Since it appears that I am the whipping boy of the week for having an opinion I want an opportunity to set the record straight...

Challenge:

Quote and then support with an argument a flame that has come from my keyboard. I will counter once and then let it drop. Otherwise please refrain from posting on this thread.

I can only actually think of one statement that I would retract from that thread (still not a flame, I don't believe)and that was the one directed at parker where I stated that I felt he was trying to "sell the public a bill of goods". Poor choice of words and I apologize for that. The purpose of the new thread was to set the record straight, to allow me to get my information out there and for Vision to post a counter argument, basically to have this be more professional and business like. Once the namecalling began the usefulneess of the post to the entire BB community was diminished beyond repair. It is nearing that state again and if it continues I will do the same. Only this time I will copy and paste out the most useful counter argument and make sure to include it in the new thread.

As for hidden agendas and all that other total nonsense? I am just an average fishin Joe, an aspiring author, with no sponsors or loyalties to any tackle manufacturer (OK I might be a little biased towards Pen-Tac/Mor-Tac spinner/spoon components). I have a reputation in my company as someone who is honest, dedicated, innovative and intelligent. Never afraid to speak my mind no matter how unpopular it is. You can count on me to exhibit the same traits on this board.

As for deleting the first bad experience thread:

If my integrity had not been called in to question it would still be there. My friend Steel-addicted got sucked into it and I figured that was about enough. Its funny how people's loyalties can be so strong that they refuse to see the truth when it is layed right out before them...

So let's all endeavor to conduct ourselves more professionally on this board. I will start with myself...

Remember: If you flame me expect reciprocation...as will I should I decide to take that route.

Uh,.....that will be $5 for using my phrase.

Please, take no offense at my post. I can sense some agrivation on your end of the information superhighway. Take some time away from the computer. Just a piece friendly advice from one who has suffered from the same symptoms a time or two.

Andy

Do you pack heat? If so, I'm sorry.

I wonder why no one has accepted my challenge??

Especially when so many seem so genuinely offended by my opinion.

I think you are an ***hole = opinion.

You are an ***hole = flame.

Simple distinction...for any one who actually uses their brain.

Hey, anybody been fishing lately?

Hehe...knew it'd be aunty who bit first (fish on) -

I've only ever deleted one thread, remember?? The one where you called me a liar??

This is so infantile, I've been attacked for expressing my opinion and sharing my experience with other fishermen, the essence of what a BB like this is supposed to be.

At this point its no longer about the hooks, its about integrity and I feel a brief (ha) diatribe coming on.

Vision hooks (another plug) have communicated with me about the hooks (that I didn't even buy). They communicated with me through the nefarious "deleted post", I have never referred to the company negatively. They have acted with the utmost integrity toward me personally and addressed my concerns about the integrity of their 1/0 Siwash hook product.

The current burr in my saddle is with the "attack" mindset present on this mostly excellent BB. Your discouragement of counter opinions ideas and positions is stifling to the over all benefit of this BB. I belong to several other BB's and guess what, we argue about stuff all the time. The purpose of the arguments or discussions is to further understand both sides of the issues you disagree about we do it with integrity, not little anger emoticons and veiled threats at physical harm.

That said I am 100% through with this subject unless someone questions the integrity of any post I have made. In that case I will again defend myself vigorously and with reluctant respect for my attacker...

Good, sounds like this issue is dead.