I just want to post my feelings one time, i'm sorry if this is a long post, but i don't plan on saying anything else about it after this. It's just my opinion and i hope no one will take it too seriously.
I think any time someone assumes a position of moral superiority or makes declarations as to what is appropriate or not (which i wouldn't do, just because I am always going to be exposed to images, words, opinions that i feel strongly about, whether it be attraction or repultion -- it's part of opening up to life, learning about the world and one's self), they might want to consider the effect that you really want to produce. Everyone has had homies or bosses or collegues who are heavy-handed, pedantic, right-minded, or controlling, and it always has the opposite effect than intended-- it erodes morale, fosters rebellion, breeds schism and negativity and conflict (like Pascal's theory of education). It's much more difficult to lead by example, to inspire, to coach... Of course i'm not talking about Dan or Patti -- this is their forum and they can run it any way they want. And i certainly am not talking about myself -- i'm an immature punk behavior problem who acts his shoe size more than his age.
When i first heard of Scrap Yard it was sort of a dream come true -- function before form blades made of my favorite steel by one of my favorite knife-making families. The whole notion of a scrap yard reflects a grittiness, a sense of freedom, a renegade spirit, of tolerance and edginess, which i think will attract a lot of creative intelligent people who are non-conformists by virtue of the fact that they are willing to go beyond what is normal, safe, "wholesome" with a spirit of adventure, excitement, most of all FUN. All i can really say is if it's too clean, too straght, too wholesome it's not going to be a scrap yard, it's going to be Barney & Friends, or Mr. Rogers, or Teletubbies. It's not up to me what it becomes, but i hope it stays real, and a little off-center. Again, just my feelings. -Peace-
