Really???
Wow, I didn't know that coming on the forums and asking (politely) about the continuation of a company was liable to get me taken to task...
Card Shark with all due respect had it been posed as a question rather than a fact I would concur with your thoughts regarding my response - however the heading "Badger is kaput" is not an indication of such an inquiry as much as it is an indication of stating Badger is Kaput, or in this case as the writer continues in the now unavailable post, it is stated as if fact from a supposedly reliable retail source.
Honestly Ken, I can understand that you are upset about this rumor, but taking it out on Poppie? Really?
It was not my intent to take it out on Poppie, however as the poster of this erroneous information I did indicate who posted it - I also welcomed and encouraged his contacting me regarding his information source (which he has done and I look forward to a dialogue with him). Yes my post was poignant and direct - that position was related to the inaccuracy of the information not the poster of it. I respect peoples rights to post info and make inquiries in public forums such as this - however, I also feel there should be some obligation to being responsible with the information we share. That was my intended amplified point, not that Poppie was a bad guy - I hardly think he is and furthermore do not know him to have such an opinion, and see myself as the judge of noone. I did however disagree with his post, and as what was related and potentially harmful to my company felt obligated to, in no uncertain terms, make this forum aware of its inaccuracy and provide the correct and factual information on the matter
All he did was come on the forum and ask about whether or not Badger was still in business. While your business' current status may seem obvious to you, to those new to the hobby, or airbrushing in general, it may not be. I would think that rather than calling him "irresponsible" you would thank him for bringing the question to your attention, even if it was indirectly.
Again, card Shark, with all due respect "Badger is Kaput" is not an indication of inquiry regarding the status of Badger's business existence. Due to the contrary, I do not recall the question even being raised in his post, and the dozen or so emails I received during my recent trip abroad were all an indication that others in the forum did not take it as an inquiry either.
I too am a Badger customer, but I am appalled at the lack of tact and grace you exhibit to those who are not "friends", and those who who would not think to "contact Badger for verification". In my mind, Poppie's post has done far less "unreversible" damage, then your rude rebuttal.
I apologize for my lack of tact - but rumors that my company is out of business are serious matters to me, and I will not answer those matters in any gray terms. I am proud of Badger Air-Brush Co. and what we do and praise and thank God for those blessings each day. I have an obligation to my family, which to me includes 65 + employees and protecting the good Badger name they have built up over the last 44 years. It is not something I take lightly, and as I am essentially Badger - I take it personally. I appreciate that God has entrusted me with a blessing to care for, bless others with, and glorify Him through - this I will do with zeal and with His direction. I am sorry if that offends people, it is not my intention to be insensitive and I apologize if have hurt or offended you or Poppie in my doing so. I am sorry.
I find it rather difficult to believe that not only would you expect someone unfamiliar with your company to think to email you, but also go on to publicly lambast him for inquiring on a public forum. Poppie was well within rights and propriety to use a modeling forum in reference to your company, and I believe that you owe him an apology as public as your earlier censure.
I simply expect and desire to be responsible when providing information related to my company - this request and expectation is far from unreasonable of me. Should someone ever post something potentially hurtful of harmful related to you personally in a public forum - you will no doubt be desiring of the same. My apology for the manner in which I have addressed this matter, if offensive or hurtful to Poppie, is above.
In regards to your, as a Badger customer, being appalled with my handling of this matter - you should consider that it is with the same energy, zeal, and integrity I stand behind the products Badger Air-Brush Co. manufactures for your purchase and usage. It is this consistent company philosiphy that makes Badger the most customer supportive and reliable airbrush manufacturer, and we greatly appreciate your confidence in our passionate efforts to always be that.
Take air,
ken
www.myspace.com/kenbadger
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