The Russian Meeting Place: A place to meet people and talk about all things Russian...

International Discussions about Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Travel, Music, Russian News, Ukrainian culture, Belarusian Dating, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kiev and other intelligent topics about life in the former Soviet Union.

     


                                

              

Pages: 1

Persuade GTR to stay!

(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)


Posted by: Spakoyna

We all have our ups and downs. This thread is for those who wish GTR to stay. Please cast a vote of support for GTR! I cast the 1st vote in this new thread!



Posted by: freebird

You should have included a poll spanky! 8) Anyways I'll give my encouragement to GTR, I hope everybody calms down and there is no reason for anyone to leave.



Posted by: AkMike

Nice thoughts Spak but IMO he's gone away for the same reasons as a couple of other good moderators. And I can't say I blame him.



Posted by: redhawk

BLJAT!! he cant go away!!! GTR is WAY TOO IMPORTANT!!!!!! what the hell has happened while ive been gone a few days from here? mike?



Posted by: AkMike

PM sent RedHawk



Posted by: Spakoyna

LMAOROTF! I wanted to do a poll so bad but I figured it would just stir the pot. We don't need that now.

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
You should have included a poll spanky! 8) Anyways I'll give my encouragement to GTR, I hope everybody calms down and there is no reason for anyone to leave.




Posted by: deccie

I support GTR staying as a member of RMP.
I do not support GTR remaining a moderator of RMP.



Posted by: Spakoyna

Hopefully GTR will realize that the good outweighs the bad. No matter where ya post on the internet there will always be people rubbing each other the wrong way.

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
Nice thoughts Spak but IMO he's gone away for the same reasons as a couple of other good moderators. And I can't say I blame him.




Posted by: Justjohn

Don't go.................from one of your many friends
John



Posted by: Spakoyna

Deccie...nobody is perfect. I disagree with moderator's decisions often. There is no way in H! I would want to be a moderator on any forum. Do you ever stop and think what kind of time restraints it places on a person? There hasn't been a whole lot of moderating going on...really...how many active moderators are there? LOL! I would stir up a hornets nest if I was a moderator!

I am just so sorry the 2 of you let your personal differences boil on this forum. I bet if you 2 met in person ya might get along! It has happened with me on several occasions. It takes the better man ta quite antagonizing when opinions differ.

Quote:
Originally Posted by deccie
I support GTR staying as a member of RMP.
I do not support GTR remaining a moderator of RMP.




Posted by: royalpalace774

Hey GTR, I want you to stay also. You are taking someone's postings to personal. I have been busy lately and haven't been on here in a few days and I don't know what pissed you off, but who cares what people say. In the end you know where it's at even if someone doesn't see eye to eye with you.

Maybe take a breather from here for a week or 2 but you you really do belong here and everyone knows that.



Posted by: deccie

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spakoyna
Deccie...nobody is perfect. I disagree with moderator's decisions often. There is no way in H! I would want to be a moderator on any forum. .


Well, I have only ever moderated on one other forum (on a now definct fan site) and the debates there were no where near as heated as here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spakoyna
Do you ever stop and think what kind of time restraints it places on a person? .
If you can manage your time and can share the load it is actually not that bad.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spakoyna
There hasn't been a whole lot of moderating going on...really...how many active moderators are there? LOL! I would stir up a hornets nest if I was a moderator!.

Here is your key comment and one I agree with. Moderation as is defined by the dictionary meaning of the word has been short on the ground here and GTR needs to shoulder some of the blame for that since he was here most regularly. One of the reason I beleive for the lack of active moderators here has been the general direction of RMP - LEAD (in part) by GTR.

Many of the others who left did not announce their parting with so mauch fan fare as GTR, Bob, Mark. I can only pose to you to ask yourself why that is? It is to create melodrama. Pure and simple. I found it interesting GTR stated he left because a member called his woman a racist. Did he not call my own woman a GTG? Both statements are insulting to those being talked about. I am aware GTR is under significant pressure in his relationship. He wants his partner with him as do we all and he suffered a number of setbacks that could not reasonably be predicted. But, I ask you to judge him by the standards he applies to others that annoy him and I would submit to you that in that case he will be found wanting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spakoyna
I am just so sorry the 2 of you let your personal differences boil on this forum. I bet if you 2 met in person ya might get along! It has happened with me on several occasions. It takes the better man ta quite antagonizing when opinions differ.


You give me far too much credit here Spanky. I am but a needle of an annoyance I am sure in GTR's life. After all i am just a plain member and GTR was (and still is as far as I know) a moderator here. I am purely a vocal and opinionated member. I would submit GTR's final post does not tell the whole story by any means.



Posted by: Texas Proud

Quote:
Originally Posted by deccie
I support GTR staying as a member of RMP.
I do not support GTR remaining a moderator of RMP.


Second for this...

a moderator should have VERY thick skin and should not get in a tit for tat debate with anyone...

But I think all should stay... even the ones who have been rude and banned... I just ignore the people who I disagree...



Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by deccie
After all i am just a plain member and GTR was (and still is as far as I know) a moderator here.


He is no longer listed as a moderator, only as a senior member.

Quote:
Here is your key comment and one I agree with. Moderation as is defined by the dictionary meaning of the word has been short on the ground here and GTR needs to shoulder some of the blame for that since he was here most regularly. One of the reason I beleive for the lack of active moderators here has been the general direction of RMP - LEAD (in part) by GTR .


Good points Deccie, it does not seem like the moderation team has been working smoothly lately, but that's just IMHO. Some of the moderators only post here every few weeks or so, I don't know if they are too busy or if it is some other reason



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Quote:
Originally Posted by deccie
I found it interesting GTR stated he left because a member called his woman a racist.
I said her comments which he put on a public forum were the darkest depths of ethnocentrism.

Sorry to tell everyone here but there is a major problem in that some Mods thought they could behave badly and get away with it. There is way more to this incident than anyone but me, GTR and Admin know. I have been asked to give it time and I have been doing that, you may all notice in my clearing the air thread no-one posted for 6 days until it was re-hashed again today.

I vote for him to stay but I also vote the personal crap gets left out of the forum.



Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by OzGuyLooking
. I have been asked to give it time and I have been doing that, you may all notice in my clearing the air thread no-one posted for 6 days until it was re-hashed again today.

I vote for him to stay but I also vote the personal crap gets left out of the forum.


That would be me, sorry. I wasn't trying to re-hash it, I am more interested in improving things going forward. It's your thread, perhaps you might want to ask that it be locked up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Proud
Second for this...

a moderator should have VERY thick skin and should not get in a tit for tat debate with anyone...

But I think all should stay... even the ones who have been rude and banned... I just ignore the people who I disagree...


Good points TP. It seems the problem is more than just this incedent, the Mods need to be a little more "hands on".



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

I just have to make one point perfectly clear to everyone here.

I AM NOT TO BLAME FOR BOB AND MARK LEAVING. I was not even here for 3 MONTHS and arrived back after they made the announcement that they were leaving.



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
That would be me, sorry. I wasn't trying to re-hash it, I am more interested in improving things going forward. It's your thread, perhaps you might want to ask that it be locked up.
I made a formal request that it be deleted.



Posted by: freebird

I never really understood that situation OzGuy, but I read the posts in "the Shed" and it seemed like Waiting123 made it clear that they were not acting properly as mods. I think it takes a special temperment to be a Mod, and you have to act fairly to everyone, even those you disagree with or dislike.



Posted by: deccie

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
I never really understood that situation OzGuy, but I read the posts in "the Shed" and it seemed like Waiting123 made it clear that they were not acting properly as mods. I think it takes a special temperment to be a Mod, and you have to act fairly to everyone, even those you disagree with or dislike.


EXACTLY! That is the perfect summary.

Even when someone states an opinion YOU AGREE WITH, if it goes too far you have to reign it in.



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
I never really understood that situation OzGuy, but I read the posts in "the Shed" and it seemed like Waiting123 made it clear that they were not acting properly as mods. I think it takes a special temperment to be a Mod, and you have to act fairly to everyone, even those you disagree with or dislike.


Freebird, I'm sorry if it looks like I am getting $hitty with you, I'm not.

That situation was a strange one and one that I don't know everything about, cause I wasn't here and now you all know why to. All I will say is that one of those who I am blamed for their leaving thought that threatening people was a good form of discussion for mods, and the other made some statements to me that were not true and then did a few thing in the public forum that, well you know about the outcome cause you have mentioned it.

There was also an incident were Mark deleted an entire thread that had over 2000 posts in it.



Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by OzGuyLooking
Freebird, I'm sorry if it looks like I am getting $hitty with you, I'm not.


As they say down under "No Worries Mate"

Quote:
That situation was a strange one and one that I don't know everything about, cause I wasn't here and now you all know why to. All I will say is that one of those who I am blamed for their leaving thought that threatening people was a good form of discussion for mods, and the other made some statements to me that were not true and then did a few thing in the public forum that, well you know about the outcome cause you have mentioned it.


Yep, like Texas said, to be a Mod you gotta be fair. {& have a thick skin!}



Posted by: freebird

I feel a little guilty for us all chatting here on Spanky's thread about GTR, so if you're reading this GTR I hope you won't take offence. But to delve into what I see as a deeper problem, it seems like the RMP is not as active as it was before, sometimes I log on, there is not much discussion going on unless there is a scrap happening. I think GTR was trying to keep things active here, which I think is a good thing, if the moderators are not here regularly things don't run as well. But you may disagree with me on that


I don't know what I am doing up anyways, I can't sleep tonight. {Flying out tomorrow}



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
I don't know what I am doing up anyways, I can't sleep tonight. {Flying out tomorrow}
I hope it all goes well for you.



Posted by: deccie

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
. But to delve into what I see as a deeper problem, it seems like the RMP is not as active as it was before, sometimes I log on, there is not much discussion going on unless there is a scrap happening.



I would like some of the moderators to come back and post more about their lives. However, the facts are when you get together with your partner, making sure that other person is happy ,especially when they are in a new country and culture takes away your focus from RMP.

I think it is also a fact RMP had a different tone to it when Khashyar was a regular poster/contributor. No one can begrudge Khashyar for spending time on his other loves and developing his career but the lost time is a loss for RMP. It was actually his story and Lena's that attracted me here in the first place.

As for discussion... As i see it there are three or four types of discussion going on...

1. The newbie. "how/should I do this FSU wife thing?" Or how do I do xyz related to Visas/travel to russia/hotels, etc etc etc..."

These questions tend to be repetitive and can quite often get answered by a little searching of the archives. iIf it is about paperwork it takes someone to have done it first and write up what they did.. and then it should only need updates if the process or requirements change.

2. "Why does my woman do xyz?" or "What will she do if I say xyz?"
These questions worry me to an extent.. because it implies the poster has trouble relating to women. if they do they should not be in the FSU in the first place looking for a bride. Sure, their are cultural differences and misunderstandings and you need to do your homework... but just the same it worries me..

It is not THAT hard to work out your do's and don'ts when you go to the FSU.

3. Then we have the regular repeats where everyone has their point of view and no one agress.. (a) Guns (b) Religion (c) politics (d) Sex

I also put in this area those questions like "The age difference" thread and FSU women are better than . What people don't understand when they say "FSU women are better than Western Women" is that comment applies to their mothers and daughters too. That kinda scares me as to it being so totally blinkered...

4. Then you have a final group. These are the groupings where people either have something in common OR they have something in conflict. (see above)Groups that band together to agree and become friends because they have some common values or because they have opposite values and they want to slug it out. When you think about it, an interest in the FSU is the ONLY thing that all of us have in common on this forum. Therefore if the forum is going to reflect real life there are going to be conflicts that happen.

This is where the moderator is supposed to step in and keep things within civilised bounds.

As I stated before I do wish GTR would return but please, not as a moderator.



Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by deccie

As I stated before I do wish GTR would return but please, not as a moderator.


It seems like this is very difficult, judging by former moderators, {Bob, Mark, Cheb, etc} seems like after they are removed/resign they find it perhaps insulting to be asked to remain as a member and keep posting. {but not mod} It must be difficult, but I think some people only find out after trying, that they do not have the temperament to be a Mod. And it is very difficult I realize, to keep from replying when it seems someone is attacking you, but that is essencially what they have to do



Posted by: Spakoyna

No worries mate! I think some very good points are being made here.

I especially like the "Thick Skin" posted by TP. This is very true.
Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
I feel a little guilty for us all chatting here on Spanky's thread about GTR, so if you're reading this GTR I hope you won't take offence. But to delve into what I see as a deeper problem, it seems like the RMP is not as active as it was before, sometimes I log on, there is not much discussion going on unless there is a scrap happening. I think GTR was trying to keep things active here, which I think is a good thing, if the moderators are not here regularly things don't run as well. But you may disagree with me on that


I don't know what I am doing up anyways, I can't sleep tonight. {Flying out tomorrow}




Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
It seems like this is very difficult, judging by former moderators, {Bob, Mark, Cheb, etc} seems like after they are removed/resign they find it perhaps insulting to be asked to remain as a member and keep posting. {but not mod} It must be difficult, but I think some people only find out after trying, that they do not have the temperament to be a Mod. And it is very difficult I realize, to keep from replying when it seems someone is attacking you, but that is essencially what they have to do
I find it funny that no one has mentioned people like InLove. A Russian women who most of the guys being discussed here disagreed with vehemently. If someone should know what a Russian woman is like I at least would think it would be a Russian Woman but not some guys here. Why did InLove leave? Hmmm lets think about that for a minute and then go and read some posts between InLove and GTR.
http://www.russianmeetingplace.com/...77&page=3&pp=15
Please not GTRs reference to the proper way of doing things as in taking problems to PMs.

Then we have Kathy, yes I disagreed with her but sheez she knew her stuff and could articulate it to, you know she even lived in Ukraine for a fair while, yet we have people here who argued points about Russian women with her.

I also think it needs to be pointed out that GTR made it clear that he was leaving the RMP when his gf came. This was going to happen.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
I will soon be enjoying my new life soon and will not have time for this forum as I did in the past. So you will not have to deal with me or my opinions but I'm sure you will continue to "bad mouth" me as you have the members you drove away.


Now lets move onto something else. If I have a big issue with GTRs gf why on earth would I relay a message from the lady I am communicating with to GTR so his gf could get help in Romania. If he had such a problem with me why did he go and ask his gf if she wanted the help, and why then would he come back polite as pie and say thanks but no thanks we are doing it another way. I am telling you this because I have it in PMs, he divulged a pvt communication to have a go at me well I will do it to throw the problem back at him. Sorry but this was a case of "I'm leaving anyway lets blame someone for it".

Don't forget either I offered to leave to keep the peace if the majority of members wanted me to.

Quote:
Originally Posted by OzGuyLooking
If you want me to leave just tell me and I will go if that is what the majority want. I don't have the answers to the issues of this forum all I know is there are many and I brought a few to the public view to try and get a resolution from admin.




Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spakoyna
No worries mate! I think some very good points are being made here.

I especially like the "Thick Skin" posted by TP. This is very true.


Quote:
Originally Posted by OzGuyLooking
Sorry again mate didn't mean to sound like it did.

1st and for most Khashyar needs to come back and reign it in. I am not trying to insult the other admin or mods but Khashyar has a way with words that sooths the cranky soul.

2nd, get the mod team working together again. Again not trying to insult them but its a very disfunctional group atm.

3rd, make an open invitation to all those who feel that wrong has been done to them to come back. If they do or not its their choice but if an invitation is made in good faith then at least someone has started the ball rolling to stop the blame game.

4th. The personal stuff must stop. in public and in PMs. I retaliate I know and its not good but sheez it takes alot to start me off.

5. If everyone would agree to discuss things as adults. I don't care what the topic is but it has to be discussed properly.

6th. should be third but I am not correcting all that above to fit it in. The Mods need to follow the guidelines and also enforce them.

Just my thoughts.


OzGuy, I'm going to post your thoughts from the other thread, they are pertinent here.

And let's leave the "bad blood" between GTR and you out of the discussion for the moment. GTR is not a moderator at present, we all hope he will stay and keep posting, but that is his choice now.

Perhaps it would be a good time for those Mods who have not been here lately to chime in, you mentioned InLove, I see she has visited yesterday, but not posted for a couple of months. The same goes for Leprechaun, Searcher and the other mods. It would be a good time for them all to tell us ordinary members if there is something that needs to change or what. Perhaps they are very busy in their personal lives, which is understadable. If so then perhaps the Admin would like to nominate some new people to help out. It seems like GTR & Pinboy have been the most active here, someone will have to step up if GTR is now not a MOD. {just IMHO}

OzGuy I think you should just leave the spat with GTR behind you, you have made it clear that you did not like his Moderating style, I don't think any more needs to be said about that. Suffice it to say that the bystanders here have been watching we all have some ideas about the problems.

Moving forward, and I hope I am not being presumptous Waituing123, {oops spelling} I think it would be a good time for people to discuss what should be the goals of the RMP, and the Members & Mods. There should never have to be conflict between a member and a Mod, as was with OzGuy & GTR, or the situation with Jutman. I feel that if something like this is brewing the other Mods need to be proactive and not let it develop.

As Waiting123 said earlier, if there is a complaint about a Mod, PM him and he will deal with it. I also think we should have more respect for the Mods, I see that there was some bad blood with another mod too. Ultimately, as long as the Mods are fair, once they step in and say "this is the way it will be", the members should live with the decision and not start sniping on the forum.



Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird


OzGuy I think you should just leave the spat with GTR behind you, you have made it clear that you did not like his Moderating style, I don't think any more needs to be said about that. Suffice it to say that the bystanders here have been watching we all have some ideas about the problems.

Moving forward, and I hope I am not being presumptous Waituing123, {oops spelling} I think it would be a good time for people to discuss what should be the goals of the RMP, and the Members & Mods. There should never have to be conflict between a member and a Mod, as was with OzGuy & GTR, or the situation with Jutman. I feel that if something like this is brewing the other Mods need to be proactive and not let it develop.

As Waiting123 said earlier, if there is a complaint about a Mod, PM him and he will deal with it. I also think we should have more respect for the Mods, I see that there was some bad blood with another mod too. Ultimately, as long as the Mods are fair, once they step in and say "this is the way it will be", the members should live with the decision and not start sniping on the forum.


Freebird,
I agree with all you have said.

1st OzGuyLooking, my advice to you is to let this quarrel die, I understand feelings get heated and it is important to let your side be heard, but at this point it is coming off as if I yell the loudest then I win the argument. I do not believe that statements made by GTR's fiance that he relayed in RMP was meant as an insult or attack against a group of people or a country, I do not beleive for one instant this was his intent, I know there is more to this whole fiasco but we all need to step back from this and let it go.

I think we ALL need to grow thicker skin!!!! not only Mods.

GTR,
I do wish you to return in whatever fashion you feel comfortable in!



For RMP to move forward?


1st I freely admit I do not know much about the true functions and powers of what a "Mod" should be, but I do feel they should have the ability to post freely their thoughts and opinions. I also feel they should have the power to jump into threads as "peacekeeper" or in the event of name calling or bullying be able to reprimand the abusive parties.
The dificult part is how to seperate the function of Mod and acting as a posting member?
One thought is when the Mod is posting as member this post will show just that that they are "just a member" when acting as a Mod then it will show "Mod" if this causes confussion or programing wise cannot be done. Then the "Admins" need to be more active and take on the authority not given to the Mod's and as "Barney Fife" would say "Nip it in the bud!"

I do feel that in the possition of Mod this individual should be shown respect and we all should try to understand that they are just trying to function in the best interest of the community. I do feel that in general the respect shown to all should be improved and no Admin or Mod can make this change it is up to us the members to respect each other.



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Lets be clear about something. I had not said a thing for days about GTR or his gf, then all of a sudden he publicly states that I am the cause of his leaving cause I called his gf a racist.

The comment I made was to clarify that Romanians are NOT gypsies and to say they are and that you don't like them because some gypsies have stolen is just wrong. That's it end of story. http://www.russianmeetingplace.com/...11&postcount=10
I am also not the only one who said the comment was not correct http://www.russianmeetingplace.com/...52&postcount=14
I was not the one who rehashed it, I was not the one who keeps mentioning it. IF YOU LOT WANT IT TO DIE AWAY THEN STOP BRINGING IT UP, while anyone keeps bringing it up I will respond. I even relayed a message from my friend to help GTRs gf, I wouldn't have done that if I felt it was a HUGE ISSUE. I'm not the one who keeps dragging things up. Do you all get it now? I hope so.

I took things to PMs and was not the person who brought it into public light. If me taking things to PMs makes me the bad guy then so be it I'll stand guilty as charged.

You wont fix the mod group, it is from what I can see a lost cause. We cannot expect Waiting and Searcher to run the RMP without Khashyars support. Waiting does a damm good job and has incurred the wrath of the RMP plebs before because he has tried to keep the peace. They have families with them and work for a living, time is limited for them, yet they, Waiting especially, have done what they can to bring this situation under control.

Like I said I will leave if people want me to, I do have a life outside of cyber chatting. I'm not gonna keep copping the blame for bringing stuff up when it isn't me who does, and I'm not going to keep copping the blame for crap that happens when I am not here. I'm certainly not going to have the names and insults flung at me that I did and not do something about it.

I have had a few people say to me that I am somewhat emotional, well I'm not really emotional but I am passionate about certain things. If you have comments about anything I have said, that's fine, I am beyond caring. I'll leave you all to your thoughts and would prefer not to post any further on this matter, so I would ask that you respect my privacy and refrain from bringing me into it anymore.



Posted by: Pin Boy

i work with women and children all day. you think i wanna referee a bunch of men who should know better and act better? police yourself should be the first rule. the second rule should be ask yourself if you sound like a whiny woman or child, and if the answer is yes, cut it out. not only should mods have thick skin, but so should members. participating in this forum shouldn't be so hard. keep in mind the game plan acronym of K.I.S.S. - keep it simple stupid.

pb



Posted by: GoingToRussia

Hello all,

First I would like to thank Spankoyna for starting this thread but sorry for the direction it took.

Over the last few days I have "discovered" a few things. I won't get into them specifically but don't be too hard on the admins and mods. They try their best and have a tough job in which they are not compensated. They do it out of love and the joy of helping people.

As for the members you are a great bunch of "guys" and I will miss ALL of you because everone has been special to me. I had the joy of helping some of you, just getting to know some of you, becoming friends with some of you, listening to interesting stories from some of you, and venting my pressures of life on a few of you! I am truely sorry that it ended this way but I made the right decision because I feel so much better ... but it could be because Larisa got her visa!

I will soon begin to start a new life but I will not forget the RMP. It is a special place and you should be proud of it. So please stop trashing this place and try to make it a better place to discuss anything and everything but most important ... relationships with your "special someone" and creating new friends.

Thanks for all the phone calls, e-mails, your e-mail addresses and phone numbers, and most important your support and friendship thoughout the years.

Take care everyone and I wish you ALL a happy and fulfilling life.

Good-bye and Good Luck!
Steve (GTR)



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

GTR I hope you have a rich and fulfilling life with your lady. I hope you do not quit the RMP fully but instead come back in occasionally and share your experiences.



Posted by: Jill

Ekh, GTR, I most often do not agree with you...But....I would really hate to see you go. You know, I generally really ENJOY reading posts by people with whom I disagree. It gives me a different persective, and one that I might not have otherwise ever considered. And we're all to learn, right? Sometimes learning comes in unexpected ways.....

So I don't want you to go



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

PB I to work with women and children, and unfortunately I think the KISS rule is very apt in this case but for a totally different reason. There is nothing simple about these issues, keeping things simple in this case simply meant taking the crap pvt and keeping it there. The mod team is there for a reason and I wonder at its overall worth when members of it don't feel the station they have been given, yes I know its voluntary, is worth doing.

I genuinely wish GTR a happy life and genuinely hope he does return and share his experience as he has alot of knowledge. I also genuinely hope things like this never occur again.



Posted by: Jill

Quote:
i work with women and children all day. you think i wanna referee a bunch of men who should know better and act better? police yourself should be the first rule. the second rule should be ask yourself if you sound like a whiny woman or child,



Well, personally I take exception to the "whiny women" characterization and the equation of women with children....Women are as capable of being adults as men, and judging by recent events, more so...But I'm sure that's just the "nasty American feminist" in me talking now



Posted by: nocomfortzone

Well on catching up on a bit of reading hear it does seem an odd melodramatic posting just from the other day. Some of the fights I don't really understand and any bits I do understand I don't even agree with how they are behaving to each other but can sense it got very personal and none of us are perfect. I also can see lots of adults here not actually part of the personal disgreements a few people have been putting their nose into OzGuy and GTR business like they are taking sides and making snide remarks as such and made things much worse. That is just pathetic to my mind and sad to see but not surprising as those people are being opportunistic to butt in as they may have disagreed with either of GTR or OzGuy in past and side with one or the other like children would.

Personally I don't understand all perspectives but have liked reading OzGuy and GTR's posts in past as they both seem very different to my way of thinking but diversity in thinking and expression I value.



Posted by: Texas Proud

Quote:
Originally Posted by OzGuyLooking
I find it funny that no one has mentioned people like InLove. A Russian women who most of the guys being discussed here disagreed with vehemently. If someone should know what a Russian woman is like I at least would think it would be a Russian Woman but not some guys here. Why did InLove leave? Hmmm lets think about that for a minute and then go and read some posts between InLove and GTR.


Just as an aside... I believe Inlove is an American woman who is married to a Russian man...


But I could be wrong....


However, her writing was clear and concise and usually 'right'....



Posted by: Texas Proud

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jill
Well, personally I take exception to the "whiny women" characterization and the equation of women with children....Women are as capable of being adults as men, and judging by recent events, more so...But I'm sure that's just the "nasty American feminist" in me talking now



OPPS... maybe Inlove is russian and I was thinking of Jill



Posted by: Jill

Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Proud
Just as an aside... I believe Inlove is an American woman who is married to a Russian man...




No, she is Russian, living in the US and dating an American man.



Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
... but it could be because Larisa got her visa!

Great news
We all need to feel comfortable with our decisions and happy in the direction we are taking in life

I wish you and Larisa, all the love and happiness, you have been a great help and inspiration

Bob



Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jill
Well, personally I take exception to the "whiny women" characterization and the equation of women with children....Women are as capable of being adults as men, and judging by recent events, more so...But I'm sure that's just the "nasty American feminist" in me talking now


no, it's just us 'grumpy old men' and not understanding women



Posted by: waiting123

Always good to see your posting Jill... I know you have been busy between school and family.


Anyways, now that we are all friends again...except for Oz and Jill with the whiney woman comment.. (kidding). We need to move on. I think all have learned a great deal from this little tiff. I agree, it is good to see GTR and Oz's different points of view, and that is great, and just what the forum needs. What we do not need is for the differences to result in a fight.

We are all adults.. (I think) and we know how to act. But besides that this is a very diverse and multicultural forum, there are going to be things written that WILL be taken the wrong way, either because of differences in language or differences in the context of the words. All of you who are married to an immigrant knows exactly what I mean, something is said and it comes accross as rude, obnonoxius, or authoratative when that was not the intent of the statement. So moral here is remember that the words you read are typed, there is no feeling or expression you can see and there can be an incorrect use of words. So lets not take everything so serious.

We are here to help and learn from each other, but more importantly we are here to establish and make new friends.

Waiting



Posted by: Spakoyna

Hey! I did get you to post again! How are you going to pass Kashyars Post count if you leave?

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
Hello all,

First I would like to thank Spankoyna for starting this thread but sorry for the direction it took.

Over the last few days I have "discovered" a few things. I won't get into them specifically but don't be too hard on the admins and mods. They try their best and have a tough job in which they are not compensated. They do it out of love and the joy of helping people.

As for the members you are a great bunch of "guys" and I will miss ALL of you because everone has been special to me. I had the joy of helping some of you, just getting to know some of you, becoming friends with some of you, listening to interesting stories from some of you, and venting my pressures of life on a few of you! I am truely sorry that it ended this way but I made the right decision because I feel so much better ... but it could be because Larisa got her visa!

I will soon begin to start a new life but I will not forget the RMP. It is a special place and you should be proud of it. So please stop trashing this place and try to make it a better place to discuss anything and everything but most important ... relationships with your "special someone" and creating new friends.

Thanks for all the phone calls, e-mails, your e-mail addresses and phone numbers, and most important your support and friendship thoughout the years.

Take care everyone and I wish you ALL a happy and fulfilling life.

Good-bye and Good Luck!
Steve (GTR)




Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spakoyna
Hey! I did get you to post again! How are you going to pass Kashyars Post count if you leave?

Spak,
I do not think this milestone is of any importance to GTR. Yes like you I wish he would post again, and any trick in the book to do this is a good one, maybe in time things will change, right now I think what you see is what you get.



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

NCZ, you have hit the nail on the head.

Quote:
Originally Posted by waiting123
Anyways, now that we are all friends again...except for Oz and Jill with the whiney woman comment.. (kidding).
Lol, Waiting, me and Jill are friends. I would like to think that even with disagreement about hot topics I had some level of friendship with most people here. Believe it or not I also felt that GTR was a great source of information and was someone who I could chat to within threads but that does not mean I am going to agree with everyone, and it does not mean I am not going to put my POV forward as anyone else would do the same.

Some people are sick and tired of topics being rehashed, I see a small problem with this in that alot of times these topics are rehashed by newbies. What do we do, tell them to search through the archives. Most newbies don't do that,they are her because something has pricked their interest in Russia, instead they start a thread and then it becomes a hot topic, arguments start and then without anyone knowing the newbie leaves without fanfare cause all they have seen is a fractured forum. There are always good and bad points on both sides but, using the age debate as an example, there are guys and ladies here who have the real life experience and it is always a personal thing anyway.

I personally want GTR to stay, I personally want others to come back. I personally want the blame game to stop. I want to be left out of things when there is no need for my name to be brought into it. I know most of these things wont happen so I will move on with life.



Posted by: dagpop

Chilli, I think G will be busy with his new wife and son to break that record. He went through things that none of us would want to go through.
By going the journey he has, has given him strength and character. For having the ups and downs he has had, has had to take a toll on him. I am glad he will have some happiness now.During the time I was waiting on my wife, I was able to get to know G and become his friend. I hope to be able to stay his friend and meet him and his new wife.


G, you took the hard bumpy road, I wish you smooth sailing now.



Posted by: Texas Proud

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jill
No, she is Russian, living in the US and dating an American man.



Are you in Alaska now???

I think you have been a number of places since I first got on...

And IIRC, had a baby awhile back... congrats!!

But then again... my memory is fuzzy at times...



Posted by: Spakoyna

LOL! Young whippersnapper! That's an old ongoing joke!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chillidog
Spak,
I do not think this milestone is of any importance to GTR. Yes like you I wish he would post again, and any trick in the book to do this is a good one, maybe in time things will change, right now I think what you see is what you get.




Posted by: AkMike

TP, Jill is in sunny California working on another degree. From the pic her baby isn't a baby anymore. She's a little lady.



Posted by: mistermopar

I don't know what happened and don't really care.
All I know is that my friend does not want to be here.

I hope GTR reconciders and comes back,even if he doesn't want to be a moderator.

He has helped many people here.He has a big heart and I am sure he would give you the shirt off his back if you asked.

The site seems to be on a slow down hill slide.
I hope someone can get it back to the way it once was,A GREAT SITE.

Randy



Posted by: azamuner

Quote:
Originally Posted by mistermopar
I don't know what happened and don't really care.
All I know is that my friend does not want to be here.

I hope GTR reconciders and comes back,even if he doesn't want to be a moderator.

He has helped many people here.He has a big heart and I am sure he would give you the shirt off his back if you asked.

The site seems to be on a slow down hill slide.
I hope someone can get it back to the way it once was,A GREAT SITE.

Randy


I couldn't have said it better myself. I liked GTR. He will be missed.



Posted by: mistermopar

GTR...
if not for the site.....would you come back for me.
I always need your advice and insite,even if I do not agree with it,I take it into concideration.

Your buddy,

Randy



Posted by: dagpop

Randy, It might take time for the hurt feelings to fade.



Posted by: DKatz

This is a real bummer. I hope he just needs a break. For someone who has contributed so much for so long, I'd think this forum would be tough to just quit.



Posted by: Cheburashka

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
It seems like this is very difficult, judging by former moderators, {Bob, Mark, Cheb, etc} seems like after they are removed/resign they find it perhaps insulting to be asked to remain as a member and keep posting.


A “little bird” told me that I had been mentioned on this forum recently. I assume this is the thread that the “little bird” is talking about.

Freebird, it is not insulting at all to remain on this forum after resigning as a moderator. If the camaraderie is good and the exchange of information is stimulating, who really cares about the title under a name? It is interesting to see that after a long absence, nothing has really changed here on RMP.

So I guess GTR is leaving? What was it that put a burr under his saddle? Moderator drama? Politics? Knife in the back? He has been through a lot. And smooth seas never made a skillful sailor.

To all the greats who still come here to play on a daily basis. I salute you. TxProud, deccie, jerico, AKMike, the amazing Jill, and others; may life deal you all the best cards. And may joy and peace reign in your households.

Khashyar, if you read this: I always have and always will love you and Lena. Nothing is better than leaving this world knowing that we did something to make it a better place. Your mark on humanity is visible from space. Maladyets tovarish!

All my best!

Cheb



Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Good to see you around Cheb, I have been reading some of your works recently and its nice to see you have never changed.



Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheburashka
A “little bird” told me that I had been mentioned on this forum recently. I assume this is the thread that the “little bird” is talking about.

Freebird, it is not insulting at all to remain on this forum after resigning as a moderator. If the camaraderie is good and the exchange of information is stimulating, who really cares about the title under a name? It is interesting to see that after a long absence, nothing has really changed here on RMP.


Thanks to the "little bird"! Cheb I didn't mean that as a putdown in any way, I'm very glad that my little comment has perhaps given you a reason to post again. It's a huge loss of experience & knowlege if you & GTR leave {as well as Bob & Mark}.

***A very good comment from Waiting123***

Quote:
Originally Posted by waiting123
there is no reason for you to leave. Just take a break and come back.

You can not let 1 or 2 people get to you. Keep in mind this is an open public forum and there are thousands of personalities posting.

We all enjoy reading your posts and keeping us abreast of your life.

Just walk away for a while and then get back to posting.


And I hope we will see some of your amazing collection of Russian pics!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheburashka
So I guess GTR is leaving? What was it that put a burr under his saddle? Moderator drama? Politics? Knife in the back? He has been through a lot. And smooth seas never made a skillful sailor.

To all the greats who still come here to play on a daily basis. I salute you. TxProud, deccie, jerico, AKMike, the amazing Jill, and others; may life deal you all the best cards. And may joy and peace reign in your households.



And we hope to see you more often too Cheburashka!



Posted by: Cheburashka

Your kind words and warm sentiments honor me. Thank you!

Let me know whan you want me to start posting pics again. I have some real doozies from Russia. Like this one from a "fly by" of Red Square on Victory Day last month.



Posted by: dagpop

Cheb, pictures are up my alley.


Salute!



Russian America Top. Ðåéòèíã ðåñóðñîâ Ðóññêîé Àìåðèêè. Ðåéòèíã@Mail.ru Russian Network USA



Russian Meeting Place Copyright ©2000 - 2008, www.russianmeetingplace.com and Khahsyar and Lena.