Spencer, I thought long and hard about whether or not to reply. I try to be completely honest in everything I say now. I have the impression that your reaction to leave the forum is a bit over the top. Yes, there has been some criticism of some of your comments and perhaps also of your manner in certain contexts. But does that have to cause such a reaction from you? I've often had to deal with offence in my life, or perhaps just the subjective feeling of being offended. Is it worth leaving the forum? Shouldn't it be seen as positive and give rise to a little bit of self-reflection? From my point of view, I would appreciate it if you showed a little less of the zealot and more that you are a bon vivant, which in my view you really are. Because I have enjoyed many of your really eloquent contributions. Your texts often describe driving a Morgan very vividly. Your photos are an invaluable asset to the forum, they are top class and very aesthetic. Your video, as Richard reminded, was with a wonderful message, and it shows the connoisseur in you. It would be a great pity if we could not continue to take part in your journey in Morganland. I imagine wonderful photos with your Supersports. Perhaps another inspiring video too. Please think it over again. You won't lose a jag if you revise your decision to leave. This forum is a benefit for all Morgan lovers and for each and every one of us. You are one of them.
BTW I won't be able to be there in 30 years, that would be sad.
I appreciate your honesty and thoughtful response, Heinz. You raise some thoughtful observations and fair criticism, so let me pop back on for a second to sign off with a little explanation of where I suspect I’ve gone wrong and hopefully finish a little more convivially. I genuinely wish all of you good healthy and truly happy motoring.
I think Simon’s suggestion that it’s like a pub here is fitting, but it strikes me that in addition to having different views and experiences within the pub some of us have different pub preferences. I think the error here is truly mine. When I joined you all here as a dewy eyed new Morgan owner at the ripe old age of 34 I suppose I came in with the thought that the tone and tenor of enthusiasts would be enthusiastic. There may be cultural differences here too. Canadians are generally a pretty up-beat bunch.
I do really love the company and their cars right now. I have not always and I may not always. I’m okay with that. I don’t see this as a covenant. I loved my Four and am excited about my Supersport. But if the company took a turn in a direction I objected to and wasn’t making cars I liked I’d take my business and energy elsewhere. Or I’d appreciate that I had a car I liked and let the company do as it does. As I had genuinely thought I would feel in advance of seeing the Supersport.
Similarly if my given Morgan proves overly problematic or challenging in ownership, I’ll take the loss and move on. Even at my tender age life seems too short for driving bad cars. I appreciate now this isn’t everyone’s way of thinking, but as I say I had thought that those expending energy on Morgan discussions would be doing so positively, the prospect it might be negative genuinely surprised me as I’m generally reluctant to expend energy on something negative. Again, I appreciate that this may put me at odds with a significant British pub past time.
In any event, I think this pub just might not be my ‘local.’ That said, I’d be genuinely happy to take any of you to my actual local up here in the Dales and talk about cars and life and good ale to our hearts content. The offer is in earnest. If any of you ever find yourselves up in the Dales and would like me to buy you a pint, drop me an email and we’ll meet up and go for a drive and grab a pint by the fire. My email is: Spencer.w.bentley@gmail.com
