Welcome Earle,
as you would of noticed this forum is full of grumpy old bastards , funny how a good percentage gravitate to our particular choice of bike , that being said i have been known to be a grumpy bastid as well , not on the forum though haha
Gotta say though please dont be put off , everyone here means well and seem to be some of the most helpful i have had the pleasure in meeting over the past 20 years using the internet , next time some Aussie has a dig at you just tell them " go and get rooted " lol