Wow. I never thought I would generate such a passionate response. Firstly, Let me be big enough to apologise for any upset I may have caused. As I said initially I think this forum is, in the main, helpful and supportive. Fortunately, I have not so far posted a question about bees to which I have received either a sarcastic or dismissive response. I do read up a lot and I have an experienced bee mentor to guide me. The reason I post questions is because I would like to obtain a broad view of particular subject areas. I haven't so far found the need to ask a specific question as such (I'd be afraid to now) - My mentor guides me.
My post was in response to some of the comments that I have read and I feel embarrassed for those on the receiving end. Having replied to one post about there being no need to be insulting or patronising, I then received some rather unpleasant replies. Coming from Liverpool I am quite thick-skinned (no doubt some forum users would say thick-headed) but to be told if you don't like it, get off the forum, your opinions are not wanted here etc etc is a bit much and merely proves my point. As another forum user pointed out, this is cyber bullying by a small number of forum users. That person is correct, and the caustic comments seem to come from the same small number of users. If forum users are fed up with answering the same basic questions, why do they bother to take the time to reply? If you do reply, why not be polite? As another forum user said "you wouldn't speak like that to someones face so why do it on the forum?"
On the up-side, my post has generated some stimulating comments and positive suggestions. And, this may disappoint some, in view of the support that I have received, I am not going to give anyone the satisfaction of leaving the forum. You know who you are and if you dish it out to me again, be sure I will give it back. I am not going to be intimidated by you or anyone else. The scouser has come out fighting (what's new) LOL
