CommunityBuzz! - An apology

Dear fellow FT members:

I have now been on FT for nearly three years. In that time I have met many current and former members, and have come to make close friends on the board. Indeed, when I get married later this year I am happy to say formerly only virtual friends will be present.

However, at times and in particular in the last week, I have posted comments I wish I had not posted, and seen to be needlessly attacking fellow members.

In no small part because of the advice of members whose opinion I respect, I have come to realize that I have gone too far on some issues of late.

And for this, I offer an unqualified apology to those I have directly or indirectly offended. No ifs, no buts, no nothing. Just an honest I'm sorry from SMessier (not to be confused with smeisser).

I expect we will continue to disagree on some things. However, I intend to do it within the boundaries of civil discussion, and simply agree to disagree when needed.

Until next time, a great weekend (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum95/HTML/002317.html) to everyone.

Hurray! Thanks! Have a great weekend! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Exactly what SMessier said.

I am sure most older members will agree these boards are now a LOT more civil than they were 18 months back.

However I too have posted things I am know have upset others recently, and I too apologise for any such posts. Miles and Travel is what we REALLY do best here.

My most exciting day ever on FlyerTalk was yesterday, chasing the entire saga from go to woe of the $56 + tax Business Class roundtrip *error* fares to PVA Mexico. The UA thread was humming with 40 posts an hour, emails were flying, folks helped us out unhesitatingly with US based credit cards, and the LiveChat was buzzing even at midnight.

We were like a big bunch of excited chattering school kids at the high school prom. I did not get to sleep until 8am this/last morning. It was a great day. Thanks for those that were *there* and who added to the excitement.

THAT, the wealth of instant information, and the great friends you meet all over the world from here is what FlyerTalk is all about to me. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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~ Glen ~

Bravo, SMessier and Ozstamps.

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"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Jon Toner:

Bravo, SMessier and Ozstamps.

</font>

---

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

And to all who follow and subscribe, as I, myself, surely do! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

BIG HUGS!

I have posted this before but I will post it again. NEVER take ANYTHING I say seriously.

I have a very dry sense of humor and one FTer once told me that I am "painfully honest."

I am just here to have fun and keep in touch with my long distance friends.

Have a great day everyone.

[This message has been edited by wingless (edited 07-26-2002).]

Who needed a "List" on that day? Nabbed the PVR deal and cross-posted to the mileage run forum where a whole bunch of others saw and grabbed the offer.

That's what FT is about. We also have a community, and inside jokes and personal opinions... and that makes FT special.

There is a darkside that comes out sometimes... but the good definitely outweighs the bad, and as long as we are all humble enough to celebrate the good, recognize the bad, and apologize when we cross the line between the two -- we will be fine!

I don't know the threads of which SMessier speaks, but props for making an apology.

I must have missed all the offensive posts, but I will chime in and add my appreciation of all of us for the civility on FlyerTalk over the last few months. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ozstamps:
My most exciting day ever on FlyerTalk was yesterday, chasing the entire saga from go to woe of the $56 + tax Business Class roundtrip *error* fares to PVA Mexico. The UA thread was humming with 40 posts an hour, emails were flying, folks helped us out unhesitatingly with US based credit cards, and the LiveChat was buzzing even at midnight.

We were like a big bunch of excited chattering school kids at the high school prom. I did not get to sleep until 8am this/last morning. It was a great day. Thanks for those that were *there* and who added to the excitement.</font>

I'm adding this a bit late, but man, was that ever fun to be a part of. Here's to more such interactions among FTers in the future.

For those of you who've been "long-time" FT'ers, the civility of the board is probably either taken for granted, or is not paid a great deal of attention. But for one who is relatively new to the board, I can attest that in comparison to others such as Fodor's (admittedly not "miles" oriented - but still "travel related")....
This forum is amazing from the standpoint of encouragement, civility, and outright acts of friendship....
While I've not read any of the "offensive" posts, I know that an apology such as those offered ONLY occurs on a board of such quality!!
Best wishes for a long, long series of GREAT posts!!

For no particular reason I thought I'd bump this thread at this time. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ozstamps:
at this time. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

Now I know your butt has been in a seat way too long. Does anyone really say "at this time" other than when they're on an airplane or have been on them for too long?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

mdtony.

At this time I am unable to confirm or deny that the use of the phrase "at this time" was made simply because "at this time" there was in fact a reason for it being posted "at this time", or whether I was simpy bored - or acting on medical or legal advice. (Or indeed had been sitting on planes too long. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif ) You only need to know this info at this time on a need to know basis, and in reality you really do not need to know at this time. And you of course do not know therefore there is no real need to know at this time that you do not need to know this on a need to know basis. You know?

Time for my tablet now. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ozstamps:
mdtony.

Time for my tablet now. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif</font>

Or a glass of champagne.

For no particular reason I thought I'd link to these threads at this time:

Anyone heard from this girl lately? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forumcgi/ubbmisc.cgi?action=getbio&UserName=janejet)

Some of the most colourful users seem to have left us... (http://www.flyertalk.com/forumcgi/ubbmisc.cgi?action=getbio&UserName=avgas)

Ahhhh.... Those were the days... (http://www.flyertalk.com/pasttalk/ftpasttalk_forum/Forum95/HTML/000646.html)

What fun we had... (http://www.flyertalk.com/pasttalk/ftpasttalk_forum/Forum95/HTML/000796.html)

Bubbly anyone?

I don't need to drink to feel bubbly. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

&nbsp; &nbsp; (http://www.flyertalk.com/pasttalk/ftpasttalk_forum/Forum95/HTML/000959.html)

FewMiles..

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.......................[ FlyerTalkers' Resources on the Web (http://www.fewmiles.net)]
[ Unofficial Guide to AAdvantage (http://www.fewmiles.net/AA)] [ Unofficial oneworld Info Desk (http://www.fewmiles.net/oneworld)]

Gee, I can swear that one of the above posters admitted using another persons handle as recently as a few months ago. Amazing how holier than thou he is now.

Fewmiles, there seems to be a hidden URL in your post... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I caught it.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hfly:

Gee, I can swear that one of the above posters admitted using another persons handle as recently as a few months ago. </font>

I think you'll find that at least eight (8) of the posters in this thread (so far) have used multiple handles on FT. Perhaps contact Randy to verify this if you have anything new to add or query, as he generally does not endorse/approve publication of such things. Out of curiousity does your post have anything whatever to do with the original thread?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ozstamps:
I think you'll find that at least eight (8) of the posters in this thread (so far) have used multiple handles on FT.</font>

1. To which eight of the dozen or so posters who have participated in this thread are you referring?

2. And please name the multiple handles they are using.

As the saying goes: Put your money where your mouth is.

FewMiles..

I actually meant to post that in the other thread. I believe that only ONE of the above posters has done so recently (or at least admitted that he did) and he did it in the last few months.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ozstamps:
I think you'll find that at least eight (8) of the posters in this thread (so far) have used multiple handles on FT. Perhaps contact Randy to verify this if you have anything new to add or query, as he generally does not endorse/approve publication of such things. Out of curiousity does your post have anything whatever to do with the original thread?</font>

8 posters? Are we counting all your previous handles too? Those are pretty tough accusations, like the things you are blaming Smessier of, I sure as heck hope you have some kind of evidence to back them other than a hunch from Hawaii-5-Oz...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">For no particular reason I thought I'd bump this thread at this time. </font>

And I see your original post to this thread has everything to do with the title of this thread... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif


P.S. I love the way you write eight (8) as to try to add importance to your post, and to make everyone here look stupid by thinking we don't understand the meaning of the word eight http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by ScottC (edited 11-08-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by FewMiles:

To which eight of the dozen or so posters who have participated in this thread are you referring?
</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Originally posted by ozstamps:

Perhaps contact Randy to verify this .... as he generally does not endorse/approve publication of such things.</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">

Originally posted by Randy Petersen: (http://www.flyertalk.com/pasttalk/ftpasttalk_forum/Forum97/HTML/000330.html)

I have also spent the last month addressing the issue of multiple user names. Because of the large number of members that this effects, it will take some time to resolve, but it is being addressed (some 900+ members with roughly 2814 total multiple user names).

However, I will not name those being addressed for any action and why actions were taken and prefer to operate in the background. </font>

This is all Ancient History, except to those same few who often choose to create and/or fan flames here. I bought this thread back to life to hopefully STOP some recent problems, as Randy and 2 Moderators can attest.

I am not sure why some choose to dredge up my registering other handles in the past? That is VERY old news. It was from another heated era, most do not wish to re-visit. Randy received an assurance from me that would not occur again, and it has not. If anyone doubts that, please take it up with him direct.

The problem still exists, but not from me. I suspect Randy and staff is busy enough this week wasting valuable time checking into infantile fake handles of other well known posters here, than to be constantly raking over old coals?

And ScottC I have not 'blamed' SMessier of anything here if you care to re-read my posts - please edit your incorrect comments. I see only positive posts here mentioning his name.



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~ Glen ~ Calling all United 1K Members - please join .. www.1Kflyers.com (http://www.1Kflyers.com)

Dear goodness Glen, please for once be a man and just say what you think instead of using your regular tricks to wiggle your way around it...

You posted the following on the 2 "trolls" harassing you:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
You must have seen both of these corny fakes SMessier .... after all you posted right after both on the very few threads in the UA board that you added to this week.

Curious you should refer to it? And naturally it is not even an original idea

SMessier. You and the 2 new recent fake handles here 'oz stamper' and 'ozzie stamper' seem to be the only ones obsessed by this. Very interesting.
</font>

Clear enough to me and undoubetbly clear enough to the entire poupulation of FT with an IQ above a can of beer.

I've taken the liberty of reposting a classic post by our dear friend Jon Toner:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Originally posted by Jon Toner here (http://www.flyertalk.com/pasttalk/ftpasttalk_forum/Forum95/HTML/000959.html)

Oz. You exhibit sociopathic behavior. I seriously recommend you consider some kind of counseling. Every flame war exhibits the following pattern. It has become clockwork.

The spark
Someone posts something. Oz lights a match with a snotty remark, or takes offense and launches personal attacks.

My post count is larger than yours.
Oz begins his “Don’t you know who I am?” campaign. He points out how a few of his posts have the highest number of replies, and challenges the others. He claims his posts are more important, helped more people, etc.

Who Dares Question the Great and Powerful Oz?
Oz berates anyone daring to question HIM. Personal attacks zestfully posted. He has met Randy. They are best buddies. In fact, he can personally vouch for Randy’s sexual orientation!

Do as I say, not as I do!
Start accusing others of the high crime of multiple identities. Note: Only a high crime when OTHERS do it – not a high crime by Oz. The crusade to “out” imposters will never lack a standard bearer with Oz around.

The silence is deafening...
Oz points out the silence of others as proof he is right. Or he points out the silence of others as proof that the other person is wrong. Or he points out the silence as having some quasi-mystical power which makes him omnipotent King of FlyerTalk.

Don’t trouble me with facts, I’ve made up my mind.
Oz ignores points he cannot rebut, and widens the argument into new areas, especially by infecting other threads. Challenges others on meaningless (to the discussion) things like how much charity work they do.

Declare Victory and Retreat
Oz decides to declare victory, pompously pointing out he is going to take the high road and not responding any more ... but not before having the final word.

More farewell performances than Barbara Streisand
Despite the promise not to post any more on a thread, returns to throw a little more gasoline on the fire. Declares victory again. Repeats as often as necessary.

Who, me? What did I do?
He then shrugs his shoulders and wonders why everyone is getting so worked up on other infected threads. Asks Randy to close down the threads in the name of civility. Thank God for Oz, the voice of reason.

We don’t need no stinking moderators
Oz becomes amazed and appalled when others begin to wonder publicly whether moderators might not be in order. Points out how Randy considers him the best FT’er and wishes he had more like him. After all, he has met Randy. They are best buddies. In fact, he can personally vouch for Randy’s sexual orientation!

Cult of Personality
Come meet the great and powerful Oz. In person, he’s oh-so-charming and witty. Of course so was Adolf Hitler. I hear Joseph Stalin was fun to drink with. And let’s not forget Idi Amin – what a card.

</font>

You keep talking about things in the past and that it is all behind us but continue to pull the same old tricks, some things just never seem to change.

ozstamps claimed:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I bought this thread back to life to hopefully STOP some recent problems, as Randy and 2 Moderators can attest.</font>

Wow.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

ScottC. Post from year's old threads if you feel that will cool heads here and advance and engender harmony on FlyerTalk. I doubt it will. I certainly will not join you and re-visit days most here would prefer to move on from by dredging up ancient opinions.

You were privvy to the communications from Randy in July that I refer to below, and I am disappointed you have posted as you have in this thread. Until your debut post here today this was a friendly and positive thread. Perhaps look into a mirror yourself Scott. My reviving this thread was done with good intentions in mind and others behind the scenes can bear that out.

If you are posting my quotes in other Forums, please adhere to usual convention and post the entire quote without your heavy and (not surprisingly) VERY selective editing. And please indicate thread source. That ACTUAL quote being from here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum132/HTML/000073-2.html) and reading exactly as follows.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">SMessier - I believe Punki's italicised comment above was directed NOT at me, but at "ozzie stamper" a.k.a. "oz stamper" (until yesterday) a.k.a .....

Curious you should refer to it? And naturally it is not even an original idea. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum75/HTML/000017.html) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

You must have seen both of these corny fakes SMessier .... after all you posted right after both on the very few threads in the UA board that you added to this week.

I am not sure why you choose to dredge up today my registering other handles in the past? That is VERY ancient history. Randy received an assurance from me that would not occur again, and it has not. He also received other private assurances on another matter from several other (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum95/HTML/002318.html) users here a few months back, which until this week had been adhered to admirably it seems by those concerned.

I do think all FT benefited by those folks involved keeping their word to him since then. FT has been a far more placid place since July. </font>

Which does not quite replicate your version below. Whether or not I have an 'IQ above a can of beer' I still cannot see where you made your case? If you choose not to edit as politely requested - your call entirely.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">You must have seen both of these corny fakes SMessier .... after all you posted right after both on the very few threads in the UA board that you added to this week.
Curious you should refer to it? And naturally it is not even an original idea

SMessier. You and the 2 new recent fake handles here 'oz stamper' and 'ozzie stamper' seem to be the only ones obsessed by this. Very interesting.</font>

OK - so I'm new at FT - but this is getting way off the topic and "over the top." http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Can we either get back to basics or just end this thread?

ozstamps writes to ScottC:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Until your debut post here today this was a friendly and positive thread. Perhaps look into a mirror yourself Scott. My reviving this thread was done with good intentions in mind and others behind the scenes can bear that out.</font>

No ozstamps. The fact is this was a friendly and positive thread until you posted:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">For no particular reason I thought I'd bump this thread at this time. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

(emphasis on winky guy)

Your post was clearly not with good intentions, IMHO. And it is you that should be looking in a mirror.

I applaud your actions "behind the scenes" and wish you would do more of that.

[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 11-08-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PSC 1K:
OK - so I'm new at FT - but this is getting way off the topic and "over the top." http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Can we either get back to basics or just end this thread?</font>

Well,Im not "new" and I still dont have a clue what this is all about http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif


Can we all just have a beer together?

Jan..just a beer..let's break out the Grey Goose Vodka http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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MRKEY

Well this thread was nice while it lasted. . . http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

PSC 1K,

Welcome to Flyertalk. Do you remember the now very famous Saturday Night Live skit when Dan Akryoid (sp?) played Richard Nixon? You remember, when they were laughing their fool heads off as they 'prepared' that 18 minutes of silence on the Watergate tape.

This is in no way related to that! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Sometimes on flyertalk ( and very infrequently if you want to know the truth), a flyertalker may think he/she is better than someone else. Of course that's not true. In this thread Scott is just putting someone is his place.

In general, we talk miles and points and Flyertalk (as Randy says). I'd do a link but I'm not as good as some others here posting and posting and posting and posting what was said before. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

You may want to join us in CHAT one night. We're really a good bunch, and you'll learn lots of useful info to increase your balances. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

And that's the way it is (Uncle Walter)

Dan

I apppologize to the deer I hit on my way home this evening http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

My car is more sorry and ... cold without a left front fender http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Perhaps everyone who has posted under a handle other than their own in lets say.... the last three months leaves the island PERMANENTLY!?!?

At least one person in this thread did post under multiple handles and was voted off the island permanently by none other than Randy.

Or at least it was said to be permanently, but then he came back.

Perhaps everyone who has posted under a handle other than their own in lets say.... the last three months leaves the island PERMANENTLY!?!?

I am so glad, that it is only up to Randy to decide who should or has to leave this board.

I did post (once) in the last 3 months under the Gisela handle (I didn't notice that she posted before on our shared computer).

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 11-10-2002).]

I also have posted under another handle, but not for the last three months.

Do I have to go, too? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

(And so close to Christmas...)

Nah, my own opinion and only aimed at one self-righteous liar.