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What happened to Calahan
Hal Smith, Photographer
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Sedalia | MO | USA | Posted: 7:11 PM on 03.02.09 |
| ->> What happened to Walter Calahan? I'd seen his posts, and now he's gone. |
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Sam Morris, Photographer
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Henderson (Las Vegas) | NV | USA | Posted: 7:30 PM on 03.02.09 |
| ->> I fear he may have been done in when the leg of his RIES tripod broke and he was crushed under the weight of his 8x10 camera. |
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Jim Owens, Photographer
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Cincinnati | OH | usa | Posted: 7:37 PM on 03.02.09 |
->> He whose name shall not be mentioned...
Oh wait, that's Rebilas. |
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Alan Look, Photographer
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Bloomington | IL | United States | Posted: 8:04 PM on 03.02.09 |
| ->> Wow, his last post was this morning. 10:28 or some such time. |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | US | Posted: 8:05 PM on 03.02.09 |
| ->> He'll be back |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 8:06 PM on 03.02.09 |
| ->> He forget to pay is dues? |
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Sam Morris, Photographer
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Henderson (Las Vegas) | NV | USA | Posted: 8:19 PM on 03.02.09 |
->> Maybe with the price of feed and tack these days he can't afford the $25.
But then, $25 is a pretty good price for a soap box. |
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Jack Howard, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Central Jersey | NJ | USA | Posted: 8:27 PM on 03.02.09 |
->> Did asking him directly occur to anyone?
~~~~~~~~~~
(Hint: Search Engines help you find "web numbers." "The Google" is a popular example of such engines as you'll find on the "interwebs." And rest assured, fellow citizens, gaffes by politicians are most certainly in the public domain.) |
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Albert Brown, Photographer
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 8:59 PM on 03.02.09 |
->> Wow, that's really random. He's the LAST person on this site I would have imagined to just up and disappear.
I hope this isn't permanent! |
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Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
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McCall | ID | US | Posted: 9:47 PM on 03.02.09 |
->> Jack-
No. This is unprecedented and requires other strategies, such as gossip, rumors, wonder, and awe. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 10:32 PM on 03.02.09 |
->> Walter, in his trademark, irreverent, take no prisoners way said he has gone "to that great internet forum in the sky". His comments will be missed.
Oh, BTW, he's not dead. You can find him at his website.
"BIG GRIN" |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 11:12 PM on 03.02.09 |
->> Exhibit A) Walter doctors Official Portrait of First Lady in Photoshop
Exhibit B) Walter is now missing
Exhibit C) Black helicopters seen circling his home
Exhibit D) Odd pattern of lights seen floating over Area 51
...you connect the dots! |
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Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
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McCall | ID | US | Posted: 11:32 PM on 03.02.09 |
->> Steven-
You're saying he finally phoned home using a JPEG-embedded steganographic code, then used the mass media to beam it into space? Sometimes I feel skeptical about concepts like that. But not right now. I think you're onto something. |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 11:58 PM on 03.02.09 |
| ->> I heard he hired Britney Spears publicist and this is a PR thing they cooked up to get him on the front page of the tabloids! |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 12:05 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> This is what happens when you are critical of the First Lady's Portrait, everyone on that thread is now a target...who's next? I thik I hear helicopters... |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 12:18 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> Good one Louis..... |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 12:27 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> I find it fascinating that his postings live on even though his account has been deleted. Of course it's that way with other users as well...posts remain seemingly indefinitely. |
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Aaron Rhoads, Photographer
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McComb | MS | USA | Posted: 3:22 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> Now who am I going to make fun of? And hit my soft ball comments over the fence. |
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David G. McIntyre, Photographer
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Beijing | . | CHINA | Posted: 3:57 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> "If anything happens to you, the Secretary will deny you even existed." |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 7:51 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> What happened? The truth is that Walter's departure wasn't his decision. His dues were paid until August.
I don't, in any manner or form, agree with this decision. I loved Walter's prespective even if I didn't agree with everything he said or did. It's true that I only have one side of the story, but I do have the reaction. To those that made that decision, your reaction is duly noted. I will watch my behavior on here even more than ever.
Like those who complain about the NFL and their rules, I would remind them that it's the NFL's game. If you don't like it, you don't have to "play". Whether I agree with the decision or not, it isn't my game, and if either one of us doesn't want to play, we don't have to.
I have to say, I'm exceptionally disappointed with those involved with this decision. I think I understand their reasoning, but of course, if there's no discussion, we'll never know.
Thanks for your insight Walter, not to mention your humor and occasionally twisted prespective.
HA! |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Not OK | OK | | Posted: 8:01 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> From the Members' Update screen:
"Each member of SportsShooter.com can have up to 10 images within their member page. (PLEASE NOTE: If you are signing up for the first time, you need to add at least seven (7) images to your page in order to be activated. More is better.) In addition, a small thumbnail image (50 pixels square) is needed for use on the search results pages. You can also add optional links to other work or projects of yours found elsewhere on the Internet.
"[PLEASE NOTE: These MUST be YOUR images - where you have a legitimate copyright. Uploading an image that is not yours may result in the immediate termination of your membership.]"
Methinks this is an issue of copyright infringement.... |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 8:27 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> Steve,
The image Walter posted of the First Lady is in the Public Domain. The image was released by the US Government and is not subject to the same Copyright restrictions as a photo that you or I create.
The image, as posted by Walter was used for education and critique to benefit the community as a whole through his insight and desire to help further the discussion of the official portrait of the First Lady and thus should fall under fair use.
If he was terminated due to his use of the portrait of the First Lady then there needs to be considerable discussion and further review of the hasty and ill determined choice to terminate him.
Walter was a long standing and valuable member of this community and this community has already lost enough valuable members. |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Not OK | OK | | Posted: 8:50 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> Fish--
I couldn't agree more.
--Steve
Sung to the music of Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs Robinson":
Where have you gone Walter Calahan, a forum turns its lonely eyes to you. What's that you say Mr Rebilas, Joltin' Walter has left and gone away, hey, hey hey.... |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 8:55 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> I looked for Walter's posts, often just a tongue in cheek comment, often an insightful point. I do not want him gone, please bring him back by popular demand. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 8:57 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> "[PLEASE NOTE: These MUST be YOUR images - where you have a legitimate copyright. Uploading an image that is not yours may result in the immediate termination of your membership.]"
This wording is very interesting. This wording indicates that SS.com members must own the legitimate copyright to the image. In looking at many member pages, I see images created by many staff photographers, and it is well known that staff photographers do NOT own the legitimate copyright to their images. In fact the founder of this site is a staffer for a major paper, owned by a major news corporation, and while he may have permission to reproduce his images here...he does not 'have a legitimate copyright' to his images.
Does this mean that all staffers, and those who have signed unfavourable WFH contracts should be immediately separated from the SportsShooter community due to their blatant violation of SportsShooter policy?
SportsShooter has done a lot to benefit the education of photographers on rights, business and copyright and for someone to be terminated for a fundamental lack of understand of "Images In The Public Domain" is problematic.
I think SportsShooter is a great community. I think SportsShooter is a unique environment. I think SportsShooter has done an amazing amount of work in educating photographers.
...I do think SportsShooter needs to reevaluate its policy. The black and white nature of the policy as stated above would call for the termination of dozens of photographers, including the founder.
I understand this community is not a democracy, it is privately owned, so my voice is one that will be seen as a threat. I am not however a threat, I am not against the community, what I am for is helping advance my profession and further open up the discussions of free speech, an understanding of Public Domain Images and pushing the next generation of photogs forward in their source of information. |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 9:29 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> I was reading these posts with a humorous touch to it. Now I read that Walter was terminated. WOW!!! |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | US | Posted: 10:08 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> Have any of you confirmed these assumptions with the SS Admin? |
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Ray Anderson, Photographer
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San Francisco | CA | USA | Posted: 10:22 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> Can the SS Admin and Walter comment on the facts??? |
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Jack Howard, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Central Jersey | NJ | USA | Posted: 10:29 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> Seriously. Honestly. Who marked John Strohsacker's message "huh?"
-Did you read the whole thread--my posting in particular?
-Are you aware that underlined blue wordy-looking things, especially those that start with "Aitchteeteepee" and/or "dubadubadubayeeoow" usually, perhaps even magically, launch different, fresh content into a browser window?
In this case, alternate means of communication with the subject of this thread are readily available by "clicking" on John's link.
I can understand your desire to be anonymous: I too would be embarassed if I didn't understand how hyperlinks can be employed to clip answers away from full-on paragraphs. And if the hyperlink confuses you beware especially of Twitters. Many "tweets" are chock full of information in clipped and abbreviated form, the likes of which could make even the crustiest tabloid headline wizard jealous for the total amount of information packed into less than 140 total characters.
~~~~~~
If: 237 (35.3768%), F: 438 (55.9387%), H: 38 (4.8531%), O: 15 (1.9157%), Ia: 15 (1.9157%) 783/1136 10:25:36A 03/02/09 EDT. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 10:30 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> Seeing as Walter is not a member anymore posting his side of the story is not possible. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 10:48 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> Delane,
My comments are based on direct communication with parties directly involved. I am not making any assumptions. |
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Fredrik Naumann, Photographer
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Oslo | Oslo | Norway | Posted: 11:01 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> I'm with Ian who wrote: "I looked for Walter's posts, often just a tongue in cheek comment, often an insightful point. I do not want him gone, please bring him back by popular demand."
If there is a $25 outstanding membership fee that is the issue, SS's admin are welcome to put that on my next bill. If it is a copyright issue I'd like to click "Huh?". |
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Ray Anderson, Photographer
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San Francisco | CA | USA | Posted: 11:07 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> Steven
Thank you so much for your statements.
I contacted Walter and got his side of the story as I am sure you have.
According to Walter the decision was made by one person who has the power to do so with no debate with the sports shooter
community.
If this is the case I may resign my membership in protest unless a statement is forth coming by the powers that decided to remove him form the site. |
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Mike Brice, Photographer
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Toledo | OH | USA | Posted: 11:13 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> I guess I know know how the citizens of Cuba feel.
Sure, it is called a community but.... |
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Kevin Leas, Photographer, Assistant
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Rochester | NY | USA | Posted: 11:17 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> "According to Walter the decision was made by one person who has the power to do so with no debate with the sports shooter
community."
President Obama?
*grin* |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | US | Posted: 11:19 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> Frischling posted:
"[PLEASE NOTE: These MUST be YOUR images - where you have a legitimate copyright. Uploading an image that is not yours may result in the immediate termination of your membership.]"
I'm no lawyer, but the key word is that it MAY result in termination.
MAY.
Based on emails that I've received off the board, it appears as if there was some conversation between Calahan and SS and SS decided to terminate his membership.
Ray Anderson...SS has never commented publicly on situations like this and your $25 threat probably won't get push them over the edge this time either. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 11:26 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> Guess we'll have to see how the rule is applied in the future. |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 11:36 AM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> I want Walter back, he is one of the very few people here older than me! |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 11:46 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> There's a bigger issue here than Walter's use of the Michele Obama image.( I'm in total agreement with Steven. Keep in mind, Walter is a TEACHER and he was using the image to TEACH).
What are the rules that, if broken, result in you getting kicked off this site?
If they are stated in this thread, then let's make sure everyone understands.
Otherwise, personalities can get involved and that is almost always something that has NO upside. Both sides lose in the long run. Trust me on that, I've seen it more times than I care to think about.
We're all in the communication business. I mean no disrespect to those that own or manage this site, but I do believe some communication is probably in order.
I stated in a earlier thread that this is a privately owned and operated website and that the people that own it and manage it have the right to do whatever they want.
The flip side is that everyone that pays to be a member is a customer. Customers are something I know a lot about - literally millions of dollars worth and much of it repeat business. Some are easy to deal with, others less so; and some you do want to say good bye to.
To those that own and manage this great site, I say this:
Treat your customers like gold. Because that's what they are. Because once people who pay good money start to feel that they are not appreciated as customers, you will be amazed how quickly things can go downhill. It is sometimes lightning quick.
And I don't think any of us want that to happen.
I have made mistake with customers. When I have, I do what anyone would do: I tell them I am sorry.
With total respect and a world of hard earned experience,
Michael |
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Jeff Kowalsky, Photographer
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West Bloomfield | MI | United States | Posted: 11:55 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> Does anyone know why Walter was terminated? Was it his use of the Michelle Obama image or was it a different issue?
Jeff |
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Mike Brice, Photographer
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Toledo | OH | USA | Posted: 11:58 AM on 03.03.09 |
->> The admins of the site know that there is no chance that a group of photographers could get together to protest anything with any degree of fortitude.
Heck, we can't even get photographers together to protest rights grabbing contracts much less Walter. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 12:01 PM on 03.03.09 |
->> What I don't get is that the photo of the first lady is in the public domain. We ALL own it. No differently than we as a people all owning the works of the military photographers and the various agency shooters who are working for the federal government.
I am for supporting the rights of businesses to do business under rules that they impose. But in this case did anyone REALLY violate the rules. |
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Rich Cruse, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 12:13 PM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> Please reinstate Walter-with a public apology. He is a valuable asset to SS. |
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Michael Granse, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 12:14 PM on 03.03.09 |
->> It is easy to break the rules if you have forgotten what they are, and "member since xx/xx/xx" is probably the last date that most people looked at the "Terms and Conditions."
Just to be on the safe side, this might be a good time for everyone to give the rules another look. It is a rather lengthy set of regulations and it will take a few minutes to read it, but knowing the rules is the first step in order to avoid violating the rules.
http://www.sportsshooter.com/terms_privacy.html |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 12:24 PM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> I once was suspended . I used the for sale to let people know of a bad retailer. I had never seen or used the forums. I thought my suspension was lifted and sent an email to the adminstrator who had suspended me. The email I thought was a positive suggestion instead it did the opposite many times emails in any stressful situaition makes things worse. Hopefully this will resolve in a few days for the best. |
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Mitch Traphagen, Photographer
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Victor | IA | USA | Posted: 12:25 PM on 03.03.09 |
->> I sincerely appreciate this community is unique on the Web and am grateful to be a part of it. I also appreciate that it is privately owned and managed and thus not a democratic operation.
That said, please add my voice to the chorus for reinstating him immediately. He is a true asset to this board. While I certainly am far from being 'in the know,' I fail to see the value in his termination. |
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Rich Cruse, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 12:32 PM on 03.03.09 |
| ->> Why the Huh? Walter would be proud! |
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