I must miss a lot of references here on this thread. Maybe Im just not that sensitive. We should concentrate on the clothes. No one knocks my boyz at SF here.  Some LL and AAAC mods may deserve a barb or two because of their extremely rigid and petty behavior but frankly, Im better than they are and have more on the ball so we should also just let them swirl around in their bowls. They havent been fooling anyone so there isnt a need to point out every infraction.

As for Manton, I have no ill will toward him and Im sure his suit is just fine so if Ive missed some abuse here Im sorry. Im not saying that we havent butted heads but I just cant keep up a grudge. Im a person who likes to socialize and laugh and have positive feelings around them. My ego isnt tied up in this, Im doing it because its fun for me on several levels. I admit I can fight, hit hard and write persuasively but not over trivialities and not forever. War is the absence of culture, it stimulates culture to be sure but it needs to end quickly so that culture can continue.

As a result of disagreement, this MB was born, my writing got more concentrated and I think we've raised the bar across the community. I cant say that you can have the positive without the negative but Id rather build than destroy and I think people are starting to get the idea that I can build. But at the core of it all, everyone needs to understand that they come here to enjoy themselves, to express themselves and to think and grow.

There are some rare exceptions, sometimes an outrage takes place and it needs to see the light of day when no other place will allow a forum. Sometimes a really witty remark, cutting but talented makes the grade but there isnt going to be any ongoing punishment even for the people whove pushed me too far. Having said that not everything has to be positive, sometimes opinions are negative about makers or experiences. However, i agree with panzeraxe that the idea that you comment against something because you dont like the person behind it is a bit dishonest. Some people I dislike have brilliant things to offer and some I like are bereft of talent, you just need to develop the grounding to sift the differences.

So, are there some Psychos with empty lives who exist to make MB alliances? Are there some people who dislike free speech and want to own the Internet? Perhaps but as far as Im concerned its over. There are people who post here whove said "things" about me in the past but I have a sense of humor, and I recognize that when people get to know you better they change their minds. Thats why I dont need to exact revenge on them because I know the longer people interact with me, the more they understand the honor I represent in everything I do.

I dont have time to be in MB wars especially with the warmer weather distractions here.

I guess that's my point - doesn't look as if the vast majority of the posters have "moved on". I'm not defending the other forums - I don't particulary care for the moderators either, but a much much higher proportion of posts here ar nothing more than snide remarks at the other forums.

I am a happy member of all 4 forums, and feel this forum has a lot to contribute. However, if the majority of the posts are nothing more than badly disguised jabs at the others than a lot of value has been lost.

I don't feel any of the posts here absurd. In fact, I feel we have one of the most diverse memberships of all the clothing fora with the exception of the SF, which has some sort of a Casualwear/Streetwear section.

But in terms of compelling subjects, this forum is much more comprehensive like the excellent R.Meledandri thread. And Marc has provided some lovely photos of his bespoke items.

Beyond the fact that we are the only forum or really, any place that has done a critical review of the titular Manton's book, which so far as I know most have taken at face value.

Last edited by Incroyable (2006-06-15 15:11:55)

Regarding "armholes that are way too high", can you describe what you mean.  Everybody on the forums always wants higher armhole, higher armholes, higher armholes.  Whay do you think this is, what are its pitfalls and shat do you prefer?

My tailor, whom I defer to on technical matters, says that the proportions of the armholes are dictated by the chest size---The measurement of the chest first and foremost commands the depth and posiitoning of the armhole.  This maintains proper proportions between chest and shoulder, as well as the back and collar, resulting in proper overall balance.  By giving clients of differing chest measurements a default high armhole, as other tailors do, the correct size and placement of the armhole is left to chance at worst or guesswork at best.  My tailor leaves nothing to chance by using geometric methodologies, learned in his tailoring academy, combined with an inate sense of artistry, to determine the correct armhole.  Aesthetically, many men with high armholes, especially portly ones, tend to look like they're stuffed into their suits, not unlike sardines in a can.  It's truly an unflattering look.  The feeling of wearing such a suit is similar in its constraints and discomfort.  You feel the armhole jutting up into your arm and your shoulder encasing itself into the shoulder of the coat.  I can attest to this, having worn numerous English-tailored suits.