Originally Posted by
radaddict
Is there any other solution?? Yes. Don't worry about it and have fun! YMMV.
Let's have a bit of a reality check here and I'm happy for anyone to disagree with me. We're not discussing trade secrets here or anything that could affect the balance of power in the free world as we know it. We're discussing fountain pens and fountain pen stuff. I submit to you that if all fountain pen forums were to suddenly shut down or even if all fountain pens were to disappear from the planet in some bizarre fountain pen rapture, nothing of import would change; life would carry on as usual. The vast majority of folks don't use fountain pens. In fact, the use of pens in general is likely decreasing with the rise of smart phones and iPads.
These forums provide a great place for discussion, but none of what is discussed here or at FPN is secret knowledge. Yes, some folks have more knowledge and experience than others (and it's awesome that they so freely share), but you can build that knowledge outside of these forums - you can go to pen shows or your local library etc. etc. etc.
So, post your opinions and questions etc. and don't worry about your content. Life's too short. Have fun!
Hi radaddict
I agree with you to the extent that at some point we'll all have to let it go, as a conscious decision or being forced to when our journeys end at various points. However, while those journeys are still continuing, I wouldn't ask anyone other than myself to let go of their entitlement so freely. The knowledge imparted regarding fountain pens, though not often 'secrets', is no less valuable; the generosity of those who freely share their knowledge should all the more be respected and duly appreciated, not taken advantage of.
To play devil's advocate - a few of us leave this world today, some may say that nothing of import would change in this 6-7 billion civilization of ours.
As I see it, certain knowledge and insight shared in a forum is still intellectual property of that author. Today, he (or she) may graciously grant a licence to us all to use it, to benefit and learn from it. Tomorrow, for any reasons he deems fit, he should be able to revoke that licence, so it cannot be exploited by entities he no longer feel is worthy. Those of us who had the good fortune to learn from him and turned that knowledge into our own can use that knowledge to help others, which would become the legacy of his kindness.
Just my two cents worth.
All the best.
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