Who are these guys?

[sabrelion]

There is clearly something of a hierarchy on f.net. Certain handles are treated with subservience or at the very least deference. These individuals occasionally disagree and one is left with the feeling of being privy to a discourse of the gods of fencing. I also get the feeling that some of the largest contributors to the discussion are not given the same level of reverence. These distinguished contributors are consistently polite and welcoming. Then it seems that there are long-time wannabees who delight in telling the 'noobs' (like myself) that they should not attempt to play in deep water.

Some of the most influential contributors are not overtly anonymous. However, Inquartata, KD5MDK, edew, seak, fencinginDC, Philistine, Soberin, Capt. Slo-mo and a host of others (apologies to the hundred or so others omitted) remain - for this spectator at least - the unseen hands that influence the entire domestic fencing infrastructure.

So who are these guys? Is it a secret? Should I join the Skull and Bones Society or perhaps learn the fencing freemason handshake?

[keith]

Is it a secret?

Yes.

Their identities could very well be the last thing you learn.

[seven6ty]

I think you're reading way too much into it.

[Jason]

However, Inquartata, KD5MDK, edew, seak, fencinginDC, Philistine, Soberin, Capt. Slo-mo and a host of others (apologies to the hundred or so others omitted) remain - for this spectator at least - the unseen hands that influence the entire domestic fencing infrastructure.

Hysterical.

[lefty_monster]

Why am I not on the "fencing gods" list???

Oh, wait. I retired into lurking. Nevermind. *fades back into the shadows*

[TooLoftheDeviL]

Blast... maybe I should lurk less...

[erooMynohtnA]

In the interest of posting a helpful post, it's called a pecking order. They exist everywhere. Pecking orders are all over the internets and IRL. Sometimes someone is at the top because they have a really sharp tongue, helpful posts, a lot of posts, friendly posts, funny posts, or by virtue of who they are in real life. Some of the reverence you're perceiving is certainly just two people who don't want to have the same argument over and over again, some of it is probably someone not wanting to get burned, and some of it is definitely someone ceding their opinion to an FOC or national champion.

In the interest of what the hell are you talking about, are you serious? Your name is sabrelion and none of your posts list anything about you. How can you expect anyone to care that you don't know who everyone is? At least half the people you've listed make no secret whatsoever of their identities, they just have a screen name that doesn't happen to be their real name. You just haven't read enough of their posts to figure out who they are.

Furthermore, this should be in the water cooler or introductions section.

[Peach]

Chiming in with erooMynohtnA, I respect some f.net posters because I know them personally, some because they consistently write clear and interesting (or hysterically funny) posts, and some because they know what they're talking about. It's kind of like being the new kid in 3rd grade--I had to kind of hang around on the playground watching before I knew who I wanted to spend any time with. You should be aware that some people might not get comments on their posts because they're on a large number of "ignore" lists, rather than because their comments have any particular importance.

This is a relatively small and goofy sport, run by amateurs who are mostly doing it for the fun of it, and once you've been to a largish tournament that draws from more than one division, you'll probably know a good number of the people who post here.

[Hobbes]

Then it seems that there are long-time wannabees who delight in telling the 'noobs' (like myself) that they should not attempt to play in deep water.

That is me.. right there!

[CvilleFencer]

I would expose the secret society except for two things. I was not on your list and I have no idea who you are. (irony intended) Most of the people that you mention are experienced fencers on the national circuit or are referees/coaches/division, section or USFA officers or a combination thereof. It is sort of a fun little game, figuring out who is who and who's opinion and information you chose to credit. Think of it as a sort of hazing ritual...

[oiuyt]

they just have a screen name that doesn't happen to be their real name.

And for EDew even THAT doesn't apply....

*wonders whether sabrelion is merely trolling*

*further wonders how many people here, rather than realizing that, have ended up offended at their omission from his/her list*

*GRIN*

-B

[bunbury]

I think Inquartata is actually Mr. Epee in disguise.

[sionnach]

Or perhaps inquartata created the sabrelion account just to place himself at the head of a list of people perceived to have the most influence

[jjefferies]

It's one of life's little mysteries. Rather like trying to discern who the KoTL (keeper of the list) is among the Denizens of Doom (tm). But a heads up, some use their names or close enough that it doesn't matter such as EDEW. A couple are directors that you will meet if you go to a NAC or two. Several are angling to be officers of the USFA this coming four year period. And a number are current or former Division and Section officers. Many are coaches, most are practicing or former fencers. Seak is primarily of interest because she's female and attractive (to some ).

You have to be careful of the anonymity of the web though. I upset at least one young woman by associating her handle with her SO's name. She had been been more sharp tongued with some of her posts than she is wont to be in person and was concerned of reprecussians if her true identity was known. But it was already known.

[freerider258]

I think Inquartata is actually Mr. Epee in disguise.

I don't think Inq likes to be associated with any that has to do with epee...

[Soberin]

And for EDew even THAT doesn't apply....

*wonders whether sabrelion is merely trolling*

*further wonders how many people here, rather than realizing that, have ended up offended at their omission from his/her list*

*GRIN*

-B

I think I'm more offended to be included.

[rdg]

I think FencerGrl is older than 8.

I think JJ is older than dirt.

Sam

[jjefferies]

I think FencerGrl is older than 8.

I think JJ is older than dirt.

Sam

And the race is on. Who's the oldest and the youngest F.netter.

[fencerbill]

Some of us have our birth dates on our profiles. I doubt I am the youngest.

[Elendae]

I don't think Inq likes to be associated with any that has to do with epee...

And that's why he likes to hang out in the "Epeeists Only" thread.