R.I.P. BW! Thanks for your good contribution to FT. I for one will miss his posts.

When I posted the first comment, I was unaware of any of the other news links. Like others here have said, some "off FT" surfing yields some interesting data.

That said, I still don't think the commentary about BWatson himself is appropriate. CyberNET, however, appears to be another Enron and I don't think we will be able to avoid that topic if even 20% of the allegations I've read in some of the off-FT news is true.

Oh, please, cut the affected soliloquys. The guy stole millions of real dollars from real people.

What on earth are you talking about? Inasmuch as this unfortunate incident has been talked about on television, in newspapers, and on the internet, how is this "personal information?"

I do agree. This is most certainly public (and not even obscurely public). I also think it's unreasonable to expect that FlyerTalkers won't be talking about this when one of our own is involved in something like this.

If people can just manage to not fight each other in this thread, I would not be one to ask the moderators or Randy to take any action in this thread. (This is my personal opinion as I don't moderate this forum.)

While I agree that this isnt private information, I also really agree with the main point of Ozstamps post. Having a thread which is comprised of numerous posts that are calling a member a fraud and other terms is not in keeping with the spirit around here. These posts certainly would cause a lot of trouble if they were about a living person. While I think it is reasonable to post links to public news sources about these events, I think the editorializing, and name calling, even though it can be argued to be true serves no useful purpose. And I should add that NONE of us to the best of my knowledge knows what happened, why and under what circumstances. That is not to say that appropriate investigations should not attempt to sort these things out and make appropriate decisions. But name calling and judging him personally on this forum does not contribute to that.

With the greatest respect, I did not write those paragraphs. Randy and/or FT admin did. As far as I know they still form part of the TOS?

It is my view a number of comments both here and some of the even more appalling ones on the Cathay Airlines Board where B Watson was the moderator:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=366258

are highly insensitive, totally inappropriate, and tasteless. If you or others agree with them, that is your choice.

A number of members choosing not to have hit the "Submit Reply" button in the past 24 hours might have shown a great deal more respect to this member.

This member has passed away. He 'conned or defrauded' no-one on FT that I have spoken to or read about. He knew more about airlines and hotels than most of the 100s of FT'ers I have met, and was happy to share good advice and tips. He contributed positively to FT and that is what matters, surely?

Barton was in terrible health for a man of 44 if you had met him, and could barely walk due to a severe and well advanced arthritic condition he had.

My sincere condolences to his wife and family, and can only ask again for folks to PLEASE let this Member Rest In Peace.

Speaking ill of the just deceased is always the height of bad taste IMHO. :td:

:rolleyes:

I am well aware of that fact. I was referring to your interpretation of those paragraphs, as I'm sure you are also aware.

Okay guys, enough
 

This thread has quickly devolved from one of mourning, to judging a fellow FTer, which as we all know is against the TOS.

Stay on topic or else, well, you know .... locksville.

This is FlyerTalk's Community Forum, not the World Court. My experience with Mr. Watson is limited to his contributions to various forums here. I personally view his FT contributions in a positive light and while I can't ignore the serious allegations against him, I don't feel FlyerTalk's Community Forum is a proper forum to castigate or condemn Mr. Watson for his alleged transgressions.

I'm appreciative of B Watson's many contributions as a Moderator, Trip Reporter and contributor to the FlyerTalk community. In this forum at least I will limit my memory of him and comments on his life and passing to my personal experience with the man.

R.I.P., B. Watson

I can't help but notice your repeated mention of having met him in-person and your personal reasons for feeling sympathy for him. I hope your public complaints don't boil down to "Don't talk bad about my friend!"

I agree that there are limits to what people should be able to post here and you should use the report Post feature (you'll find it one of these days) to privately express your concern about specific posts to those who can act on it.

I disagree, though, that this thread need to be only filled with only talk of his FlyerTalk persona. People are posting informative links here that describe the allegations and ramifications of what has happened.

ETA: Just making it clear that this is my personal opinion, not acting as a moderator.

Agree with fellow mod
 

Informational links herein aren't necessarily out of bounds per FT's TOS, but "calling a spade a spade" is most certainly against the rubric of this forum. We all know that in our heart of hearts and mind of minds.

Whatever the "certain values that should take precedence," Community is not a debate society, the ICC, etc.. So please take these types of convos offline via PM where it properly belongs.

As for a particular FTer's inability to make rational distinctions, there's really not a lot the rest of us can do. I certainly can't, posting as a mod, do anything about others' poor thinking habits. But moderating the discussions for appropriateness is something I can and will do.

Sad day:(
 

It is a very sad day when anyone, I repeat anyone, reaches the very desperate and lonely mental state that ending one's life is seen as the only option left.

If you haven't anything nice to say, perhaps you shouldn't say anything... :rolleyes:

RIP B Watson whom I have never personally met

You know, I am more shocked of the judgemental comments that fellow FTers have said here in the past 3 days than of B Watson'spassing.

FT isn't what it's supposed to be anymore.

Oz, I really have problem with this statement.

Once again, my condolences to his wife, family and friends.