An Apology

[Ian Williams]

Dear forum readership as regulars here will know I was banned from the site for a post I made where I accused another member of belittlement, being childish, vindictive, small-minded, dishonest and cowardly, I implied that there was a conflict of interest with his posts and his position within the forum and wider Austin community. I have recently been sent a copy of what I said, and to be honest reading it I was quite shocked at my anger and how strongly I worded the post. I was reacting to an ongoing disagreement between us where I felt rather than privately talking to me about the issue as we had on so many other occasions he was now publicly trying to belittle my posts. I had sent private messages and emails asking why this change in attitude was happening, however I received no response and it continued until I snapped and lost the plot. Not that the above and what follows is an excuse for what I said, but perhaps goes some way to explain it from my perspective. Five years ago I had a serious almost fatal high speed accident whilst racing my Austin 7, amongst numerous other things I suffered a head injury which has affected my temperament and left me a little hot under the collar. I hate injustice and felt I was being wronged by this other member, however I do sincerely apologise for the viciousness of my response to what I felt was his unfair actions, and for the personal accusations I made. I also accept that I may have taken some of what he said out of context as we all can do at times online. I have offended the wider readership by allowing our disagreement to become public, which is at detriment to the forum and I am also sincerely sorry for that. The forum is a fantastic resource for the Austin seven community I have always tried to be a voice of reason and ensure my posts are honest, informative and based on real life experience. Until last night reading again what I said I had been feeling like the wounded party in this whole story saga, I was holding out for an apology from the other side refusing post again until that was forthcoming. I see now that was wrong of me and if the forum as a whole accept my explanation and remorse I may return to actively posting once again.