narrowboatworld

I did think that it was so obviously over the top that no one would take it seriously. Just goes to show, to use a well worn cliché.

Anyway, at least someone has forgiven me. I can go to bed happy now.

Cheers,

Richard

Hi Richard,

Your apology is accepted, thank you.

However your email, if read by someone who does not know you, was read and interpreted in the same negative manner by myself and others.

Why is this? Well like most emails, and comments in the Forum too, they are written without indication of intended emotion, humour or angst. The reader cannot hear your voice, nor see the impish cheeky grin on your face, whilst reading your words.

This is not a dig directly at you Richard but a generalisation of the problems that can be caused by putting your words into print without the use of a few smilies...

Anyway, as my Granny used to say, 'least said soonest mended'

Best wishes,

Kevin

p.s.

I blame Tom really for this drop in standards...

I have to say that I am amazed by the responses to my email. I would have thought that it was obvious that the whole thing was tongue in cheek.

I have nothing at all against hire boaters, some of my best friends are hirers although I would not let my daughter marry one, (no no I didn't mean that, it was another poor taste joke).

But, there is most definitely a class of boater, not necessarily with shiny boats, who feel it is their right to inconvenience and disturb who they please. They moor inconsiderately, speed past moored boats, remain on water points whilst running the washing machine, moor on lock moorings to go shopping and run generators late into the night where they disturb others. These are the people I was having a jab at, not the hirers. Some do it because they do not realise it is inconsiderate and some do it because they are important people. Or haven't you met any of them? If so you are very lucky.

I am sorry if any hirer has taken offence at this because none was meant. But come on-for heaven's sake, surely you didn't take it seriously.

Must admit that this was a very bad case of stereo-typing and agree with Ray & Kevin.

By ,far the majority of hirers are great and only too willing to learn and conform to the 'rules'.

There are the anally retentives in all walks of life...boating is no different!

It is the exceptions to the norm that we all remember.

Orph

I agree with the good Captain on this.

Most hirers are mortified when the error of their ways (Mostly due to grossly inadequate tuition by the hire companies) is pointed out to them, and are certainly pleased to learn - the new hirers are nervous and don;t know what they don't know.

I bet those in the middle have - to a person - gone too fast of perpetuated a breach of good manners at some point, probably due to a lapse in concentration

And I know that most "shinies" are nice people with good manners.

We only notice the loud (but tiny) minority of A***holes!

Dear Richard,

I'm in Class 1, can't afford a boat and only just able to afford the hire cost every now and then.

Can I just say that if your email was meant to be funny it missed the mark by a country mile, mate!

I've got experience, certificates, done the courses, oh I've also got RESPECT for others and MANNERS too!!!

Not amused, please try not to be so abusive.

Kevin