Well "Old Gard" hasn't gone anywhere yet, but in the few hours I was off line, many things were said about me that were petty and without facts. I find it sad that two people can try to use the membership of this forum, in an effort to advance ill will, show ridicule, and spread discontent.

Obviously I feel badly about this situation. I have long been a fan of this forum's method of sharing information, and have often highly praised everyone involved in the advancement of this goal. It is disheartening to learn that certain members will stoop to petty tactics to promote their own agenda. To be the target of this folly is equally disturbing. To have my intentions distorted and my communications deliberately exaggerated is a very subduing experience.

Perhaps a review of what precipitated these actions is required:

Last year I wrote a thread about a coating I had installed in my trailers to prevent corrosion. I wrote that it worked well and I was pleased with the results. Several people were interested, so I followed up with a more detailed description. One of the interested people was TX.

Recently the same issue reappeared and I answered again of what I had done in the past. Also in that thread I included the phrase " make sure the manufacturer's recommendations are closely followed".

Tx, who apparently had the product installed as I had described, wrote in with " it will not bond for long" and "he had tried it, against the advise of experts, and they were right". I replied that it worked for me and reiterated the necessary steps in the coating preparation of aluminum.

TX asked if I were man enough to admit when I've made a mistake. My reply was that I've made many and asked if he were referring to one in particular. He replied that he wasn't starting anything, but wanted to warn everyone about my opinion. He went on to explain that the coating in the trailer debonded where the floor flexed. I again stated that preparation is most important and gave him the commercial name of a primer, used by aircraft workers in the painting of aluminum.

TX then said that the process was improperly presented by the "Internet wizard". Upset with being disrespected and called a juvenile name, I asked if I were the whole reason for his problem.

Now out of the blue, up pops Hwbar. With no dog in this scrap, he chastises me for calling TX an idiot and implies that I've said TX was lying about what happened to his trailer. None of this is true as you can read in my threads. Condescendingly, he adds that TX is a cowboy, MEANING?

I PM'd Hwbar and in one short sentence, reminded him that "Ole Gard" had not called TX an idiot and wished him a good day.

Now it's readily apparent that Hwbar's gift for exaggeration and confrontation is formidable, and his recollection is weak. What I find interesting, is his campaign to malign me, when there is nothing to gain for his actions.

TX who said he was done complaining, is now questioning my manhood and beating his breast professing Christianity.

All this nonsense is for what purpose? I told the story of what I had done. For that I'm vilified and made the subject of juvenile pranks?

Is this the direction our forum is headed? Will we too be subject to the road rage and immaturity that is slowly pervading our society? Will the phrase "its not my fault, I have to blame someone for my problem" prevail here as well?

This truly, is a sad state of affairs. I most humbly apologize to you, the membership,who got caught up in this petty senselessness.

Best of luck,  Gard

Ah,I wouldn't care or lose too much sleep over what somebody said or thought on here,Gard.If it worked for you,then,it worked.That's all you said anyway,that it worked OK for you.You didn't tell anybody that "this is what everybody ought to try it's so great" ect.IMO.The internet has made it easy to say stuff that we probably wouldn't say to each other's face.I know you guys say that you would,but the internet is pretty impersonal and you don't have to worry about somebody's fist or the back of somebody's hand coming across your face if you "get into it" as we say.You want to read some out and out INSULTS,go on YouTUbe and make a comment that some of those kids don't happen to like.Man,they'll call you names you haven't even heard of yet.

So,I wouldn't worry about it.In the scheme of life,a forum's pretty small potatoes,really.If I think I've really come across ugly to somebody I'll go back and delete my comment on the thread.BUt,unless you're really intent on coming off as "Mr.Nice Guy" all the time, ,hey,so what? People are going to think what they're going to think no matter what you do sometimes.

And how many folks have bad mouthed Exiss when they see the name come up on here? ANd there are those of us that own them (Yeah,I own one of them,I'm not sorry for it either) that go on trying to defend our decision and not come off looking like idiots or dumba-- for buying an Exiss.

I like reading people's experiences and opinions on here.They may not agree with mine,and lots of times,hey,they don't,and I'm darn sure MINE don't agree with a lot of theirs.But so what? It's not like I'm going to have to sit next to them at work or at church so,what does it matter what they think? If I think I"ve been insulted on here,all I have to do is give it a day or so,and I'm laughing it off.I've taken and sifted and used a lot of this info and haven't messed up yet by doing it,and if I do,well,it was my decision to go and do it.Nobody held a gun on me to buy an Exiss,use this particular trailer wash,buy those tires,ect.That's life.It's not the cure for cancer or anything major that can't be overcome.

I'm just glad to be alive and on a forum!!!

It's the Internet!, 

How much do you take seriously from others. 

Read any forum, You will get respones from old timers with lots of experience, from old timers who are senile. From kids who have never seen what they post about to kids who live it every day. Since people can respond on the internet annoymously, People will say anything, Just like sitting down on a bar stool, the guy next to you may be an expert of all thing and a master of none.

Take what sounds reasonable to you, ignor the rest and try to be civil with everybody.

Seriously guys, this is a message board talking about trailers. Not the design group for the space shuttle. I think everyone is taking themselves just a little too seriously today. Have a cold one, lean back in the recliner and chill out - it's all good!

It happens every year about this time....it has been dark too long....the weather is cold, wet and miserable and we aren't getting enough fresh air on the back of a horse.  Happens on every "board" I am on......It lets up in spring.

We try to run this forum with a "light" hand.  Usually the members police themselves pretty well and keep everyone honest.  The one single rule we try to live by is respect for each other.  No personal shots.  If you take someone's advice, be man enough to own it.  It doesn't have to work for you.  It only has to work for HIM.  lol.

And if anyone EVER feels the train is out of control there is an emergency brake called "Report to Moderator", that will shoot any offensive post directly to someone who can do something about it.  Don't be proud and take on a malcontent all by yourself.  Just report them.

I have a saying, "Never argue with an idiot, they'll take you down to their level, and beat you with experience."

TX and HW need to be gone from this forum.......even after Dave posted, there was still another smart *ss answer trying to defame Gard....

Be gone gentlemen......your opinions are no longer needed or appreciated here.....

I've always said, they spread nothing but ill will.......OUT !!!!!!!

Gard - don't leave. I enjoy your posts and your information is well thought out, well presented and appreciated.

As for the other two, they apparently don't understand that different people can have different opinions and/or experiences on the SAME issue. Just blow them off.

 Dave is right let it all go now.  you will let it go