I have been reading some of the posts from 2001...These guys have been here since then and probablly long before...that's not a 'little clique' at all...it's a group of guys and some gals who have been answering the same questions for YEARS now. From newbies FAQ's to questions about Slabbing and other big issues. They have been holding this room together, even if you don't agree with them, they each have something good to contribute to the new guys and have a long informational history with past issues. I don't see them as a 'little clique' at all...For years and years they have answered the same questions I asked when I first came in here that have been asked 1,000 times before....they, Gene, David, Greg, Archie and whoever else has been here for years, EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM...always answered my newbie questions very politely and were always very friendly and willing to answer anything I asked, if they could. And I have seen them do the same thing for every other newbie since me. I thank these guys for all the help they gave me...They were the first ones to respond to my early posts and when you first get into this hobby, it can be pretty over-whelming. They ain't no click..they are just some guys and gals willing to help the new guys and gals with thier knowledge of this hobby. As for the flame wars..."So it goes"...I think it's more of personality clashes than anything to do with a topic or issue. I can either ignore it or get off on it...depends on the day I guess.
Jim Green