LBoz
Original Curmudgeon
There's possibilities for good here. If you had your forum, and confined yourself to it, the naysayers would have no cause to complain. In fact, folks might get together and buy the forum for you.
Win/win: you have a bully pulpit, but only to those who choose to attend
Personally, I have gained a whole new appreciation of the kid's thickened skin. He's taken this silly ribbing in stride without getting his panties in a bunch. I'd personally welcome him into the washateria without judgment. But hey, that's just me.