> One day you might learn to read.

> I gave information for both the competent and the incompetent. That covers
> all of us. If you are in the competent group, tell Mike what the problem
> material is and why. If you are not in the competent group, read the
> references (or your book) and identify the problem material. I will point
> out the problem has been discussed several times before on this board.

> Mike claims 30 years of experience. He offered a proposed materials list
> and asked for "Any recomendations???". I gave him one. I also
> told him where he could find the further information about his proposed
> materials.

> I also told him where he could find the further information about his
> proposed materials.

To understand Mr. Roberts' hostility toward Nick Schade is quite easy. He operates a company (Open Water Kayaks, L.L.C. http://www.robertscpa.com/kayaks/index.html) that, loosely speaking, competes with Mr. Schade's Guillemot Kayaks. I say "loosely", because I fail to see how a $20,000 "Jewelry quality" kayak even sells, which doens't make it much of a competition. Further evidence can be found at amazon.com, where Mr. Roberts chose to post his own review of Mr. Schade's book "The Strip-Built Sea Kayak". A book that otherwise would have ended up with a 5-star review, based upon the more objective, unbiased opinions of non-competing readers. For those who haven't read this review, here it is, reproduced without permission...

"George Roberts (George@RobertsCPA.com) from Tulsa, OK , March 23, 1999 1 star A poor rehash This book like most other books on boat building is notable for its ommissions. There are so many I will mention only one.

Most important perhaps - There is no method given to help you detemine if the boat you have constructed is structurally sound. You CAN follow the author's instructions and produce a boat which is UNSAFE to use in any location."

But to understand Mr. Roberts' continued hostility towards all other members of this board is baffling, although he has already stated that he considers NONE of us potential customers, so it's not like he's alienating a potential source of revenue.

So, Mr. Roberts seems to think us all unworthy amateur kayak builders who are all eventually going to kill ourselves or a close family member, due to our incompetence. This apparently includes the moderator of the board. He doesn't want to sell us anything, and he obviously doesn't want to impart upon us any useful wisdom as a professional boatbuilder. So, my question to Mr. Roberts is - why are you here? Do us all a favor George, either help us all save the lives of ourselves and our brothers, or go away.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going out in the garage to work on my boat. I've nicknamed her "Fratricide". Also, if anybody has any good ideas on what I can do with $20,000 in spare change, I'm open to suggestions - because I KNOW one place it ISN'T going to!!