demonstrate to several warbird friends of mine just how many idiots are on the internet.
2. Most warbird pilots do not venture onto the internet, and the majority of those that do usually only lurk or post very rarely. If you wonder why this is see item #1.
3. I try to make myself available, because I remember what it was like when I was trying to buy my first warbird. Very little help available on the internet from anyone with real experience. I felt this was unfortunate, but to be honest the liability of having to deal with stupid comments and nutters has made me think twice.
4. I only talk down to penguins and friggin idiots. Did you think I was talking down to you?
..talking about politeness..
ok, u r the warbird owner here, no questioning, but your attitude at ppl who dont agree with u is at least embarassing. I'd never dare to call anyone a penguin, a frigging idiot or a "smoking hole" just because I dont agree with him, and I'm sure u wouldnt love to be called like this either. The purpose of a forum is a civil exchange of opinions and informations, and as warbird operator I guess u have a double responsability here:
1)represent the warbirds owners/operators (which u do perfectly)
2)being more polite and helpful to newbies or future warbirds operators.
U talked about the difficulties u had in the begininning, but seems like u forgot about it.
Everyone has his own character and attitude, this is for sure, but IMHO this should be tolerated as long as u dont offend anybody.
Alex