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Rebuttal to comments made by TM in FPJ thread?
I am writing this post because I feel I was unfairly characterized in a post made by Thomas M in the thread on the FPJ forum closing. To be clear I have attempted to resolve this with Thomas via PM, but his response was that he "called it as he saw it" and he would "consider" revising his post or removing it entirely, but stated he would not apologize.
I have waited to see if the post he made would be modified, and it has not, so I feel compelled to provide my point of view here.
I made a post in the FPJ thread that was in response to another poster who wondered if FPJ had made a decision to not participate in all forums on his brand, or if this decision was specific to PPRO. I stated that there was another forum still open, that I suspect we could not name it directly, and that if the poster looked he could find it as it is a big forum. I know there has been tension between the management of both forums, so I attempted to answer the question while not violating forum rules. I also added my thoughts that the information that had been provided to date was cryptic as many others had also observed. Thomas made this reply:
"Al, you have been a guest here, and as a result have sold some watches.
We have NEVER forced you or even pressured you to do anything for this site, monetarily or otherwise, other than to ask you to respect local posting rules and protocols.
The very least you can do is to continue to do so, and extend to us the maximum benefit of the doubt.
If you "suspect" you can't name other sites, then don't "cryptically" refer to them.
TM"
I am not sure why Thomas chose to bring up the fact that I have sold some watches through this forum, as it was not related to the topic at hand. I can only conclude that this was intended to paint me in the light of being a "taker" and not someone who has contributed to this forum in proportion to what I have received. He also states that there has never been any pressure for me to do anything in exchange for the sales I have gleaned from this forum. I must set the record straight here:
We have NEVER forced you or even pressured you to do anything for this site, monetarily or otherwise, other than to ask you to respect local posting rules and protocols.
The very least you can do is to continue to do so, and extend to us the maximum benefit of the doubt.
If you "suspect" you can't name other sites, then don't "cryptically" refer to them.
TM"
I am not sure why Thomas chose to bring up the fact that I have sold some watches through this forum, as it was not related to the topic at hand. I can only conclude that this was intended to paint me in the light of being a "taker" and not someone who has contributed to this forum in proportion to what I have received. He also states that there has never been any pressure for me to do anything in exchange for the sales I have gleaned from this forum. I must set the record straight here:
1 - I was a member/participant of the original Purists site, and here at PPRO long before I was in the business of selling/servicing watches.
2 - Thomas is correct that I have in fact made 4 sales of new watches that I have produced to people who are PPRO posters, over a period of 3 years. One of those was to a poster that also frequents another forum that I do, and it is unclear to me where the initial contact was made.
3 - I have gone out of my way to respect the rules of this forum. I made contact with PPRO management before I ever posted a watch for sale on the CM here to clear it with them first. This was done even though the rules of the CM did not prohibit my posting the watches as they were written at the time. Initially I was told I could go ahead and post my watches for sale. I posted one watch for sale, and then was subsequently told 3 days later that this privilege was revoked. The reason given was that I was selling watches directly and also made them, so this did not fall within the intent of the CM. They had concerns that this would be a precedent and that other manufacturers who also sell direct would then start selling on the CM. I accepted this decision with no problems on my end. That one watch I had posted was sold to a local collector who does not participate here.
4- I have complied with every request to not show photos of my watches, and to refrain from placing a watermark (using my business name) from all photos that I post.
5 - Thomas has stated I was never forced or pressured for anything, but in fact I was asked to offer "something" in return for the privilege of posting my watches on the CM for sale. In conversations with the person involved to clarify what this "something" was, I was told that if I could post technical content for the forum such as showing how a watch is serviced, this would be compensation they would agree to. I agreed to do this, and in fact had already done it once prior to this request, but then they changed their minds.
6 - Although I don't post here as often as I once did due to time constraints, I have helped both in posts and via PM when people have had technical questions. I do this freely and have continued to do it since I was told I could not post my watches for sale. I do the same on other forums and ask nothing in return.
Thomas has asked to receive the "maximum benefit of the doubt" in relation to the FPJ issue. I am only asking for the same.
I have many here that I consider friends and I am truly sorry to have to make this post. However, I feel that I can't let the insinuations made go unanswered.
Best regards,
Al
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Rebuttal to comments made by TM in FPJ thread?
I am writing this post because I feel I was unfairly characterized in a post made by Thomas M in the thread on the FPJ forum closing. To be clear I have attempted to resolve this with Thomas via PM, but his response was that he "called it as he saw it" an...
Al, while I can fully see why
why you feel the way you do, I would ask you and others not to pursue this further... why? 1. This whole thing will be forgotten soon enough by those not petty enough to fight for perceived cyber turf.. 2. Everyone here apart from the owners are guests an...
a guest is not a member
I prefer to be regarded simply as a participant within a community, albeit following commonly established rules - or is that stretching the point too far? But as a guest ... the host is holy. "When you need me the most, I'll be gone like a ghost." amerix ...
amerix, we are not holy.
I'm not sure how to take your post, as it can have many different meanings, and of course, the internet medium is very poor at carrying subtle undertones. But "giving the maximum benefit of the doubt" and appreciating your past partipation and support of ...
Please take it in the most positive way, TM!
I have been following you for many years at the PurstS before they became PuristSPro, or me becoming a registered guest , and ascribe to your ideals and values unto this very day. In fact, thanks to PuristS I became seriously interested in watches, not in...
Aren't you the same?
. Although I suspect the thinning of the hair is the by- products of too much wisdom. When I was your age the only wisdom I had was not to double date . Again: pls don't ban or kick me. I am just a joker. cen@jkt
OMFG!
Al, your thin skin on his matter belies the inherent hypocrisy in your position. If you want to take the self-righteous position of being a wronged individual, okay, you've had your say (as Mr. Journe had his.) I will leave your post up, unedited, same as...
You seem to steam very fast. Please, mind your blood pressure....
I think you are a fun guy. It would sadden me if you go down by a sudden stroke about this relatively not so important affair. There are no lives at stake. Take a look at your ROO and smile!
Other PuristSPro moderators, executives, and friends far wiser
and cooler headed than I have admonished me for "taking the bait" Thank you for your wise counsel and I agree. In my defense, if I need a defense, I can only say that I am indeed "only human" and feel I have taken far more shit than I deserve given how se...
Please consider
It is so painful to watch this great site being killed by these types of discussions. I think management should consider: a) Deleting and not allowing any more commentary on the closure of the FPJ forum - thread is locked and it's over. This also applies ...
Nomer, without my "emotion" this site would not exist.
But that said, I agree with you and the management of this site have decided to enforce just what you have suggested. Sincerely, TM
Let me be clear....
I am not having any issues with my original post being called out for the things you go in very minute detail about here. That is the right of any PPRO moderator or manager. I accept full responsibility for what I have posted. My issue is with you bringin...
