Gentlemen,
PART I (maximum 10,000 characters per thread)
I will address everyone's comments in order, but first I want to clear a few things up.
I am not selling the car, I am just leaving the SCCoO officially. This does not mean I will disappear off the face of the earth. For those that I have been friends with and communicated with up until now, I expect nothing to change. That may require more effort from both side due to the lack of forum communications, but I'm willing regardless. I've met some of the greatest people through this club, and I'm not going to leave them behind because some people don't want me around. I will still read the board now and again, and still post when someone needs help, or as I see necessary to contribute. I will still be at various track events, Carlisle, and other unofficial gatherings and people's houses, etc.
I also think the broader issue that some people may not realize is why things have come to the point of no return, and how we got here. It is not because I turned into a different person in the last year, since I had no trouble with anyone in the club in the previous 2.5 years that I was a member. I feel the greatest precurser has been the "moderator" title I've carried since Ed took over as Club President. That title became attached to my image, and people began to expect something different from me, as though I couldn't act the way the rest of the membership does at any given time. I never wanted to be a "moderator" in the intended meaning of the phrase. I haven't "moderated" anyone the entire time I've held this title, and it was never my intention to do so, even though the opporunity certainly presented itself.
It's not as if I went around editing people's posts and deleting threads because I didn't like what I was reading, and then turned around and stirred my own chit, thus creating a hipocritical scenario. The only reason I held the "moderator" title was because I was an events co-ordinator, and I needed the ability to stick and unstick threads to the top of the board, and occasionally merge threads regarding events that were of the same topic. NOTHING ELSE! Meanwhile, I'm often to referred to as a "moderator" that should be "moderated", when that was clearly not my function. I have always left the administrative duties on the forums up to Ed, because I believed he was in the position of true "moderator", and was the only one to exercise that power. Soooooooo, people continually complained to Ed that they didn't like what I was posting on the boards, mostly connected to the fact that I was in a perceived position of power, which I assure you was not the case. I don't like a lot of things that I see posted on the boards by certain people, but I never complained to Ed about it, because each member is entitled to use the boards within its limits and guidelines, as outlined in the posting rules from a few months back.
Moving on...I'd like to thank everyone for their positive comments. Unfortunately, my mind is already made up, and I will be leaving the club indefinitely. I will reply to what each person has said seperately under a quote from their text. I really have appreciated some of you posting in my defence, but as you all know, the damage has been done, and I must remove myself from this environment due to certain people. You'll all notice that my name has been officially removed from the DYNO and FASTEST list already, as per my request. I hope you all understand.
I have absolutely no clue what's going on. but if it's a very small minority of ppl that dislike you then don't worry about it
Alex,
I'm sorry you missed most of the back and forth that took place, but everything has been conveniently deleted, so people like youself who don't read the boards as often have to miss out on certain information. I apologize for that, but there isn't anything I could do to help or prevent it. According to Ed, it is more than just a few people who don't want me around, so that seems reason enough to me. I don't want to stay where I'm not wanted, or be a burden to anyone, or the club as a whole.
Bill See ya around, I guess. I can't say I enjoyed the time I spend with you, but I can say I learned a few things from you over the years
Ryan,
I don't know if you'll see me, but I will certainly be around. I'm glad to know you learned something from me along the way, as I've tried my best to give you and others all the knowledge I retain, and held nothing back (unlike other members of this community). I enjoyed helping others just as I received help from so many of you. I have certainly taken more from the people of this club than I have been able to give back up until now, but me leaving does not mean I won't be returning that help where it is owed.
This is real a sad day for the SCCOO
Jason,
It is only a sad day for the club because a contributing member feels the need to leave. It is a sad time for me also, because I considered the club part of my life, which will now be absent. I will still be dedicating any time that I can to help out members, but will not be integrated in the club itself anymore. I don't believe in the mentality, and I don't believe in club's current direction. Change needs to be made over time to adapt to changing conditions and a growing membership, and change is being refused. That is a sad fact in itself. While change is resisted, the pot will continue to boil, with or without me.
...and I think the loss of Mr. McNeil as a member of our club would be a substantial one as I believe losing any member of our club would be.
Dean,
I appreciate your comment. I believe it is very said to have to leave like this, nevermind leave at all. If really isn't my true wish to leave this great community, but enough people have voiced their opinion to Ed that they don't like my conduct, or the way I represent the club, so I'm making a decision to try and benifit everyone involved, and allow the club to function the way Ed wants it to. It was a pleasure meeting you at St. Thomas, and if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will do what I can to help.
I think you should take a break from the politics of the club for awhile and really think about your decision.
Jim,
Thank you for your comments. To be honest, I've been considering stepping away from the club for a while now, but expected to leave on better terms that this. It seems I don't agree with the politics, yet end up in the middle of them, and end up being labelled the "instigator" because I get involved in every thread. You made some excellent points, and I appreciate what you had to say. Unfortunately, I will still be leaving the club as a member, but will still be here for you, or anyone else I can possibly help. I still plan to get to Cayuga next Saturday, so make sure we touch base about meeting up ahead of time, and get our times straight! See you then.
...club is what you make it ...your time ,your energy..your tops in my book for both ...I've felt ...like I've been on the outside looking in for 2 years now ...don't get your self down over it .....dave
Dave,
Thanks for your nice words. The club has been a big part of my life in the last few years, and I've enjoyed almost every aspect of it very much. I looked forward to meeting up with everyone, and sharing time on the forums. It becomes part of your day, as most people can relate. You've helped many of us in many ways, Dave, and you've offered your help many times. Hopefully I'll be able to take you up on certain offers, and help you out in any way I can. I still have that tranny crossmember for you, so if you can make it out to Cayuga next Saturday (not tomorrow), I can give that to you. Keep in touch!
Anyway if you guys don't step up and put a stop to this dissention the club will be quite the mess, I think it would be quite a shame if all this rivalry leads to the loss of members like Bill and other knowledgable SC enthusiasts.
Thanks Sabby,
I appreciate your input, as always. We're all glad you've stuck around even though you don't have the SC anymore. The SC doesn't really die in any of us, I don't think. I'd like for us to keep in touch also, and head to the track whenever we can. I'm still planning to hit Cayuga on the 25th, so make sure we make solid plans before then. We can drive out from my area or something. I agree the club carries a certain shame at the moment, but it will pass if everyone can get along. Talk to you soon!
thanks Bill for the various advice and tips you've given me from
Andrew,
It was my absolute pleasure. Anytime you need to ask me something, feel free. You have been a great new addition to the club, and I hope you don't get discouraged, and keeping working on that beautiful 1995. You've got an eager group willing to help, so keep moving in the right direction. Let me know if I can't help also. Keep in touch...
I understand your position and I probably would feel the same as you. Just sux for all those SCCOO guys.
Jay,
Thanks for your support! I certainly enjoyed you popping into the SCCoO forum now and again. I hope you continue to do so, because we all like having the US boyz around whenever possible. If you are at Carlisle next year, or if I can make a meet that you and the NJ crew are attending, I'm sure we'll meet again! Until then...keep in touch.