[tj-lee]

Matthew (OV),
> every time I try to help.... stops as of this post

Well, not being a shill for anything and therefore only speaking for myself I wish you would seriously reconsider.

I am very dependent on the help provided by you and many others that share their experience and know-how with less experienced newbies like myself here on MSL. If guys like yourself leave the forums to the vested interests the hobby will become much harder for many of us to progress in and enjoy.

For anyone that frequents the forums regularly, (and based on my own experience getting into the hobby I can attest that information starved newbies haunt the MSL forums as lurkers for months before actually getting up the gumption to post a question), it's not hard to figure out who is really trying to help and who has an axe to grind (or a bridge/agenda to sell).

Best,
TJ

 

[tj-lee]

Somehow the phrase "follow the money" comes to mind whenever I read one of Stan's posts.

TJ

 

[tj-lee]

Dwight,

I think the issue of a vested interest trying to minimize PR damage and effect major spin control on MLS under the guise of being just a "fellow hobbiest/modeler" is more important than any heated egos and offers a real risk for readers trying to make a determination as to where to spend their hard-earned dollars. If I read an advertising piece by Bachmann or any vendor I know I'm getting the "marketing" centric view and can exercise caution.

When I read comments from people like TOC and Bob I take them to heart because they clearly state they don't have any vested interests and I believe them based on many hours of haunting the forums. I do however believe that Stan does have a vested interest but he seems to be trying to hide same.

I think everyone should be able to voice "their opinion" (even at the top of their lungs), nor do I have a problem with a vendor having a voice and presence on the forums (as long as I know that the "voice" has their own agenda), I just don't think shills who spout a manufacturer's party line as part of their job are good for the hobby in general nor for MLS inparticular when the average reader has no way to tell they're reading more than just some guy's opinion or personal experience.

Just my 2 cents.

Best,
TJ