Ask the question

[Lindus]

One of the buyers of my reference book library asked...."Why, with so many good reference books do you ask so many questions on the NMB"

Hi Jeff, simple,either I am stupid or see the NMB as a forum for debate. See the strand " On the question of Gimei", this started a debate that has had more contributions recently than any other,it allows both senior members and those new to the NMB to ask the questions as well as being informed.

 

Perhaps when the site seems to be just a Q&A session, the occasional open question is of use to all the membership, one chap mailed me to say that he had watched the NMB for several years, learned a lot but was cautious of asking questions for fear of looking a fool......Dont, ask the question of those selling items,if you are not sure what Utsuri is then there will be members out there who will inform you,eg, my learning curve re Aino swords.

 

Lastly I would thank the membership for helping even a collector {with a large'ish reference library..now rapidly disspersing} with many odd & obscure questions.

 

Happy Christmas to all who are into this celebration.....we are haveing a picnic on Christmas day in a wood by a stream .... :lol: :D

 

Regards

To all

Roy

[Lindus]

P_S

Arent there any female collectors out mthere???

Roy

[ububob]

Roy, I have often been reminded that it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. :D and I have been further reminded, "Don't ask the question if you can't stand the answer." There are many credible opinions here but like anything else on the internet it requires the research and authentication of the reader. Unfortunately not everyone is willing to make the effort.

Your Christmas celebration sounds wonderful. I hope the weather cooperates.

[Lindus]

True, I remember meeting people at the first Token Taikai who would never further their adventure into Nihonto for fear of seeming foolish in presenting the sword/swords they had. I on the other hand had no such fears and offered up to Kenji Mishina twenty swords that at that time was sure via a vast knowledge gained from John Yamoto { } that all mine were national treasures.

Of the three, none treasure swords, that he would polish, I learned quite a lot....it needed the question to be asked did it not.

 

I quite agree that watching and listening is a splendid idea but why not become involved, be foolish or embarrassed, question where appropriate, the current thoughts on Nihonto are changing, EG, Choji oil/veg oil.

 

Being of the opinion that questions are the ultimate to further knowledge for the individual,foolish or not is subjective, & the life blood of advancement in any field. Socraties,love the chap for his questions and demise....also am a Freudian.....

 

The weather for our picnic does not matter, portable BBQ,Flask's of hot Tea & Coffee,the tree cover in Lord Falmouths woodland and my child bride of 43 years is all we need, Music by pink of course. If any member would care to join us..........and they are completely mad. Mial me.........then so are the 100's who sit in darkened rooms with their PC's..

 

Roy

[ububob]

Sounds lovely, enjoy. :D

[Binnawan]

The only stupid or silly question is the one that is not asked.

Baz Ford

[b.hennick]

I teach high school science. In my classroom I have a sign that reads:

"What good questions did you ask today?"

I value good questions. Some of the best posts on messageboard have started with a question. The answers developed over time and great discussion occurred. That is the value of messageboard and of good questions. Now to "bad questions" to me those are the ones you did not ask. Yes some answers are in FAQ. One should look there first but after that your questions can lead to learning - after all that is why people join the Nihonto Messageboard.

I'll end with this question - Did you support the draw by making a donation?

We need this forum so that people can ask questions.

[xxlotus8xx]

This thread made me think of this quote from "The Hagakure"

 

"Being superior to others is nothing other than having people talk about your

affairs and listening to their opinions, the general run of people settle for

their own opinions and thus never excel. Having a discussion with a person is

the first step in excelling him. A certain person discussed with me the

written materials at the clan office. He is better than someone like me in

writing and researching. In seeking correction from others, you excel them."

 

Not sure why but it seemed appropriate.