I am probably one of the great silent majority of builders with average talent and not one to go around posting tips or photos. But just like I think a lot of others I do make the rounds and read the rod building forums almost every day. Last year my 12 year old son built his first rod and was helped by information he was able to find here. But most of all it takes a load off my mind with all the crap all the internet these days that he can come here without my supervision and read all he wants and not be exposed to filth or obscenities or fusses and fights. I know in the past few days some have poked at Tom because he would dare to ban somebody just for using really bad language on this site a few times. But from my end of things he is doing the right to enforce that rule because there are hundreds maybe thousands of builders out there and not all are shoot from the hip bad boy types who do not give a dang about their language or what impressionable young mind might come across that trash while just trying to learn more about building a rod. Keep it clean Tom just like you always have. I find it hard to believe that a person cannot discuss custom rod building without using offensive language terms. I was always told that profanity is the last result of a weak mind trying to express itself. I would bet there are many more of us glad you run this forum the way you do than the handful that have no manners or ethics and always want to complain because you will not let them turn this place into their public restroom wall.

In the last few years we have reached a sad point where the "keepin' it real" people believe that speaking your mind with no tact or thought and through the use of "in your face" language is somehow a badge of honor. IMO it's a sad commentary on today's civilization. I know guys who may curse like a sailor in private with their friends, but have the decency to clean it up in public and around women and children. Sad that good conduct is no longer in style. I think Tom's rules are one of the reasons you see the bulk of the rod building industry as sponsors here. Where else and what other rod building forum has anywhere close to the same?

The problem with most of the bad/insulting posts that are seen is that the people making them are pretty sure they are never going to come face to face with those they are insulting and believe they are immune. Most of the things said would never happen in a face to face discussion.

Tom, I totally agree with what these three gentlemen have said and I also Thank You.

I have no rod building children. If I did I sure would not mind them looking in here. Good people and nothing to worry about. CAnnot say the same about some other places...

Tom, another KUDO from me! Those that cannot communicate without foul language should find another outlet!

Hello Tom.

Ditto to all comments.

Keep Up the Good Work!

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Many Thanks Tom & I hope the compliments keep coming in

If you can't use your own name, can't write without expletives, can't be civil and abide by a few simple rules then you are not wanted here!!!
Tom is a top notch person, I found that out after last years Expo. There are always a few that are jealous and continue to attack him. Tom has the best defense for that and he is well aware of what it is.
The number of members and sponsors of this forum speaks for itself. Rodmaker mag and the Expo just add to it.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

There are some places for zero tolerance. If we have young builders we should set good examples for all. Great work Tom. I truly wish I could shake his hand. I am trying to get to the show for some warmer weather and to actually meet all the great people on the forum that I have done business with. To me there is nothing better then knowing the person face to face. If you know what I mean. What has kept me from events is Money. I have not or could not work for the last two years because of my injuries. Know that I lost my unemployment and my last employer refuses workers composition I am about to be on the streets again. I am sorry for babbling. Again Tom Thanks for the best forum.

Lone Wolf Rods
"Keep your powder dry and your lines wet"
God Bless