[TheForge] ABANA and political correctness

[Cindy and James]

1.  Regarding ABANA...  a few thoughts.

Artistic work.  Some can make a living doing traditional blacksmithing.  
I can't.  I work with an artist/designer full time.  She reviews 
everything and has an incredible eye for detail and finish.  I 
appreciate the ABANA articles showing all kinds of work, the more 
expensive the better.

My comment to ABANA, get some of those high-end projects published in 
magazines like Architectural Digest, Veranda, Traditional Home, etc.  
And get ABANA listed in the article somewhere.  Tell the people who have 
money to spend where we are.  Lots of them don't know we exist and they 
think all ironwork comes from Mexico or India.  Oh yes, it IS a global 
economy whether or not we like it.

$55 or whatever for ABANA membership is pennies.  If you get just one 
good idea a year, it is well worth the price.  If it is just a hobby for 
you, well then you have to decide where and on what to spend your money. 

Abana conferences.  I've never attended one.  Would like to if one is 
close enough to me to be practical. 

2.  Regarding the tiff between Cornelius, Alan, et al.

I don't know Cornelius, but he says what is on his mind the first time.  
Some appreciate that, some don't. 

I would rather know what someone is thinking than have to wonder because 
they were being "politically correct". 

I suspect he spends more time hammering than he does typing emails too!  
Makes for a short answer.  Lots of us are too wordy.

James Allcorn
Bois D'Arc Forge Blacksmith Shop
Paris, TX