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From: To: Subj RE: Geeks ect: Date:Tue, Apr 07, 2009 01:14 PM

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Originally Posted by srebo70 It looks like the Renato forums are all back. Is this a byproduct of importing the old stuff? Are we the only ones that can see them or do they appear back to the whole membership?

No, they are not back. "We" are the only ones that can see them. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin

#3 Today, 08:54 PM Join Date: Mar 2008

srebo70 Moderator Super Geek

Excellent, I'm still one of the Cool Kids!!!!!

__________________ Look Up, Get Up, and Don't Ever Give Up

srebo70 View Public Profile Send a private message to srebo70 Find all posts by srebo70 #4 Today, 08:55 PM

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meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

For now anyway! LOL!

__________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #5 Today, 10:29 PM Join Date: Mar 2008

srebo70 Moderator Super Geek

Posts: 4,797

And that is the sound of my bubble bursting!

)

OK guys...this is going to be a long post as I try to explain what has happened and my thoughts on everything. I would ask you to with hold judgement or opinions until you get through everything.

So..as you may or may not know, I posted a global announcement earlier today to let everyone know that they need to comb through their private messages and get rid of anything they don't need anymore or anything that they would prefer not have the possibility of being read. The reason for this was because we have tens of thousands upon tens of thousands of private messages being kept on the system. I need to start doing some maintenance on that database to get it ready to export over to the new software. As this fired up, it processes messages in the order of last in, first out...the same way you see PMs in your inbox. I don't know if you guys have taken notice of the PMs in the Admin Control Panel, but there are two messages for each one created. One for the person that wrote it, one for the person that it was sent to. Part of the maintenance being done is an attempt to match up all of the messages and then prcess the orphans to determine if they should be kept, deleted or otherwise processed. Immediately after starting the process, numerous PMs kicked out. A couple were from Lee to Greg (nhwoods). I don't know who initiated contact with who as theere were apparently a series of messages. I am only assuming based on how it was written as I did not progress off of the messages that kicked out as exceptions as a part of the maintenance process.

Long story short, what I say was Lee telling Greg how wrong "we" are for not making Invicta get him his prize watch. He then went on to tell Greg how he felt that the "we" were getting to coozy with Invicta and were doing nothing more than hyping them and kissing the a$$ of Invicta and Eyal and squashing free speech in addition to being "ignored" by me and Jim. That was all in one message. The second message dealt with his response to Greg apparently telling him (Lee) that he (Greg) was considering posting on the forum that he has not gotten his prize yet and hoping that stirring up a bunch of $hit would would force us and/or Invicta to get him his prize.

I'll just be blunt here. Lee needs to go. Whether we give him the opportunity to resign or we just remove him from being a moderator, I don't care. But, as far as I am concerned, he needs to go and I don't want him on the admin team.

Here is my thinking...

I have personally told all of the moderators over the phone and in writing that the

one thing they could count on from the ownership to is to "back their play" in public or when it comes to the members. After seeing how many members of the mod and admin team at BDWF were treated, I wanted to make sure that all of them could expect that we would never call them out in public. I have told them that they could figure out the absolute worst way to handle any situation on the forum and that when it came to the membership that we would back them and deal with the issue behind the scenes where the rest of the membership cannot see. With that in mind, I expect no less from the moderators in regards to us and the site as a whole. Lee has every right in the world to think whatever he would like to in regards to us as the ownership team, Invicta, Eyal, our relationship with Invicta and Eyal (or any other vendor), the decisions we make and/or how "free speech" is effected on the forum.

What he does not have the right to do is go to a member and trash us, our site and our decisions on how this forum should be run. Doing the moderator work for free or not, if we are going to be loyal to our team then I expect no less than the same from them. If we are not going to trash them to the membership, then I expect them not to trash us to the membership. I would also expect that if they are made aware by a member of actions that they are thinking of taking that are going to do nothing but create strife and other bull$hot on the forum...they should say something to us in regards to it so we can deal with it. Considering I have not heard anything at all from anyone about Greg's potential plans, I can only assume that he didn't go to any of you about it. But besides that...I go back to the original point. Outside of asking a moderator to violate their own morals or ethics, we (us personally and the site in general) deserve some loyalty from them. They don't have to agree with the decisions we make, they just have to move forward with them. And if they feel that they cannot move forward with them, they need to resign.

I have looked at this from every angle that I can and have been very objective in how I was looking at the situation. The only thing that I can come up with is that he needs to go. I am sorry...I just cannot tolerate having one of our mods trash us to a member like this. If any of you guys want to explain to me how I am wrong, I am certainly willing to listen to what you have to say. However, I cannot for the life of me figure out how I want someone who is going to trash me personally to other members to be on my team.

Thanks for reading this "book" of mine. But I felt too much detail was better than not enough. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #2 03-18-2009, 08:58 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton

Posts: 5,229

WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

I'll keep it short, and simple.

I see both sides. I am greatly bothered that BOTH of them said the things that you posted.

BUT Had you not needed to do maintenance, the PM's would not have been read. In that case, we would not know what was said. And Lee has been doing a fine job otherwise.

So.... do you smack your wife because you read her diary and saw she fantasized about George Clooney the last time you had sex, or just realize that her private thoughts are not something you should worry about if they are not voiced, or acted upon?

I say let it go until Lee actually does something wrong. What you say to someone else in private (which maybe was only said to quell the irritated other party) should be left in private and not held against you if you have not actually done something wrong. __________________

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Find all posts by jskelton #3 03-18-2009, 05:15 PM Join Date: Feb 2008

NAYTH

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Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

I have to fall on Jim's logic, despite being extremely upset with Lee's actions. I DO know he has been extremely upset with the prize for Nhwoods, and feels his requests are being ignored with PMs going unanswered.

Remember this is the guy that wanted to resign when I was "upside down" in Florida because I didn't call him back quickly enough.

Anyway, here is the bright side. Lee called me two days ago and said he wanted to resign as a Mod, for all the reasons listed above. I told him to just back off the Moderator's duties for awhile and I would discuss it with my partners. This is an easy out if we want to take it.

Nevertheless, I think it may be time for a three-way call. I know Jim is still recovering from the 11 days of hell so we can schedule it later.

Let me know.

Bruce __________________ Time is too precious to mark its passage on cheap watches!

NAYTH View Public Profile Send a private message to NAYTH Find all posts by NAYTH #4 03-18-2009, 05:20 PM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

Bruce: I can understand that Lee was upset over the deal with Greg. Hell, I was...it does our reputation and image no good to be in a situation like that. However, Lee cannot say that I was ignoring him. He was specifically told by me to remove himself from the situation as I was taking over the prizes aspect for both HSOW and WGOM from Jim and that I would be contacting Greg directly...which I did. When Lee asked me about it via PMs, I gave him an update. I don't know what more he wanted me to do.

Jim: I understand your logic. However, this is not how we have handled situations like this in the past. When we "accidentally" found out that Paul Buddish had violated our trust with that idiot from NY that was banned, he was removed as an admin and from the site. That unfortunately cost Bruce a very long time friendship with Paul and his wife. I am just saying that we should be consistent in how we handle things. To me, a violation of trust is a violation of trust.

If you guys want to talk about it, that is fine with me. Just let me know when. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #5 03-18-2009, 05:44 PM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

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Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

Just as an FYI, PMs were sent out to the following folks letting them know one or more PMs that they sent or received was read by me: BigJoe CharlieB qwikfix bdgrewe74 Red Ryder timetravler FlyBack (that troublemaker) ingoodtime nhwoods In case any of them happen to contact one of you, I just wanted to let you all know. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #6 03-18-2009, 07:36 PM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton

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Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

Quote:

Originally Posted by meijin";p=&quot I understand your logic. However, this is not how we have handled situations like this in the past. When we "accidentally" found out that Paul Buddish had violated our trust with that idiot from NY that was banned, he was removed as an admin and from the site. That unfortunately cost Bruce a very long time friendship with Paul and his wife. I am just saying that we should be consistent in how we handle things. To me, a violation of trust is a violation of trust.

If you guys want to talk about it, that is fine with me. Just let me know when.

Yes but... I was not involved in that, so I'm not actually doing a flip-flop here.

If Lee wants to step down, then this is a non-issue. Grant him his wish. In the nicest possible way.

No need to bring any of this up.

__________________

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Find all posts by jskelton #7 03-18-2009, 08:04 PM Join Date: Feb 2008

NAYTH

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Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

Michael: I agree that Lee was way out of bounds, and feel that accepting his resignation may be the best way out for all of us. He can remain an active Member and not let his obviously immature emotions get ahead of good judgment. Truthfully, with the pending return to Florida I don't feel like losing another friendship, albeit not nearly as close as Paul and Ellen were.

Jim makes a good point as he was not involved. Still, we must continue to accept the fact that this Forum has become a much larger and more involved "entity" than any of us ever imagined. It has to be treated as such.

Once again, I will suggest a three-way maybe over the weekend. My trip to Florida has been postponed until April 8th or so.

Bruce __________________ Time is too precious to mark its passage on cheap watches!

NAYTH View Public Profile Send a private message to NAYTH Find all posts by NAYTH #8 03-18-2009, 08:09 PM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

I always enjoy a 3-way over the weekends! LOL! That is fine...if he wants to resign, then he probably should considering the feelings and thoughts that he has expressed. I obviously have no problems with him retaining membership. The only caveat I would add to that is that at some point someone should remind him that we expect that anything said in the mod lounge that he is aware of or part of should stay in confidence and that even though he may no longer be a moderator, we expect that information to stay confidential in nature. Know what I mean? __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #9 03-18-2009, 08:22 PM Join Date: Feb 2008

NAYTH

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Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

That is agreed. I will talk to him in the next few days and settle this all.

BTW, three-way PHONE CALL, not group sex!!!!! We are Watchgeek he-men here!!!

You are a sick puppy Michael!

Bruce __________________ Time is too precious to mark its passage on cheap watches!

NAYTH View Public Profile Send a private message to NAYTH Find all posts by NAYTH #10 03-18-2009, 08:24 PM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

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Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

Quote:

You are a sick puppy Michael!

Yeah? And? Your point is what?

LOL! __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #11 03-19-2009, 01:32 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

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Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

Just as an update....

I sent Lee a PM as I did everyone else letting him know that a couple of PMs were seen by me. He took that opportunity to express to me his dissatisfaction in how the whole deal with Greg was handled and then went on to explain to me how hurt he was that Jim ignored him and never responded to him about it and how poor that was for an owner of the forum to conduct himself.

I wrote him back a polite yet terse and to the point PM that he was told on more than one occasion to remove himself from the situation and that I was now the person responsible for the prizes here and not Jim. I also went on to inform him that Jim is just a tad bit busy and that his (Lee's) continued bitching about the situation without being able to offer a potential solution offered nothing to the situation other than making it essentially worse.

So, needless to say, Jim hurt his feelings and I am sure I have now just added to that. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #12 03-19-2009, 01:34 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

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Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

BTW...I never brought up the contents of his PMs with Greg. Had I done that I would be willing to bet a grand at 5:1 that he would be resigning tonight. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #13 03-19-2009, 01:51 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

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Re: Concerning Lee (ingoodtime)

BTW again...for those that might have missed it, Greg posted a message in the "Look What I Got" section about receiving his prize watch. Here is the first line of his message...

"Well it finally arrived after a really long wait and lot of work by the by Lee (ingoodtime)Thanks Lee." At least I got a good laugh tonight!

__________________ Michael

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

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From Stan at Panatime

Guys: I received the following from Stan at Panatime: Great Website Stan Betesh Here - We have many customers who buy straps from our website Panatime that are watch geeks members I would like to know how we can have a Forum ??

Advertise ??

We would like to offer special Discounts on Straps and deep blue Watches Please let me know Stan Betesh Panatime Deep Blue ========= How would you guys like to handle this?

Here is what I propose: #1. Tell him that we don't accept advertising. #2. Add his member account to the VIP group #3. Tell him that we will post a sticky in the accessories forum indicating the discount for membes. #4. Tell him that we will post a global to let folks know about the discount #5. Tell him that he can respond to posts where he can make recommendations #6. Have a graphic in his signature.

Given that these guys are not a major competitor to an SNBC vendors, this should be OK and the members all get a benefit.

Let me know your thoughts. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #2 03-11-2009, 10:35 PM Join Date: Mar 2008

FlyBack WatchGeeks Administrator True WatchGeek

FWIW: They are a BDWF sponsor. __________________ Brad

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FlyBack View Public Profile Send a private message to FlyBack Find all posts by FlyBack #3 03-11-2009, 10:39 PM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

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Re: From Stan at Panatime

Yes, they are sponsors at BDWF and alot of other forums. I don't think that makes a difference. SWI is a sponsor at BDWF as is both Android and NFW. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #4 03-11-2009, 10:45 PM

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NAYTH

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Re: From Stan at Panatime

I approve of your idea Michael! It is nice to offer our Members a few "vigs" in the industry, especially when the owner is polite enough to ask.

I am currently speaking to a high-volume and reputable internet-dealer in Brooklyn about Member discounts on non-SNBC items.

Bruce __________________ Time is too precious to mark its passage on cheap watches!

NAYTH View Public Profile Send a private message to NAYTH Find all posts by NAYTH #5 03-12-2009, 03:20 AM Join Date: Mar 2008

FlyBack WatchGeeks Administrator True WatchGeek Re: From Stan at Panatime

Quote:

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Originally Posted by meijin";p=&quot Yes, they are sponsors at BDWF and alot of other forums. I don't think that makes a difference. SWI is a sponsor at BDWF as is both Android and NFW. Understood and agreed, that's why I said "FWIW". :-) __________________ Brad

FlyBack View Public Profile Send a private message to FlyBack Find all posts by FlyBack #6 03-13-2009, 06:01 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek Re: From Stan at Panatime

Jim? Thoughts? Comments? __________________ Michael

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #7 03-16-2009, 03:59 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton

Posts: 5,229

WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

I know Stan and like Stan, but this opens a big door that'll be hard to close on others as they approach us.

I would say the most we should allow is maybe him listing his site on his sig. But no direct offers or promotion.

Shop will be debuting a brand in a few months that will be dealing HEAVILY in accessories such as straps. __________________ 2009, 12:45 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek I am done with nhwoods and his non-prize

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

OK...I am just letting you guys know that I am done with this entire situation of nhwoods waiting 3 months or so to get his WGOM prize. Eyal has been contacted more than once about it, Mary (or whatever her name is) has been contacted more than once by two different people and Gany was contacted over a week ago. Still nothing....

So, I am going to send him a PM this weekend and ask him if a slightly used Reserve Speedway will suffice and if he is agreeable, I am going to send him mine in a Reserve box and be over and done with the situation. If and when he ever gets whatever is picked out for him, he can have that for waiting.

This whole situation is just on my absolute last nerve...and if Lee sends me one more PM about how we (WatchGeeks) is doing nhwoods a dis-sevice, I am going to ban him! LOL! __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #2 03-07-2009, 12:56 AM Join Date: Mar 2008

FlyBack WatchGeeks Administrator True WatchGeek

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Michael, I took up the cause of getting Texas Tee his watch, and I'm sure Jim was sick of hearing from me. Eventually that one got fulfilled. You couple this lack of care/concern with the comments we see on CS all too frequently, and the picture doesn't look good at all for Invicta. Although your offer is selfless, I think the fact you would even have to consider doing so is inexcusable. __________________ Brad

FlyBack View Public Profile Send a private message to FlyBack Find all posts by FlyBack #3 03-07-2009, 12:59 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Don't do that, lemme get on Gany about it again. __________________ Jim - Scott is really beside himself

Posts: 5,229

Jim, Could you please let me know the status of the Invicta that Eyal was kind enough to provide for the raffle on October 24th? It’s been since November 4th that I sent you an address to mail it to. I have had Brad send you numerous requests for a response from you and have yet to hear anything.

My friend Skip, who the raffle and subsequent auction was for, I’m sure will still be thankful to receive this. On top of the fact that his Mother passed away in his home, I’m finding out today that he is being evicted and has to be out within the week. So, if you have yet to send this as you stated two weeks ago, please make sure to send it to my address so that I’ll be able to forward it on to him, wherever he and his family find to live.

Scott Jones 303 Forest Grove Drive Richardson, TX 75080 __________________

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Watch manufacturer from Germany

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#1 11-13-2008, 03:19 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek Watch manufacturer from Germany

Hey guys...check out this thread... http://watchgeeks.net/viewtopic.php?t=16172

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

He wants to introduce his watches and I am not sure how to handle this. We have said that we want to expand everyone's horizons as far as watches go and I'd like to have other manufacturers participating here, but how to handle? __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #2 11-13-2008, 03:30 AM Join Date: Mar 2008

FlyBack

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He posted two threads with links to his website yesterday without permission from one of the owners. I took them down and asked him to reach one of you. Clearly he contacted Michael.

My two cents if you care to have it - unless this owner wants to participate like Wing and George Fox do for example, he'll simply be getting free advertising. On the other hand, if he jumps in and contributes, it could be a nice addition. __________________

Brad

FlyBack View Public Profile Send a private message to FlyBack Find all posts by FlyBack #3 11-13-2008, 03:39 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Re: Watch manufacturer from Germany

Brad has a good point and that is the thing...how do we explain this to him (exactly) and what are the criteria for "participating"?

I don't want to turn away every vendor that wants to be seen on the site...but I don't want to be giving them freebies either. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #4 11-13-2008, 08:54 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton

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I agree, he posted it up without permission in order to use us for marketing.

I think that unless they are approached by US with an invitation, it cannot be allowed.

(That should sound good enough to him or anyone else). __________________

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#5 11-13-2008, 02:05 PM Join Date: Feb 2008

NAYTH

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Re: Watch manufacturer from Germany

Michael; let me draft a memo to this guy and forward it for your review. If it looks good, you can send it.

I agree that we have to control unauthorized use of our site for promotion of merchandise. The bigger we grow, the more we will see this type of thing happening.

Bruce

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#1 11-13-2008, 03:19 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek Watch manufacturer from Germany

Hey guys...check out this thread...

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

http://watchgeeks.net/viewtopic.php?t=16172 He wants to introduce his watches and I am not sure how to handle this. We have said that we want to expand everyone's horizons as far as watches go and I'd like to have other manufacturers participating here, but how to handle? __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #2 11-13-2008, 03:30 AM Join Date: Mar 2008

FlyBack

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WatchGeeks Administrator True WatchGeek

He posted two threads with links to his website yesterday without permission from one of the owners. I took them down and asked him to reach one of you. Clearly he contacted Michael.

My two cents if you care to have it - unless this owner wants to participate like Wing and George Fox do for example, he'll simply be getting free advertising. On the other hand, if

he jumps in and contributes, it could be a nice addition. __________________ Brad

FlyBack View Public Profile Send a private message to FlyBack Find all posts by FlyBack #3 11-13-2008, 03:39 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Re: Watch manufacturer from Germany

Brad has a good point and that is the thing...how do we explain this to him (exactly) and what are the criteria for "participating"?

I don't want to turn away every vendor that wants to be seen on the site...but I don't want to be giving them freebies either. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #4 11-13-2008, 08:54 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton

Posts: 5,229

WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

I agree, he posted it up without permission in order to use us for marketing.

I think that unless they are approached by US with an invitation, it cannot be allowed.

(That should sound good enough to him or anyone else). __________________

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Find all posts by jskelton #5 11-13-2008, 02:05 PM Join Date: Feb 2008

NAYTH

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Re: Watch manufacturer from Germany

Michael; let me draft a memo to this guy and forward it for your review. If it looks good, you can send it.

I agree that we have to control unauthorized use of our site for promotion of merchandise. The bigger we grow, the more we will see this type of thing happening.

Bruce

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Marina Militare

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#1 10-31-2008, 12:29 AM Join Date: Mar 2008

FlyBack WatchGeeks Administrator True WatchGeek Marina Militare

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Based on my experience in handling intellectual property matters for the better part of 20 years and my research on the Marina Militare matter, it's my belief this watch is no better than any other knock off Rolex you'd pick up in NY City. That said, is the forum going to take a position on this? If we don't, it's my opinion that it would make it difficult to substantiate our position on replicas in general.

Thoughts! __________________ Brad

FlyBack View Public Profile Send a private message to FlyBack Find all posts by FlyBack #2 10-31-2008, 12:42 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

NAYTH

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Re: Marina Militare

We have never officially stated any position on this popular "copy". There have been a lot of Posts and pictures of this brand and a lot of Members seem to like them. My feelings are like yours, they are cheap knock-offs, but I can't see the need to create waves with this particular issue. Heck, one of our Mods actually builds them.

We should monitor the Threads, moderate what has to be moderated and let the matter die a quiet death.

Bruce __________________ Time is too precious to mark its passage on cheap watches!

NAYTH View Public Profile Send a private message to NAYTH Find all posts by NAYTH #3 10-31-2008, 12:47 AM Join Date: Mar 2008

FlyBack

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WatchGeeks Administrator True WatchGeek

It's because of the lawsuit filed by Panerai this week against Naples Watch and others.

Prior to that, I though it was nothing other than an homage, as the case design is far too old to be protected. Now that the horse is out of the barn, I think it is an entirely different matter. As to Brandon, he is not making Marina Militare watches, he is using a case design that is beyond any patent protection, puts in a movement of his choice, and importantly, puts no name on the dial. __________________ Brad

FlyBack View Public Profile Send a private message to FlyBack Find all posts by FlyBack #4 10-31-2008, 12:53 AM Join Date: Mar 2008

FlyBack

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In case you didn't see it on the fourm, here's Panerai's trademark registration of Marina Militare from the USPTO. Word Mark MARINA MILITARE Translations The English translation of MARINA MILITARE is MARINA MILITARY. Goods and Services IC 014. US 002 027 028 050. G & S: Cuff links, tie pins, rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, brooches; watches, chronometers, clocks, watchbands, wristwatches, boxes of precious metal for watches and jewelry Standard Characters Claimed Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK Serial Number 79011293 Filing Date March 8, 2005 Current Filing Basis 66A Original Filing Basis 66A Published for Opposition September 5, 2006 Registration Number 3174281 International Registration Number 0850768 Registration Date November 21, 2006 Owner (REGISTRANT) CARTIER INTERNATIONAL B.V. CORPORATION NETHERLANDS Herengracht 436 NL-1017 BZ Amsterdam NETHERLANDS (LAST LISTED OWNER) OFFICINE PANERAI N.V. Société anonyme Scharlooweg 33 Curaçao - Antilles néerlandaises NETHERLD ANTILLES Priority Date September 29, 2004 Type of Mark TRADEMARK Register PRINCIPAL Live/Dead Indicator LIVE __________________ Brad

FlyBack View Public Profile Send a private message to FlyBack Find all posts by FlyBack #5 10-31-2008, 07:04 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Re: Marina Militare

Here is how I see it...

When someone buys a fake Rolex, they are doing so in the hopes that others seeing it will think it is the real thing. In the case of the MM line, I have never seen anyone buy one in hopes of faking someone out so they think it is a Panny. Panny has an injunction...let's see where the case goes as far as a decision goes and then take any necessary action then.

Thoughts? __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #6 10-31-2008, 07:26 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton

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WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

It's hard to stifle the excitement a large group shows over any watch.

I remember way back when, over at WUS (I guess 5-6 years ago now?) when THE watch was the IW Marine Diver. Dead-on for a Panerai. We all loved them, and they became as much of an "it watch" as the Seiko Monster and Dreadnought (two others our group made into household names coincidentally)... so it's hard to be hypocritical here on this issue.

If it were one guy coming in and marketing them, that's different. What we're seeing is a group falling for the watch, and it gaining popularity.

I see no harm, it's "what we do" __________________

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Find all posts by jskelton #7 10-31-2008, 01:48 PM Join Date: Mar 2008

FlyBack

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Fair enough, we'll see if my hypothesis on dealing with other replicas comes to pass. I hope not. __________________

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#1 10-25-2008, 11:34 PM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

I would say Ariel needs to resign

Given the flap over someone at Invicta logging in from the same IP as the TeamInvicta

account, I would say that Ariel needs to resign and just go to a WatchGeeks VIP status.

Thoughts? __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #2 10-26-2008, 04:51 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

NAYTH

Posts: 2,043

WatchGeeks Owner Super Geek

Re: I would say Ariel needs to resign

I do not understand this Post.

Are you referring to his position with Lior?

He has never miss-represented himself and started his position after being a valuable Moderator for quite a while.

Nayth

__________________ Time is too precious to mark its passage on cheap watches!

NAYTH View Public Profile Send a private message to NAYTH Find all posts by NAYTH #3 10-26-2008, 04:54 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Re: I would say Ariel needs to resign

He works for Lior and is a moderator here. That is as big, if not a bigger, conflict of interest than the whole brew ha-ha with this person posting from an Invicta IP address.

My point is not to pick on Ariel...I have no reason to dislike him. However, having someone as a moderator would probably create more of a stir than this person posting from the Invicta IP address.

It would be akin to making Maureen a moderator. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #4 10-26-2008, 05:12 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

I have no opinion either way. __________________

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Find all posts by jskelton #5 10-27-2008, 12:32 AM

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NAYTH

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WatchGeeks Owner Super Geek

Re: I would say Ariel needs to resign

E-Mails forwarded.

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Looking Forward #2

OK...we are over half way there...

I'd like to know your thoughts on this....how about we approach Eyal and get him to sign off on letting any and all vendors that want to participate join us in being able to do a massive and monstrous giveaway during the week of our anniversary? We can still give Invicta the predominant place, but I really think we can have an anniversary "celebration" like no forum has ever done if he would allow us to slightly bend the agreement we have with him. Besides Invicta, we know that Android, NFW, Renato and probably Croton would participate. I think SO would jump on board since Larry is here and WatchDaddy might be able to get in on it as well.

What do you guys think?

I'd really like to do the 1 year anniversary up right.... __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #2 10-10-2008, 01:38 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton

Posts: 5,229

WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

If it's brought up, I need to stay out of it.

Not a bad idea at all, but I would wait a while before bringing it up.

I think the Renato forum section ended up a bit bigger than he expected, and he did make a comment about it. He wasn't pissy, and he says we're all totally good... but I could tell that he probably felt a little slighted, so I wouldn't push for more until it becomes more of a memory to him. __________________

jskelton

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Find all posts by jskelton #3 10-10-2008, 01:42 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Re: Looking Forward #2

What was his expectation in regards to the Renato section? I thought he was good with us breaking them out into what we did? __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #4 10-10-2008, 02:32 AM

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jskelton

Posts: 5,229

WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Like I said, I think he was expecting something smaller, that's all.

We had discussed a loose structure including a renato section and a multimedia section... it grew to 5 or 6 sections. So he was caught off guard is all.

Like I said, no biggie, he's cool. __________________

User Name Forums > The Cool Kids > The Owner's Lounge

Looking Forward #1

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#1 10-09-2008, 10:57 PM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek Looking Forward #1

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

OK guys....

As of right now, we are +129 new registered members for the month and will quickly be hitting 5,000. I personally think that 5,000 is a HUGE milestone for us. I'd like to put forward that we contact Eyal and see if we can put together a big "prize package" for lucky member number 5,000. I am talking like a nice watch, a hat or two, maybe some shirts, a backpack anything and everything that Eyal would be willing to throw together and then make a really big deal about giving it away. And if we don't want to do it for number 5,000 then we do another random drawing open to all active members.

I know that not everyone is active that registers and that is fine. But, I still thing that 5,000 is a huge milestone for us in well less than a year of being up and running and I'd sure like to play it to the hilt.

What do you guys think?

BTW...we are 40 people or less right now in catching BDWF as far as total registered members go....just thought I would add that. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #2 10-10-2008, 01:36 AM

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jskelton

Posts: 5,229

WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

I wouldn't ask for any "additional" prizes right now.

Let's keep it to the WGOM for a little while. __________________

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Find all posts by jskelton #3 10-10-2008, 01:37 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek Re: Looking Forward #1

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

OK...can I ask why? Is it because of the check that he wrote or something else? __________________ Michael

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#1 06-19-2008, 06:41 PM Join Date: Feb 2008

NAYTH

Posts: 2,043

WatchGeeks Owner Super Geek

BIG JOE PM

OK. I am going to put together a PM to Joe and try to get him to "see the light". His shtick is getting more and more out of control and Michael's excellent Post did absolutely nothing.

I will E-Mail the draft to the both of you for review, comments and edits before I send it.

Bruce __________________ Time is too precious to mark its passage on cheap watches!

NAYTH

View Public Profile Send a private message to NAYTH Find all posts by NAYTH #2 06-20-2008, 07:59 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

jskelton WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Go for it! __________________

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Find all posts by jskelton #3 06-21-2008, 05:29 PM

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NAYTH

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WatchGeeks Owner Super Geek

Re: BIG JOE PM

Draft of letter forwarded by E-mail for your review NFW WATCHES

Gentlemen: I have (10) cute little NFW Regulators on black rubber and with gold cases waiting for homes.

We have to decide who gets them besides the owners; that leaves (7).

Let's take a look at our Mods and make a list. I can then get their hard addresses and send those "puppies" on their way.

Me figures: Cord, Flyback, Ingoodtime, Cannon, Watchbear, SR, Timeseeker.

Additions, deletions etc.

Bruce __________________ Time is too precious to mark its passage on cheap watches!

NAYTH View Public Profile Send a private message to NAYTH Find all posts by NAYTH

#2 05-20-2008, 11:47 PM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Re: NFW WATCHES

I would not want to leave Ariel out since he is the only other active mod who is not getting one...he can have mine. __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

meijin View Public Profile Send a private message to meijin Find all posts by meijin #3 05-21-2008, 12:02 AM Join Date: Feb 2008

NAYTH WatchGeeks Owner Super Geek

Posts: 2,043

Re: NFW WATCHES

How active is Timeseeker? We can replace him with Ariel.

You may not want to give this watch up after you see it.

Nayth __________________ Time is too precious to mark its passage on cheap watches!

NAYTH View Public Profile Send a private message to NAYTH Find all posts by NAYTH #4 05-21-2008, 12:05 AM

meijin WatchGeeks Owner True WatchGeek

Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,201

Re: NFW WATCHES

Who is Timeseeker? LOL! I cannot keep all of the names right!

Maybe we ought to just do a drawing to see who gets them and that way no one gets pissed off? __________________ Michael

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it. ~ Edward de Bono

From: Alain [mailto:barfootin@juno.com] Sent: 04/07/2009 3:44 PM To: Dolan, Dan Subject: Re: Geeks

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Please note: message attached From: "Dolan, Dan" <ddolan@globefl.com> To: <barfootin@juno.com> Subject: Geeks Date: Tue, 7 Apr 2009 15:12:37 -0400

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