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I hate to see us having personality disagreements but I must say I understand checkmate's frustration. Of course I also understand tbar's concern that we are talking on one hand of independence from TOW and on the other hand talking of becoming equally dependent on another organization.

It is very very difficult to be critical of someone you like and I would much prefer to avoid it but, for the sake of clarity I feel a need to explain something to tbar.

Tbar, I believe that the real problem everyone has had with the existing setup is that you have been unable to separate yourself from TOW in your dealings with USAAC. I understand that you are filling at least three roles. Firstly you are the proud owner or part owner of TOW. Secondly in the USAAC context you have been the web master and thirdly you are representing a USAAC squad. It seems to me that in everything you post you come over as the divine presence.

Although you undoubtedly feel that you are offering well meaning advice, suggestions and opinions, others seem to feel that you are dictating policy. The more you protest your good intentions the more you seem to create an alienation. No amount of explanation on your part can change this perception. It is very difficult to explain why it is but your style of writing just isn't conducive to making friends and influencing people.

Perhaps it would be easier to illustrate my point by talking about the various squad web sites and even the German and UK community sites. As you have pointed out they are no more independent than us. On the other hand, however, no one ever thinks about who is hosting them or who their webmasters are. That is all in the background and never becomes a consideration.

Our site, however, is a constant graphical reminder that we are attached to TOW. Yes, I know you have said that this could be altered so that USAAC appeared to be an independent entity but the common denominator in all of this is you and your apparent inability to be one thing or another. Your posts are a combination of webmaster advice, squad representation and TOW ownership dictation. The end result is this almost inexplicable feeling everyone has that USAAC is not an independent body and that you, somehow, are running the show.

Let me hasten to say that I do not believe you are intending to be as you are perceived. I think your intentions are good and, as I have said many times, I admire the effort you have put into the creation of our community. At this time, however, the die has been cast and it would probably be best if you were to accept the inevitable.

It has not gone unnoticed by me anyway that, despite all the criticism you have endured, you still continue to cooperate with the new venture and your technical advice is invaluable. A lesser man would have picked up his ball and left the game by now. Tbar, I think you are a good man with a lot of character strength and I hate to see you being hurt. I know how it must feel but I do not see any other way out of the way things are now going. I hope you will understand that my motives in being so blunt are not ill intentioned and I would like to continue being one of your virtual world friends. As others have pointed out, I have found you very easy to communicate with on a one on one basis and I think I understand what motivates you. It's just unfortunate that your global communication has been so widely misinterpreted.

Checkm8,

I believe the consensus would be Freedom from TBar and TowNet

I'm glad you spoke your mind. It gets down to "the real reasons", without pretense and subterfuge. This should be a topic unto itself and not mucking up the thread giving the WM the input he needs.

However, at risk, I wish to beg indulgence and point out a few things to you and the audience.

1)

Tbar, for me speaking my mind and my opinion do what you want with me, if you wish me to go away like the wind I can do that and will, I will sit back and let nature take it's course and will be there for the USAAC when the time comes.

Do you actually think I have some power to "do what you want with me"? If I did have such power Hawk, do you think I would be so vindictive? Surely not, I would hope not. I do everything I can to keep pilots in AA and USAAC as I can... I would not: "wish you away". I don't dislike you or despise you or any other negative. I would not mistreat or be unfair with anyone. I just speak my mind as you have, but I never take action that is not asked of me. I take blame for a lot, but there is no public notice for that..

If you doubt the above statement and feelings ... then you don't know Tbar.

2) Freedom from TowNet.

The relationship and structure of TowNet has been defined and explained. Non Profit, Not a Business. They Host non profit organizations as a favor, especially gaming related. They have been reliable, gracious and nice. They have provided everything and anything that the USAAC ever requested .. in a timely manner. They have also advertised the USAAC and our game of AA.... with no strings or expectations attacked. I am a 1/3 partner. TowNet is a service function. That is it.

So TowNet is NOT the problem is it? Its innocent of any clandestine or dishonest attack or implications. Would you agree to that?

3) Freedome from Tbar and "this environment".

What is the environment that WE don't make ourself, no matter where we are hosted? Don't blame me for something or things the BoD never asked for. You want the place painted PINK .. just give the order.

The BoD calls the shots, always has. Its proven over and over. So now can we can filter out the "environment" and get to the crux of the matter? It's Tbar, right?

4) Freedome from Tbar.

Honest answer ..and a consensus of everyone as you say: OK, but my feelings are hurt, but none the less that is your take on things. So be it. If you 'talk' with me, I don't think it would be the same as " just read the posts". Maybe it does not come across right, I'm not without fault in that area of posting things. You have to fly a LONG mile before you can find a pilot/person that I don't like and have always been a gentleman with .. honest and truthful. I have never done anyone wrong.. with intent. We all step in a pile now and then totally innocent. When I have done something I thought should be aplogised for, I have done so .. even when I didn't think I needed to give an apology.

All I can say is that I have 'given' all that one could ask of any volunteer.

I was there when you didn't see a need.

I was there when there was a need but no one else too do it.

I was there as a substitute when asked because the party had RL things to attend to. (including Hawk)

I was there for anyone that had a problem or challenge, and I helped them for hours if needed.

I answered any question ever put to me honestly, frankly and truthfully.

If you wanted freedom from Tbar .. why didn't you just ask me to leave? I don't want to be someplace I'm not welcome. I had no idea I had such control of anything.. or anyone .. that I should be feared or disrespected. Having influence and voice is all I have every had... just like you.

Some say .. "its because you post Tbar".

I bet I can quote the Forum Protocol pretty good. And before the "protocol" was written by Hawk there was in place an unwritten one that was basically the same. Every BoD member knows: "feel free to express your opinions, USAAC solicits same.. grants to everyone.

I express an opinion. But you don't read it that way, but it is clearly written that way. I go to everyones Team Speak regularly, just drop by and be friendly. For those that have spoken to me .. by voice... we have always had pleasant visits. I ask people questions, ask for opinions concerning USAAC and AA in general. I solicit advise. Did you ever meet an 'evil' Tbar? Foul language? Showing hate for another player or group? I go across the pond by Team Speak .. visit, etc. Always the same.. great chats with fine people. I have fun, I explore, I asks questions... for the good of the game and the USAAC.

I have been to your Team Speak for about 2 weeks in a row trying to contact you. Its usually Ho or Fury that I see, I chat and play around, ask for them to let you know I was looking for you. When there were some questions and things that needed to be addressed, that involved me .. I tried like hell to discuss same with you. How often have you been by to see me as a USAAC Staff member or just for non business? Once as I recall to question me on something you would never question any other person on .. the content of a post. When you left you admitted it was hypocritical and that I was not in error, and that you would have done the same. You spoke with me .. we didn't trade posts.

I made inference here in the private USAAC forums that I thought the BoD had failed .. not Tbar. I say that because the BoD has always called all the shots .. no one can dispute that. I am probably the only original staff member, so I know some history. BoD has never asked Tbar for anything that was not provided and more. I take or took, direction from the BoD.. not side bar comments or suggestions made in Team Speak. Directive. The BoD simply never took the time .. and never asked. For that .. many here want to blame me?

I make posts. Yes, and I would make post no matter where the forums are. So what are we saying here? Don't make posts because I might not like your opinion? Are you saying because I state my opinion strongly and with passion .. WE need a different environment? We need Tbar expelled .. because he might say something .. express an opinion?

Every objective I laid out for the USAAC has now come to pass. It is in the records. My word of honor .. my trustworthiness .. my character... integrity I stand by. Anyone that knows Tbar .. knows this.

I'm a good guy and I wear a white hat, I won't mug your mother, steal food from your kids, etc.

Ok, lets get back on track.. USAAC.

Redacteur,

I didn't see your post before I made mine Mine was in the hopper so long as I was working on about 10 things at once. Your response is genuine to me. I would not have made mine, in the way that I did, if I saw your post first.

As others have pointed out, I have found you very easy to communicate with on a one on one basis and I think I understand what motivates you. It's just unfortunate that your global communication has been so widely misinterpreted.

I'm not evil, never was

Perceptions.

I'll be by to speak to each of the BoD Voices, If I can find you, I'm coming by. You got time .. then I have time. Feel free to drop by ToW:BSS Team Speak, anytime.

@Temper

You did me a favor, I see that now. Tks

hi guys,

I dont like to butt in here and spoil the party, but I think we drifted slightly from the subject at hand. I would like to know what we are doing in regard to hosting so we can move ahead.

If we need to convene an emergency meeting, then lets organise this so we can get this ball rolling.

As you can see I prefer to stay away from the politics, opting to put my head down and get the job done.

Firestorm

Well said, Firestorm. Let's get with the subject at hand. Decisions are needed so that our webmaster can proceed and the Forum Manager can get started on transferring material. Which of you "Board Directors" is responsible for calling a meeting? Skydancer, Joker, Pop, Hawk or whoever else is reading this? Can one of you contact the others and arrange a meeting? I only work here but, like Firestorm, I would like to get on with the job.

No more arguments about the past...that decision has been made. It's now time to move ahead.

If we need to convene an emergency meeting, then lets organise this so we can get this ball rolling.
Firestorm

I concur,

It would be our Director to call the emergency meeting to move this subject to the next level.

I will PM Sky and direct him to this thread.

TY FireStorm

Well, I just work here too, but it seems to me that this "procedure" thing is being carried too far. Firestorm, if a meeting is needed, call one. I'm sure no irreparable damage will come of it.

Just PM the relevant parties and tell them when and where. I suggest tonite, as most people are available on Friday nite.

:redtapesmilie:

Well, I just work here too, but it seems to me that this "procedure" thing is being carried too far. Firestorm, if a meeting is needed, call one. I'm sure no irreparable damage will come of it.
Just PM the relevant parties and tell them when and where. I suggest tonite, as most people are available on Friday nite.

:redtapesmilie:

EXACTLY !!!!

Well, I just work here too, but it seems to me that this "procedure" thing is being carried too far. Firestorm, if a meeting is needed, call one. I'm sure no irreparable damage will come of it.
Just PM the relevant parties and tell them when and where. I suggest tonite, as most people are available on Friday nite.

:redtapesmilie:

I suggest next Friday would be more appropriate and time enough for all concerned to be able to make the time to attend.

It is the BOD that must attend or a majority of them.

Yo Temp, the main 1st floor rest rooms have to be cleaned, would you take care of that:)

Cut the red tape? Ok

Hawk tell Honolulu Ho there's a meeting tonight

Firestorm tell Popgun there's a meeting tonight or whoever BBC CO is

Joker wake up and get yourself or tbar or someone to a meeting tonight

Fern get a USHA rep to a meeting tonight

Everyone pm and e-mail Skydancer telling him there's a meeting tonight

Temper order the pizza

Time of meeting 9 pm

If not enough people show up to constitute a quorum change it to the following night but everyone who is reading this contact who you know who should be there. Just do it...