Michael Bathrick - 1 wrote:
That's OK, Jim - I find most of your posts annoying and condescending. I guess that makes things even.
What are you looking to "get even" with me about? I'm not sure what you are referencing within this post or whether you are only looking to lash out at me due to past dialogs in other posts, which may have had differing points of view.
However, if you view a difference of opinion as annoying, then there's not much I can do about that. As far as condescending, I do not instigate such commentaries, although if provoked, I may be quite candid in my response. So, excuse me if this response may be one of those that certainly seem to fall into that category of instigation, as I will respond according to the apparent attack upon the credibility of my comments in this forum.
My comments on this forum are and have always been, intended to help inform and educate, as well as dispel many of the myths and perceptions that so many seem to have, concerning the auction industry. The information I provide is usually substantiated with facts, laws, and personal experience.
Of course, there will always be those that think they know more about my profession than I do and will attempt to educate me on how it "should be done", but that continues to only be a matter of perception versus reality. As I was confronted with a similar conversation in a class I was teaching years ago, my response provided a philosophical statement that comes into play, regardless of the subject.
Perception is not Reality,
as you can not change Reality.
Once you understand the Reality,
only the Perception is subject to change.
Therefore, I only hope to help others to understand the underlying concepts, laws, ethics and other matters of the auction profession, in an effort to help them understand that their perception may not always be reality and they will gain the knowledge to know the difference.
If you find that condescending, then it may only mean that you don't wish to accept the facts as presented and wish to argue or tell everyone what is wrong with those "crooked auctioneers", as you've implied in past dialogs. Of course, if you already have your mind made up, I doubt that any knowledgeable auctioneer is going to change your mind. However, I find such comments in that context to be annoying and condescending towards auctioneers, as well.
Now, if you wish to have a dialog and present the facts and/or question certain aspects, you will likely find many that will offer their own knowledge and experience. However, if you only wish to post such condescending remarks towards someone or their profession, you are only provoking others to respond accordingly. If you wish to call me and discuss any matter, you may find that I'm quite friendly, as well as honest, and who knows... but your perception may be subject to change.
Jim Ford
Professional Auctioneer & Auction Marketing for the 2s1t Century
