I'd like to chime in here on Fran's use of and Diki's interpretation of the term "keeper."

I have come to understand and accept Fran's use of the term as meaning that the item is worth it's purchase price. It also means, to me, that the item is not a piece of junk. Whether it's something I would want or buy is a personal matter. Having read Fran's posts for many years now, I know that Fran - and others - have a penchant for new gear. He often makes a big noise over buying new stuff, but is pretty quiet about what he discards or keeps. I don't find that alarming or unusual. Now, would I buy a piece of gear solely on Fran's "keeper" tag? Probably not, but I certainly would give his thumb-up some credence - if I were looking at similar equipment.

That said, Diki has a point in asking that such a "strong" term be used for something that the owner may not choose to keep after a brief honeymoon with it. But, and here's the rub, I also sense an underlying bias that Diki has against Fran's fickleness. In reading Diki's posts for a good number of years, I've come to realize that his opinions are strong and that sometimes his words come off a little rough. I don't feel that Diki holds these animosities that his words sometimes hint at. I feel it's just his style and I accept that.

I ask that we/Diki accept that "keeper" is a Fran-ism just as much as Diki's words are his personality.

Peace out, brothers. JMHO

Cass