Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 4th June 2012, 04:59 PM

I have been watching this thread with great interest as one of the many here who have participated here for many years, and learned constantly by sharing and gaining information in wonderful discussions. I am also one of the many who write here who have no academic credentials beyond high school, yet have been able to attain greater knowledge through the fascinating discussions here and most important, learning together with others with interests in common.

In these past 15 years, I have accomplished what I could never have achieved in solitary study, as the knowledge itself is superficial without the camraderie with which to share it, and the experience and observations of others with actual weapon examples not found in books. Though my days of collecting are long gone, I still am able to learn every day through the kind generosity of the many here who openly share thier knowledge as well as w3eapons from thier own collections and acquisitions.

The thing in my opinion that threatens all of this, is the very kind of arrogance and attitude that exists from my impressions, altogether too often in 'academic circles' as well as the counterproductive competition and egotism that often feeds it.

I do not understand why some here are so rankled by Ibrahiims suggestions and approach recognizing the profound value of these forums as well as the powerful core of knowledge shared among the members. Though I long ago realized that it was clearly not necessary to pursue letters in order to follow my chosen course of study, I think that Ibrahiims suggestions were made and presented in the most complimentary manner, and that some of the responses themselves are far more condescending than his well meant suggestions were perceived.

I agree with those positive comments, as well as the intention of Vandoo's original post, that this is a place where we have assembled a wonderful corpus of data and material which is archived to the benefit of all, whether present company or hopefully others who will follow. Much as in the work of Stone, recognized as the venerable backbone of arms study, this all serves merely as benchmarks for future research. In his book he heartily expresses his hope that others would indeed follow his lead, and here they clearly have.

Lets continue on our adventure together!!!

With respect,
Jim

4th June 2012, 04:59 PM	#36
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,191	I have been watching this thread with great interest as one of the many here who have participated here for many years, and learned constantly by sharing and gaining information in wonderful discussions. I am also one of the many who write here who have no academic credentials beyond high school, yet have been able to attain greater knowledge through the fascinating discussions here and most important, learning together with others with interests in common. In these past 15 years, I have accomplished what I could never have achieved in solitary study, as the knowledge itself is superficial without the camraderie with which to share it, and the experience and observations of others with actual weapon examples not found in books. Though my days of collecting are long gone, I still am able to learn every day through the kind generosity of the many here who openly share thier knowledge as well as w3eapons from thier own collections and acquisitions. The thing in my opinion that threatens all of this, is the very kind of arrogance and attitude that exists from my impressions, altogether too often in 'academic circles' as well as the counterproductive competition and egotism that often feeds it. I do not understand why some here are so rankled by Ibrahiims suggestions and approach recognizing the profound value of these forums as well as the powerful core of knowledge shared among the members. Though I long ago realized that it was clearly not necessary to pursue letters in order to follow my chosen course of study, I think that Ibrahiims suggestions were made and presented in the most complimentary manner, and that some of the responses themselves are far more condescending than his well meant suggestions were perceived. I agree with those positive comments, as well as the intention of Vandoo's original post, that this is a place where we have assembled a wonderful corpus of data and material which is archived to the benefit of all, whether present company or hopefully others who will follow. Much as in the work of Stone, recognized as the venerable backbone of arms study, this all serves merely as benchmarks for future research. In his book he heartily expresses his hope that others would indeed follow his lead, and here they clearly have. Lets continue on our adventure together!!! With respect, Jim