The world is watching

[RC Storick]

This is a some messages I got from a person who has never posted but is a member here. Please think before you push the send button.

Robert,

I am new to your site, but not control line.  I flew a lot in the 1990's and after a long break have come back to it.  I enjoy the building and flying.  I really like the peculiar trim and design that goes into making a C/L plane work.  There are many concepts and tricks to learn and it never gets dull if you can keep on learning.

As a kid, I was bullied quite a lot.  I never really understood why at the time.  I just wasn't a "popular" kid and I didn't defend myself.  That, I think, opened me up to more.  I was kind of trapped in a bad place and that all changed in 9th grade when a move to a new town got me a new start in school.  I didn't get picked on because at the new school nobody knew that was how it was supposed to be for me.  I still acted the same, I just didn't catch hell anymore.  I don't think my closest friends or even family know the scars I carry, even today, from things that happened over 35 years ago.  Fortunately I turned out well enough to at least pass for normal...

So, I carry some baggage and try hard to not bully others.  I am wary of those who do and try to stay away from them.  While ganging up on the "weak" may be common with any group of guys, I think modelers may be more prone to it.  I am not thin-skinned and taking a ribbing is part of life and can be fun, if it is done in fun, but that means for all parties.  Anonymity and distance can let you type something you would never say in person.  Then again, a bully likely doesn't care what the victim feels; they seem to be hoping for a hurtful reaction.

I am enjoying your site.  I learn from it and I am entertained.  I just wanted to contact you and thank you for making this site available.  I also wanted to point out how significantly hurtful bullying can be.  I have seen this topic come up a couple of times in the last year on Stunt Hangar and think I am understanding correctly that it is something that drives you crazy.  

Thank you for your patience with this.  You appear to be more than fair to all.  My guess is you either have seen bullying or simply possess the empathy that makes you a decent person.

In the 90's I went to local contests and had the opportunity to see Ted Fancher fly a number of times.  A wonderful thing to see.  He was approachable, friendly, helpful, and just plain a great ambassador of the sport.  He was there with his family and having fun!  I built one of his planes.  I enjoy it to this day because it flies better than me and is the design work of someone that is cool.

Maybe that is a good thumb-rule:  If you reply to a post, it should be helpful, supportive, enlightening and something that an ambassador of the sport would say.

Thank you for dealing with all the unruly kids and for giving everyone a chance to express themselves.  I gives the lurkers like me a chance to see who is who and maybe it can be therapeutic for those involved.  Like they say, if their mother couldn't teach them to be nice, you probably won't be able to either.

Thanks again

I asked if I could post it and here is the reply.

Robert,

I didn't see your message to me until just a bit ago and hopefully the issue is past now.  Yes, you may use any part of my previous message.  I rambled on a bit but, as I am sure you gathered, this is a topic that gets an emotional response from me as well as others.  My main reason for writing you was to offer my support to you.  I pictured you in the position of a frustrated father who sons are fighting...

If I could summarize my point it would be:  Respect others, contribute useful or at least entertaining information, and be a good ambassador of the sport.  Remember, hundreds of people from all over the world are reading their posting.

If I were braver, I would post, "Who do you think is/was a great ambassador for C/L flying, and why"?  My guess is that a common trait would be their patience and willingness to tolerate and help those below their skill and clique level.

Thank you,

The last question "Who do you think is/was a great ambassador for C/L flying, and why"?

My Vote would be
Bob Hunt (living)
(deceased) Allen Brickhause

Clarification There are many good ambassadors these are just my picks.

[Walter Hicks]

Deleted

[JIM Nordin]

Walter I agree with you to a certain point . But I also see member's  that think there way is the only way of doing things . And if some one Post a certain way or product there basically told there full of crap . I use to enjoy this site not so much anymore When I see certain members getting picked by a few that gang up on them

Everyone has certain ways of doing things . If you don't agree fine but don't try and belittle that member
For it

[RC Storick]

If you can't say something nice or productive don't say it. I have had enough with the Bulling! The is no one way to do things if there was mine would be the only right way and I know that's just not true. And its not just that one person you speak of that send these letters.

Here is a novel approach. If someone posts something you don't agree with. Explain your method or position in a articulate manner and let it go at that.

Then if the person doesn't like being what he is told there is no need for a back and forth exchange to only create the atmosphere of stupidity. Better to say nothing and let people think you are stupid then to affirm that you are by opening your mouth.(in this case keyboard)

[john e. holliday]

Thanks Sparky, I will try my best to remember this.

[RC Storick]

The next person who refers to Charles is going to take a vacation for a week the first time and 2 the next. I guess you don't see it. It's not him that's the problem. He's trying to help the only way he knows how. I have seen nothing but grief from the ones who bash him. Knock it off.


Don't call me don't email me I don't want to hear it I have had enough.

[Randy Powell]

I try to ignore poor comments. If someone posts something I believe to be wrong, I will post what I think is correct and let it go at that. People can make their own decisions. Hammering on someone is not going to fix anything. Just let it go.

[RC Storick]

I try to ignore poor comments. If someone posts something I believe to be wrong, I will post what I think is correct and let it go at that. People can make their own decisions. Hammering on someone is not going to fix anything. Just let it go.

That is exactly what I do. Now with video I show how I do it.