Finman was sometimes aggressive in his posts, confrontational, outspoken, but he was also knowledgeable, did not take any crap and fought for what he believes. I also often wondered how much vodka he had drunk before writing posts.
His knowledge, language and humour did not always transfer cleanly to the UK,... but then we are not all in the UK and gives an interesting perspective on how it works in other country's (as do others). For me, he was a massive source of information, and although I did not agree with everything that he said, I fully respected his point of view and the passion he gave about the subject.
WE are not all experts and WE do not know everything. The point of a forum is to exchange views, and where views differ, debate. In many subjects there is no RIGHT answer and sometimes both sides of the debate are correct, outdated, or wrong.
There are a number of aggressive and outspoken members on this forum, some of which may 'believe' they know everything. However, it is also these people that challenge thinking and allows you to consider what we believe is correct, and decide whether it really is correct.... an opportunity to learn something new, change views or reinforce your own view.
I am happy to read both sides of the story and make up my own mind (although to be fair, when the insults start being thrown, I tend to stop reading the topic... this is my choice).
'If' I wanted to learn a single way to keep bees, I would be on 'another' forum whilst clenching a handbook. I am not, I have a brain and can make semi-educated decisions based on logic.
Over the years, Finman has taught me a lot (as has others), and without the advice I have been given, I probably would never have had the courage to start beekeeping in the first place, and get as far as I have.
I have had my share of run ins with Finman. I also know when it is time to cease the debate before the slanging match occurs, and I do not care whether I have the last post.
Others seem unable to do this and sometimes it appears as if some are attempting to promote a slanging match, or at least poke Finny with a sharp stick and wait for him to bite. For every slanging match, by its nature, there must always be more than one party. Where hoards are involved, individuals can be singled out.
If Finman goes away forever, for me, and I believe for the forum, he will be a great loss. I know others may not share my view, but as previously mentioned, the forum is for an exchange of views, and I am very happy to agree to disagree...
Just my two cents
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