As I said, I'm gonna let this go.
That sounds great.
But I thought this issue was already laid to rest...
It seems that it's necessary to explain in detail so that perhaps we can all see where this issue became derailed.
Thom apparently posted a link to a current eBay auction, and for those members who are familiar with this rule, this is against policy. One of the mods removed it, and Thom questioned this - with respect and tact - citing the fact that other members had already posted ongoing auctions in the same thread.
Now I will be the first to admit that I violated that rule as well (earlier in the same thread), but because an eBay seller was listing Scalpels for a minimum bid of $550+ USD (among other outrageous asking prices). To me, that was not a violation since no one in their right mind would even think of bidding. But a rule is a rule, and if we hold 100% steadfast to that rule, then I was wrong for doing what I did... and I apologize. It seemed that a few other links were then posted by other members and this is where the problem may have really started.
As you know, things change over time. Perhaps policies change, too, and sometimes there is a fine line in determining whether it's "right" or "wrong" to post an ongoing auction (i.e., Scalpels which are available on oakley.com for $130 - $140 being sold for $550+ vs a rare pair of Mumbos with an asking price of $500). With my post to an ongoing auction, I felt that it was appropriate, even though technically it was against the policy of our site.
But again, Thom was respectful when he asked "why" and Dann responded - also with respect and tact - that this was not allowed and that the other links to active auctions should not have been posted. That was it. The end.
But not really.
Two other members - not one, but TWO - had to jump in, grind it in, jump on the ol' bandwagon, and make a bigger issue out of it than necessary. The issue was dead in the water. Thom didn't come back ranting and raving. He didn't make any irreverant remarks. Nothing.
Point is, it was disrespectful. It simply was not necessary. And this is precisely how we are treating some of our members, which is sad.
Really, where should it end? Dann explained that it was against policy and that the other auctions should have also been removed and that was it. No need for one or two or three or TWENTY more people to chime in - just no need. Maybe all 200 members should have taken turns reminding Thom that he has been a member of this site for 3+ years and that he should know better. I really don't think that would have been necessary. OR... if it really "was" an issue, try sending a PM and not publicly derailing someone.
You are, and always have been, an antagonist. You have an opportunity to pause, and restart yourself as a positive influence as an experienced O collector.
I always have been an antagonist? Do you remember, Nik, when I PM'd you the refererence to the manager of Champs Sporting goods in the Oklahoma City mall? I do. Reading through the threads, I saw that you mentioned how you really wanted to acquire a doublewide... but that it was virtually impossible due to the demographics of where you're located. Dude, I wanted to help you. I knew that this was somewhat within travel distance, and that this guy had an extra doublewide which was no longer in use... so I PM'd you, hoping you'd be able to score. Did I have to do that? Of course not. But you know what, Nik? Nothing would have made me happier than to have seen you post a new doulewide in the threads and know that YOU were happy because I helped make that happen - NOTHING. So don't come around here stating "I'm always an antagonist", because you and I both know differently. And what about the positive comments that I always have and always do leave you and other members? Did I not give you credit recently for your Chrome Jawbones (in the latest purchase thread)? I did. And that was just a short period of time before we had our "disagreements" here in the thread. So it isn't all "negative" - and we both know this. But apparently I have to spell this out because any "positive contributions" are either completely ignored or soon forgotten.
I understand that you you have a small following of noobs that think that the more you have - the cooler you are. Sadly, that's not how this site works. You can continue to push or you can mature and stand up and be an integral part of this site.
I have a following? I didn't even know that! That sounds cool. I suppose I'm some sort of "leader" now.
Nik, I need NO ONE to back me up, really, and I'm not worried about "numbers". If I really cared about "numbers" I could easily have TWICE the collection that I have - but I don't (and I don't know why "numbers" continue to be mentioned, because it isn't by me).
Like almost every one of us on this site, I have a passion for Oakley and that's precisely why I'm here. As aforementioned, I've provided and continue to provide plenty of positive feedback in the threads to other members. I have also written a plethora of well thought-out reviews (not just one-liners). I would probably say that those count as being "an integral part of this site". Would they not?
If, on the other hand, what you mean by being "an integral part of this site" entails agreeing with everything that the select few state and "jumpin' on the ol' bandwagon" to needlessly attack or trod down other members here... that never has and never will happen. When I see a duck, I'm going to call it a duck. If it's positive, it will be addressed as such. But by the same token if it's negative it will also be addressed as such. Some people don't like me because I have a tendency to tell things the way that they are, and that's OK. This is just how things work.
So I would really like to lay this issue to rest, Nik - once and for all. I didn't join this site to antagonize anyone, and certainly not to see multiple members antagonize a few. I joined because I have been a huge Oakley fan for 20+ years. And I will continue to be an Oakley fan for a long, long time...
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