The tenor of the forum is noticeably and justifiably changed but we should all be comforted by the knowledge that Bob has an especially close relationship with the Father of us all and will be guided by Him through this difficult time.

Huh?

Are you feeling OK, Dudley?

I'm fine . Evidently, just childishly over-reacting to the "other forum" thing. Sorry.

I'm not sure that "Pond Mangement" is looked upon as a serious threat by Bob. Just a hunch I have.

Although I should add, I just read Bob's post on the locked thread, and am decidedly taken aback. I really had thought therrien was a fictitious member that Condello had created for chuckles a la Animals (which provided me, as well as many others I'm sure, with some side-splitting laughter, more than once).

So now, upon learning therrien is a real person, I have simply to say, therrien, your actions are reprehensible, contemptible, and pathetic. You should be ashamed. And I hope Bob avails himself of the full extent of the law in dealing with you.

Just for the record, I didn't create Animals.

Bruce:
Do you miss your hat? I bet when I donate it back at the next conference it fetches more that $25 dollars. The delightful and lovely Sue Cruz might get it and then donate it back the next time, and it would fetch a lot.

That sounds like a great idea!

Sue Cruz is both delightful and lovely.

Thanks 2Cat. I agree with the sentiment of Dudley's comment and understood it immediately. Walt's also. Just as importantly I also appreciate 2cat's thought which reminds me that its time to move on and be positive. An important trait of principled , good people is the ability when confronted with a negative situation to turn it to produce a positive result. I think the PB family passed this test with flying colors.

***********************************
My final word on the "other" thread:
I stated my objections in the thread. I was angrier than I expressed because if I expressed my true anger I would have been moderated (and rightly so I might add).

Bob Lusk is a remarkable individual. Everyone knows (or at least should know) that this forum would not exist were it not for the vision and commitment of Bob Lusk and Mike Otto. This forum is a by product of Pond Boss magazine. I would like members to take a moment and examine this forum. Do you see Bob Lusk's and Mike Otto's name in the heading? Do you see a biography page with their photos and contact info? Do you see a locked in advertisement for Bob's hatchery business or Mike's pond construction business? The answer is of course, no you don't. Bob Lusk and Mike Otto created this environment for the love of all things pond related. It is my opinion that they love the expression of ideas, and the family-like bond we have here. But we should remember it's their playground and not ours and it is our privilege to be here, not our right. A final note about Bob Lusk. It is my honor and privilege to count Bob and Debbie Lusk as friends. They are loving, generous, spiritual people that I would never have had the benefit of having met were it not for this forum. In in addition to the Lusk's and Mike Otto, this forum has provided me with a wealth of friends that were not in my life a mere 3 years ago. People that reached out and supported me and my family during some of the most difficult years I've yet endured. I am extremely great full that this forum exists and that I'm tolerated here.
And that's all I have to say about that.
**************************************

2Cat, that is a fantastic and generous idea about the hat. You could start a conference tradition. I have a suggestion and that would be that the winning bid gives them ownership of the hat until the next conference. Every year each person that wins the bid writes the year that they bought the hat and their name some where on the hat. They would be required to return the hat to the next conference (ship it if they are unable to attend) and the hat would be re bid on year after year. This could start a great conference tradition. It's just a thought and you should not feel any obligation to do this, I just think it would be a cool idea. A new conference tradition.

Surely, no one would believe that "Pond Management" constituted a serious threat to this forum. My childish sentiment involved the disappointing and far worse discovery that one of your family has behaved in a reprehensible, contemptible, pathetic, shameful and unprincipled manner.

2cat, you are indeed a sweetheart, and Eric, you are a wise and kind gentleman and a credit to your family, this family, and to your profession.

Great idea, 2cat, but man, that hat is going to have some stories to tell. Especially considering how you said your husband said it was to be used.

Then Sue's gonna get it? Wow.

Dang, Sunil I never thought about that angle. Heck in a few years this had could be worth the big bucks.

Hmmm... I guess now I'm going to have to go read that entire thread and see what all the hallaballoo is about. The early parts I read seemed pretty innocuous.

2cat -- you're a wonderful part of this family.

O.k. pretending to find another site when in fact said person created it reeks of misrepresentation. And to advertise it here is kind of Bush league. (No that's not political it's an old term used long before anyone of a similar name to portray amateurism).

Perhaps he's young and didn't really think this thing through?


Hey can I be a mod there too?

Just kidding!

Yes she is. I'm sorry i didn't get to meet her in person at the convention.

Dudley: I didn't read your "Childish Sentiments" as such, more like COMPASSION.

Bing

I value everyone here, more than some of my own biological family members. That was my thinking on the hat, of course I would get Fav Guy to sign it as well - it should be a conference tradition, it would (1) be fun, (2) help a worthy cause. Once Sue owned it: can you imagine the bidding war? I love my Vertex PondBoss Shirt too that Sue gave me, and can't wait to try and make PB's Mom apple pie wearing that cool apron - I am an apron person.

I wore my Vertex First Annual Pond Boss Fishing Tournement shirt on a run the week after the conference and stained it! I'll be glad to pay for a size L replacement!!!!! hint hint

I second that.

I didn't understand what Dudley was referring to at first.

Very perceptive, Bing. That said, and although it is an anatomical and physiological impossibility, you will understand when I say that individuals see by the light that glows in their hearts.

My wife and I havd the impression that the posts were made by a young individual under 18 or so that has a true lack of experiance and possibly has english as a second language.

I am horrible with mispelling words and making typos---that didn't bother me too much.

What DID bother me were the many questions asking for advice that were posted as if they were a current problem needing to be addressed and then later revealed to not exist. I sensed a lot of deception but tried hard to give the benefit of the doubt to him.

He obviously has a desire to learn all he can about ponds and the help. The support everyone here has shown me since I registered, but especially this last 18 months, demands that I pay that support forward!

This may sound rather sappy to some, but not only has the tenor, generosity, knowledge, prayers, support, loyalty, etc of 99% members on this forum helped to change my career path, it has changed my life, literally.

I honestly believe every person that reads Or participates in this forum for more than even a few days, comes away a better person and not just infinately more knowledgable about ponds.

Thanks to everyone here!

"Passing the pink hat" for charity is a great idea. Maybe each owner could autograph it?

I REALLY LIKE THAT SAYING.....A LOT!

You guys are truly incredible. Unquestionably its the people who make this place a family. Dudley you sir have a heart that is a beacon illuminating the darkness. Your perception and actions speak volumes. Saying the right thing sounds good but as you have noted before its doing the right thing that really counts.

I am grateful to count all of you as friends.

We're all equally grateful to count you as a friend.

And the pink hat goes to the cause that we all love to support. It's been such a great ride.

It just makes you feel all pink and fuzzy all over doesn't it?

I don't know about pink, but it's past my bedtime & things are getting fuzzy.

JHAP -- thank you for your very well thought-out comments. As you've demonstrates several times lately, you've become a spokesman for many of our thoughts.

Great idea 2-catmom on the pink hat! I bet it will fetch more than $25 next year! I'm in! Rainman ~ I'm sorry about your tourney shirt! I don't have any more - I didn't even get one or I'd send you mine! I better give you 2 next time around! I hope to sponsor the 2nd Annual Pond Boss Fishing Tournament! You guys are all the best and there will never be another magazine, forum or family like the Pond Boss!

Cecil:
I was so disappointed that you were not at the conference. If it were not for you GF Lakechair and I would not have known about the MI Aquaculture Conference in Ann Arbor last winter. It was there we met someone (Snr. Fishery Biologist of the Great Lake Fishery Commission) who has been gracious enough to help us formulate a balanced fishery restocking plan for our lake. He went to school with the DNR guy who is in charge of our permits. He also has the "credentials" that our HO Board Pres. is hung up on, so it is a big help.
(By the way a big fish jumped out in the lake yesterday)
Will you be going to that conference this year? We would like to go back, it is super close to home, and that U of M Campus was a place I had never been to before.