I don’t know the answer to that but it’s a perfect example of the many vagaries of the english language.

As for public spats it has been the only way to get a point of view across after being on the receiving end of insults over a period of time. I know the involved parties check up on this website but it is after all totally anonymous.

You said: “you must never (even if you are 100% right) fall out with those that come between you and the children.”

I’m afraid that is out of my hands and always has been since the day my son was thrown out of his home by his extremely unstable and irrational ex-wife. There is no way to change that situation because negotiation with such a person is not possible.

Having gone through various “ups not & downs” financially in life I can empathise with some of your postings. Probably as elderly as you (62) so can’t do my normal “seen it all before” remark!

However for my sins (& trying to stave off poverty in old age) I advise a lot of “fledgling” businesses. So take this advice as exactly that.

Your business on the net failed, not because it was a useless marketing concept (I don’t even know what it was because you don’t give a link!) but because you hadn’t cracked the search engines – in particular Google. Just put in a bit more effort into that and people can find you. I’ll give you advice if you point me at it! (Can I deliver – well put in “camera shops” or “used cameras” into google & see for yourself!)

Secondly, I think whatever it is you were selling = its the wrong thing! You have two areas of specialist knowledge – an interesting & challenging writing style & model rocketry. Both are rarities and both have a market – notice “obscure” works well on the web, because you needn’t be mainstream as there are so many “fractions” you can gather in – The mickle/muckle principle!

I certainly would remove your family quarrels – this is unfortunately, a public place and the last thing (and I do speak as a Grandfather) you want is to lose your Grandchildren by having a very public “spat”. From a neighbours sad experience I can say, you must never (even if you are 100% right) fall out with those that come between you and the children. Difficult, but like the Northern Ireland peace process – very difficult decisions have to be taken for the overall good. Sorry I can’t say “older than you”, but as an uninvolved outsider I can try and advise.

All the best – develop your talents – forget your feuds!

Paul