Where The Creek Flows
It is probably a good thing for me to remind everyone at least once every year that SawMill Creek exists only to provide a method for woodworkers to communicate. One simple goal, there obviously are other benefits such as the friendly atmosphere but the main reasons we are all members is to learn new skills and to share our knowledge.
Lately there have been various new threads that have had a tendency to bash a product or manufacturer for one reason or another and these tend to be more disruptive, less productive and inject a bit of unfriendly spirit into what is normally an upbeat kind of community. I would like to remind everyone that the reason we are able to enjoy our ability to speak freely here at SMC is that we are a self-supporting community. Without sponsors or advertising our position is unique in that we have the ability to communicate without fear of losing a sponsor and risking the loss of our community. Just because we are able to speak frankly doesn’t give us the right to criticize unfairly or to push our own views. Personal opinions are fine but they should never be given more weight than they deserve. Clearly everyone knows there are many ways to accomplish any goal, each woodworker must select from the equipment they own and the skills they possess as a first step to accomplishing any project. There is never a best way or technique that is the only option. Our mix of woodworkers here at SMC ranges from beginner to professional and this is reflected in the equipment they select as well as the materials they purchase.
One of our long-term goals is to attract the people that build the equipment we purchase to join SMC. This is not an easy task, traditionally online communities can be a tough crowd with quick tempers. We often present a very unattractive presence that is more often than not a source for very bad public relations. Corporations normally find it in their best interests to lurk frequently but never get involved. We have broken some ground in this area as we have been fortunate to have several managers from large companies join our community. The majority of our members accept this as a positive step and welcome these businessmen and women the same as any other member. Some have taken advantage and used this access to vent their frustrations which does more damage than good. Derogatory comments that are not substantiated by facts are selfish, immature and place our community in jeopardy of legal action. Show these people the same respect that you would any other member of SawMill Creek and we will all benefit from their participation.
We are a moderated community. This was decided, by our members, in the very first week of SawMill Creek’s existence. Every member of our community is a moderator and when they report a public post or thread that violates our Terms of Service or our community standards their report is taken seriously. In almost every case our members are more stringent than our Forum Moderators. This means that your peers here are responsible for the content of our Forums. Unlike many other woodworking forums SMC is for the most part governed by our members, not the administrative staff. Our Forum Moderators are woodworkers and members first, their administrative duties are generally very light since they have over six thousand pairs of eyes helping to keep things neat and tidy around the Creek.
We are serious about keeping SawMill Creek accessible to all woodworkers. This means that men, women and children are all welcome to visit or participate in any manner they are able. The value of the novice is equal to that of the Master Tradesman here. Those who ask questions are as integral to the process of learning as those who answer. Knowing that our membership includes woodworkers from all walks of life and from countries all over the world it is imperative that we sustain a certain level of mutual respect. Be kind, courteous and supportive of your peers and there will never be a war or loss of friendship within our woodworking community.
Sand, Turn, Hack or Saw…keep making sawdust and chips,
Keith Outten