Those who are accusing people like me, who are asking for the mandatory country indication, of intolerance are being overly defensive and are not considering the whole idea. The problem is when people ask specific questions that almost require location information and it is obvious they haven't even bothered to say where they can buy from.
It has been said over and over, nobody needs to put their real location if they are that concerned about revealing it. At least this way we know that the person has considered their location information and has made a conscious decision to set the flag. If the black flag is available then it can be used.
If the person has made an active decision to not indicate their correct location, that is fine. If they then post a question about what/how/where to buy something and then reject answers because it doesn't work where they live, then we can chastise them for not being clearer.
As it is now, the majority of the newbies posting come in and make no indication where they are or where they can buy and ask for advice on purchases. This wastes everyone's time and after the hundredth time people will either not respond or get nasty with them. This is not good for welcoming newcomers nor encouraging people to help.
That is my intent and point. The OP was not some narrow minded, intolerant, racist and elitist ego maniacal rant.
+1
Many of us are here just to give their help/knowledge freely, more so than asking for it.
Others that need/want help should (you would think) attempt to assist us in our endeavours.
Hell, if we had access to IP's as Dave and Mods do we wouldn't need flags, there's enough tools on the web to ID where you are.
Call us know alls, I don't care, but without those of us that willingly attempt to assist others, what would this forum be?
Even though I now sell TE I hate to see old gear not being fixed, not all can afford new gear and when it's a straight forward fix why wouldn't I help?
We all started with old shitty gear, spent all our time keeping it going and learnt heaps on the way.
I'm proud of that and happy to share what I can, just as others do too.
It's very refreshing to now see newbies with country flags, remember many of us are prepared to help locals at a personal level but somebody without a flag and/or location could be living 5km away from me and I'd never know.
With a flag and location in my profile I get PM's from locals, including some from Aussie, seeking all sorts of advice.
/rant
I've made some good friends on EEVblog, it's a great place.
Thanks Dave.