Actually, the last pilot watch thread that I can remember was started
by Jay H. (I gotta admit I dont reference this list that often). I
went and got a pretty decent watch , on sale no less, after reading
that thread. I wear it every time I go flying.

Right -- me, too. It was a good thread, and I ended up with a great,
affordable flying watch, thanks to the recommendations from this group.

Honestly, I don't understand why Jim (or anyone else) gets so riled up over
MX. His threads are almost 100% on-topic, and who really cares if he's not
a "real" pilot? The true harm comes from the trolls who follow him
everywhere like butt-sniffing dogs, creating an atmosphere of bitterness and
anger that poisons the free exchange of information in this group.

How many great posts have been aborted, how many great posters have we lost,
simply because they see what's posted here in response to apparently benign
questions by guys like MX? Hell, if the group was like this ten years ago,
I sure wouldn't have posted all the (probably stupid) questions that I did
back then.

Back then, however, guys like Denny, and gals like Snowbird, and a host of
other incredibly experienced pilots patiently helped me learn the mysteries
and intricacies of flying and aircraft ownership. They reveled in their
ability to share their knowledge, and everyone was polite and grateful for
their help.

Later, after they had passed their knowledge on, many of us became the
"experts" that newbies approached for answers. It was, quite literally, the
perfect use for Usenet, and these groups flourished for many years. There
were simply no trolls, and no killfiles were necessary.

Oh, sure, there was the occasional spirited foray into politics, especially
during the divisive 2000 and 2004 elections -- but it was (mostly) conducted
politely and with good humor. Religion even popped in here once in a
while -- but piloting never lost center stage.

Until now.

What's especially painful is that the worst trolls here are apparently real
pilots. I've always believed that pilots were a cut-above the common man
or woman, and I've built a successful business based on that model. Every
time I come here now, though, I'm shown harsh evidence that mental illness
and a pilot's certificate are not mutually exclusive. THAT is what is so
sad -- and a little scary -- about the current state of our group.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"