Over and out.
Feb 28, 2001 | 8:05 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 1999
Posts: 3,709
Over and out.
Adios folks. I am tired of wasting personal bandwidth on Ozstamps Talk. Life is too short.
Folks will notice I'm no longer on the list for the Catman Do. I hope my spot can go to someone who can enjoy himself/herself there. I cannot. Some may call me a coward for it - so be it.
But I can't go to an event and "make nice", and I would rather cut off an appendage than disrupt Catman's event.
I have tried to take a Voltairian stand (disagreeing with what some may say, but defending their right to say it), with a lot of this foolishness, but lately I've grown tired of it. It is painfully apparent to me that these battles are the price to be paid for using Flyertalk, and frankly I'm not willing to pay it anymore.
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 Dont 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 Randys 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.
Dont trouble me with facts, Ive 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 dont 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 FTer and wishes he had more like him. After all, he has met Randy. They are best buddies. In fact, he can personally vouch for Randys sexual orientation!
Cult of Personality
Come meet the great and powerful Oz. In person, hes oh-so-charming and witty. Of course so was Adolf Hitler. I hear Joseph Stalin was fun to drink with. And lets not forget Idi Amin what a card.
So long folks, it's been a lot of fun.
------------------
"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."
Folks will notice I'm no longer on the list for the Catman Do. I hope my spot can go to someone who can enjoy himself/herself there. I cannot. Some may call me a coward for it - so be it.
But I can't go to an event and "make nice", and I would rather cut off an appendage than disrupt Catman's event.
I have tried to take a Voltairian stand (disagreeing with what some may say, but defending their right to say it), with a lot of this foolishness, but lately I've grown tired of it. It is painfully apparent to me that these battles are the price to be paid for using Flyertalk, and frankly I'm not willing to pay it anymore.
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 Dont 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 Randys 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.
Dont trouble me with facts, Ive 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 dont 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 FTer and wishes he had more like him. After all, he has met Randy. They are best buddies. In fact, he can personally vouch for Randys sexual orientation!
Cult of Personality
Come meet the great and powerful Oz. In person, hes oh-so-charming and witty. Of course so was Adolf Hitler. I hear Joseph Stalin was fun to drink with. And lets not forget Idi Amin what a card.
So long folks, it's been a lot of fun.
------------------
"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."
Feb 28, 2001 | 8:15 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: nurnberg, germany
Posts: 286
I'm gonna have to print the above message. Classic, hilarious, and right on the money.
Feb 28, 2001 | 9:05 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: Whoever Has the Best Bonus
Posts: 5,241
We need another forum Flyertalk Entrances and Exits or at least someone maintaining a scorecard. This is getting way too confusing for those of just wanting to talk travel. 
Sorry to see you go Jon. Hope you reconsider.
Sorry to see you go Jon. Hope you reconsider.
Feb 28, 2001 | 10:01 am
#5
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX , CO PLT
Posts: 189
Jon,
I usually want to puke when I read the "Exit Posts", followed by the obligatory "Please don't go" posts. I don't know, I'm just not into emotional games.
However, I don't think that is what you are doing here. Although you and I haven't met, I truly appreciate your input on the CO board, and have benefited from your presence/advice in the past.
I completely understand your feelings about the OZ situation, and feel almost exactly the same way.
I won't try to change your mind, but I will say that you are always welcome on the CO board, and I would still be interested in trying to catch a couple ball games this summer if you'd like.
Mike
[This message has been edited by mws (edited 02-28-2001).]
I usually want to puke when I read the "Exit Posts", followed by the obligatory "Please don't go" posts. I don't know, I'm just not into emotional games.
However, I don't think that is what you are doing here. Although you and I haven't met, I truly appreciate your input on the CO board, and have benefited from your presence/advice in the past.
I completely understand your feelings about the OZ situation, and feel almost exactly the same way.
I won't try to change your mind, but I will say that you are always welcome on the CO board, and I would still be interested in trying to catch a couple ball games this summer if you'd like.
Mike
[This message has been edited by mws (edited 02-28-2001).]
Feb 28, 2001 | 10:06 am
#6
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: PDX
Programs: TSA Refusenik charter member
Posts: 16,126
Jon Toner, 
Feb 28, 2001 | 10:22 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: SoCal; DO-RAGS: Old Gold tagged, PIP, LatPass 1/2, AA 4MM, HH LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, Omni
Posts: 9,649
Jon, you are among the best and the brightest, and I cant make you do anything, I can only control what I do, so here it is:
Oz, you have made some contributions (much like a broken clock that is right twice a day), but there is so much noise and garbage that I will institute the following protocols:
1. I will read no thread that you start;
2. I will read none of your postings, merely skipping them over;
3. I will answer none of your email;
4. I will not attend any event that you sponsor, nor will I communicate with you should our paths meet;
5. I will turn my back on you and shun you entirely. You are, to me, a non-person.
I would, however, be willing to organize a post drive so that anyone can donate their posts to you, thinking that when you reach the magic number that is in your scary head (a million? A billion?) you will retire from the field. Note to Randy: please donate all my posts to OZ...Naked I came into FlyerTalk; Naked I shall return.
When I say that Im done with you, Im done, so fire away if you must, I will not retaliate or respond. If I argue with a moron it becomes hard to tell the difference, so why bother.
I humbly apologize to any FT-ers who I have trespassed against: past, present or future. I take solace in all the friends and nice FT experiences that I have had, so I will, to quote the song: accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.
Jon, I greatly hope that we meet someday soon.
Oz, you have made some contributions (much like a broken clock that is right twice a day), but there is so much noise and garbage that I will institute the following protocols:
1. I will read no thread that you start;
2. I will read none of your postings, merely skipping them over;
3. I will answer none of your email;
4. I will not attend any event that you sponsor, nor will I communicate with you should our paths meet;
5. I will turn my back on you and shun you entirely. You are, to me, a non-person.
I would, however, be willing to organize a post drive so that anyone can donate their posts to you, thinking that when you reach the magic number that is in your scary head (a million? A billion?) you will retire from the field. Note to Randy: please donate all my posts to OZ...Naked I came into FlyerTalk; Naked I shall return.
When I say that Im done with you, Im done, so fire away if you must, I will not retaliate or respond. If I argue with a moron it becomes hard to tell the difference, so why bother.
I humbly apologize to any FT-ers who I have trespassed against: past, present or future. I take solace in all the friends and nice FT experiences that I have had, so I will, to quote the song: accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.
Jon, I greatly hope that we meet someday soon.
Feb 28, 2001 | 10:29 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: YVR
Programs: ACSEMM QRGold SPGLifetimePlat FairmontPlat | TalkBoard Founding Member
Posts: 8,969
WOW!
Jon, don't know if you will ever read this but that was an amazing post!! Well written and thought out!!
Sad to see you go but can totally understand.
Dorian
------------------
The Global Lounge Project - open source airline lounge listings
flyers'places - restaurant, bar & hotel tips
The Star Alliance RTW Price Chart - by Dorian
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Jon, don't know if you will ever read this but that was an amazing post!! Well written and thought out!!
Sad to see you go but can totally understand.
Dorian
------------------
The Global Lounge Project - open source airline lounge listings
flyers'places - restaurant, bar & hotel tips
The Star Alliance RTW Price Chart - by Dorian
The Star Alliance Gold Comparison Chart - by Blondebomber
Feb 28, 2001 | 11:20 am
#9
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: America Central
Programs: CO Gold, AA Gold, HH Diamond, IC Plat Ambassador
Posts: 936
Jon Toner: Au revoir mon ami...
The really sad part of this is that everyone concentrates on the effect (disruption of the boards) and never about the cause: oz. What a dishonorable, disrespectful, piece of excrement...
And even more sad (sorry -- pathetic is the more appropriate word) is that our host seems to care not one friggin' wit about enforcing the terms of service we all agreed to when we registered to become part of this community.
We're locked in to attending the -Do -- and I apologize in advance for whatever disruption I will cause...
[edited to change conditional tense in last line...]
[This message has been edited by onefreeman (edited 02-28-2001).]
The really sad part of this is that everyone concentrates on the effect (disruption of the boards) and never about the cause: oz. What a dishonorable, disrespectful, piece of excrement...
And even more sad (sorry -- pathetic is the more appropriate word) is that our host seems to care not one friggin' wit about enforcing the terms of service we all agreed to when we registered to become part of this community.
We're locked in to attending the -Do -- and I apologize in advance for whatever disruption I will cause...
[edited to change conditional tense in last line...]
[This message has been edited by onefreeman (edited 02-28-2001).]
Last edited by onefreeman; Oct 19, 2005 at 12:00 am Reason: remove offensive reference of even more offensive person
Feb 28, 2001 | 12:23 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: YVR
Programs: ACSEMM QRGold SPGLifetimePlat FairmontPlat | TalkBoard Founding Member
Posts: 8,969
Onefreeman...thanx for my 1st good laugh of the week!
Dorian!
Dorian!
Feb 28, 2001 | 12:59 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Smoke filled room, TPA and FLL/MIA :UAL 1K and 2MM,AA EX PLAT and 2MM,Lifetime Plat Starwood
Posts: 4,318
Brilliant Jon.
But why do we all have to go? Why can't we vote OZhole off the island?
But why do we all have to go? Why can't we vote OZhole off the island?
Feb 28, 2001 | 1:04 pm
#13
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Pasadena, CA. USA
Posts: 1,438
Feb 28, 2001 | 1:25 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: This year we're going to the BAFTAs!
Posts: 5,518
Originally posted by cigarman:
Brilliant Jon.
But why do we all have to go? Why can't we vote OZhole off the island?
Brilliant Jon.
But why do we all have to go? Why can't we vote OZhole off the island?
Feb 28, 2001 | 1:51 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat, Hertz P Circle
Posts: 1,628
Sorry it has come to this, Jon. If all the good folks leave FT, who are we left with?
Look at the damage one man can cause. Can you see him sitting back in his chair and laughing at the computer screen? Some people crave attention, and even a mention of his name in disgust somehow delivers satisfaction. So the question is, WHY are we giving him all this attention?
If you're as fed up as I am, then for goodness sake, DON'T post anything about him! Don't even mention his name! Don't say you won't reply to him, just do it! If he loves to use silence as his ally, then use it against him. Don't bother voting him out, don't bother shutting him down, don't waste the energy talking sense, its not worth it.
Just ignore, not one reply, not one word.
Look at the damage one man can cause. Can you see him sitting back in his chair and laughing at the computer screen? Some people crave attention, and even a mention of his name in disgust somehow delivers satisfaction. So the question is, WHY are we giving him all this attention?
If you're as fed up as I am, then for goodness sake, DON'T post anything about him! Don't even mention his name! Don't say you won't reply to him, just do it! If he loves to use silence as his ally, then use it against him. Don't bother voting him out, don't bother shutting him down, don't waste the energy talking sense, its not worth it.
Just ignore, not one reply, not one word.