Re: [Paddlewise] Skinboats of Greenland

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2000 05:03:48 -0700
Matt Broze wrote:

[re:  conflict between Winters and Broze re:  subtle "commercialism"]

> If the sense of the group is that I was out of line with what I said in my
> post (or this one) I will happily and voluntarily exile myself from this
> group, no hard feelings, I spend way too much time in front of a keyboard as
> it is. Please let me know how you feel, either publicly or privately. [snip]

> Even with the best of intentions it is easy to get caught up in discussions
> one knows a lot about because it is our every day conversation (or a regular
> sales pitch) for us. It is obvious that a designer is not likely to have a
> high opinion of something that is the opposite in design than how he thinks
> it should be. If paddlewisers can't make the points they want to in areas
> that they know best (because they follow their own beliefs in the designing
> they do, they really can't help but be promoting their designs if they argue
> what they believe) I think this group will be the poorer for it.

Agree completely with your paragraph -- and well stated, to boot.

And, no, I did not feel you were out of line.  I felt your argument about
overhanging bows was a logical extension of the thesis in your post.  If it was
advertising, it was d**n subtle, and it would have in no way influenced the way
I spend my bucks.

FWIW, I own and paddle a boat with very little overhang.  It paddles just
fine.  And it has a pleasing sensed of aesthetics.

The issue Winters raised seems a minor one.  We are all adults, and can
recognize that a designer (if he/she feels passionately about his/her designs)
can hardly avoid painting his/her school of thought as the "best,"  just as you
say.

I hope discussion of this ethical problem dies.  This is certainly my only
contribution to it.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Wed Apr 12 2000 - 05:00:41 PDT

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