"So what happened to Otto?" Topic

What's up with the illustrious Mr. Schmidt?

Had to return to his home planet for an ancient mating ritual; will return if he survives.

I have asked the same question some time ago in his favourite forum (NSFW)… his account was closed… but don't know why… maybe Bill can enlight us? (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

His account is locked, not sure what happened.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Well that bites.

In mid-July, Otto messaged me to say that "This is turning into a horrible place. Even people who put up simple posts dealing strictly with gaming are being attacked and dawghoused, insulted and defamed ----"

I won't add the rest – suffice to say he named those he blamed. He expressed that he might not return to TMP, and clearly hasn't.

That's his side of the story I guess.

I'm sorry it got that bad for him but I understand and respect his decision. I hope he changes his mind and comes back. I've enjoyed Otto's thoughts and contributions to our hobby for many years. But obviously he has to do what's best for him.

I know that not everyone enjoyed Otto's contributions – he can be irascible and cranky to a degree comparable to the late Allen Curtis. But, like Allen, he knows a great deal and can be incredibly generous on a personal level.

He gave me a whole scratchbuilt cardboard 1950s Jersey Shore boardwalk he thought I'd appreciate. I painted some figures for him which he decided not to use – so he paid me and told me to keep them.

On one occasion he'd booked a room for Fall In, but could not go. So he told me I could have the room he'd paid for – except, of course, he'd booked it under one of his many aliases, and I didn't know which one.

Otto often has a way of looking at things a bit differently and I've always found that refreshing. I hope he comes back and if not, TMP will be a bit poorer for the loss as it was when Allen and others left.

Otto used a second account to avoid the Dawghouse. His accounts are locked until he persuades me he is ready to come back.

Yes.

Oh come on. The OFM does that all the time. Do you think he's fooling anyone?

I suspect that something more has happened here… many people have two or more accounts (as has well pointed Mr. Winston Smith)… and they never suffered the "locked Account" punishment… maybe there have been some "dialog" between Otto and Bill?… (smile)

I would miss him.

Amicalement
Armand

Life goes on

I'm sorry to hear this as I often enjoyed his contributions.

I remember years ago he posted that in running his 18th century games, he would often try to have some inspiring music of the period playing (there's more than just Haydn or Mozart) and would then follow things up with an authentic meal washed down with some appropriate vintage. I thought at the time, and think still, he sounded like my kind of gamer. He'll be missed.

not like his attitudes will be missed.

I suspect that something more has happened here… many people have two or more accounts (as has well pointed Mr. Winston Smith)… and they never suffered the "locked Account" punishment… maybe there have been some "dialog" between Otto and Bill?… (smile)

Nothing wrong with having multiple accounts, but when you're Dawghoused, that means ALL of your accounts.

Otto used a second account to avoid the Dawghouse. His accounts are locked until he persuades me he is ready to come back.

Nothing wrong with having multiple accounts, but when you're Dawghoused, that means ALL of your accounts.

Is that in the FAQ?
Not that I'm pleading for Otto, but the OFM and I share an interest in this.

Yep. It's there.

A useful contributor worth retaining, not ostracising, in my opinion.

I don't want to knock anybody while he is down.
But…..
Otto could be annoying, but not to the extent of banning or locking his account.

Certainly Otto could be annoying, but if that was a reason to ban someone, this place would be pretty much empty. And I include myself in that group.

I think Otto's just decided to stay away from TMP, for the reasons he gave me. It really can be a horrible place sometimes.

Sadly… but true!

Amicalement
Armand

It really can be a horrible place sometimes.

A curate's egg.

The same is true for pretty well all websites.

My favorite Otto quote:

"But I try to be odd. What's the point of this hobby if you can't be odd? It doesn't make sense-- after all--- everyone thinks we're whaco's so why not have the fun of acting like "whacko's."

It explains so much.

I've seen them come and I've seen them go.
TMP marches on.
Nothing to see here.