Part 1 can be seen HERE.

I have received a couple emails and public postings abour the delay of prints and why the May 1 drawing has not been held.

I just want to let everyone know of my roll in the "Support for the Collector Forums". I am only providing and mailing the matted limited edition of 100 prints, and the large 16x20 matted and framed 22x28 print. John Chidester is paying for all the materials needed for me to distribute these.

In regards to the drawing that was supposed to happen on May 1 for the 16x20 matted to 22x28 and framed print, that is all John's responsibility, and all questions should be posted or emailed to him directly. I am not sure what the delay is on his end. The delay of mailing the limited edition of 100 prints was due to John not getting me a finalized address for six weeks. I hope that my fellow CF members will not hold any hard feelings towards me in regards to the delay of distribution of these items, because the fault is not in my court. If one is concerned, one needs to communicate with John.

I just wanted to let everyone know where I stood and how I was involved.

Jen,

I understood your involvement from the beginning, as I'm sure most of us did. And I think I would speak for all, when I say, Thank You for your very kind donations of your beautiful print and all your hard work and time involved.

I don't know what is going on with John, but I am concerned. Because this is the first time I have known him to drop the ball like this. In addition I don't see that he has been posting lately, so I wonder ... what is wrong? Is he sick, or having personal problems or ?...? I hope that all is well with him!

Stephanie

Thanks for your concerns...

We have been having some health issues in the family, Chris is graduating High School on May 26th. Family is coming to visit May 22-29. And on top of it all...

The home we've been renting for the last 2 years has been sold and we need to be out by June 5. Got that unexpected news a couple of weeks ago.

So with the need to locate new quarters (not found yet), the expenses of a move, some health issues in the family, deposits, graduation, company coming, increased responsibilities at our church, etc, etc. I've not been as attentive to the Forums and the picture project in the last couple of weeks as I should have been.

Jen has the names of the orders except for about the last 10-12. She has been a trooper and any delays are only due to me and my situation and not her fault at all.

Needless to say, I won't be able to make the long-planned, long-awaited, and much-needed trip to Door County to see lighthouses and all my WACKO friends.

I'm working on one alligator at a time and will do my best to finish up the last of the information Jen needs to ship the balance in the next couple of days. I hope I can communicate that to someone at the Door County event in time so that if the person is present, at least they'll know they've won.

Say a few prayers, hold some good thoughts. All will work out. Just not according to my original schedule.

I was also hoping to attend the Traverse City 'Own a Lighthouse' event June 2-3, but with luck, we'll be moving those days.

Next target: The July 4 Regional. Hopefully the dust will have settled and I'll be there.

John

Sorry we'll miss seeing you in Door County John. It sounds like your plate is overflowing. I hope things settle down for you after this month.

BTW...Congratulations to Chris on his high school graduation.

Jen

My picture arrived last Saturday and it looks great. I'm sure everyone who ordered one and has tried to capture an image like that understands the effort you put into you work. I also appreciated the note enclosed with my picture and that will be put into the frame also in recognition of your wonderful participation in the forums.

John

hope things are going better. You sure have a lot on the plate right now. Good luck.


Hank Farish

Have all of the framed pictures went out yet? I know I ordered mine and paid through PayPal quite some time back, but never received a confimation, (other than my credit card being charged). Thanks.

Ned, Shirin, the others are going out this week. I was in Wisconsin May 8-16, came home, and was flat in bed with stomach flu for another three days. Yuck! Enough details about that!

Wow, I hope you are feeling better! I'm glad to hear you had received the order. I just wanted to make sure that the PayPal transaction went through.

Best regards,

Ned

So, who won?

Just doing a check to see where we're at with the pictures. I should be down for #69. Paid by paypal in January. Thanks.

Jared

???

I'm becoming concerned that my support/purchase has been somehow lost. I made a paypal payment of $29 to LighthouseStickers.com for a print and shipping on February 14, 2002.

I have yet to receive any notice or the print I expected. Am I the only one? What's the story.

Allen

No. I'm still waiting, too. #69 hasn't found it's way to my mailbox yet.

I'm still waiting also for my #99. Seem like the old mule train is just as slow on delivering pictures as HL is on delivering their magazine. It would be nice to get them before this Christmas. It's now been almost 3 weeks since they were going to be sent out.

I received #28 about 3-4 weeks ago.

I also have a Paypal payment on Feb. 15th, but have not received my print.

Joyce

Still waiting for my tickets to the drawing. I opted out of buying the picture. Not sure if the drawing's been held or what.

Mike

Bringing this back to the top. Jen, how are the rest of the pictures coming? Still looking forward to receiving mine. Hope all is well.

Jared

I might be an outcast after this post, but I'm going to post this question anyway. I'm sure there are others that want to ask the same thing but have backed off, but I'm going to ask anyway and let the chips fall as they may. OK, I would like to know when the picture is coming !!! It has been promised before the St Augustine Regional in March. Then the excuse that the addresses weren't sent. Then it was the Door County Walk. Now what is the excuse? It's very disheartning to hear the different excuses that I have heard for not sending the picture. Is there is a reason we have not been told? I can see why older members get disgusted and leave these Forums because it seem like no one is willing to ask questions and they just get disgusted and leave. I am at that point after looking at these Forums since almost the beginning and being a member for several years. It would have been better to not even promise the picture for a donation. I would have donated even without a picture. But, if you promise a picture then come through with the picture. And while on this topic, what about the drawing that was going to be held for the large framed picture in May? Who won? I'm still sitting here with these tickets that were sent about 3-4 months ago. It's been so long who can remember.

I've said what I want to say and hope that someone that is responsible for sending these pictures, whether that be John or Jenifer, will give us an answer why some of us don't have ours yet. By the way, #99 is my number and I'm still waiting. If you want my address, please let me know so that can't be an excuse.

Hey Rich, ...There is absolutely no reason why you should feel like an outcast after asking a very simple question about something you expected to receive, but didn't. There are only two people that might have the answer to your question, John or Jen.

I appreciate what John and Jen have done, or tried to do, and I'm sure the problem can be rectified shortly. If their lives are as busy as mine right now, and has been this year, then I can understand why a few people's pics may have fallen through the cracks. I just finally got my obligation fulfilled for PCE#19 this week, and that was due the end of December last year.

Hopefully, your pic will be delivered soon. If not, let me know and I'll send mine to you and get another one later.

Bob

Bob - The picture is not the real reason for my post. I don't know what disasters have come into John or Jenifer's lives, but, if something has come into their lives that affects their meeting a commitment then they should at least make all concerned aware of this so that we could be more understanding. I have heard nothing but excuse after excuse on why they have not met their commitments. I would sure have liked to have made an excuse everytime I had to go to sea or to isolated duty in Alaska or to Viet Nam on why I couldn't make my commitment to the Coast Guard. You do what you have to do if you make a commitment or you let people know what the reason is you can't meet it at this time.

I have heard from several Forum members since I made the post earlier today and they feel the same as I do only they did not want to post for fear of being outcast. At this point I could care less about being outcast. I will continue to post and go right on with my business as usual because my feelings are out in the open. Almost a month ago the pictures were going out that week. Here it is a month down the road and no pictures. Will the next excuse be the San Francisco Regional? There is no reason in my mind, short of a major catastophe, that should keep someone from fullfilling a commitment once they accept responsibility for the job.

Hi gang. I'm terribly sorry for my lapse. I really don't have an excuse. I've been in Kentucky (lighthouse landlocked!) for almost two weeks and between the Wisconsin trip, this trip, an exhibit for my work for the first time, and other things, I have not had an opportunity to get the rest mailed. No excuses. I'm sorry. I'm usually not this bad. Most of the delay was getting an address list from John, which I was after him about for quite some time. I did bring the prints with me on my trip to Kentucky, which is where I am still at, and they will be in the mail Monday morning.

As for the 16x20 print, it is ready to go. I'm also still waiting for John to give me a winner's name and address. It is very pretty and I know the winner will be very happy with it.

Thank you for your reply, Jen. I think everyone will receive their print and be happy. Problem solved!

Bob

Thank you for responding Jen. I will hold any further comment until my #99 print arrives at my front door. I hope that you can understand why.

I thought I would interject here....it helps to email the person(s) directly involved, instead of taking your time posting a complaint here IMHO. :p

Pam - I tried your suggestion and that didn't work so I tried the next best thing and that was posting. It may have worked if I get the pictures sent out, nothing else worked. I assume that you and a lot of others have already gotten your picture but there are other disgruntled Forum members that have not received theirs and didn't want to post. I'm not the kind to sugarcoat something when it is wrong and this is wrong.

I have to agree with you, Rich. I find nothing wrong with posting a problem that needs addressing. Pam was also right about trying an email but when that didn't work, a direct but polite inquiry posted at the CF was the way to go. It might also encourage someone else who may have been overlooked to respond.

No one is infallible. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

:rolleyes: Bob :rolleyes:

Well guys,
I emailed her and the same night she posted her remarks. Must be the "woman's touch"

I know this is all very important to you all, but sometimes in a person's life there really are more important things than a $25.00 photo.


I do know someone near and dear who told me the same things you guys did, but I disagreed with him....it was quite a discussion!!

Hope all will be rectified soon, and forgiven

Thank you Jen!!! Number 99 arrived at my door last night and it is beautiful. It was "almost" worth the wait. Thanks again.

Got mine also Jen. It's a great picture! Thank you.

If anyone who has made a contribution to the CF this year and has not gotten a print as of yet, please email me. Thank you!

Hey Jen,
I got my picture this week. Thanks for taking the time and effort to help out the forum.


BTW, just where in Kentucky were you??? You should have yelled if you were close to the western part. We would have taken you out for some good Bar-B-Que Mutton or Ribs. This section of the world is famous for it. The Moon Light in Owensboro and Peak Bros. in Waverly are both well worth the trip.

We drove through Henderson on our way to good 'ol Fort Campbell. My brother in law is active duty with 101st Airborne. We'll be back down there for fall color. I'll be sure to let you know!

John, do we have any winners in the opportunity drawing????

http://www.lighthousestickers.com/forums/support_2004.htm

I haven't received my print yet - I think I was one of the first to order way back when. If it can't be sent, no problem - just consider it my parting donation.

Thanks.

Hello Is Anybody Home?

John why is it taking so long to answer the question as to who won the opportunity drawing.

Inquiring minds NEED to know - something.

This is not like you or the Forums for this to be taking so long to get a simple answer to a reasonable question.

Dennis

Still waiting for my tickets!

I wish I could help guys, but my hands are tied. The ball is and has been in John's court for some time...

Jen,

That's why I didn't include your name in my post.

Dennis

For those of you that haven't gotten a print: John called me earlier today and promised to have the addresses over to my by this weekend at the latest. Hopefully we will have winners chosen for the final drawing too!

Jen, I sent another email inquiry to make sure I was still on the list. I looked through my old credit card receipts to see that my payment went through. Thanks!

Just checking on the status of the print I paid for a few months back. Do the moderators actually moderate this forum or look into issues regarding money they have taken for services or products not rendered?

Jonh, I'm getting to the point that I'm going to just start mailing prints to those that are missing theirs. This has been going on for seven months!! I need those remaining addresses NOW. Please call me.

I'm going way out on a limb here, but it needs to be said. John Chidester appears to have lost a lot of credibility during the last 12-18 months. His follow-thru is non-existent, and he NEVER responds to anyone's posts, emails, or letters when it doesn't suit him. He accepts responsibility for almost nothing, but relishes on being the "big cheese". If in fact he is overwhelmed with this website and other things in his life, he should consider stepping aside and let someone else be the administrator. Candidly, most of the answer to his question a few months ago as to why The Forums seem to be dwindling lies with HIS actions or lack thereof.

I KNOW OF AT LEAST EIGHT (8) others who are active members that share this feeling. Many of us are looking to other websites, because THe Forums of 2003-2004 aren't what they were before that.

I've said my piece (IMHO & others), and am willing to accept being further shunned, because it doesn't matter anymore. The friends that I've made here I hope will remain friends, and my hope is that others will stand up and let John know where the problems lie as well.

You who are here to put John down should think again...that saying "unless you walked a mile in my shoes"(not an exact quote but you get the point) Up until last year John has paid for everything to keep this forum alive. Have none of you gone through some tough times in your life? This last comment was completely uncalled for... I sure hope the rest of our friends here step forward and back up John...John is one of the most giving and caring persons I have ever met. GIVE HIM A BREAK!
Ruthie

I thought we were all friends here??!!! Ruthie has written it well, I agree with every word, but let me add this:
John and all the Moderators do this on their own good will, this forum does NOT put food on anyone's table or pay anyone's rent. Thanks to all the moderators for doing their parts and I am sure all supporters will get what is owed to them so let's keep this place friendly and understand that people have other issues to deal with in their own lives.

I am by no means a person in the know, so to say. But I do have opinions, so I guess I'll express mine here too.

First off, I think that John has done an exalent job with this forum. This could be no easy task for anyone, and I think that he has done one hell of a job! He has been a friend to all. I know from my own personal experience, that anytime that I had a problem with making a post (learning how to post a picture to the forum for example) all I had to do is send John an email and he would help me out. And as said before, lets not forget that John has paid for the cost of keeping this forum alive for years, as I understand it. He is always one of the first to step up to the plate and make a donation to, and or sweeten the pot for any lighthouse cause that is put in front of him. I have been proud to call John a friend ever sense I first joined this forum some 3 or 4 years ago. I had the pleasure of meeting him in person for the first time at the St. Augustine Regional a few months back and I think that he is as nice a person in person as I have known him to be here on the Internet.

But now on the other hand, I don't understand his dropping the ball on this particular issue like this. This seems so out of character for him. I know that he has had a lot on his plate lately. But I don't understand his not responding to any of these post. The prints and the big drawing are not the real issue here. I, like most of you here, would have made a donation to help cover some of the cost without a print in return. The print and drawing just sweetened the pot a bit, and for this I am grateful! (Thanks Jen) But why is he not responding to questions???? It is as if he isn't reading these post, as if he just isn't there. Though that can't be the case, so where is he? And what's up? I know that he has other issues in life, but he should take just a minet to let us know something.... anything!

Well, that's my opinion.

Stephanie

My Two Cents Worth
I believe we are all friends here, and that when someone of us is in a tough time we all support that person. And John has put in a lot of time and effort for this forum and deserves credit for all the hard work.
That being said, this problem has been going on for quite a while. Jenifer Selwa says for Seven Months, and she is the one with the pictures ready to go out to those who have not gotten them yet. Why can't John at least post a message, letting people know that he does know there is a problem and what he plans to do and when?? The not knowing and not hearing anything is what that people are upset about. If John could at least tell the forum or call Jenifer and let her know something so she could post.

I know that John is still taking care of the stickers program and mailing out those. So why can't he let people know what's going on, that's all they want. IMHO

For what it is worth, my problem with this whole deal was solved promptly by John with a direct email. All I had to do is ask for a refund, and it was taken care of within 2 hours. However, it wasn't about the money for me, (29 lousy dollars), it was entirely about the principle of the matter.

Ned,
I'm glad you got your money back but I'm sure you'd rather have the print.
I have mine and Cindy isn't going to hang it up cause it's too dark....or it doesn't go with the other pictures.... or she just doesn't like it like I do... whatever the reason is...
And Jen... if you're reading this... I really do like it and thanks for sending it to me...
but like I said... mine is just sitting here and not doing nothing.
so if you want it, and will hang it on your wall, send me your address and I'll get it on the way.
Free shipping included. Insurance optional

Way to go Medicman!

And Ned, you should be ashamed of yourself. READ the title of this topic, your so said "(29 lousy dollars)" was meant to help Support this Forum. The print was a Freebie offered to you by Jen from the goodness of her heart. Yes, true enough some of your donation was to cover the cost of reproducing your print and shipping it to you, but mostly it was to support this forum.

(IMHO)
Stephanie

I think it's human nature to go through a range of emotions over something like this. I too, sent my check to John in February and although I didn't order the picture, have recieved nothing from John other than a blanket statement on the forum thanking everyone and advising he was a little behind in getting the raffle ticket out but would be doing it soon. That was in April. Still no tickets. Admittedly I run the gammut from ticked off to "I've pissed away more money on beer at a Cubs game" so whats the big deal.

Still overall it bothers me a little, only because in my mind, I'm gonna win that A.P.! (In reality, with my luck, I don't have a chance.) Am I getting my 25 bucks worth? You bet I am. Would I support the Collectors Forums next year? You bet I will. That said, I do think it's peculiar that John has posted all over the Forums lately and yet has not responded to these posts. I don't know John as well as others, but what I do know is that this in uncharacteristic of him.

Take this entire situation as you will. If it bothers you that much, don't give again next year. If, like me you can shrug it off, then do just that.

Mike

I didn't just decide to "pick on John" at some point, I'm just the one with enough "hutzpah" to bring it into the open. Everyone "dances around the subject" because John is such a great guy. The problems are real. John has done an admirable job on The Forums, but....if you read the content of comments with an open mind, one has to conclude that problems exist. Many have voiced their concern openly, and others behind the scenes, either way the problems exist whether or not any individual will personally admit it. John's sticker project is not without problems as well. "........................" John carrys a big load, but he doesn't have to, it is by choice. If one cannot function sufficiently well carrying a load of bricks, one should remove some of the load so it becomes more manageable.
Now I know that all of John's associates on the site will rally around and support him, and that is as it should be and expected, but will that address the perceived problems by the many others?

Please re-read this message and try to remove your personal emotion/interpretation from the printed word and just obvserve the content as printed. It is not written as a declaration of battle, but rather a statement of facts.

Clearly, my friends, you deserve some explanation.

First I don't want to be the center of divisivenss. But my apparent lack of action and lack of posting on this thread has created problems.

Organization is NOT one of my strong suits and this manifests itself both in my messy office and my PC's inbox.

I know that if I don't respond to an email immediately, I may never get to it. But I don't always have the answer needed to respond -- or the time to take care of the issue right then and there so it seems to never get done. This is a part of a lifelong affliction with ADD.

At about the end of April, after spending several hours going through emails and paypal records, I created what was up to then an accurate record of donations and purchases of Jen's Point Cabrillo photo, but left the donation window open for a while long since all the prints had not yet been sold.

The result was that a few more purchases and constributions came in, but I didn't immediately add them to the spreadsheet. Locating them now would take a few more hours of researching and sorting through literally hundreds (probably thousands) of emails to make certain that everyone is in the spreadsheet of contributors and that all the picture purchases are accounted for and included in the appropriate drawing.

With all the other things I have going on, so many jobs seem to get undone that none of my clients in my regular business nor my responsibilities here were getting done.

My life has been chaotic and at the end of May, we moved. For those who haven't done that lately, this may be the most stressful event in a life not involving a death in the family. Everything you own goes into boxes. After over two full months of being at the new location, many of those boxes are still not unpacked.

Financially it has been a struggle topped by the added cost of a move and so I haven't been able to travel to the various lighthouse events I had hoped to go to.

My desire was always to post something that said "I'll have this taken care of tomorrow..." but knowing it probably would NOT be done tomorrow, another unkept promise would only make things worse, so I held back posting.

I do read the forums everyday, several times a day. I don't miss reading many posts and I very much appreciate the emails of support and concern from many of my long-time friends here.

I understand the posts of frustration and have no ill-will towards anyone here. I hope than when I get this resolved, we can all 'get along again' to quote Rodney King. 0 :>)

There are other issues that are creating extra stress on my life right now. Ones that I'd prefer not to post about. I will say that your prayers would be appreciated. I'm generally an optimistic soul, even when it seems I'm being sucked into a 'black hole' at times.

A huge apology is due to Jen Selwa for my not providing her the information she needed to do what I asked of her -- to print and ship the images. I did send her a list at the end of May with the sales-to-date information. She asked a while back that anyone who expected a print, but had not yet received one contact her. She has passed that list on to me -- I believe there were four. Jen is enthusiastic and among the best lighthouse photographers that I know of. I think we all are thankful for her participation and contributions. I put her in an awkward situation for which I apologize. She is not to blame for anything.

I often think how nice it would be for the rest of the world to be 'put on pause' while I have a chance to catch up. I think of weekends as the 'pause' -- time when the phone doesn't ring and I can get things done. It usually doesn't happen like that, but I still hope it could.

The good Lord willing, I'll promise here to complete the reconciliation and contact by email those who have not received their prints and complete the random drawing for winners by Sunday evening.

This includes the appointment of new Cruise Directors for the Forums, another issue overdue.

I've asked Dave Hannum to take on more responsibilities on the Forums and he has agreed to do so. You can't get higher than being a 'Saint' on these CF, but Dave has been most helpful, concerned and been a good advisor to me.

He's taken on a major responsibility recently, but I expect he'll still be available to we WACKOs and our 'silent partners' who read, but don't post.

Thanks for your support, concern, and prayers. I'll do my best to earn back your trust and credibility.

John

P.S. If anyone else wants a refund of their financial contribution to the Collector Forums, please email me at webmaster@lighthousekeepers.com

.....

Go to Hell John... what a joke this place is!

Thank You, John!

Now let's all put back on our Smiling faces , and put this issue to rest! John has done what we all were looking for...... He answered our questions.

Stephanie

Now that John has had his chance to respond I would like to add my two cents worth.

During the middle of June(18th and 19th) I had my say on the pictures and the excuses associated with these pictures. These posts that I made showed my frustrations with the way the Forums were headed and are still headed in my opinion. We are now experiencing a division in the membership at this point by the latest posts. We see loyalty by some members to John on one side and frustration by other members over the absolute neglect to these Forums on the other side. I want to go on record by saying that I am totally disgusted with the way the Forums are being handled at this time, but, I am willing to give John the benefit of the doubt after his last post and hope things are rectified. I only know John in passing, but, personally feel there will be no permanent change in John's devotion to the forums. If he has the problems and pressure that he mentioned, he should temporarily give the control of the Forums over to someone else until these problems are taken care of and the pressure is relieved. I emailed John 3 times telling him that I was interested in moderating a Forum(s) when he asked for volunteers and still have not heard a yea or nay from him. This tends to disgust a person. I realized that after my posts in June critisizing the lack of response on the pictures that I was probably blackballing myself in the future, and this must be the case, because of John's neglect in answering my emails volunteering my services. This lack of acknowleding my emails also ticked me off after John's plea a second time for new moderators because he was was not getting many responses and might have to go to the reserves to fill his needs.

I was also the one that started the post months ago stating my concerns over the lack of participation in the Forums. I also stated that with or without a picture I would be willing to donate money to help fund the Forums for 2004 to keep the Forums from being a burden on John. I also posted last week about surfing the net for other lighthouse web sites and after much reading of these sites overwhelmingly decided that the Collectors Forums is still the best. I did receive a thank you from John on this post.

John's reasons for neglecting the Forums are his personal problems and if he feels that he can't discuss them, that is his choice to make and we should respect that decision. The fact that members want to ignore the real problem of neglect to the Forums, and sugar coat over it, is their choice and I will also respect their decision. As for me, and many other members that have emailed me with the same concerns and frustrations and do not want to post themselves, I stand 100% behind George in my feelings. Hopefully, pro-John supporters should respect our feelings and choices. I didn't spend 23 years in the Coast Guard mincing words and making decisions that I thought would please people. I told it like it was and made the decisions that I felt were right, even though they may not have been politically correct. I will continue to do this if I feel the situation is justified and if I'm blackballed, so be it. Obviously a lot of other ex-forum members feel this way because of the many recognizable names on other web sites that no longer post on the Collector Forums.

I've had my say, and I say to George, "Thank you for having the guts to also tell it like it is"

THanks Rich. I do need to clarify one statement made by me in my prior post. I stated ".........." was not quite correct upon re-reading an email sent in confidence to me. The email actually stated that "........" to get payment.

Close in wording, but slightly different in meaning, intent about the same.

"....."

John, I can't undo what has already been stated. I admit that piece of information stated is not from first hand knowledge and not verifiable by me. If the author of the comment I quoted wishes to come forth he/she can, as I'm sure they read these forums, otherwise everyone can consider the info hearsay.

"...."

Let us hope all interested parties have gotten their frustrations sufficiently (and publicly) vented, that all the righteous have sufficiently fueled their indignation, that all slanderous, libelous, injurious, or just plain snotty messages have been sufficiently sanitized, that those who needed to be brought to action have been sufficiently (and publicly) shamed or otherwise spurred to act, that all who need to be kissed and made up have been sufficiently buffed and polished, that all inkjet nozzles are unplugged and sufficiently spritzing away to make all the requisite little pictures, that all prizes ready for drawing are prepared to be drawn, that couriers remain sufficiently on station ready to whisk to eveyone their parcels, and God help us that no one forgets to breath - let us hope all this has or will soon come to pass, cuz this thread is closed. Thank you, get over it, and have a nice day.

T