a1companion | 02 Aug 2014 5:31 p.m. PST |
It is with regret that I come to this post, as a long term user/advertiser of good standing, 6 stifles in 12 years, and I've never been ‘dawghoused' in spite if my associations' with a third party website of ill repute, I had hoped to sort out mine and TAG's, exit from TMP, quietly and without fuss, but in sprite of my email of 24th July, and a Personal Message through the system here, you have still not carried out my requests to end our associations'. As I have stated in both the email, and the Personal Message, I am deeply unhappy with the situation as regards your (Bill's) continued involvement, under a pseudonym, in the TPH blog page, and your insistence that it is a Charity. TPH is not a Charity, and your actions of outing girls who displease you in some way, show it to be a much darker organisation, grooming vulnerable people, for your own ends. link I personally find this abhorrent behaviour bordering on abuse, and can not have anything else to do with you or this site whist you remain Editor. The issues surrounding the support of the Transgendered at work are very close to me personally, and I have had to deal with abuse issues with-in my own family, so I'm sure you can understand my touchiness on these particular issues. Full details of those who wish to read more about the abuse of the transgendered by Bill, can read it on this blog
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Big Red | 02 Aug 2014 5:41 p.m. PST |
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sneakgun | 02 Aug 2014 5:46 p.m. PST |
It keeps getting weirder and weirder and going on and on. Will TMP go away? |
Losing the Will | 02 Aug 2014 5:56 p.m. PST |
If half of what is being said is true, and there are admissions that it isn't all untrue on other threads, then we should probably all think very carefully about the issues. |
Editor Gwen | 02 Aug 2014 6:08 p.m. PST |
I am not happy with you accusing our blog… I started as a WRITER for that blog, and for us to become writers, there is a very proper interview process just to be sure that we are qualified as responsible, good people. Now that I am an EDITOR, I am handling some of those interviews for ladyboys to be part of our blog. We do not allow anyone who has bad behavior. Yes! It is charity, because we are helping ladyboys to improve their communication skills and to work decently. We are helping them financially and emotionally. We are always giving advice, as I have learned from Bill who is always giving us wise advice. Helping and giving work to ladyboys here in the Philippines is desperately needed, because we cannot work easily here because of discrimination. Because of our blog, there will be less discrimination and more acceptance. Please stop accusing Bill of things that we all know are not true. He helps us a lot, God knows that. I sincerely beg you to please stop accusing him of things that are not TRUE. He is helping us, and in return, we are writing articles on whatever we want to write, he is not forcing us to write on any topics. |
Editor in Chief Bill | 02 Aug 2014 6:39 p.m. PST |
…in sprite of my email of 24th July, and a Personal Message through the system here, you have still not carried out my requests to end our associations'. I'm sorry I did not see your email yet. I have been working long hours preventing drive-bys this week. Your account has now been closed, retroactively to the date of request. I am deeply unhappy with the situation as regards your (Bill's) continued involvement, under a pseudonym, in the TPH blog page… Is a1companion your real name? Bloggers, columnists, philanthropists, and people on the internet often use pseudonyms. The blog publicly states that a pseudonym is being used. There is nothing sinister about it. …and your insistence that it is a Charity… The only place I've said that was on Frothers. Since I donate time and money (my own money, not TMP money) to the blog, yes, it is a charity. As I have explained elsewhere, charities only need to be registered if they are accepting donations or providing tax breaks, which this blog does not. Some of the largest and most well-known charities are not registered. …your actions of outing girls who displease you in some way… We have caught two swindlers, and thought it appropriate to put the information on the internet to prevent future victims. One was a fake typhoon victim, and another one faked a death. …show it to be a much darker organisation, grooming vulnerable people, for your own ends. Baseless speculation. Where are these vulnerable people I'm supposedly grooming? Grooming for what? You link to an article I wrote, where I wondered if the shortage of "good men" might be solved by polygamy. If you think that somehow means I am trying to create a harem – well, I assure you my wife would not allow that! I'm afraid that your imagination, Pete, has run away with you. (I apologize to those readers who do not wish to read about my non-wargaming activities.) |
Editor Claire | 02 Aug 2014 7:13 p.m. PST |
Why all you guys behave like kids? You are making a small issue so very complicated. It's very unprofessional. Well, regarding the TPH blog, it's not bad! Bill is a decent guy who just loves to help and give us opportunities to have work. We ladyboys in the Philippines can't easily find a job here, so we are very glad and honored that Bill is there for us. And one thing I can assure you s, I am not one of his harem. I am just an editor on TMP. |
War Panda | 02 Aug 2014 7:23 p.m. PST |
Again I have to say if I knew for sure that individuals were being exploited or abused by the owner then I'd be out myself without hesitation and without any fanfare. But I read the Links and if that's anyone's idea of proof then the whole things a joke. I'm not interested in web rumours and gossip being banded about every couple of days. If there is any actual evidence I'd advise passing it to the proper authorities and quit recirculating the same old news. So far IMO the only action of moral wrong doing that is beyond any reproof are those of making public these accusations that are not supported by hard evidence. Let's not unconsciously merge and amalgamate what is now known of the editors private lives personal preferences and activities with the unsubstantiated accusations being made against him. Enough |
egoboy | 02 Aug 2014 7:37 p.m. PST |
Why I have to stay. This site has sustained my greed for all things miniature, toy soldier and wargame for a very long time. To stay, am I required to reveal that I am asexual and the thought of more than one wife is absolutely terrifying….if not I didn't just say that…. |
Losing the Will | 02 Aug 2014 7:46 p.m. PST |
One of the things that really annoys me is when Moderators/Editors can't stop themselves from stepping outside of the rules they're meant to enforce. Whilst you may think that TMP members 'All behave like Kids' or are 'Idiots' that looks pretty much like a personal attack and I guess the reason that posters here are 'unprofessional' is that posting on a wargames forum isn't most members profession? |
morrigan | 02 Aug 2014 7:53 p.m. PST |
Would you be calm and reasonable in your comments if you had been subject to the same public scrutiny and ridicule that the editors have? I sure as hell wouldn't. |
Sundance | 02 Aug 2014 8:16 p.m. PST |
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Editor Gwen | 02 Aug 2014 8:25 p.m. PST |
We have the right to defend ourselves! What we are trying to say is the truth. We are not being exploited or being abused by anyone. I have faith in GOD, I have sincerity in my heart that everything we say is true! Why don't you work hard and live happy? Stop fighting… stop accusing us. At the end of the day, you will realize how honest and true we are. THANK YOU! |
Editor Jhajha | 02 Aug 2014 8:44 p.m. PST |
I apologize for the bad words they have told you. I am sorry. I do think that it was inappropriate. However, we should all try to understand each other. We ladyboys are on hormones to feminize ourselves, and one of the effects is mood swings – we get easily irritated. And maybe that's what happened, I know it's not an excuse so I apologize for that. And as for the issue, let's all calm down. TPH is a site which supports us ladyboys and nothing's wrong with that. TMP is different. Further, TPH has never claimed connection to TMP, so I really can't see the problem and the reason for you guys to react about it. Whatever happens in TPH, TMP will never be affected, plus Bill is using a pseudonym so people outside this site would never know that Monty Schab is the Editor Bill in TMP. Well, that's my opinion about the issue. Lastly, you people seem to "care" about the site and talks about ladyboys exploited and human rights, we thank you for that. But the truth is, we are hurt for we think that it is just an implicit way of discrimination. PS: To those people who "doesn't care" and continue their activities to this site, Thank you…. |
John the OFM | 02 Aug 2014 8:55 p.m. PST |
This is why we need a dedicated Board for parting shots. Then, anyone who wishes can turn it off. That way, no one who did not wish to would have had to read MY declaration 3 years ago either. Starting a whole new thread is just rampant egoism, just like mine was. |
Editor in Chief Bill | 02 Aug 2014 9:02 p.m. PST |
Whilst you may think that TMP members 'All behave like Kids'… I'm sure she meant Frothers. After all, a1companion is a Frother, and posted the first draft of his departure announcement on their forum for approval before he posted it here. or are 'Idiots' that looks pretty much like a personal attack and I guess the reason that posters here are 'unprofessional' is that posting on a wargames forum isn't most members profession? "Idiots" would be too mild to be considered a personal attack. Also, a1companion does run a miniatures company, so he would be considered a professional. |
tbeard1999 | 02 Aug 2014 9:29 p.m. PST |
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Editor Julia | 02 Aug 2014 9:50 p.m. PST |
I've been working here on TMP for almost a year now. I was also a part of TPH and I can tell you I was never abused, nor exploited, and have never been Bill's girlfriend. Last March, I was involuntarily separated. For three months I was asking Bill if there is a job available, and luckily this August I was given a part-time job. I am telling you this to show how I wanted to work here because working here helps me and my family. Not doing bad things as what you think, but just helping Bill and help you wargamers. |
bandit86 | 02 Aug 2014 9:53 p.m. PST |
So long, farewell It's too bad a fun little hobby has to be ruined with all this nonsense. |
Editor Julia | 02 Aug 2014 9:53 p.m. PST |
Please don't leave TMP. You are not just helping Bill, you are helping all of us who work and help us feed our family. Philippines does not give much work opportunity for LB. So please stay. Thank You! |
Gungnir | 02 Aug 2014 9:55 p.m. PST |
Geez. I come here to read, and occasionally post, about little plastic or lead guys, and how to shove them across a table. It's a hobby, like for fun. I hope I speak for the overwhelming majority that I don't care about all of this, as long as I get my hobby news. If Bill or his editors have a different religion, different attitudes towards sexualities, are actually from Mars or have green skin with purple polka dots, then that is their personal thing, and as long as nobody tries to convert me to any of the above it has nothing to do with how I view this forum. |
nsolomon99 | 02 Aug 2014 10:24 p.m. PST |
Amen Gungnir! Ridiculous situation and yes, Sundance is right, good riddance. This is getting tiresome. |
piper909 | 02 Aug 2014 11:37 p.m. PST |
"Ladyboys"? I was pleasantly ignorant of this term until today. With all respect, it still sounds like something from a Monty Python sketch to me. |
Texas Jack | 03 Aug 2014 2:43 a.m. PST |
The funny thing about the geniuses at Frothers is that they puke for over 600 pages about how stupid we all are, and then they expect us to take them seriously with their accusations. And even funnier is they still think what they have to say matters. I have no problem with the situation with the editors and fail to see how it should affect my wargaming experience here, and I think I am not the only one who feels this way. |
Dark Knights And Bloody Dawns | 03 Aug 2014 3:23 a.m. PST |
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Patrick R | 03 Aug 2014 3:23 a.m. PST |
I've kept the hobby on the back burner for a while now. Still trying to figure it all out. But whenever I do visit TMP, I keep hearing myself saying "Here we go again" a bit too much. There is such a thing as the ups and downs inherent to any forum and then there is the carnival of fools, all-out party in Bedlam atmosphere that has pretty much eroded my will to visit TMP despite all the "unrelated occurrences" that seems to seems to happen far too frequently for my tastes. Ironically I was thinking that with his scattershot approach, Tango is probably generating more of the useful factual content than anyone else. I'm not leaving TMP, but there isn't that much left here for me I can't find elsewhere without having to deal with all the "eccentricities". |
Fizzypickles | 03 Aug 2014 4:01 a.m. PST |
I gotta be honest, I find I have to make a concerted effort to find unrelated 'eccentricities'. They are probably under my nose but just pass me by or go over my head. I generally find out what I'm looking for with each visit here and plenty of stuff I wasn't looking for that is of interest. People are free to come and go, I'm not quite sure why anyone would feel the need to announce it though. It always looks quite divisive, which is a little sad. Time for some painting! |
Cuchulainn | 03 Aug 2014 5:02 a.m. PST |
The reason it looks quite divisive Fizzypickles is because that's precisely why these "heartfelt farewells" are being written in the first place. Or do these guys think they're so important to wargaming in general, and TMP in particular, that their absence will actually matter? If that's the case, then man are they deluded? Have you noticed how, every time this nonsense seems to be dying down, along comes another of these morally offended Frothers types – a sensitive lot to be sure – writing one of these announcements, deliberately throwing petrol on the embers. And it works! I myself never as a rule read TMP Talk; as a lot of others say, I'm just here to read about playing with toy soldiers and ships. However since the first time my posting rights were (unfairly) removed – that was a bad move Bill – I can't help but look at the latest epistle written as the next Frother takes his leave. I wonder if we were to delve into the private lives of the rabble that run that other site, what skeletons we might find in their cupboards? Having said that, I honestly couldn't be bothered. |
dayglowill | 03 Aug 2014 5:12 a.m. PST |
Two nations divided by a common language yet again. It might be helpful to point out that in England and Wales, for an organisation to call itself a "charity" it has to be registered with the Charity Commission and follow fairly strict rules about what it can and cannot do. A quick search on Google, and Bill's comment above, would seem to indicate this is not necessarily the case in the US. |
Fizzypickles | 03 Aug 2014 5:30 a.m. PST |
My Point is Will……I don't come here to find out what the definition of a word is, nor do I come here to find out about the private lives of individuals, unless that is, those things relate to why I am actually here lol. I'm fairly certain, I might be wrong, that if Bill, and everybody else that helps make this Forum what it is were to just turn around and say it TMP is no more a lot more people would be disappointed and ed off. My take, for what it is worth, is that the Editor(s) have been accused and/or implicated in a number of fairly serious practices, from what I see, those people have openly defended their position as a matter of CHOICE and the accusers have been unable to let it go. Frankly that is the end of a 'Non-matter' in my book. Am I interested in web surfing crusaders and keyboard warriors? Not in the slightest, not here or anywhere else. Which reminds me, it's time to renew my support membership. |
morrigan | 03 Aug 2014 5:37 a.m. PST |
There's something missing in all of this discussion – perspective. Some people here, and others on Frothers, treat these so-called revelations as though they actually have some importance. As though they really matter. They don't. The rest of the world will never hear about these "discoveries". The intrepid "reporters" will never testify in front of a committee of any sort. In short, this isn't Watergate or the Christine Keeler scandal. And if the world did hear about it, do you actually think anyone would care? This would be another odd story about an already eccentric hobby. A hobby that involves adults playing with toys that most of the world left behind when they reached adolescence. But here we have a group of people high-fiving each other because they have invaded people's privacy,engaged in a campaign of cyber-bullying, and demanded explanations that they were never entitled to. They have harassed people into making highly personal, on-line revelations that they should never have had to make. And they have reminded a group of already marginalized young women just how cruel people can be. Well done. I know you are proud of yourselves, but I think that those who created this "tempest in a teapot" are a disgrace. You disgust me. |
Fizzypickles | 03 Aug 2014 5:41 a.m. PST |
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Some Chicken | 03 Aug 2014 5:48 a.m. PST |
+2 for morrigan. Nicely put. |
Losing the Will | 03 Aug 2014 6:06 a.m. PST |
"Per your own rules: Somebody just posted something stupid. Can I call them an idiot? No name calling. You can disagree with their argument, but you can't "attack" them personally. [NAME CALLING RULE, PERSONAL ATTACK RULE]" Exactly my point and no apology forthcoming from the perpetrator. Whether or not some people are Idiots it's not for a Moderator/Editor to break forum rules and point it out. Perhaps people that can't stop themselves from doing that shouldn't be doing the job? However bad it gets this site won't be closed because it makes money and money talks louder than any 'flak' from another site. Silence is golden and if the Editors don't want this situation to rumble on they should stop posting these personal confessions, venerating Bill. |
138SquadronRAF | 03 Aug 2014 6:43 a.m. PST |
As the ex-pat here US charities to claim tax exempt status have to be registered under 503(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
Editor in Chief Bill | 03 Aug 2014 6:46 a.m. PST |
It doesn't claim tax exempt status, it doesn't accept donations. |
Losing the Will | 03 Aug 2014 7:43 a.m. PST |
The organisation is not a charity, but Bill does give charity if he uses his own money to run it. |
Big Red | 03 Aug 2014 7:51 a.m. PST |
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Rdfraf | 03 Aug 2014 8:23 a.m. PST |
What? Ladyboys? I really never needed to know any of this! |
Char B1 bis | 03 Aug 2014 9:02 a.m. PST |
I've tried very hard not to read these posts since stumbling across one by accident. But I've been drawn in again; my fault. I love TMP for it's wealth of information; on miniatures. These long winded open letters are foolish. We all understand by now , that Bill is just short of the Anti-Christ. Your opinion. So, just leave. |
Spartakus | 03 Aug 2014 10:23 a.m. PST |
I think these "grooming" accusations are pretty silly, actually, It is pop psychology, as best, and an blank page for any accusation anyone likes at worst. Here's what the problem is with "grooming" (aside from the fact that it's a term poorly transposed from chimpanzee studies to human studies, as if human beings and chimps were essentially the same thing)… Even if we accept that we are all primates, primates "groom" in order to reinforce social connections. When you hire someone, of course, or become their friend, you are reinforcing social connections, so any sort of positive interaction between two human beings can ultimately be considered "grooming". This is especially true if one of the two humans is in a superior position of power. I think the whole Barbie thing is disturbing, myself, but at this point, it's pretty much an unsubstantiated rumor – hot air on the internet. I think it's pretty clear what Bill is doing, although he's done it in a clumsy manner. He's trying to help transpinay's get some professional experience on their CVs. This is an crucial thing for trans people, who are often – if not always – the target of incredible prejudice. Now that Bill has decided to be open about what he's doing, I don't think people should accuse him of sexual/emotional wrong-doing unless they have a lot more proof than internet hot air. Think about it: the stigma of trans- is contagious. Nothing is easier than accusing a trans-supportive person of being, secretly, a sexual pervert. And nothing is, ultimately, more transphobic. This sentiment not only naturalizes some of the worst prejudices against trans people ("they are sexual perverts so anyone who associates with them must be a pervert too"), it also, simultaneously, casts adult transpeople as fragile little snowflakes, with n o agency, no will-power… easy bait for any pervert who comes along. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trans people are generally some of the toughest folks you can find. Live their life, be subject to the abuse they have to take, every day, and you'd be tough too. So, to me, it's an off-handed insult to presume that our editors needs must be easily-manipulated, almost childish people who are easily swayed by a fellow primate picking lice off of them. |
NWMike | 03 Aug 2014 10:54 a.m. PST |
" I know – we will attack the editors, and if they defend themselves, we will claim to be the victims!" Really? That's what passes for "moral high ground" with some folks? If you don't want to talk about the hobby, and you hate Bill/TMP that much, why are you posting here? I just don't get it! |
Robert Kennedy | 03 Aug 2014 12:12 p.m. PST |
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Joes Shop | 03 Aug 2014 12:48 p.m. PST |
"I just don't get it!" I don't either-? I've been through the thread (to date) over there and I don't understand why these people are even willing to put in the inordinate amount of time and effort. It's as if they have replaced war gaming with TMP; TMP has become their 'hobby'. How far does this go back because even a casual review indicates how deep seated the animosity is-way beyond this 'current' issue-? |
Just Katie | 03 Aug 2014 1:28 p.m. PST |
I'm new to this place but couldn't fail to notice all this drama. I like to be careful which businesses I support (and I have jack all else to do because of a lovely kidney infection) so I read through the allegations made against Bill, thinking that there must be some real substanial evidence of serious wrong doing to cause such a stink. I found nothing but gossip and innuendo and I agree entirely with everything Spartakus said with more eloquence than me above. I dont understand why people feel Bill has to answer any questions. Furthermore, I will definitely be renewing my supporting membership for a longer period once it is due. |
Earl of the North | 03 Aug 2014 1:59 p.m. PST |
Frankly, I've little Interest in Bill's/the various new editors personal lives since I've had no contact with the various new editors and only minimal contact with Bill over the years. TMP is for me a very useful internet site for wargamming, I've no interest in the latest drama…..I haven't been on Frothers for years and I am happier for it, I'm now going to start treating TMP Talk the same way. |
Robert Kennedy | 03 Aug 2014 2:00 p.m. PST |
I believe it has been going on for years Joe.And It appears from quite a few ex-members I.E. Banned,Accounts Locked,Ect. At least in all the years I remember and that had been over 10. |
Joes Shop | 03 Aug 2014 2:41 p.m. PST |
Robert: understood, thanks. |
dsfrank | 03 Aug 2014 7:03 p.m. PST |
Clearly – since I am pretty much clueless here I need to either pay more attention or pay less attention I think I'll pick option 2 and ignore the posts that don't have a topic that is of direct interest to my wargaming hobby preferences/periods/systems/scales/projects (by that I mean not read… not stifle/ignore/bend/spindle/mutilate/flame war or whatever you kids are doing to one another these days.) That is all! NOW GET OFF MY LAWN!!! |
Porkmann | 04 Aug 2014 2:30 p.m. PST |
Personally, I don't worry about others' predilictions or motivation unless it directly affects my family. I lived next door to a man who pleasured himself whilst looking at my children. The police wouldn't do anything unless he touched them and I was not allowed to use physical violence to deter him, so I moved. The Editor likes to support trans-people and pay them to work on his site, that is his affair. I see no evidence of exploitation or sexual intent. As regards the latter, even if there were it is irrelevant to a wargames forum. I come here to read the news, ask and answer questions and occasionally buy and sell items. I couldn't care less how you voted, where you worship or who you sleep with! It is all a bit of a non-story that is getting more attention than it deserves. Now back to the Panzerjager conversion… |