Letter to the club

[westytoploader]

Recently you may or may not have noticed a thread Robert put up here, called "Tonight I am Heartbroken." It outlined that someone had went into the VCCC website (Vacuumland.org) through a back door, signed up under 2 fake usernames, and posted the same (horrible) message to 25 different threads.

Well, that person was me. Before I go any further, I just want to say that there was no "diabolical planning" involved, nor did I have any intention of putting any of those posts here on AW.org or getting anyone involved here. This was strictly a Vacuumland issue that was a heat-of-the-moment idea, and because I and certain others were so caught up in thinking it would be funny to put a couple of nasty emails up on Vacuumland as well as a crude joke simply for shock value and nothing else, none of us realized the true ramifications. Since I had (limited) technical knowledge, I made the decision on my own to be the trigger man, a decision I now regret, and wish I could take the whole thing back. I have had strong feelings over a situation where I saw someone else being mistreated by others, and while I wanted to get the message across, I went about it in an absolutely horrible way. I was not manipulated or told to do anything in any way; that was my own decision, therefore I am responsible for my own actions and am paying for them dearly. By NO means does this make it right (nor am I trying to say it was right, as it was clearly not), I just wanted to try to explain things.

Because of what I did, I put Robert through a lot of headache and heartache trying to remove what I put up there. Regardless of whether it was unintentional, it still happened, and and because of what I did involved Robert, it then involved the rest of Applianceville. I burned many bridges with a lot of you here, and all of the trust and respect I gained came crashing down in a matter of hours, which will take a long time to build back up. There were also people from the VCCC that, even though I had a difference of opinion from them, still remained friends with me, and because of what I did I also burned bridges with them. All of this is what bothers me the most.

Reading the posts Friday night and Saturday was a living hell for me; I had to do everything in my power to keep a stoic composure. No one should ever know what the feeling of losing all of their friends at one exact moment is like. The harsh reaction I received on that thread from a lot of you, I deserved each and every bit of. I could not be angry at anyone because I brought this on myself. Some of you either posted in my favor on that thread or sent me understanding emails extending a hand of forgiveness, and I wondered how you could do that after what I did. I deserve(d) to pay the full price.

I would like to apologize to the entire Applianceville community, not only for what I did but also for how it affected Robert and the rest of you, especially when you had such a high opinion of me. You truly ARE like family to me, and I am deeply sorry to have disappointed you. I wish I could go back and change things, I really do, but what's happened has happened. Now I can only ask for forgiveness and try to make a strong effort to repair these bridges I've burned. I know it will take a long time, to do that and earn the respect and trust from you that was wiped out in such a short period of time, but I will do it, however long it takes, as you guys mean that much to me.

While I hope and pray that you can accept this apology, I fully understand that it is not in my power, but yours, and if some of you are still angry, it is rightfully so and I have only myself to blame.

Austin

 

[jetcone]

I will think on this

I am shocked and I didn't get to read the actual post only a watered down version.
But why still looms in my mind.

What was to be gained?

Jon & Al

 

[panthera]

that took balls

Austin,
I'm still too upset to say more, but I do appreciate your being man enough to admit to having hurt yourself and lots of others.
I'll get back to you on this after a bit.
Keven

 

[gansky1]

Considering some of the events over the last few months between people in the vacuum collectors club(s) it was no surprise to hear and see that once again, the war of words had re-ignited. I can fully understand your feelings of despair reading what was posted on this site in the "Heartbroken" thread but I hope they were mixed with feelings of disgust reading some of the attacks using garbage and filth that spewed forth from people with cesspools for minds.
There are many of us that care for you and your family and hate to see this sort of turmoil at our own "dinner table" as it were. We think very highly of you and have great expectations of you and I know you won't let us down again.

 

[peterh770]

When exactly did this happen? I cannot find the "heartbroken" thread.

 

[maytagbear]

Well,

Austin....

Thank you for owning up to this, but I am still highly disappointed.

I deeply hope that this will be a growth experience for you, and that you will think even a nanosecond before posting.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

Peter-- thread got to around 170 posts, plus/minus. Robert has since deleted it, and since posts here in Super are not archived.....

 

[oldwasherguy]

That was very well said Austin. Don

 

[volvoguy87]

A bit of honor.

Thanks for coming clean. Your appology to the community took some guts. The important thing is that we, the appliance collectors and restorers who comprise this online community, don't get too caught up in petty issues. I have been reading AW.org for a few years and been contributing for nearly a year, and although I haven't had the opportunity to attend a wash-in, nor have I ever met anyone else in the club, I feel like there is a sense of trust and community here. I don't want to see that strained. This is a good group, so let's get back to it.

Thanks for listening to a small vent,
Dave

 

[58limited]

It takes a lot of courage to admit mistakes on a public forum. I don't really know much about what was said or the background leading up to it, but deep wounds take time to heal. We all have made mistakes, some pretty serious, and the first step to healing is to admit to them and to apologize. Now let the healing begin.

 

[rocketwarrior]

Oh Please -

As we get warm and fuzzy about the contrition being expressed about the vandalism on the VCCC site, I note that some did not get to read the weekend material. It might be fair, certainly perspective, to repost the email that "Oh Please" shared with us so that these later words of apology can be placed in some perspective. Did anyone save that? Or, Austin, could you post it? Thanks.

 

[gyrafoam]

Everyone has a past. We all learn and go on. No one can reasonably expect to be forgiven for their transgressions unless they are also willing to forgive others their transgressions. If your friends are truly your friends they will forgive and allow you to be human. If not---they were not your friends to begin with and they must also have dillusions of their own perfection. Move on. There are many more hard lessons in life to look forward to. Oh, and best wishes.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Consequences!!!!

Well Austin, I was apsolutely amazed to find out that you where responsible for the emails, BUT, not surprised given the events of the last few months and certain influential individuals.....I acknowledge your letter and glad you had the guts to address us here, I hope you do the same to the VCCC and post this reply on the VCA as well...

Although it seems simple to sum it up in your letter above , the ramifications of what you and others took part in, to some people have been truely horrendous, and for a least one person I know, have been life changing, the problem is it wasnt just to a shut door club it happened, it was on the World Wide Web for all to see...thank goodness the people in the helm had the chance to delete the threads before they stayed out there any longer....

I`m sure you can recover from this, as to how and when is up to you and us now, sometimes in life we have to learn the hard way by experience, no matter how hard our friends try to make us aware of situations.

Go well, and ensure this experience makes you the person that your family, friends and club members want for you..

Mike

 

[jmirawm]

Very proud of you Austin....

For doing the right thing and owning up to this mess. <p> I am sure you have learned a VERY important and difficult life lesson after these events. <p> I pray that it turns into a positive for you. <p> Tom

 

[petek]

When can I expect to see this same apology posted over on Vacuumland after all that's where you did the most damage?

 

[myhooverco]

Austin...

I have to say what you did took some serious guts. I have to admire you for apology. You stood up and said I did it and now I am going to be responsible and take the consequences. That showed real maturity on your part. I commend you for your honesty. Life lessons like this are very important and I hope that you have learned a great deal from it so that you may change your ways. It is all part of growing up and no one will hold that over your head.

However, there will be those pesky consequences. You really should have apologized to us folks over in Vacuumland too. I know that you cannot post there because of similar behavior, but it would have been nice to include us in your apology. You have burned bridges with the VCCC for sure. I am sure that the VCA folks are very happy with what you have done so no need to apologize to them. Trust is a difficult thing to get back. I will always wonder what your true intentions are. Will you be honorable or deceiving? I won't be able to tell possibly for years to come. You have taken the right step now. You do have to start somewhere.

Another lesson that you hopefully have learned throughout these past few months is who you should trust. You made mention of "certain others" this being Derrick and Tom from St. Louis no doubt. You have to wonder do they have the best intentions for you? Are you being led by the nose or are you really acting alone? Who are your true friends here, Austin? I will tell you that you will most assuredly get burned by these folks. I have warned you and your mom privately about their antics. They are doing everything possible to tear apart the VCCC and regain control of the club. Now, they are using you to do it. I hope that you can see how you are being used. It is not fair to you at all. I hope that you see that you are better than them. You have a lot to offer this group and the VCCC. You are very bright, creative, and loyal...all good qualities. You are also excellent at expressing yourself. So why lie down with these other folks and sink to this low level and hurt everyone you so eloquently said that you care about? Again you are better than than Derrick and Tom.

Austin, I for one would like to let the past go. I hope that you will email me privately. I have a lot of respect for you since you have written this. I know that you will rise above all of this nonsense and rebuild your bridges. I wanted you to know that I hold no grudge against you. This site would be lacking if you were not allowed to continue posting here. Thank you for showing some character.

--Tom Anderson
North Canton, OH

 

[retromom]

...and now a word from Mom

I have been conspicuous by my absence on the forum lately because of time constraints, but particularly on Robert’s thread (from last week), because I felt that Austin needed to deal with this issue himself. Contrary to what some might believe, I am a responsible parent, but do not feel the necessity to micromanage my son’s life.

I felt a range of emotions, anger, embarrassment, and disappointment in Austin’s actions. I thank everyone who sent e-mails reassuring me that they were teenagers once, did some pretty stupid things, and that this did not reflect on how we rated as parents. This made me realize that it was Austin who did not take my “bad homespun advice” (sorry Oxy, I couldn’t resist ;-) ), and not the fact that I didn’t provide it. I am also grateful to Austin’s (and my) friends who spoke at length about this whole mess, and those who have posted to accept his apology and offer him further guidance. Your mentorship and friendship is invaluable.

To those who were truly angered and disappointed by a young man that they held in high esteem, and to whom they gave a verbal lashing to – GOOD FOR YOU! As painful as it was, he deserved it, and took his lickings (from me as well)! I, myself, have verbally “slapped” those whom I thought were out of line with their posts.

To the persons (and you know who you are) who jumped on the “me too” bandwagon to take a whack at the piñata for your personal revenge and to further your own agenda, it is YOU who have shown your true colours. Your intentions were quite transparent and everyone knows it.

To the individuals who were an influence, and did nothing to discourage the “shock and awe” campaign, as adults, you are in the position (whether you like it or not) of role model. Your words and behavior have an impact on everyone; young, impressionable minds included. It’s time to stop acting like frat boys and act like the intelligent adults that you are.

This is a lesson well learned by Austin, as well as those around him. It has shown him that even if you have a viable cause and strong beliefs, the way that you present your case can have serious repercussions – positive or negative. If this is the dumbest thing he ever does in his life, then I (as a parent) will breathe a huge sigh of relief and know that he finally listened.