...who for their own reasons seek to limit knowledge. Generally it's not an admirable trait since it includes the possibility of skullduggery, influence peddling, politics, favoritism, personal profit and a whole host of other undesirable traits.

There are also those who for their own reasons seek to widen knowledge. And those reasons are generally the more high minded ones like being of generous spirit, saving a unique piece, saving others from an unfortunate purchase experience, or knowing their own limitations financially (and counting themselves out) and instead put it to others to carry forth.

At times I've revealed a "source." I could have jumped on a certain Brown & Sharpe #0 Mill that appeared locally on Craiglist. But I had another project underway and B&S mills are not that rare. So I didn't and instead shared it with others via this board. It's now in the hands of a person who is more capable in it's restoration than me. And he likely values it more highly - and that's important too.

At times I've been uncomfortable with revealing a "source." Not so much in the fact that I might be outbid (to be truthful I probably already am before I begin) but rather in sympathy with others I know who may have an interest. We're talking the discussion of the "Big Time Collector" here. (you can search on this term and find it.)

I limited information because I knew the seller was not ready to sell. As a friend and supporter of his "mission" I thought him the best judge of when to strike his hammer.

Now likely there were those on this board reading both above who were disappointed in me. I've also seen those who attempt to "cut" the front of the line in gradeschool and I was disappointed in them in return. But in both these cases above I had a chance to keep things on the high road and I took it. And I'm pleased with the result.

Others have done me the same courtesy. (Thanks Peter!)

Thus I've made my value judgments on information. Others will no doubt be making their own value judgment. But it's to their standard and no others.

When it comes down to an open forum you cannot control what others will do. If you try then you're either going to a.) Show others those unfortunate traits I've mentioned above and in time people will connect those with your name. or b.) drive like minds off of the board.

Now either of these eventualities are sad since I've found the board generally to be an asset to my tool interests. If anyone thinks they know all there is to know about tools and machines - and don't need to share - then the flamethrower is your best friend. Better yet, save the flames and instead just go off by yourself with the sum total of the world's knowledge in your head and have fun all by yourself.

If anyone is not totally sure and think they have something to learn and can tolerate some dissent in the discussion then all parties can learn from the discussion. But you have to keep continually in mind that the discussion won't always be what you want to hear. The free passage of information is like that.

The board is a double edged sword.

It's like you're at a party. An antique machine party. We're all standing around in our shop clothes with a drink in our hands talking about what interests each of us. Walk through and you can hear the threads as they start and the replies as they stack up. You can pick up a conversation at will, contribute, and leave it as you wish.

Or you can hear only things you want to hear, contribute nothing, complain at length when you do reply, and think everyone else at the party is conspiring to keep you from having a good time.

In that you may be right. What goes around comes around.

There. I've said it. Anyone seen the party platter? I'm almost out of beernuts. Hey, careful there, you're getting machine oil on my bib overalls!

Who invited that guy over in the corner with the napalm tank?

Best,
Joe in NH