• Archives February 28 - 09:29 am [39]

Several announcements of particular interest to all registered users of The Crispin Colloquy...

The Crispin Colloquy is a "moderated" forum. It has been a moderated forum since its beginnings roughly five years ago. One of the major "top level" topics is a set of Posting Guidelines entitled "All Users Read this!" These guidelines have been in place, with virtually the same content and format, for at least the last four years. Nevertheless, in an effort to make these guidelines more accessible, I am changing the title of the topic to "Posting Guidelines--All users Read This." I urge every member and every user of The Crispin Colloquy to read, or re-read, the Posting Guidelines and familiarize themselves with the rules and procedures for using this forum. Virtually all uncertainty, and most misunderstandings, can be resolved or avoided with a simple reading of the Posting Guidelines.

Additionally, on, or about the first of January 2004, the top level topic, "Rants, Rationales and Suppositions," will become a private posting area. "Rants..." will no longer be accessible to the general public and may require a separate registration in order to read or post there. "Rants..." will retain its fundamental character as an area where off-topic issues may be discussed. This includes politics, religion, movies, the merits of good whiskey, etc....and any issue not directly related to boot and shoemaking. Some subtopics (within "Rants..." ) may be archived and/or deleted.

Within "Rants...", the subtopic, "The Conundrum of the Workshops," will be designated as the "official" suggestion box. Bear in mind that the preferred method of communicating with the administration of the Crispin Colloquy is, and always has been, private email. That said, this topic is envisioned to be a place where members can make, and discuss, suggestions for new subtopics; take up grievances with the management staff; or discuss chronic problems with forum structure. All, with absolutely no guarantees that anything will be automatically done about it. But you will be heard, perhaps replied to, and the Open Forum will hopefully be kept open for the trade-related discussions for which it was created.

Finally, this is the last "system" post that I will make in two places. There is a top level topic entitled "System Announcements." Announcements such as these will, in the future, be restricted to this topic. Registered users are strongly advised to enable email notification of System Announcements...again, to avoid uncertainty or misunderstanding.

Beyond that, the administration and moderators of The Crispin Colloquy would like to thank each and every member of the Forum for their invaluable contributions during the past year and to wish each and every one a Happy Holiday...a Merry Christmas...and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

The Administrator and the moderators of The Crispin Colloquy are pleased to announce and to welcome Jim Kladder as a new moderator.

Jim is a long time member of the Guild and works at Colonial Williamsburg as their head saddler. He brings extensive computer and discussion board experience to the mix as well as an in depth understanding of leather and the Trade.

Thanks to Jim for being willing to help.

Yr. Ob. Svt....

All,

The server that hosts The Crispin Colloquy has been having some problems with user abuse which is affecting the accounts of other users such as ourselves.

The upshot is that, on occasion, email notification of posts to ongoing topics has failed. Some members may get email from the Forum, some may not.

If you are an active member or even an interested lurker, and have activated email notification, but are not getting email from the forum on a fairly regular basis, you might want to check in with the Forum every couple of days to make sure that you're not missing anything.

These problems seem to heal themselves or get corrected within a day or two. We are working on it, so please be patient.

Admin

All,

In order to facilitate a proposed upgrade to the Forum software later in the year, I intend to prune the user list within the next several weeks.

We have close to 400 registered users on The Crispin Colloquy and some have never activated email notification, some have never posted, and some have changed their email address, lost interest, and/or moved on to bigger and better things.

At the same time, the practice of allowing anonymous posters will be discontinued.

When this is done the underlying software that runs The Crispin Colloquy will be upgraded to the latest version.

The pruning process will, by necessity, be fairly subjective. Undoubtedly, there will be some individuals who will object to being pruned, but if a user has not enabled email notification for at least one discussion topic, for example, it must be assumed that he or she is not all that interested in the posts being made to the Forum. When that situation is combined with a registration that is several years old and in that time the user has never posted to the Forum, it becomes almost a near certainty that the individual visited the Forum once or twice and then lost interest.

Recent registrations will be given the benefit of the doubt even if no email notification has been enabled. Individuals who have never posted to the Forum, but are avid "readers," may contact me to reassure me that they are indeed actively interested in the discussions.

Mistakes are bound to happen in any such process. I apologize ahead of time for any inconvenience this may cause. However!! Users who get pruned, but who want to be members of the Forum, are more than welcome to re-register.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

To all users,

By now the major part of the pruning of the user list has taken place. Some of you...a very few...recieving this notice, may not have enabled email notification for any topic, including System Announcements. This email is to inform all users that registered users of The Crispin Colloquy **must** enable email notification for, at least System Announcements, in order to be carried on the rolls. Those who enable _no_ topics will be deleted from the user list. Those who enable one or more topics but not System Announcements, will have System Announcements enabled for them.

System Announcement is the only way the administration has of infoming users of changes to format or policy on The Crispin Colloquy. Few enough are the posts made to this topic...maybe one or two a month, and sometimes months and months go by with no activity at all. If a user does not care to keep abreast of changes to the Forum, we can only conclude that the user is not interested in being an active member of the community represented by The Crispin Colloquy.

Bear in mind that The Crispin Colloquy is sponsored by The Honourable Cordwainers' Company--a 501 C-3, non-profit, educational, organization. As such, The Crispin Colloquy is open to public input and welcomes comments and questions from non-registered parties. An individual **can** post to the forum without registering. While we encourage registration and active participation, it is *not* necessary to register. The main benefit of registration is to activate email notification and thereby enable a user to be involved in the discussions with a minimum of effort.

Any user who feels that they are recieving this announcement in error or against their wishes is encouraged to contact me to be removed from the user list. At any time, any user who wishes to be removed from the user list may contact me to be removed.

Yr. OB. Svt.

All,

On the third of April (this coming Saturday) between the hours of 8am and 12 noon, Pacific Standard Time, the Crispin Colloquy will be down for an upgrade to the latest version. We apologize for the inconvenience and trust that the revisions contained in the new version will make using the Crispin Colloquy a more pleasant experience for all users.

Thank you for your patience...


Yr. Hmb. Svt.

"Rants, Rationales, and Suppositions" has been swept out and is open to all registered users again. This an area where discussions unrelated (or only marginally related) to boot or shoemaking can take place. It is closed to the general public and you will need to enter your UN and PW to post there.

Yr. Ob. Svt.

On Saturday, I posted two messages...one a System Announcement regarding "Rants, RTantionales and Suppositions" and another *in* "Rants..." > "Through the Looking Glass" regarding candlesticks.

If any registered member failed to get either or both of these messages, please let me know.

Admin

All,

Sometimes the server for The Crispin Colloquy seems to stumble and messages that are properly posted don't get sent out as email. Usually this is a temporary glitch and "self-heals."

But if you are in the midst of a thread and suddenly it seems to "dry up" or you haven't gotten a response to a posting of your own--especially from members who are active on the forum--you might be well advised to simply log on to the forum via the Internet and click on "Last Day" to see what has been posted. Sometimes you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Admin

As many of you are aware, we have been having some trouble with the registration database.

If you are a registered member, and cannot log on to edit your profile, or are not getting email from the forum, or are experiencing any other problems with the Crispin Colloquy, I want to know ...immediately.

Contact me at:

admin@thehcc.org

We are working on the problems but beg your patience as we try to resolve these issues.

Thank you

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

As a result of recent misuse of this forum by spammers and at least one flamer, the administration of the Crispin Colloquy has decided to close all topics to public and anonymous posting.

Most forums on the Internet have long since adopted this policy for much the same reasons.

Reading by the public will remain open and accessible--as it has been for the last eight(?) years.

Henceforth, to post on the Crispin Colloquy a user must register, provide a valid email address, and have cookies enabled on his computer for this site.

For most current users this will mean nothing--no changes...no worries. New users will have to register.

Anyone having trouble posting to any topic should notify me immediately at:

admin@thehcc.org.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

Here are the "shortcuts" for a number of emoticons for use on this forum. Eventually, I hope to create a table in the "Formatting" section to make these permanently and easily accessible. I may add a few as time goes by, as well.

:D= LOL
:O= big grin
:)= smile
;)= wink
:(= sad
:[= uhoh
:]= blush
{bd}= we are not worthy

PS...you have to go to the forum itself to see these emoticons the email you are reading will not display them


Yr. Hmb. Svt.

All,

I have added instructions, on how to insert emoticons ("smilies" ) into a post, to "Formatting" page in the left-hand frame. I hope this helps if only because these text-based shortcuts will now be readily available.

Long term, I intend to add to, or alter, the list. If anyone has any questions, problems, or an emoticon that they wish to see added, feel free to contact me.

Emmett

Deleted upon request

Emmett

All,

I regret to announce that until further notice, all uploading of videos must be put on hold. This is not the end but there are some bandwidth issues that need to be worked out.

Hang on...I'm workin' on it...

Yr. Hmb. Svt.....

Emmett,

Did I break the bandwidth? My daddy always said I could bend a crowbar in a sand pit.

Anyone wishing to post a video clip to the forum, please contact me--admin--first. We have worked out a way to avoid the bandwidth problems that were mentioned in a previous SA, and the solution opens the door to longer clips as well as a central location for all past and future videos.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

The forum is curreantly experiencing some problems with email notification. Please be patient.

As many of you know, the forum just recently moved to a new server with lots more space. But we are still experiencing some "growing" pains." It may seem to take forever to post a message (I think in the neighborhood of 2 minutes) but I am hoping to resolve that issue soon. There are still a very few issues with email notification and if you have not received any email notification for Open Forum in the last several days (and think you should have or have been) let me know immediately.

Some of you may be receiving a message from The Crispin Colloquy for the first time. It is the policy, and in the rules, that anyone registering for the Crispin Colloquy must...MUST...enable email notification for System Announcements at a minimum. In reviewing the list of members, I have discovered that some of you failed to do this...naughty, naughty. I have enabled email notification for System Announcements in your profiles. Anyone with so little interest in this forum that they do not even want to receive announcements about system changes and policy should immediately contact admin and have their registrations deleted. Those with serious interest in the discussions that occasionally take place here and a serious interest in the subject of boot and shoemaking will enable email notification for Open Forum, as well.

In any case, that's the status of the board for the time being...growing and changing.

Emmett

All,

Looks like the board is working well now. Posting is near instantanneous and email notification is being delivered.

Just in time for AGM--all you guys and gals in Williamsburg...don't for get to take pictures! Enjoy!!!

And Happy St. Crispin's Day.

Yr. Hmb. Svt

Gang,

A gentle reminder (I hope) that everyone needs to be careful about where they post. Topics have themes for a reason. Please post your comments in discussions that are appropriate.

For example, "The Gallery" is for photos only. This is because photos take so long to load, especially for those folks still on dial-up. Comments or discussions about photos in "The Gallery" belong in "Gallery Gossip."

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

Another gentle reminder, especially for new members...

Read the guidelines of the Forum! Members must...repeat must...activate email notification for System Announcements, at the minimum. Failure to do this will result deletion of your account!! This notice is also included in the email a new member receives when he/she registers. So no warning will be issued.

I also recommend ativating email notification for "Open Forum" as well.

There are no restrictions upon reading this board. If a member does not care to be apprised of the changes...in policy, status, etc...of the board, at the very least, then moderating and administrating the board becomes problematic.

If the member does not activate email notification for "Open Forum," either, then there is no point in registering at all. Such spurious registrations only place a burdan on the server and admin.

Please take notice.

Emmett

All,

By popular request, I have set up a single location for all videos (past and future) that have been, or will be, posted to this board:

Open Forum:Techniques, Crans and Visualizations:Videos

With the move to the new server, all videos will either have to come from me or through me. For that reason, I have limited posting in that subtopic. It will be reserved for viewing only.

Those wishing to comment or discuss the contents of a video may post in:

Open Forum:Techniques, Crans and Visualizations:Videos:The Screening Room.

I hope this suits and is helpful...

Emmett

All,

I have set up an Allied Trades sub-forum, as this is well within the purview of The Honourable Cordwainers' Company mission statement.

At present the only sub-topic is The Harness Shop.

Those wishing or thinking that there might be enough interest to warrant another sub-topic are welcome to contact me.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

After giving it considerable thought, I have promoted "Correcting Common Foot Problems" to a separate Sub-Forum.

This is to give the orthopedic folks a chance to focus and concentrate their knowledge.

I hope it helps and is an active part of the Crispin Colloquy.

Emmett

Several announcements:

Some of you may be getting email from this forum for the first time. I have just spent some time going through the user list activating email notification for System Announcements for a number of users. One of the first requirements of membership at The Crispin Colloquy is that email notification for System Announcements be activated so that Administration can keep all members abreast of changes to the forum--the address, why it may be down, etc..

It is also strongly recommended that email notification be turned on for Open Forum, as well. Like many other forums on the Internet prolonged absence or disinterest will result in a member's registration lapsing.

If activating email notification for System Announcements is unacceptable or if a member feels that he or she is not really interested or will not be participating in the forum, please email me admin@thehcc.org and I will delete your account.

Emmett

All,

In order to prevent misunderstandings, I offer a simple set of guidelines for posting in any part of the board.

1) avoid characterizations--calling people names, describing their behavior, or assigning motives or emotions to another person's remarks.

2) avoid using the word "you" in any context in which might be seen as inflammatory or as a critique.

3) if the intent of a remark seems unclear, assume the best! not the worst. And...

4) ask before making any assumption

5) any and all conflicts should be taken to private email...they do not belong on the forum. Most of these will be seen to be nothing more than a misunderstanding and can usually be resolved amicably.

A pledge...as administrator, I will address all issues that require resolution via private email. I will never publicly embarrass or humiliate any member of this forum, deliberately. Any member of the forum who feels that he or she has been singled out for ill treatment is encouraged to contact me for possible redress.

Members who do not comply with these guidelines and/or with whom I can find no cooperation or agreement, will be suspended until a resolution satisfactory to me can be arrived at.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

I have the following from Jake Dobbins---one of the most active and creative members of this forum and an active moderator...as well as a good friend.

---

quote:

As I mentioned in our recent telephone conversation, I believe it’s time for me to hand the reins of my position as a forum moderator back to you. As you know, two years ago I re-entered my profession as a general dentist. It has become apparent to me that I honestly do not have the time needed to properly function as a moderator. This is unacceptable not only to you, but also to the other moderators and members of the forum. So it’s with mixed emotions that I ask to resign my position as a forum moderator for The Crispin Colloquy.

I would like to try to express my gratitude for the opportunity you bestowed upon me. What an honor it has been to work along side individuals of such high regard. The daily interactions with people ALL around the world has added yet another page to my life which I will look back fondly on. I was always treated with respect and felt like I had a voice in the daily decisions of running the forum. It has been a great time working with you and the camaraderie will be truly missed! I wish the forum all the success possible and will continue to “look-in” as time allows.



Respectfully,

Jake Dobbins

---

It has long been the stated policy of this forum that prices for items which are offered for sale (especially by the individual selling) may not be quoted.

This is the one rule that is most often and most egregiously violated by new members, yet it is clearly stated in the forum guidelines. I am at a loss as to what to do about it. Deleting the message is like closing the barndoor after the cows have already escaped. Yet that seems to be the only alternative short of withdrawing posting privileges for offending members.

Please people...read the rules of this forum and respect them. If you don't understand the why's or wherefores...and need to...you are perfectly welcome to email me and I will explain the rules.

Emmett

This is to inform all members...

Members whose last posts were made more than two years ago are subject to having their registrations deleted.

Those wishing to remain a member and receive email notifications of posts made to this forum but who do not wish to post for whatever reasons are urged to contact Administration.

I remind all members receiving this notification, that reading of posts made to the Crispin Colloquy is open to the public (at least for now). In other words, one does not have to be a member to benefit from the sage counsel offered by generous contributors. But as administrator, I see no reason to tax the system and the server by carrying members who may have changed their email addresses, or simply lost interest.

Emmett

It was with great regret, some time ago, that The Crispin Colloquy learned one of its most active members, Jake Dobbins, would resign from his position of moderator. Raising two youn'uns and needing to support his family, Jake felt he needed to get a "real job," and so he went back to pulling teeth and now has one of the most advanced dental clinics in Arkansas.

As a member of the forum, Jake contributed much and contributed unselfishly. As a moderator, he was a source of calm and wise counsel, as well as unflagging support and loyalty for those of us who occasionally had to deal with difficult situations and difficult people. He remains a good friend.

The last several years have been a period of growth and change on the forum. And a period of calm and congeniality. That made it easy to limp along with one less hand on deck. But all this time, Admin has been looking for someone to replace Jake. Someone who would be active, and willing, and at least somewhat computer savvy.

I am happy to announce that Rob Elferink has stepped forward and expressed his willingness to join Jim Kladder, Al Saguto, and myself (Emmett) as a moderator on The Crispin Colloquy. He takes on a burden that is both weighty and joyful. I think he will make a fine moderator and I look forward to working with him. He has my gratitude.

Those of you attending AGM this St. Crispin's Day, will undoubtedly meet him in Delavan.

Thank you Rob.


Emmett

On behalf of everyone in Administration, I want to wish each and everyone of you a Happy and Blessed St. Crispin's Day.

I sincerely hope you have taken the day off from your labours and are, even now, feasting and making merry.

This evening we will raise a toast (Caol Ila) to St. Crispin and all his faithful disciples--you who make the Crispin Colloquy so special.

Thank you for that and...

May God and the Saint bless you all.

Yr. Hmb. Svts.

Emmett
Al
Jim
Rob

Since most of us will be real busy with festivities tomorrow, I thought I would take the opportunity to wish every one a Happy Thanksgiving.

Hopefully, we are all sufficiently cognizant of the many things we have to be thankful for...not the least of which is the Forum and the Guild--The Honourable Cordwainers' Company, who sponsors the forum.

And any mention of the forum has to take into account the many folks who give of their time and their energy and their knowledge....who post here and answer questions and volunteer information openly and without reservation or expectation.

On behalf of the moderators and the Guild itself, I want to acknowledge the debt of gratitude we all owe these folks. And thank them--you who are the Forum--for your contributions.

For those in other countries that do not celebrate a national day of Thanksgiving, you are still in our thoughts and hope that you will join us in spirit if not in person.

So...a toast to all of you and let's get that bird in the smoker!

emmett

All,

Please...folks need to be a bit more circumspect about where posts are being made. For example, The Gallery is for photos of recent work...photos.

Comments about that work are meant to be posted in Gallery Gossip.

There is a practical reason for this....photos take time to upload to your computer. Admin tries to prune The Gallery regularly so that the page of photos will load quickly. Chat about photos, when placed in The Gallery, only means less photos available to be seen.

And there is another reason...having to move misplaced posts makes Admin grumpy--especially when instructions concerning where a post is appropriate are right there at the head of the page.

When Admin gets grumpy it is not pretty...trust me.

Yr. Hmb. Svt

The staff--admin and moderators--of the Crispin Colloquy want to wish you a Blessed and a Merry Christmas.

"God Bless us every one."

Emmett

All,

The last several years have been very good years for the Crispin Colloquy...with a certain cordial objectivity and complaisance coming to the fore that was always envisioned.

The membership of Crispin Colloquy has grown--welcoming new members from around the world...with extremely valuable contributions to make.

Perhaps it is precisely that diversity and broadened vision that has engendered this growth and this atmosphere of congeniality. In any case, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate each and every member and to thank you all for your contributions.

Thank you for making 2007 a banner year for the forum!!




Here's wishing us all a prosperous, happy, and healthy 2008.

Emmett

As everyone who has registered for membership in the Crispin Colloquy knows (it is explicit in the email that is sent out to each new member), one of the requirements of membership at the Crispin colloquy is that email notification for System Announcements be turned on.

In the spirit of new beginning and the New Year, I have gone through the roster and activated email notification for System Announcements for every member.

Those who do not want this email sent to their mailboxes should contact admin@thehcc.org so that their registration may be deleted.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

All,

Forum policy is that new members activate email notification for System Announcements, at the very minimum, upon joining the Crispin Colloquy. This is explicitly stated in the email that is sent to each prospective members upon registration. Its purpose is to ensure that all member will be aware of any changes to the forum--downtime, policy revisions, and/or announcements--that may be of concern to members.

Addtionally, it encourages members to get familiar with their own profile and the user control panel so that, for instance, if a member's email address should change the data will be updated in a timely fashion without admin having to field numerous error messages.

Many fail to do this when they register and on a regular basis admin has to go in and activate email notification for these folks.

I have begun a new policy for new members of this board...those who fail to activate email notification for System Announcements will have email notification activated for them--for both System Announcements and The Open Forum.

It should be remembered that this is not a closed forum. The public is welcome and free to read most messages posted to this board. Those who register...never intending to visit on a regular basis or participate or take any further interest in the discussions burden the mail server and the database.


Bottom line...Admin assumes a certain level of active interest. If you are not interested in the discussions on The Crispin colloquy, don't register. Or ask Admin to delete your registration.

Members who do not want to get email notification of posts made to any topic other than System Announcements (it is mandatory that email notification be activated for all users)...topics such as Open Forum (where most discussions take place) may edit their profile to turn off email notification for Open Forum.

Those members who are having a hard time finding their control panel to edit their profile are encouraged to contact a Admin or any moderator.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

All,

I wanted to remind folks that this discussion forum is relatively easy to use...provided that a member avails him/herself of the guidelines specifically presented to help members learn how to use it.

On the opening screen in the left hand frame, there is a short but comprehensive section called "Getting Started." That section covers such critical subjects as: how to register for a membership in the Crispin Colloquy; how to read and participate in discussions; a link to formatting help, as well as instructions on how to get additional help...including a link to the "contacts" page, where one can find email links to Admin, and the rest of the moderators.

Additionally, under "Topics" the first position is occupied by a thread entitled "POSTING GUIDELINES All Users Read This!" A great many questions will be answered, and a great many missteps avoided if members simply read this topic...at least once (and once is all Admin asks). Again, in this topic is an email link to Admin and help.

There is no reason why any member should have difficulties with this forum to the point of not being able to use it or to participate in the discussions, or even use specific functions like "bold," "italics," large fonts, posting photos, etc.. Help is just an email away. But Admin cannot help if Admin does not know that a member is experiencing a problem.

Of course, Admin is reluctant to do for members what members can do for themselves, with just a bit of curiosity and initiative. But again, Admin is perfectly willing to help those having difficulties, however Admin needs to be contacted in order to help.

So, please familiarize yourself with this board and its workings...this is the best way to make the Crispin Colloquy your forum.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

At the risk of being a scold, I need to remind folks of the following:

Test Messages, and its subtopics, are for test purposes only. Consequently, posts made to these topics are ephemeral, at best. Whether they remain posted and available from day to day is entirely dependent upon the whims and other duties, of the moderators.

The upshot is that if you want to post a message of any significance...or desire it to reach the membership for consideration or reply...Test Messages is not the place to post it.

My sole purpose in making this reminder is to ensure that valuable insights and resources do not get deleted along with the practice posts that these topics were created to handle.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

I have opened a new subtopic under "Open Forum" > "Crans, Techniques and Visualizations" dedicated to to sharpening trchniques.

The new subtopic is called "The Sharper Vision

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

This is an important announcement from the System Administrator of the Crispin Colloquy regarding a structural change to the Forum.

When this forum was created, in 1998, nothing like it existed on the Internet. Forums were fairly commonplace, it's true, but there really was no community of boot or shoemakers nor any sign of one on the horizon. When I created the Crispin Colloquy, one of the things I noticed, however, and wanted to copy, was an "Off Topic" area. A place where folks who became members to learn and share about shoemaking could have casual conversation and a connection that was as much social as structured.

This impulse eventually became "Rants, Rationales and Suppositions."

Perhaps I got a little too ambitious. Perhaps my mistake was getting too tongue-in-cheek with the moniker for "Rants..." The minute I named it "Rants...", I set a problematic tone. The rest of the name--"...Rationales and Suppositions"--didn't help either. I did not reckon with the power of a names (even though our remote ancestors knew that power millennia ago). I didn't anticipate the enthusiasm this suggestion of "throwing off" normal constraints would generate. Yet despite the reputation that "Rants..." has acquired in the "urban mythology" that crops up around any community, historically it has been a section of the forum that for the most part has been nothing but positive. There are some truly interesting and moving discussions to be found there.

I have given it a great deal of thought...and have come to the conclusion that it would be better to close down "Rants, Rationales and Suppositions" entirely. But I am going to establish a new off topic section under the name of "Off Topic," and move some of the sub-topics that existed in "Rants..." and some from other parts of the board to this new topic area.

However, as administrator and chief moderator on the Crispin Colloquy I want to make some things perfectly clear and I ask that every member read the following carefully and abide by the provisions outlined below.

First, due to the nature of the underlying software, topic headings will be limited. Those who feel that they have a topic for discussion that cannot be adequately served by topics that are already in existence may apply to Admin for the creation of a new header.

Second, I want to establish that in the old/new "Off Topic" no discussions of politics, religion, race, or gender inequities will be tolerated. Posts made in that vein or threads that degenerate into such discussions will be immediately deleted...with no prior notice.

Third, all the general rules of the forum will apply to "Off Topic." No solicitation of business will be tolerated. No self promotion for personal profit will be tolerated.No quoting of prices for personal gain. Courtesy and respect will be the standard by which all posts will be expected to conform.

Fourth, no ad hominem attack or comments are tolerated in any part of the forum but this particularly applies to "Off Topic." Such posts will be immediately deleted and the offending party will be suspended until such time as they can demonstrate to Admin or a majority of the moderators that they are not only contrite but that they understand the definition of "ad hominem" and pledge to restrain themselves in the future.

So that there will be no misunderstanding I would ask that every member read and acquaint himself with the following:

An ad hominem attack (or comment) is one that characterizes another member's personality, comments or motives in an unfavourable or denigrating manner. "Ad Hominem" means, literally, "to the man." If remarks contain any hint of finger pointing or personal attribution they are, by definition, "to the man."

To any member that thinks these measures to be too restrictive, let me offer assurance that these are the kinds of rules that every successful forum on the Internet has been forced to adopt. They are, however, only common sense. Strangely enough, while the Internet can be a powerful tool for sharing knowledge and for creating community, it also seems to bring out the worst in some folks. While few and far between their impact can be all out of proportion to the actual importance of the offender.

Again, it all boils down to respect and common courtesy.

Having studied Internet forums for over ten years, and as the Administrator of The Crispin Colloquy, I recognize that someone has to be the final arbiter in such matters. By default that responsibility fall on me. As Administrator, I have a council of moderators and advisors that help me to set policy and offer wise and diverse opinions when difficult circumstances arise. But once the judgment has been made that a member has violated the bounds of common courtesy and respect, there will be no further appeal. The harmony and goodwill that now exists on this forum is far too important to let it be jeopardized by intentional disregard for the sensibilities and rights of other members.

Given that these simple sentiments are adhered to, I believe...I have always hoped and held forth the promise...that we can discuss nearly anything as mature, reasonable, objective, students of boot and shoemaking...and of life.

If there is ever any doubt in a member's mind about the appropriateness of a comment or post, I strongly urge that it be presented to a moderator for consultation before it is posted publicly.

Emmett

The Off Topic area has been re-named The SpeakEasy ...alluding to the jovial and inviting atmosphere which is, nevertheless susceptible to police raids if things get out of hand.



Emmett

All,

As per request, I have extended the editing time to 40 minutes. I think this is a long time but I can't see any harm in it.

Remember that when you post, a copy of that post is immediately sent out in email to all members who are monitoring the forum. Those folks that are monitoring the forum via email generally read the post in email. Once that email is sent there is no way to call it back and edit it. So in practical terms, even though you can go back and change it on the forum itself, all your mistakes in spelling and grammar are set in stone in the email that is the first read version.

It should also be noted that most browsers--Sea Monkey, Firebird, IExplorer, and maybe Opera--allow you to set up spell checkers for any and all input...such as would be created as you entered text to post a comment. The post can then be spell checked in the editing window before it is actually committed to the forum interface.

I have tried to set up the internal spell checker without much success. And since modern browsers can be configured to spell check it seems redundant and unnecessary.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

Two items to alert members of the Crispin Colloquy...

First, a new first level topic has been added--Cinema Verite. The formal description of this new topic is a re-wording of a dictionary definition for the term. But in essence it is a topic devoted to the videos that our generous member have contributed to this forum.

The topic itself cannot be posted to...videos must be submitted to Admin for vetting and posting. There is a sub-topic--The Screening Room--reserved for comments and questions regarding these videos...including questions of the techniques demonstrated.

The old sub-topic of "Videos" has been closed and all messages moved to the new topic.

Second issue...some of you are getting this announcement by way of surprise. New members who sign up for membership on the Crispin Colloquy are required...repeat, required...to activate, at minimum, email notification for System Announcements as a prerequisite for membership. Some folks fail to do this, so rather than send chiding emails, I have decided to activate this for you. If this is not satisfactory, please contact admin@thehcc.org and I will delete your registration.

Yr. Hmb. Svt.

For the past eleven years the Crispin Colloquy has served the bespoke shoe and bootmaking community, bringing together experts and novices to talk about and share techniques and materials and our common passion for footwear.

In the beginning, the CC was created and supported by those who saw the potential benefit such a forum might have for the Trade. But it was purely personal resources--of money and time--that nurtured it until such time as the Honourable Cordwainers' Company became the official sponsor.

To this day the Crispin Colloquy runs on...depends on...the energy and dedication of volunteers. But like all internet websites and, internet discussion forums especially, the Crispin Colloquy also incurs expenses to maintain a presence on the Web. Server space and connectivity are but two of those expenses.

The Honourable Corwainers' Company is a non-profit, tax exempt organization wholly dependent upon the collection of dues and donations for funds...and indeed, for its very existence. Without the generosity of members, the Guild cannot carry out day to day functions, cannot support the Crispin Colloquy, and would, in fact, itself cease to exist.

The Crispin Colloquy, by design, serves a greater community than the membership of the Guild and registration for the Crispin Colloquy is free. Naturally, however, we also encourage membership in the Guild although we do not require it. At $20.00 a year (a membership schedule that has not changed since the HCC was founded over two decades ago) it is a small price to pay to help the Guild achieve the goals set forth in its mission statement--"to preserve and protect."

Members of the Crispin Colloquy must ask themselves why they are members. Do you gain anything from your membership on the forum? Have you ever learned anything on the forum? Techniques, sources, ideas that have improved your shoemaking or perhaps even given you the initial boost to get started? Have you seen work--shoes or boots--that has inspired you to want to do the same? Have you met or spoken with people who have generously and unstintingly shared the results of literally lifetimes of dedication, and sweat, and in every real sense of the word...blood.

And the big question...would your shoe or bootmaking...be better or worse without the Crispin Colloquy?

If any of these questions give you pause, if any of the answers are "yes," and you are not a member of the Honourable Cordwainers Company, perhaps you might consider joining. For twenty dollars you can help support the Crispin Colloquy for a year and keep it on the the World Wide Web. You can make sure that it remains available to you and all our colleagues for another eleven years.

To put it bluntly...if you take, you owe.

The Honourable Cordwainers' Company and the Crispin Colloquy are staffed and run by volunteers...people who donate their time, energy and considerable skills to create and maintain a welcoming community for all of us. That will continue as long as these people are sitting up and taking solid food. But the unspoken reality is that to accomplish all that we have set out to do, especially in these times, some of these people are also contributing extra resources from their own finances. And that's not only unfair, it's unsustainable.

The goals are worthy, the impulse noble...the Honourable Cordwainers' Company could use your support. Please join us.

Emmett

To all members...

I would like to welcome Rick Roman of Romango Shoes as a new moderator for the Crispin Colloquy. Rick is a member of the HCC and faithfully attends all AGM's. He is a passionate and skilled shoemaker who brings both that knowledge and also an expertise in computers to the position. This makes him an excellent choice for moderator.

Rick replaces Robert Elferink. Many may have noted and missed Rob's contributions to the forum. Rob did a little world traveling the past year and ended up in South Africa, of all places. He seems happy there and is fascinated by the diversity of animal...and night...life. I would like to thank Rob for his service to the Guild and to the forum. He provided a calming and even-handed perspective when it was needed.

The other moderators--Al Saguto and Jim Kladder--and myself, look forward to working with Rick and welcome his contributions.

Emmett

A proxy posting...

I like to thank all the members, the fellow moderators and the administrator for having been able to work together while I had the privilege of serving as Moderator for the Crispin Colloquy. Over the past 9 months my situation has changed and I have been lacking in my contributions, nor have I been able to perform my tasks as moderator. I am glad Rick Roman is able and willing to take over from me as I believe he is a suitable candidate and is well on his way to become a master craftsman.
I still follow the Colloquy, be it with some delay at times and will continue to do so. When my situations normalizes I hope to contribute to the Colloquy again where appropriate.

Rick,
Congratulations on the appointment as moderator. You sure have proven yourself going from “want-to be” to becoming a full fledged shoemaker in the public eye of the forum. I look forward to the guidance you can bring to the Colloquy as a moderator. I wish you patience, courage and wisdom to perform the moderator tasks.

Rob

Robert Elferink
Master Orthopedic Shoemaker - Technical Footwear consultant
EuroShoe
www.EuroShoe-Boston.com

Management and staff at the Crispin Colloquy and The Honourable Cordwainers' Company would like to extend best wishes for the holidays to all members...old and new, here and abroad.

It's been a good year for the Crispin Colloquy. We've welcomed a lot of new members, seen old members engaging more meaningfully, and we've all learned more than a little. Thanks to everyone for making the forum an enjoyable and comfortable place to visit and learn.

We wish everyone a Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.