and one more answer to number 4... don't worry about me being a sabotageur... :P ... I am not vengeful and I don't want to see people fail, especially people I care about. Despite the fact that I think this is a terrible fuck up on Aggy's part, I don't wish him harm nor do I hope that the project doesn't flourish.
To give you some context @jarvie, this is a $10,000 investment. I've lost $30 million before in a deal. I sued them with every penny I had to simply defend the right thing. While I didn't get any money (the lawyers get it all), I did win the suit and managed to restore the facts as they should be. So the bottom line is, this is not something where I now have a vendetta because I didn't get my way. I simply will not trust them unless they start earning that trust again. And every day that goes by that they take from that "pool" and give it to only the "payers" that accept the extortion to have access to the pool, they will lose a notch in my eyes. I don't care how big they think that will propel them. The ends never justify the means in my eyes. This is one of those lines you don't cross, EVER.
OK well let's hope things turn around. I do think you burned bridges (I don't think you care about that) and I honestly think you went about it in a poor way. BUT BUT BUT... i hope it lights a fire under people so maybe in this case I hope the ends justify the means. hahaha
Its cool... I'm ok with that. I have given them plenty of information here about why I did what I did. And I understand that people will think its a poor way. Just remember that you don't have access to the other communications with them and the outcomes of those communications as well. I have gone the diplomatic route and it led nowhere. I mean nowhere.
As far as my means, I meant what I said all of it on every page. I will move forward in my life regardless of how this turns out. I feel bad for my friends that I have gotten involved, but at the end of the day it will either work out or not. I hope it does for their sake.
I wish you the best and hope your site continues to kick ass, it is really an awesome thing that you have built. Truly amazing.
Also I want to say thank you for your concern to reach out to me and for trying to "get involved" and see my side. I recognize the position you are in and think its admirable of you to even think about chitchatting with me right now! :)
If we don't talk on a regular basis for awhile, I hope you kick asses in the tourneys!
Dave, let's change roles and take some advice from me for a change ;0). I've been going through his thread over and over again since you wrote it (it's a very interesting one, btw), and I see you repeating that you feel bad for your friends. Please stop doing so. We are all responsible for our own decisions. I think I can speak for all of your friends that neither would want you to feel bad for them, so cut yourself a break on that one.
I will try, but it isn't easy :)... Honestly I will though... and thank you @simplymike
I can understand it isn't easy, ... I think most of us, if not all, feel bad for you too. So I guess that puts us in the same boat ;0)
I know it's not exactly the same, but still...
If you would have dragged everyone by their hair and would have forced them to start playing... yes, then I think you would have the right to feel bad. But - for all I know, at least - I don't think you have. Of course, I could be wrong about this ;0P
Try imagining cici, and all the fun she's having in her shop, playing while serving to her customers... Her hubby being happy that's she's happy...
I know you feel responsible, but allow me to let you in on a secret: we all did this because we wanted to, not because you wanted us to. As always, you did all you could - and even more - to make the best out of this for everyone - because that's just what you do. And I can't speak for others in this case, but I am very grateful for that.
It's not your fault that Bert and Ernie had a hidden agenda...
As someone mentioned in this thread, there were plenty of red flags. And with every red flag, everybody had the choice to either get out, or ignore the flag.
I'm still in because I deliberately chose to ignore the flags, and I don't have to tell you I have seen them all over the place. Maybe even when there weren't any.
All you did - we did - was believe in people. Believe that they would be honest, and fair.
Don't ever feel bad about believing in people, because in 90% of the cases, people are capable of so much because others believe in them.
It's just bad luck that Bert and Ernie are part of the other 10%...
;0)
Wow @simplymike... I'm almost speechless, that is a very very nice thing for you to take the time to write. I'm truly touched you would do so and your words are perfect (even Bert and Ernie). :P
I don't know what to say other than its an awesome way of explaining it and thank you very much. I told you all along how amazing you are and this is just one more example of you showing how right I was.
Big hug to you for this one for sure!!!
Thanks, Dave. :0)
I'm in the same boat way too often, feeling bad for others because I feel I'm (partially) responsible. So I am very aware of how difficult - if not impossible - it is to get rid of that feeling.
Rereading what I wrote, i couldn't help thinking I should definitely listen to my own advice more often, lol.