It's funny how the last 10 posts of this thread have morphed into precisely and exactly what was intended by the starting statements!!!
Actually, this thread was started as a DIRECT result of my disappointment in the "Looking for Some Cleaner Shrimp" thread (which IMO had turned into a total disaster zone). Anyone that wishes to, go back and review that thread quickly, and you will see 3 days into the thread was where I first came into the discussion.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1071432&perpage=25&pagenumber=1
The totally inappropriate name calling and rude behavior of that thread had seemingly turned productive, and discussing the concept of doing group buys through local stores (with good comments by Amy and Mary....who I believe are "council" members) was starting. Mary has said on more than one occasion that this is an example of why we need another message venue besides RC. I didn't want this productive discussion to be buried in a dead horse thread. That's why I cited some recent CORA posts and started this whole darn topic, and expressed that establishing a new CVRC board on a private website wasn't really necessary.
My belief is that as long as you don't work for a LFS, or were getting no kickbacks for promoting one, then there is no reason why you COULDN'T be an ethical "LFS liason" here on RC. Other groups here on RC openly do this (and so many more activities) without any negative issues whatsoever.
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Ron - I tried to send you a PM last night but your box was full. I'll say
everything here publically I was going to say privately, because I see no need for my comments to get taken "behind the scenes".
#1 - What was intended to be a supportive new thread intended for a constructive discussion of the valid points brought up by Amy & Mary was essentially closed by you within 2 hours of my posting (on 3/17) by the explanation of your agreement and promises to RC years ago. I felt my topic was firmly and quickly dismissed - and you were saying that I didn't have a clue. You know that once you weigh in on a topic, it is generally viewed as official and the end of any constructive discussion.
#2 - I was just as disappointed by the dismissal of my topic as by what SaltyB had said in the previous thread, but I didn't get nasty. Never have and hopefully never will. Please go back and read the first post of this thread just one more time. Note that after you posted I did not challenge your explanation or anything you said -
nor did I intend to. I left it totally alone and had no additional questions or commentary. If no one else had followed up, I honestly would not have posted to this thread again. Even though I was a bit insulted, I wasn't going to say so. However, five days later on 3/23 when Jason ressurrected the discussion (and after Amy, Mary, and others weighed in) I posted several follow up opinions.
#3 - Less than 30 minutes after posting my opinions, you so very quickly responded. Hmmmm. At this point, I'm really starting to wonder if you specifically don't like me or something? You think I'm getting personal, well I'm thinking that you are getting personal too. I guess that goes to show what we get when we think.
#4 - Why? The reason I think it is personal is based on observations like this example. SaltyB can say things on this board that are unquestionably hateful. Calling people idiots. You didn't say one single word to him. However, if someone posts a legitimate topic that doesn't include any name calling, and was even initiated by "council members", it is vaguely alleged that somehow "trouble" is being started and the post is dishonest.
#5 - In support of the above point please take into consideration what Mike Hurley said. The MOD he said that he couldn't make "heads or tails" of the thread and decipher all the "stealth comments". I don't know if it would be productive for him to come back and say exactly who he was referring to, but I don't think it was me. It really doesn't much matter. But someone that doesn't know anyone here personally, or doesn't have anything but total objectivity, feels like there are "stealth" things being said. Well, oddly enough, that is an opinion I've also reached on many many occasions over the past couple years. I'll stop right there.
#6 - Ron, I've got absolutely no personal beef with you. In fact, I really like you a lot, and can't believe this egg has hatched.
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There is a world of difference between stimulating an open constructive discussion and starting trouble. That's what I was originally and honestly trying to do. If this topic veered in a negative direction, that wasn't my intent.
All of the above is very RESPECTFULLY submitted. I could ramble on, but I've said quite enough already. There are no veiled or stealth comments.
If anyone is ever offended by any of my posts, please always use your individual power to report the post to an RC moderator.
