Fo was hilarious and usually had some very good points. Toby made a bad business decision by banning one of the biggest page hit makers in kiteboarding history.
FoKiten would be welcome on my forum anytime!
Most people can't appreciate someone's ball busting writing style. I do it all the time, and yes, most people don't get it, so I am considered a "hater". Either way, if it makes you think a little, it's mission accomplished.....
I don't put a whole lot of weight in what someone thinks of me who doesn't know me, or bases their opinion on something I said on a forum 8 years ago.
I see forums as an extension of the beach- you bust your buddies balls and he busts you back. No harm, no foul as long as you aren't spreading lies. or "writing checks with your mouth that your ass can't cash."
Since the beach (and forums) became all about the money- suddenly the fun and games were OVER and cracking on someone's cyber-alias was no longer acceptable.....
There were some serious problems going on back them, and having a moderator editing your posts without consent made it even worse. (that was not on this forum, BTW.)
Along with the advertiser/friend favored moderators, came the loss of interest in forums. It used to be a great problem solving tool and encouraged honest conversation. Look at what has happened here in Florida since the communication stopped- problem kiters and irresponsible retailers operate at will, because they know that there's no responsibility to the community. Don't want to face the heat- just avoid the forums.That is the standard now and many of the bans in S. Florida are the result of not working through the problems.
I have always suggested to read them like the Sunday Comics, it's much more entertaining.
www.kiteboardingtampabay.com