I appreciate your self-imposed diplomacy uncleben!

The forum is at it's best when it's positive and supportive. Like any community though there will be times when someone says something that others don't like.

I say we keep it positive and supportive for everyone, including for fedup.

I hope neither fedup nor plasticdaft withdraw in response to this.
Expert status is only relative to the topic at any given time and to the audience.
Plasticdaft, on those 2 criteria qualifies as an expert on his experience which is largely what he shares.

At risk of causing Plasticdaft the same red faces Mark has had to endure when people openly thank him for his efforts, he, plasticdaft IS an expert in 'moving on with life' after a stressful time deciding and embarking on a TD.

We all lose if Plasticdaft, and others who are willing to give their time, experience and support to the forum, are attacked personally.

I expect fedup is actually so fed up in relation to personal circumstances that judgement is perhaps clouded, that's what comes across anyway since I cannot see anything offensive or excessive in any of Plasticdaft's comments. Some people react to stress in a very defensive way and Plasticdaft seems to have become the target this time.

Hopefully plasticdaft continues to contribute and hopefully brighter days are ahead for fedup.

Wow - harsh comment! I can honestly say that I have found Paul's comments and information extremely helpful as he has been through it from beginning to end and always has something positive to say no matter what the topic. Yes, it is a free world and everyone is entitled to their opinion - if you don't want to read Paul's comments - skip them!

Wow, what a hot topic!!!
The forum is about giving and sharing advice & experiences from a wide sector of people. "A problem shared...." and all that [:)]The longer you are part of the Forum, the better you get at it, and the more topics you can share with us.

Exactly. As Pamjo says, Plasticdaft is an expert at the experience of the whole process of Trust Deeds. He felt the fear of losing control of his finances, the humbling experience of having to ask for help, the hard times of scrimping and saving and the euphoria of emerging out of debt darkness into a lighter world. He is clearly a better person for it and the evidence for this is the selfless way he uses his experience to help and support others going through the same thing. No offence to the experts on this site but unless you've been through it you're only a expert on the theory whereas Paul's expertise lies in his practical experience.

As Shona says, we need ALL types of expert on the Forum to provide an holistic level of support and this Forum is a shining example of successful support at all levels, from looking at all options available right up to getting discharged and beyond. It works and it works very well indeed.

I am afraid I am sticking around long term folks! Like it or lump it. I am neither a sensitive wee soul or easily offended and am happy to help out in way I can.

Without people who have been through the process this site would be a lesser place!

Paul

Hi Paul,

I think you'll see that there is an overwhelming appreciation from other members and site experts for the knowledge that you share and the time that you give, so something really good has come out of this thread.

I think you'll agree that rather than talking about you personally, or the site itself, we should stick to helping people that ask questions in the forum.

So with you quite rightly having had (almost!) the last word I think I'll lock the thread now.