Anyone like to fill me in on the "Turf War"

[worktolivelife]

please PM me if you'd prefer name names, in all honesty i speak as i find and have felt nothing but good here and find it hard to understand how such characters as yourselves with what would appear not a ill word to say against another , arrive at such a situation, its hard at times when comments are made to feel part of it, when you don't know the history.

thanks

steve

[padi56]

Well as far as myself there was never a Turf war.But IMO its time now to put
aside all things and differences, that happened on other forums away for good.And lets all concentrate on our own TRF forum,and keep the good will
and friendly atmosphere we have now got.

[Alan From New York]

I never thought of anything over at TURF being a war, but as soon as Johnny Canuck was banned, TURF seemed to have lost more than it gained.

As far as I'm concerned, TURF is still a good place to go and I'm happy that TRF is around as well.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by worktolivelife

please PM me if you'd prefer name names, in all honesty i speak as i find and have felt nothing but good here and find it hard to understand how such characters as yourselves with what would appear not a ill word to say against another , arrive at such a situation, its hard at times when comments are made to feel part of it, when you don't know the history.

thanks

steve

Hey Steve,

Who you calling a "character"?

[worktolivelife]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hey Steve,

Who you calling a "character"?

YOU'RE TOP OF MY LIST

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by worktolivelife

YOU'RE TOP OF MY LIST

Thank you, thank you very much!!

[dman]

Guys, if anyone wants to chime in on this, please respect here and there and do it in either PM or email, thanks.

[G Shearing]

The bottom line for me is my interst in watches. I have used all the watch fora usually for a specific reason i.e. serial number of a vintage constellation or as a source for researching whether I should buy this or what that might be worth.
I have been helped greatly by many members. I remember an Invicta admirer and a race car circuit manager warning me of a potential disaster as I was hot on buying a clunker.
I have used the massive research on Omegas offered through several sites greatly to my advantage.
I may be odd on this but I never regarded a forum as a place to make personal relationships. In the course of my watch interests I might meet someone but that's never happened on a personal level.
I am not a "lurker". I like what these fora have to offer. If you take an analogy say of a Forum being like an exclusive club where a membership is necessary I would be like the guy who comes in and sips his gin and tonic is friendly with a few, enjoys the rich walnut walls and plush leather sofas, has an occasional lobster dinner with his wife. The rich tapestry of life is enjoyed and this may well include the wearing of my Rolex but not to the exclusion of everything else.
In the past few years I have seen several sites self destruct. I saw one absolutely top notch Breitling guy having to exit a Bretling Forum.
The interesting question for me is why does this happen?
It is a very deep and complicated subject and I am not sure if I have even the tiniest grasp of it BUT! I have a few suggestions.
1. A watch forum is a public place.
2. A watch forum is privately owned.
3. a watch forum requires only a registration, and no costly memberships say like a golf club or a City Club.
4. A watch forum is almost exclusively comprised of men.
5. A watch forum is a net phenomena and I think this is the most important one of all.
6. An internet "watch club" is basically open to the general public.
7. A watch forum has officials who serve the best interest of the forum and its members.
8. As we warn our children the internet can lead to a false sense of intimacy.
9. At the end of the day what do we have? We have a public forum owned by private interest serving an interest in watches.
There is a fair bit of head butting a la rocky mountain sheep on these sites because they are all male and some people do not leave their baggage at the door, Personal protestations of intimate friendship with total strangers can just as well turn to invective and real bruising verbal brawls overnight.
Meanwhile I support those who value this present site and I feel comfortable enjoying the mahogany walls and the occasional comments of how the Mets are doing or the cricket scores and especially I like the ambience of inclusion for everyone and even if a guy likes to sit over there and read the National Post or the Guardian all by himself - that's just fine!

[Rockrolex]

GS, I think you have a very healthy philosophy about internet fora. But it's not the only way of looking at them. Some fora have engendered real friendships that have gone beyond the bounds of the electronic ether. And there's nothing wrong with that, either.

But you are right in that sometimes people get carried away and forget that (a) this is public space; and (b) many fora are privately owned, with their own rules and regulations. Sometimes the members forget the rules; other times the owners/moderators/administrators tend to take a somewhat stringent view of what should and should not be permitted.

I won't speak for other places, but here at TRF, our goal is to have a friendly open environment in which all are welcome, as long as everyone respects each other and doesn't take themselves or anyone else too seriously. We want to make TRF a place where people can come to talk about watches (the raison d'etre for this place) and most anything else that is amenable to public discussion in a fun, relaxed enviornment.

So stick around and enjoy the "club". If you want to sit in the corner reading the Guardian and occasionally looking over the paper to make a comment, we will certainly welcome that.

[GMTII]

Originally Posted by Alan From New York

as soon as Johnny Canuck was banned, TURF seemed to have lost more than it gained.

Deleted by Gedanken after GMTII refused to edit the post himself.

[dman]

Originally Posted by GMTII

Deleted by Gedanken after GMTII refused to edit the post himself.

He didn't disappear, he is here and one of the most active participants. Must really be hogging the spotlight eh?

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by GMTII

Deleted by Gedanken after GMTII refused to edit the post himself.

GMT-II,

Sorry, I don't know who the hell you are, but you have absolutely no right calling a really good guy I've known for over two years, what you just called him. That was totally unfair.

Johnny has always been very sporting from the word go....his posts have been full of fun 'n' games. He was a big loss to TURF when that happened and I was one of the sorriest persons to see him go. He's a good family man, a gentleman in many ways and a very sincere friend.

Yes, I can say one thing about Johnny. He is thick-headed....but so are many of us.....he Loves and Hates with equal tenacity. He's the kinda guy who either Loves you or Hates you....nothing inbetween. But then that's him....I knew a guy once who had this very same characteristic in him and he was a damn good friend of mine.

What happened on that other forum was nothing short of jealousy. After Johnny quit the scene, it was my turn. I never hurt anybody's feelings....ever. None of my posts were targeted, racist or individualistic....they were just good fun. I was always the first to step in and help out a fellow member who had a query. I started the Happy Birthday thingy just 'cause I genuinely cared.

So what happens? I get banned.

Therefore, I suggest you might want to rephrase your statement about my good friend, Johnny, and be a little more diplomatic with your comments in the future.

Thank you.

JJ

[Gedanken]

GMT, that was totally out of line. We moderators count on members to regulate themselves and ensure that they observe decorum. At this point in time, it would be particularly wise to edit or delete your post.

In line with the respect that the moderators have agreed with which to treat the members, I do not expect to have to repeat myself.

[Seadweller]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

GMT, that was totally out of line. We moderators count on members to regulate themselves and ensure that they observe decorum. At this point in time, it would be particularly wise to edit or delete your post.

In line with the respect that the moderators have agreed with which to treat the members, I do not expect to have to repeat myself.

Well said,

[worktolivelife]

thanks for the replies guys. a nice place to be!! i think says it all

steve

Originally Posted by Gedanken

GMT, that was totally out of line. We moderators count on members to regulate themselves and ensure that they observe decorum. At this point in time, it would be particularly wise to edit or delete your post.

In line with the respect that the moderators have agreed with which to treat the members, I do not expect to have to repeat myself.

Could not agree more, James. Bad form indeed!

Wow, from just about the nicest compliment from Alan (whom I'm so happy to see after such a long void) to a pretty uncalled for, unsolicited and ignorant remark, particularly since JC didn't disappear, simply moved to different fora using the same name for some time.

I can only assume this remark was made by either one of the mods over there, or by one of their bootlickers - and I say this only because this individual has not yet edited or removed his post, as requested by management, nor had the cajones to repost to this thread.

[dman]

Just ignore it pal, we are above the petty crap mate!!

Originally Posted by dman

Just ignore it pal, we are above the petty crap mate!!

It doesn't bother me, it actually amused me.

I always look at the source of negative comments. It speaks volumes.

[dman]

Well put mate, hope your long weekend was enjoyable pal!!

[GMTII]

Just logged on today and found a PM from a moderator and all of these replies. Did not realize that stating ones opinion was a crime worthy of getting bashed for. One guy posted his opinion of an individual as he saw in his view and I posted mine. I admit my choice of words may have been a bit harsh, sorry. I tend to tell it like it is without censoring my language. The bottom line is that I stand by my sentiments with regard to what my opinion was back then and I have not seen a reason to change it. Reading through this post I guess "Atomic" is the former Johnnycanuck. Didn't realize that. I rarely ever post on any forum, never was very active. In any case, I stand by my opinions.

Originally Posted by GMTII

Just logged on today and found a PM from a moderator and all of these replies. Did not realize that stating ones opinion was a crime worthy of getting bashed for. One guy posted his opinion of an individual as he saw in his view and I posted mine. I admit my choice of words may have been a bit harsh, sorry. I tend to tell it like it is without censoring my language. The bottom line is that I stand by my sentiments with regard to what my opinion was back then and I have not seen a reason to change it. Reading through this post I guess "Atomic" is the former Johnnycanuck. Didn't realize that. I rarely ever post on any forum, never was very active. In any case, I stand by my opinions.

You may want to reread Gedenken's post, that was directed at you when he said, "GMT, that was totally out of line. We moderators count on members to regulate themselves and ensure that they observe decorum. At this point in time, it would be particularly wise to edit or delete your post.

In line with the respect that the moderators have agreed with which to treat the members, I do not expect to have to repeat myself."

You may have an opinion but making an unsolicited attack on someone when a fellow forum member has just posted something positive about this person is pretty weak. By saying that you will speak here without personal censorship, you actually are contravening some forum rules and that could have consequences.

You have your opinion, fine. Spreading negativity isn't constructive.

[mamas]

GMT II i have never met you and never care to do so.. JohnnyC (Atomic) is a gentleman and a well liked popular member of this forum. He is a good family man and your attack is completely unwarranted towards him.. if you have nothing pleasant to say about JC then may i suggest that you keep your opinions to yourself.. such personal attacks on watch fora have no place.

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by Atomic

You may want to reread Gedenken's post, that was directed at you when he said, "

And now for something completely different. Which TURF is referred to here? Kayes’s TURF, the place I have such fond memories of? (I was member number 9). Mike Ferber are you here? Or another TURF, after Kayes quit?

Frans.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

And now for something completely different. Which TURF is referred to here? Kayes’s TURF, the place I have such fond memories of? (I was member number 9). Mike Ferber are you here? Or another TURF, after Kayes quit?

Frans.

I believe we we were talking about the current incarnation of TURF, Frans (or at least the incarnation that was current as of about May, 2005, when many of us were locked out). I don't know Kayes, and I joined TURF in about January, 2004.

Originally Posted by GMTII

Just logged on today and found a PM from a moderator and all of these replies. Did not realize that stating ones opinion was a crime worthy of getting bashed for. One guy posted his opinion of an individual as he saw in his view and I posted mine. I admit my choice of words may have been a bit harsh, sorry. I tend to tell it like it is without censoring my language. The bottom line is that I stand by my sentiments with regard to what my opinion was back then and I have not seen a reason to change it. Reading through this post I guess "Atomic" is the former Johnnycanuck. Didn't realize that. I rarely ever post on any forum, never was very active. In any case, I stand by my opinions.

As JFK said:

"Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by Avalon

As JFK said:

"Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."

JFK. Only those in 'the know' know who that is. Avalon, who are you, stranger? (To use a quote from M*A*S*H, the movie).


GoodWatch.

[Alan From New York]

Originally Posted by Atomic

Wow, from just about the nicest compliment from Alan (whom I'm so happy to see after such a long void)

Please, John, we can discuss my "long void" privately. We don't want to make those with short voids envious.

[Gedanken]

You obviously do not know the difference between stating an opinion and being obnoxious and vulgar, so stop trying to play semantic games because you're making yourself look silly. Do not come here claiming the right of free speech when you lack the sense of responsibility that accompanies such rights. As it is, the nature of this thread gives rise for a lot of people here to air some very negative opinions about other people, but they have been mature and responsible enough to present their opinions without resorting to calling other people whores.

To put it simply, you are entitled to your opinion, but the problem here is the rudeness that you chose to employ, and neither the moderators nor members will stand for that. Now is that simple enough for you or do I have to draw it in crayon?

If you are not mature enough to see the point and take the opportunity to edit your post, I shall have to do it for you.

As far as I am concerned, and quite a few others from their posts here, the rarity of your posts is inadequate - I'd personally like to see you post more rarely if your posts are going to be of this low quality. If you can't play nice, you know where the door is.

Originally Posted by Alan From New York

Please, John, we can discuss my "long void" privately. We don't want to make those with short voids envious.

Alan, you old smoothie you! Welcome and try not to be such a stranger, eh?