[TheForge] ABANA and political correctness

[Andrew Vida]

Cindy and James wrote:
> 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.

	Expensive is good... :)
> 
> 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.

	This is a really good idea... reaching out to the professional 
community for publicity and awareness.

	Is anyone taking all this down?
> 
> $55 or whatever for ABANA membership is pennies.

	Not for everyone.  When I didn't have it, dues could have been $55MM 
for all the difference it made to me.


> 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.

	Seems some of us have very thin skin.  I saw nothing untoward in 
Cornelius' response.  I suppose it is all a matter of how one sees the 
world.  Some are fast to be offended... some seek it.  Go figger.