In a message dated 2/14/03 1:28:21 PM Pacific Standard Time,
pokey@VANAGON.ORG writes:

<< If Ben was doing something as devious as the "industrial
 espionage" you suggest why in heck would he use is real
 handle & e-mail? And why would he only care about the rears?
 Last time I checked hotmail was still free and Gerry wasn't
 rejecting anyone who wants to sign up. If he was trying so
 desperatley to steal someones idea why would he use his real
 name? To me the posibilities are:

 1) He's trying to work out the compatibility between
 syncro.org springs and the air lift kit VolksCafe is working
 on, or maybe some shock combination or something...

 2) He's asking because he wants to see if they'll fit on his
 own van and it takes Steve a while to get back to people.

 3) VolksCafe is thinking about carrying syncro.org springs in
 regular inventory.

 Give the guy a break... >>

None of which should stop him Ben M. from asking Steve directly. IIRC Ben
doesn't own a Vanagon anymore. Do you BMC? Is he so "desperate" as you put it
that he can't wait for Steve to answer his question? Why does he not disclose
his intent if it is indeed what you say? If BMC did that when he asked the
question, I would not have commented on the matter. Most of you who know that
I am rarely the first one to defend Syncro.org. However, I feel this matter
is critical to the Syncro/Vanagon industry as a whole.

The alternative spring idea is already there and has been for many years. The
specifications BMC is asking for is proprietary in my opinion.

It wasn't too long ago that another listee sought out a supplier to produce a
simplified version of the Projektzwo bumpers in California. Month's later,
said supplier started selling the self same bumpers via a certain retailer to
persons such as yourself. No credit given to the aforementioned listee in any
form that I can ever recall.

BenT
The shorter version of Benjamin Emmanuel S. Tan which is my real name. And
yes BenTbtstr8@aol.com is my real email address. Give me a break.......