Who is Mark Hammer?

[rogeryu_ph]

Yes Andrew, great idea... how about adding their picture too...so we can totally figure out who's we're talking to.

If the member wants to its up to them. I do think that each entry should be written by someone else who may ask the member questions. Sometimes it is hard to know what information or what perception people have of a member and may need to understand more. Having a third party write up on that member would give a better perspective I think.

Just some thoughts.

Andrew

I was suggesting to the idea's of yours of putting a section on wiki for the more popular member with THEIR PICTURE.

[Auke Haarsma]

I really am gratefull for all the shared knowledge, stories, tips n tricks, failures, debug effort, time and material at this board. It's definately the best place on the internet.

And we do have some major contributors. Yes, you'll recognize them over time. Some sooner, some later.

And I really like getting to know them. These kind of threads do help.



But I really really hate the idea of setting up some kind of shrine for 'the more popular members'.



I think it is fundamentally wrong. It does not belong on a public DIY community site.

We should not in anyway create barries, distances between members. New or old, experienced or just starting.

I think everyone here should be encouraged to share his (newly gained) knowledge, ideas, stories.

In the end, it's the words that matter, the logic, to laws of nature (as RG often says). Not who is saying it.

And if you want to get to know people, there are many ways. One is just reading their posts. Two is doing a search. Three is PM-ing them. Four is checking the Lounge a bit more often

[BDuguay]

My family and I were invited to Marks home for brunch a few years ago when we were in his City  for the Ottawa Blues Festival.
He's a very gracious man with a wonderful family and we had a lovely visit.
B.

[Auke Haarsma]

my post above has nothing to do with Mark Hammer btw.

He is much appreaciated as you can see in this thread.

Mark, I hope you don't take any offence!

[Mark Hammer]

I really am grateful for all the shared knowledge, stories, tips n tricks, failures, debug effort, time and material at this board. It's definately the best place on the internet.

And we do have some major contributors. Yes, you'll recognize them over time. Some sooner, some later.
And I really like getting to know them. These kind of threads do help.

But I really really hate the idea of setting up some kind of shrine for 'the more popular members'.

I think it is fundamentally wrong. It does not belong on a public DIY community site.
We should not in anyway create barriers, distances between members. New or old, experienced or just starting.
I think everyone here should be encouraged to share his (newly gained) knowledge, ideas, stories.
In the end, it's the words that matter, the logic, to laws of nature (as RG often says). Not who is saying it.

And if you want to get to know people, there are many ways. One is just reading their posts. Two is doing a search. Three is PM-ing them. Four is checking the Lounge a bit more often

+1  (and no offense taken whatsoever )

I'm sure everyone who gets mentioned by name is appreciative, and I know all too well what it is like to struggle in isolation and then stumble onto all the help you need in one place - you REALLY want to thank people - but the point of this forum is to encourage others, not be the object of postings one's self, whether positive OR negative.  If you want to thank someone for helping you out, pop them a PM.  I've received a bunch over the years (hey, sometimes you get lucky!), and I can say without reservation that they are all appreciated, meaningful, and rewarding.  Nothing is diminished by those exchanges being off-line.

And Brian, it was my pleasure.  I look back on that day fondly.  Come again, some time, and feel free to bring the crew.

[vanhansen]

I love reading some of the responses to these threads.

Mark has always been extremely helpful.  I still have PM's saved where he helped me understand the workings of the Boss Chorus and Flanger when I first starting getting in to this DIY thing and was only modding stuff.  Not only does he explain things in detail, but enough detail to understand and in a way that makes it easier to understand.

He is a character, that's for sure.  And have you seen his pallete of unboxed circuits?   

[Ben N]

MH = the Voice of Reason

'Nuff said (after everything everyone else said).

(I'm also against the shrine idea, but if this thread is here, I had to speak up.)

[DougH]

MH = the Voice of Reason

Words, words, words, words, and words and more pages of words of reason...

[alex frias]

I don't know how he looks or smells, but I doubt he gets any relation to MC Hammer.

Just in case I'm wrong, could you tell us how to do that weird dance with buffing trousers?

[Ben N]

MH = the Voice of Reason

Words, words, words, words, and words and more pages of words of reason...

Hey, verbosity can qualify one for a lot of important things. For example, Mark uses enough words that he would make an outstanding candidate for Vice-president of the USA, except for two disqualifiers: (a) his words are organized into intelligible sentences (patience, Doug), and (b) he is Canadian.

[The Tone God]

But I really really hate the idea of setting up some kind of shrine for 'the more popular members'.

I hate the idea of shrine as well but that is not the goal, it is just a basic collection of information on the persons like these recent "Who is" threads. The goal is to give people an idea of the members they may encounter here and to know who to look out for. Someone new may not know who a particular member are and that they should stop scrolling when they see their name to read their post.

I have seen this done on a few sites and it seems to work well. It also reduces the overaggressive newbie from lashing out at a member for giving a unsatisfactory answer while not knowing they are flaming an important member of the community.

This is just a idea I am throwing out. I'm not for or against it, just getting feedback.

Andrew

[Mark Hammer]

When I used to teach university, someone came by my office after hours and wrote in 'C' between the M and Hammer.  I hope they have learned some more marketable skills since then, and aren't planning a career in comedy.  I think the only things the other Mr. Hammer and I share are that we both like popcorn chicken, and when the desert tray comes around, my wife says "You can't touch this" a lot.

I do write a lot, both in terms of number of things, and their respective length, and get all sorts of nudges to trim back in the workplace.  On the other hand, why should the poets have all the fun with words?  Why shouldn't work-related or technical documents have beauty in them via language?  Why should a day at work be completely devoid of the simple pleasure of a turn of phrase?  Isn't it every speaker's moral obligation to pay hommage to the language of their birth by delighting in what it can do? 

I'm surrounded by folks who want it all on one page; the so-called "executive summary".  I can respect that for folks who are pressed for time and need to cut to the chase fast because of the amount they have to read each day.  When I work on surveys (I design them for a living, or at least for part of what I do), I always get pressure to make everything more business-like and short.  Oddly enough, the things that tend to get forgotten about when the "editors" have their way with my work are "Please", "Here's why...", and "Thank you".  You know, maybe just a little longer isn't such a bad thing, sometimes.

Mark uses enough words that he would make an outstanding candidate for Vice-president of the USA, except for two disqualifiers: (a) his words are organized into intelligible sentences (patience, Doug), and (b) he is Canadian.

You forgot that when I put my hair up like that (Palin style), I tend to look like Gary Oldman in "Dracula".  Not a hit with the voters.

Here's the creepy thing.  This guy   (Brian Tobin, former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador) looks eerily like me (though his face is a little wider and I don't part my hair), and some folks are suggesting that he present himself for leader of the Opposition.  Maybe I could get work as a stunt double.

[Auke Haarsma]

(...) while not knowing they are flaming an important member of the community.

So flaming an 'unimportant' (please define!) member is ok?

I know this is not what you are trying to say, but it shows exactly what I am trying to say

[The Tone God]

(...) while not knowing they are flaming an important member of the community.

So flaming an 'unimportant' (please define!) member is ok?

I know this is not what you are trying to say, but it shows exactly what I am trying to say

Of course flaming of anyone is not allowed but when someone flames a well known member things can get out of hand alot quicker then with a lesser known member.

Andrew

[Mark Hammer]

Probably why it is simply good practice to assume the best of people.

[Auke Haarsma]

Probably why it is simply good practice to assume the best of people.

There is a lot behind these words that forms exactly the spirit that I admire in this board.

Of course flaming of anyone is not allowed but when someone flames a well known member things can get out of hand alot quicker then with a lesser known member.
Andrew

A simple glance at something more or less arbitrary as 'postcount' should suffice for that matter.

But then again, let's not drag this too long. Enjoy stompboxing and posting

I'll buy you all a virtual drink (non-virutal when we meet ) because today is still my birthday (13 more minutes till midnight here). 

[The Tone God]

Probably why it is simply good practice to assume the best of people.

Always good advice.

I'll buy you all a virtual drink (non-virutal when we meet ) because today is still my birthday (13 more minutes till midnight here). 

Happy B-Day!

Andrew

[Auke Haarsma]

Haha! Thanks 

[smallbearelec]

Ever since I began hanging out at Ampage in the late '90s I have appreciated the technical expertise—and occasional "adult" supervision of the community--provided by Mark, R. G. Keen, and a few others. As I have noted before, Mark has betimes graciously allowed me to bend his ear when Cave-related stress and business issues became really growly-making. The combination of technical knowledge, common sense, and therapist's ear that he brings is rare, and very welcome.

Writing: I, also, enjoy the process of crafting an English sentence, and I write a fair stick. However, I have to admire those scary intellects like Mark's that can tackle an issue in great depth, sensibly, and make it look easy. For the rest of us, "cutting to the chase," and with economy, is best.

SD

[WGTP]

As one of many disciples here, I would certainly be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to say thanks to Mark and the other prophets.