Hello all,
I just registered to this site a few minutes ago, literally, as I heard that it was a cool site with lots of good info related to my interests. I was scanning the subjects listed and just had to respond here. Normally, I lurk for a while and try to establish a "feel" for the board, how it is moderated and the general mood/tone of the posts before I begin posting myself. However, this thread caught my eye and I would really like to jump into this conversation.
So, since I am so new here, perhaps a little info and a disclaimer is in order. If you look at my profile, you will notice that I list myself as a Board of Directors Member of the Central Arkansas Shooters' Association. A cursory investigation of that organization will reveal that we shoot a lot of IDPA and IPSC matches. My club has hosted a couple of IDPA state championships and last year's National Championships. We will also be hosting this year's IDPA Nats again.
Having said that, you would be correct to assume that I am a FoBW... Friend of Bill Wilson. I have dealt with WC, Bill Wilson on many occassions and have a great deal of respect for the man. Having said that, I also want to emphatically state, for those who will believe me, that I DO NOT consider myself a BW apologist. I am not now, nor have I ever been, employed by Bill Wilson.
Also, as you may have guessed, my real name is not CASAMadman. I am Ken Williamson. My email address is listed in my profile.
Now, you know who I am and can rightfully assume that I will have a bias in favor of BW. I hope you will also give me the benefit of the doubt and take my posts for what they are, the opinions of a guy who has had many favorable dealings with WC and who would like to add some balance to the discussion here. I will not try to defend WC or BW for any actions (or lack thereof) that I don't personally feel were appropriate or agree with, but.... I will vigorously defend the company, the man and the good reputations shared by both that have been earned over many years and are rightfully deserved.
Now, I've gotten the into out of the way and I look forward to responding to some of the statements and comments contained in this thread. Unfortunately, I am at work right now and must go attend a meeting. I look forward to contributing to this forum on this and many other topics, but I will have to wait to begin until after my meetings have concluded today.
Thank you, ken