(Uh?) thanks for the welcome beemaster,
I'm in Portland, Oregon. (Profile updated)
I'm worse than relatively new! I haven't even begun yet (my queen and starter colony are due 4/10). And I'm definitely with you on forums being the place to glean cutting-edge, as well as fundamental, information. Congrats on the excellent site! I've been working in IT for ~ 15 yrs, have set up many forums, and belong to loads more. That's precisely why I joined.
Also, regarding "issues", quoting, etc.,. I would hope we're all on the same team regarding this CCD topic as well as any other that may threaten our respective hobby, livelihood, etc.,. That being said, being involved in internet forums all these years I've interacted with all types of personality "issues". I would hope kathyp could handle her own... I'm not averse to calling a spade a spade however and if that involves pointing out errors, logical fallacies, misdirection, etc., (in what I thought was a polite manner) I would hope that isn't considered less than diplomatic. I could very well be the dumbest guy on this site, it makes no difference as I'm not hung up on personal issues (this seems to be a theme?). Rather, trying to stay on topic and further the investigation along. Who knows... if we pool our resources perhaps we could have a positive impact? That's my goal here at any rate. & don't worry, I won't respond further to any snarky comments.
:)