summitexplorer wrote: Am I not entitled to my opinion as so many others seem to be?
It has taken me some time to reflect on what you have said before responding. One thing we all share is an opinion. It may not be the same but we all have one and I believe
all have a right to share it. I am glad your post was reinstated but in light of what Matt has suggested do you still feel it is worthy? Aren't you doing the same thing you have berated myself and others for? Yes, some may consider me old but I am not a senior. Others here who have commented are younger than 55. It seems to me the majority of negative comments are related to the term iconic. That is an opinion, of which those who share it are entitled to have, but it should be expressed in a respectful way. By and large that was done. The discussion was by many standards and in general quite civil with good dialogue from Darren and others. My comments were balanced and offered praise and support for Darren's work suggesting that although it was not for me, it could appeal to others.
Lops is away for some time doing what he likes best, walking in the bush, this time in Tassie so he has probably not read your comments but in support of what he has written and in particular the section singled out by you, his comments (and others from the old farts club) display a maturity and experience which one day I hope you can reflect upon and transfer to the younguns as Lops has done over many years. He was simply pointing out to Darren we were not making this judgement without due consideration and it was based on some extensive experience. I feel your comments were a complete over reaction to what had been said. Others may disagree with me and I have no problem if they express that.
I don't really see what took place as a mob attacking one person. Respectful questions were asked and Darren answered them. Concerns were raised and Darren alleviated them. Some nit picking occurred but I doubt it was intended as a pedantic rant and this is an internet forum. Possibly Darren was a little too sensitive because his project had received some negative input and likely some here were a little less sensitive to that fact but sometimes you need a teaspoon of cement in our porridge. There was no suggestion Darren could not legitimately make some money out of this at a later stage but few would want it to be done at the expense of the wild areas. I never read that was Darren's intention but consider others could jump on its back with some development ideas. I also see nothing wrong with people making money as long as they do it and leave no trace in the bush. I have done it myself.
I have not yet seen any of your comments which could be considered constructive but you are only new here and I hope you have more to contribute over the years but you have also commented and said some scathing things hiding behind your screen name if that matters at all. It seemed so to you. There is nothing I have said in any comment on any thread on this forum that I would not have said direct to the person face to face. If you stick around long enough or take the time to read other posts from those you have been critical of you may then be able to come back to this thread and re-read the posts with a softer heart.
If you feel you want to delete your post then I would in turn delete this one.