Martin knows a fair bit about guitars . He helped me with something a week or so ago.

I don't suppose he's a bad chap, but he says nasty things that could hurt and depress somebody who was vulnerable - and maybe lead to a suicide. Thats what worries me about him. But maybe the thing to do is to PM him and talk to him about your concerns rather than start a thread slagging him off.

I have a good friend who is a bit like Martin - acerbic in his comments, shall we say. I've got to admit I do find myself avoiding him. I know his unkind words spring from a deep unhappiness about the nature of his life, but even such insights are no protection when you don't feel that great yourself. And lets face it into each life, a ton of shit must fall.

In a way the saddest and worst thing about Martin's e-mails are the times when he reassures us that his life is hunky dory. A sort of Norman Rockwell painting with with the choicest items from the Martin and Gibson catalogue never more than an arms length away - presumably rosy cheeked children and a fine woman perpetually hungry for his love with major walk-on parts.
Hi honey I'm home, just back from another great gig for people who really love my music. My God, I'm just wonderful.....

Anybody with even an elementary knowledge of the human condition knows that its only the shitty parts of life that provide a few laughs. Chaucer knew it, Shakespeare knew it, Buster Keaton knew it, Woody Allen..........

Doubtless he feels that he is pricking our pomposity, self importance and delusions about life. Most of us have enough pricks in our life as it is, and some people have just too many to bear.

Whatever your life is like Martin, if you are reading this. Nobody on this site wants to hurt you or cause you harm - not personally - what ever reaction you have gotten from them.

all the best

Big Al