BigWill
Gorgeous oversensitive Nikon-loving cream puff
Reged: 08/09/2000
Posts: 34975
Loc: Northern Ireland
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I'm sure it cannot have escaped the notice of forum regulars that one of our moderators and forum stalwarts, David Steel, has been conspicuous by his absence on the AP boards of late. I am not privy to the reasons behind David's non-appearance, nor do I think it is either any of my business or an appropriate matter for open discussion on here as to the reasons for his absence. Suffice to say that it is my understanding that David is still a full member of the forum and is not prevented in any way from contributing to it. Obviously the reasons for his absence are personal and private and I would appeal to everyone here to respect that and not to speculate on, or debate the reasons for his withdrawal from the AP boards.
What I would like to do though is offer a personal reflection on the man who is, and has been for many years, one of the rocks on which the AP boards were founded.
I make no secret of the fact that David and I were diametrically opposing characters and personalities and we frequently didn't see eye to eye on several issues in the past. That said, I always had a tremendous respect for his knowledge and insight into matters photographic. His depth of understanding of the subject and his photographic credentials were impeccable! His background in IT also stood him in good stead when it came to matters concerning that sphere of activity also. Coupled with this vast field of knowledge was also a willingness and a readiness to share his experience with anyone on the forum who cared to ask it of him and there are many forum members here who will attest to that!
I never had the pleasure of meeting David face to face but again there are those on the forum who have done so at some of the "forum outings" and can vouch for his sense of fun and willingness to "join in" as well as organize such events.
In summary, I'd just like to say that whatever the reasons for David's absence from the boards, it is my sincere wish and hope that although he may have decided to become a "back bencher" as opposed to being "a member of the cabinet", that he will continue to make his invaluable contribution to the AP boards for many years to come. The AP forum and David Steel are inseparable entities and it's future without his input is unthinkable! 
BigWill
-------------------- I'm sailing like a driftwood on a windy bay.
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Mr_Geoff
tog with no title
Reged: 11/01/2005
Posts: 2209
Loc: Essex
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Well said Will.
It was a pleasure to meet David on our Cambridge outing in September 2006, which seems like such a long time ago now.
I hope that he and his family are all well.
-------------------- Geoff - My Flickr Page
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geepee
Reged: 26/09/2002
Posts: 1649
Loc: Bolton, Gt Manchester
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Hear Hear. His absence was discussed at the York meeting and we would welcome his contribution again, but take your time David, whatever your situation we are all rooting for you.
-------------------- Graham CRIPN
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karriman
addict
Reged: 31/05/2006
Posts: 412
Loc: Banks of the Tyne
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Well said Will. When I first joined and asked the "Newbie" question, David was one of the first to give me very good advice and I have since always respected his views, comments.
-------------------- To Err is Human........I think
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Seven..
...or maybe Eight
Reged: 03/02/2003
Posts: 5351
Loc: Havant, UK
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Aw that was nice Will and I hope David checks in to see what you've written. I will miss him and seems odd not to have a lounge lizard around I wish you well David
-------------------- Tanya(BSRIPN)
CastVision
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PaulatUKcamera
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 24/05/2005
Posts: 1998
Loc: West Wales
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Well said Will.
You have only got to read the past year's posts to realise the width & depth of his photographic knowledge.
David gave me a very warm welcome to this forum and was always willing to share his knowledge whatever the technical query I posed. Like you Will, there was the odd "conflict" in the occasional thread, but can you honestly say that this forum would be as interesting as it is without the disparate view of all of us?
I hope that he will return and contribute once more, when he overcomes whatever "challenge" that has beset his life.
The forum is definitely the poorer for his absence.
Paul
-------------------- Paul Winter (CRIPN)
Web Site: UKCamera.com
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swanseadave
old hand
Reged: 05/10/2007
Posts: 908
Loc: Swansea, Gateway to Gower
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I too miss David`s input on these boards.He is a fountain of knowledge,like many others on here,myself not included.  I hope he is well and returns to the fold soon. Dave
-------------------- Dave IRIPN
If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all - Albert King
Blues is a healer - John Lee Hooker
my flickr
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NorthernNikon
Only 82% Nikon
Reged: 16/12/2005
Posts: 8346
Loc: Harrogate, North Yorks
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So, is it official, has David flounced?
-------------------- "Wrong on so many different levels."
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PaulatUKcamera
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 24/05/2005
Posts: 1998
Loc: West Wales
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This post is amended.
In the light of Alex doing the decent thing and withdrawing his post, yours Barney, now just appears to be frivolous.
However taking it in the context of a "snide" reply to Alex's posting I still stand by my original post which was:
That, I think, is not a fitting or proper remark.
Neither is it remotely amusing, so could you delete it please?
And I am, for once, deadly serious.
Paul
-------------------- Paul Winter (CRIPN)
Web Site: UKCamera.com
Edited by PaulatUKcamera (07/07/2008 23:59)
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swanseadave
old hand
Reged: 05/10/2007
Posts: 908
Loc: Swansea, Gateway to Gower
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^^WHS^^ Wash your mouth out,Barney!!
-------------------- Dave IRIPN
If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all - Albert King
Blues is a healer - John Lee Hooker
my flickr
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Monobod
'Phantom' of the forum!
Reged: 03/04/2003
Posts: 6657
Loc: Just West of Norwich, Norfolk
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David has been conspicuous by his absence recently. I assumed he was taking a longer than usual holiday in Cuba, or somewhere similar. I do hope all is well with him and I look forward to hearing from him again.
He and I had several interesting discussions on colour management and the use of Epson Pro 3800 printers. I really miss his invaluable contributions.
I hope his absence will not be for too long. I agree with you Paul about unwanted remarks. Not at all necessary.
-------------------- David.
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Photos hosted by Flickr.
www.flickr.com/photos/monobod/
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My sharpest lens is a tripod - Chris Palmer.
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NorthernNikon
Only 82% Nikon
Reged: 16/12/2005
Posts: 8346
Loc: Harrogate, North Yorks
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Unless some parties are privvy to the reasons for David's absence, and to my knowledge the mods have indicated that they are as much in the dark as the rest of us, then I stand by a light hearted remark made in the spirit of the lounge.
-------------------- "Wrong on so many different levels."
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TH-Photos
Reged: 01/10/2002
Posts: 4430
Loc: Manchester UK
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Quote:
decided to become a "back bencher"

TTBOMK David has never been a 'Bencher'
-------------------- Ted NRIPN
My Blog: http://tedspics.wordpress.com/ Updated 27/8/07
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frank1
Handsome Old Bugger
Reged: 14/06/2005
Posts: 829
Loc: the big smoke islington
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I was thinking about him t'other and also hoping things are good with him.
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bagpuss
Prolific Pam
Reged: 08/04/2006
Posts: 9155
Loc: Camulodunum
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Awwh, nice sentiment Will.
--------------------
Ooooooo eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move.
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Linux_Lady
Really, really, really nice and friendly
Reged: 19/02/2008
Posts: 1603
Loc: Berkshire
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I miss stalking him.... he was always very charming and an easy target as he was always around... I hope he comes back soon and wherever he is, I hope he and his family are ok 
*sending lots of happy, non-suggestive hugs Daves way *
-------------------- "Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm"
- Winston Churchill
"It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation"
- Herman Melville
My funky photos
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APchris
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/05/2006
Posts: 1811
Loc: Lincolnshire
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Nice one Will You've put into words what I, and indeed many others, here feel on the subject of Davids continued absence.
He, along with all the other mods, has always been helpful and very patient whenever any of us 'muck up' which is one of the things that makes the AP forum a very welcoming and friendly place to frequent
-------------------- Chris
Better a bad day on the water than a good day at the office
My Flickr sets
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willie45
old hand
Reged: 08/05/2006
Posts: 841
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Just wanted to add my voice to those who wish David well and hope to hear from him soon. He was the first person to respond to my first post and ever since then, I always found his advice and help extremely valuable.
Aside from that I reckon he is an all round good guy.
All best wishes to you, David, and I hope all is well with you and yours
Willie
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