I can't help but feel some degree of responsibility (or at least involvement) in all of this. And since Haugy is one that's said he understands why, I would like to call on that understanding. Because I still don't completely understand why.
My recolection of the events that led up to all of this are as follows:
- Advice was asked on Bunks vs. Poles. NGAVDBA's pic was posted as an example of some of the biggest bunks they'd seen.
- I saw those and pictured all that I could screw up on my hull if I came in crooked and advocated poles (for ME)
- NGAVDBA said that poles look goofy
- I showed a few examples stating new wake boats all use poles
- He said they look goofy and said that "bass boats have poles".
- I bantered a little in response and said his argument was invalid (i.e. that bass boats have props, seats, steering wheels, etc).
- He first replied "We get it, you like poles".
- Then all his responses were edited out and I eventually heard about the accidental banning and his desire to leave.
I certainly don't want to be viewed as some troll that is tearing apart the Supra community. I like to think that I am a valid contributor and most certainly embrace promoting knowledge through sharing. I've been told on more than one occasion that my long writeup about the purchase of my boat and my experiences over the first summer of ownership have helped out other people making similar buying decisions... I know my transmission rebuild has allowed me to give insight to others.
Bottom line is that I was in "debate mode" and "banter mode". But I would have NEVER guessed that I was pushing his buttons to the degree that he would ultimately choose to leave the forum. I was shocked. I've been given a lot more sh** by others here than I felt like I was dishing out. And I was never insulting or condescending to him. In fact, I went to great lengths to say that he's undoubtedly a better driver than me (hence my need for poles) and that he obviously takes way better care of his boat than mine (hence his beautiful gelgoat relative to mine). The compliments I threw out were generous and were definitley intended to prevent offense from being taken.
So, I feel like some responsibility does rest on my shoulders, because I keep thinking that had I not engaged him in (what I thought was playful) banter, he'd probably still be here. So, I'm interested in learning what it was that struck a nerve. And finding out if I was overboard with my enthusiasm to debate and get on my internet soapbox. And if there's more to the story that I'm not aware of.
Gogger, please accept my apologies, because regardless of my intentions, I think that my interaction with him was not recieved as playfully as I intended and ultimately started things in motion to have the unfortunate result we're all left with. I never wanted this result and would personally beg him back if I could.