I waited half a year for an opportunity to post this pic.
But, seriously:
I am convinced that neither this open letter nor the supportive reactions thereupon express any "hate". The letter tries to draw a line under a chapter that has accompanied our community for more than a decade. The following posts are mere signs of relief, and satisfaction that, finally, a decision has been made.
As much as I myself dislike show offs whose only ability is to make a brand of themselves, I accept that the world needs people like these, as catalysts for the bystanders' opinion-finding, or simply clustering in a common indignation.And, frequently Bernard's style and carefully planned craziness had the desired effect on me, too. I was amused and felt well entertained.
Over the years, however, the fact that nearly every single word was placed by Bernard pursuing an agenda of personal profit, be it financially, or simply by increasing his prestige, again with the goal to lead to economic revenue, became clearer and clearer. But even when urged to, he would never make a plain statement about where he stands. You cannot nail a pudding to the wall ...
Again and again we realized that our community was only the vehicle for Bernard's show. A community always is an interactive communication, but here the forum was only the stage. I think it was fully correct to make it clear that PPro is not a stage for individuals for their personal profit, but a club, a meeting room for conversation on common interests, where all guests have equal rights, but also equal obligations and limits. Hints, advice, pledges, even warnings were plenty enough. Now the consequence had to be drawn.
Marcus
This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2015-06-29 02:55:32