The CORRECT way to post here <ALL READ>

[deValcourt]

Any forum is what the members or even just users make of it. I have to admit that I have not been following every post, and see some are spiraling out of hand, but the fact remains, this is and always has been the best and most unique forum dealing with Soviet awards - and this includes Russian and other European-based forums that I have been monitoring. The actual facts about awards that are discussed here far surpass the accuracy of other forums I have seen.

Most importantly, those who are authorities on specific areas or types of awards are beyond reproach. Some may seem abrasive, but frankly, I'd rather know without the "stroke and kick" approach about what I am concerned enough to ask about.

I don't think that anyone here intends to willfully insult anyone asking about the authenticity of a particular item. Everyone has his/her own way of answering questions and we all have to take into account the fact that very many of those who participate here use English as a second or third (or more) language which can cause some abrasiveness in tone. In most cases I think this is unintentional, and I believe no one who has been here for more than a few weeks or that has a hidden agenda means any harm in what they say. As moderators, we rely on everyone to contact us or file a "report" (pressing a button) regarding any objectionable material you may come across.

Objectionable does not mean simply that you do not agree with the statements made by another. It does means that the material is unacceptable to any average level thinking human being in any country.

I was once told by a very great intellectual who was adept in at least 11 languages that, "A joke is only funny if everyone can laugh at it." Though I don't agree entirely with that notion, if one were to expand that basic idea to anything we post here, then we should continue to have the ideal forum I joined a few years ago.

I'm not asking for the clichéd "Why can't we all just get along?" but I am asking for common courtesy and try to put yourself in the position of the person asking a question - no matter how many times we have seen that same question or how obvious a fake may be. Think about any questions about authenticity as if you bought or are about to buy it.

At the same time, the forum is a storehouse of knowledge - very valuable and unique knowledge from a variety of highly informed and experienced personnel. Never underestimate the level of knowledge at you disposal here.

Phillip