Tnhe Dimond 2 site has several links to the magazine. So Tom is this the finish you use or endorse?

There does seem to be a certain "connection" between the finish and the magazine ..

I do a lot of things for a lot of people. Gene Bullard wrote for the magazine and was a friend. His niece, Silvia, decided to include some links to RodMaker magazine on her Diamond II website. I didn’t engage in any sort of deal with her. She wanted to do it because Gene thought so highly of the magazine.

Look at the product descriptions for the 4 epoxy finishes in the Flex Coat catalog. I wrote those. Roger called one day and said he was having trouble coming up with descriptive yet concise text for the product descriptions. He asked me if I would do it for him. I was happy to do it and didn't require any sort of deal for anything between us.

Ralph O’Quinn has written for the magazine and presented at the Expo. I’ve helped him and Trondak on various things here and there. If I need help with something I know he’ll give it and vice versa.

Lynn Williams at Backlash Tools is making some products that I suggested and provided ideas for. I didn't require that he pay me.

I have launched no less than 2 different rod building organizations for other people in the pages of RodMaker. My help was asked and I gave it at no charge.

The list goes on and on. I’ve helped a great many people and their companies just because they asked me to. I’m not in bed with any particular person or company and have no reason to show favoritism to anybody or any product. So try not to read too much into the fact that a certain website has a link to RodMaker or that I did this or that person a favor. I do such things on a regular basis and always have.

For the record, my finish cabinet is filled with Diamond II, ThreadMaster, LS-Supreme, Flex Coat, Epoxy Coatings Co., Aftcote and others. I use them all and can get similar results from each. There's not a bad epoxy in the bunch. There are no bad epoxies, only bad "epoxiers."

..................

Tom, it is sad that you had to write the above! I guess even custom rod building has it's "conspiracy theorists."

I also found an April post that "Robert Smith" was not a real name and was banned from the forum, is it still in effect?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2009 10:05PM by Phil Erickson.

The rod building community in general are very helpful & caring folks! We share links, contacts, old catalogs, tips, tricks, etc. etc. etc.
Some have even on occasion provided blanks, components, tools, etc. either for free or "pay when you can" basis.

"Follow the Money" is a term I would NOT connect to many within our industry and one business or website doesn't have to "be in bed with" another in order to provide some endorcement.

Tom has provided me with a couple of articles from RodMaker to post on my website and never asked for anything in return. I have links to this forum and RodMaker on my website. We certainly don't know if either one of us snores! LOL

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2009 07:50PM by Raymond Adams.

Even if he did have an interest in a product, SO WHAT!!!!!! You would have to go a LONG way to find a man with more principals Than Tom Kirkman

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I was more interested in Tom\'s closing line.............. \"There are no bad epoxies, only bad epoxiers.\" That\'s a really good point!

Tom, I was sad to see you have to defend your actions on this board. But, I am glad you did. You do a first class job here and with the magazine also. My only wish is that I had gotten into the rod building a few years ago, so I had all the older copies!
You run a class forum, and magazine. Do not change a thing. As for the companies that are on this board, they speak for themselves. They all represent fine products, or they would not be on here.
For those who question things, read about Gene Bullard, and all that he did for the rod building world. Silvia is and should be proud of her uncle's work.
Tom, keep up the good work! Thanks for all you and these sponsors do!

Kyle Robinson

Tom and Kyle, very well said!