From all the different interactions with Laurent over the years on the Darkside forums, I consider him a stand-up and honest guy. If there's no word, there's a pretty good reason there's no word. I would get in touch with Rob (LordM) to get an update before bringing-out the torches and pitchforks.
<< <i>From all the different interactions with Laurent over the years on the Darkside forums, I consider him a stand-up and honest guy. If there's no word, there's a pretty good reason there's no word. I would get in touch with Rob (LordM) to get an update before bringing-out the torches and pitchforks. >>
Yes, I think that everyone should just cool down until a little investigation is done. I too have spoken to Laurent before, and he seemed like a very nice fellow. I suspect something may have happened, something other than what some of you all are so viciously suggesting.
<< <i>A couple of questions: who is this laurent guy? why when it was discocvered that LordM had no idea of the trip wasn't this Laurent guy racked over the coals? why hasn't been this Laurent guy racked over the coals since LordM never recieved the funds to go on the trip? >>
Read it againt Al. LordM knew about the trip and the "pledges for support" but did not know that money was actually being collected.
<< <i>(Until rather recently, I was blissfully unaware that the funds had actually been collected rather than just pledged). >>
In short, the pledges were supposed to be due when the total amount for the trip had been pledged but I guess some folks went ahead and paid.
I'd cut laurentyvan some slack. It is, after all, only money. >>
Who is this Laurent guy and why should i cut him some slack, the money should ither be returned or at least given to LordM so that LordM can set up the trip in the near future when he has enough to pay for the trip. As far as i am concerned anyone who collects money for a cause, and the money doesn't end up going to where it was supposed to go , and the fund raiser disappears is a bad sign and should be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. >>
Take the time to read all the threads Al. I don't believe it's a simple as what the "mob" would like it to be. It may not occur in your world but things DO occur which is beyond some people's control and it DOES happen to some fairly nice folks.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>From all the different interactions with Laurent over the years on the Darkside forums, I consider him a stand-up and honest guy. If there's no word, there's a pretty good reason there's no word. I would get in touch with Rob (LordM) to get an update before bringing-out the torches and pitchforks. >>
If he is a stand-up guy then as a stand-up guy he should act like on eand shouldn't be in disagreement with anything that I have written since all I am doing is questioning why is this guy being allowed to get away with anything after so much time and promises he made has passed. Now you your self are ont he Darkside, you should know if he has disappeared or not. The bottomline when you take other people's money under the premise of a charitable cause you take on a fiducuary obligation and with that you need to show that the money went to the charitable cause of face the heat in the kitchen. If I am applying any heat, the origin of the heat is with Laurent and his inaction and not my just mentioning it. Don't shoot the messenger, shoot the thief if that is what has occurred here. >>
The man hasn't been here in a year.... do you think it's even remotely possible that maybe something else could have happened to him? Think hard now....
LordM told me Laurent was having some health issues and was computer-less. That was Dec 2010.
He proposed that the money collected be given to Cameron's family, which I was fine with (but which should probably be approved by those who actually donated). That's beneficent but not going to happen if the money's gone. Lance.
<< <i>From all the different interactions with Laurent over the years on the Darkside forums, I consider him a stand-up and honest guy. If there's no word, there's a pretty good reason there's no word. I would get in touch with Rob (LordM) to get an update before bringing-out the torches and pitchforks. >>
If he is a stand-up guy then as a stand-up guy he should act like on eand shouldn't be in disagreement with anything that I have written since all I am doing is questioning why is this guy being allowed to get away with anything after so much time and promises he made has passed. Now you your self are ont he Darkside, you should know if he has disappeared or not. The bottomline when you take other people's money under the premise of a charitable cause you take on a fiducuary obligation and with that you need to show that the money went to the charitable cause of face the heat in the kitchen. If I am applying any heat, the origin of the heat is with Laurent and his inaction and not my just mentioning it. Don't shoot the messenger, shoot the thief if that is what has occurred here. >>
I'm of the opinion that some folks need to climb down off their high horses and douse their torches before rendering judgement on matters of which they do not know the facts.
If these folks would even consider what facts have been presented about what has ooccured then perhaps they could show just a "smidge" of compassion before handing out the pitchforks and accusatory names!
Unfortunately, it's not a black and white world we live in and you'd think that some of the more "mature" members here would understand that.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>From all the different interactions with Laurent over the years on the Darkside forums, I consider him a stand-up and honest guy. If there's no word, there's a pretty good reason there's no word. I would get in touch with Rob (LordM) to get an update before bringing-out the torches and pitchforks. >>
If he is a stand-up guy then as a stand-up guy he should act like on eand shouldn't be in disagreement with anything that I have written since all I am doing is questioning why is this guy being allowed to get away with anything after so much time and promises he made has passed. Now you your self are ont he Darkside, you should know if he has disappeared or not. The bottomline when you take other people's money under the premise of a charitable cause you take on a fiducuary obligation and with that you need to show that the money went to the charitable cause of face the heat in the kitchen. If I am applying any heat, the origin of the heat is with Laurent and his inaction and not my just mentioning it. Don't shoot the messenger, shoot the thief if that is what has occurred here. >>
While you're looking up your legal terms, look-up defamation and the actions that can be taken against you when you intent to harm someone's reputation.
if you know of someone who transacted donation who is not satisfied with where the money went (if any was indeed collected), they should act on it in the real world. if it's you, act on it in the real world.
LM is a victim in this project as well as those of us who tossed in cash (small and/or large amounts). He did not initiate this project and was, as those who know him can tell you, offput at first and continually distressed at the thought of any harm it has caused. His sterling reputation need not be tarnished in any way in light of laurentyvan's inappropriate actions, his problems or any subsequent inexcusable inaction.
There I've said my piece.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
LM is a victim in this project as well as those of us who tossed in cash (small and/or large amounts). He did not initiate this project and was, as those who know him can tell you, offput at first and continually distressed at the thought of any harm it has caused. His sterling reputation need not be tarnished in any way in light of laurentyvan's inappropriate actions, his problems or any subsequent inexcusable inaction.
<< <i>I jsut realized i spoke a little prematurely, no one ever answered one of my questions, where does Laurent hail from? >>
He's in NY state. You can find his information pretty easily on google. He's the father of Nicholas Gurewitch, if i'm not mistaken, the creator of the Perry Bible Fellowship comic strip, so that can help you find the information you need.
I'd just warn people to be careful what they say in light of the forum rules.
however, the thread appears to list people who have said they made definite monetary contributions.
If people are looking for this guy: 1. Where did they send the money? 2. A. go to the OP B. click on the profile glasses beside the PM button C. Assuming the info provided is correct... D. use online databases to find address and phone number as I did
LM is a victim in this project as well as those of us who tossed in cash (small and/or large amounts). He did not initiate this project and was, as those who know him can tell you, offput at first and continually distressed at the thought of any harm it has caused. His sterling reputation need not be tarnished in any way in light of laurentyvan's inappropriate actions, his problems or any subsequent inexcusable inaction.
There I've said my piece. >>
It is interesting that you should write this post about LM being a victim with respect to the fundraiser and its non-performance. Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. In my opinion, LM's reputation has taken a hit. This might not be entirely fair, but if you lend your name to a fundraiser then you should be certain it all runs smoothly.
<< <i>It is interesting that you should write this post about LM being a victim with respect to the fundraiser and its non-performance. Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. In my opinion, LM's reputation has taken a hit. This might not be entirely fair, but if you lend your name to a fundraiser then you should be certain it all runs smoothly. >>
LM wasn't even active on the boards during this fundraisers as it occurred during one of his hiatus M.I.A. periods.
To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
LM is a victim in this project as well as those of us who tossed in cash (small and/or large amounts). He did not initiate this project and was, as those who know him can tell you, offput at first and continually distressed at the thought of any harm it has caused. His sterling reputation need not be tarnished in any way in light of laurentyvan's inappropriate actions, his problems or any subsequent inexcusable inaction.
There I've said my piece. >>
It is interesting that you should write this post about LM being a victim with respect to the fundraiser and its non-performance. Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. In my opinion, LM's reputation has taken a hit. This might not be entirely fair, but if you lend your name to a fundraiser then you should be certain it all runs smoothly. >>
If I recall, in the beginning Rob wasn't fully on board with this (he never asked for any of this to happen), but came to accept it as he saw how we all came together to support the venture.
<< <i>The reason that I asked is that I did a tiny bit of digging, wanted to make sure it is the same fellow, realizing that there can't be more than two with his last name. He int he past seemed to by quite honorable and that is why I was considering to get involved with a contribution. I did find him rather easily via the internet, didn't speak to him, buthe is definitely out in full public view, definitely a good thing and goes with what I believe is his honorable persona. I personally believe he has all the right intentions but that maybe he hasn't thought that there is any time clock ticking here ie time isn't of the essence so to say. I also know for a fact that his health is fine and that is really the most important thing here. I hope he comes on here and just moves this plan along to fruition and I get to contribute to the most worthy cause of getting our own LordM to Europe to do his thang. Now if this thread helps to foster that and maybe increase awareness and maybe allow others to feel better about it and also contribute then we did a good thing. SO I hope he is contacted by those who know him to come on here and make it happen, I will help tell my friends here to contribute along with me to what I feel is such a worthy cause. I just wanted to make sure that this indivdual is is alive and well which he was apparently is at least this last week, albeit maybe very busy. >>
Call him yourself. 912-261-8408
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>Thanks for the area code it appears I dug up the wrong Laurents. But appreciate that you finally answered my question in some way although a phone number wasn't what I really wanted. >>
That number is in the 27th Post to THIS thread.
The answer you sought was right here all along.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>Thanks for the area code it appears I dug up the wrong Laurents. But appreciate that you finally answered my question in some way although a phone number wasn't what I really wanted. >>
That number is in the 27th Post to THIS thread.
The answer you sought was right here all along. >>
That is a Georgia area code, and I believe the other members are correct, LordM's number unless both live in the same State, in that case my digging (a LordM pun intended) was fruitful. But again I never called him and have no desire to have a private discussion, I stated my purpose for my replies already. >>
If it's LordM's number, I must have read the post wrong.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
Hm. Funny this should come up just now, as I was thinking about it this morning.
Geez, has all this much time really gone by since then?
I guess it has. Part of the reason nothing ever happened was my own sluggishness in actually making any travel arrangements and so on.
<< <i>It is interesting that you should write this post about LM being a victim with respect to the fundraiser and its non-performance. Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. In my opinion, LM's reputation has taken a hit. This might not be entirely fair, but if you lend your name to a fundraiser then you should be certain it all runs smoothly. >>
I do think TomB is correct on this. If these funds do not get returned to the donors, or donated to a suitable charitable purpose agreed upon by the surviving donors, my reputation will (rightfully) take a hit.
I will, however, stress one thing:
To date I have not received ONE CENT of the funds donated, nor had I yet requested any of them from Laurent.
When last we spoke (too long ago), the whole thing was still "on hold". He's since gone off the forums but for all I know, he might still be standing by, awaiting instructions.
I am partly to blame for a large chunk of this, since I was so wishy-washy. The trip was on, it was off, it was on again. Life intervened in my plans.
The last I spoke with laurentyvan (and that's been some time ago, on the phone), he was encouraging me to still go through with the trip. Whether that was to just cheer me on or to stall for more time because he'd actually absconded with the money, I do not know. I do not personally know Laurent, but past forum dealings have all been positive and he always seemed very nice.
It need be again said that I was extremely flattered by the outpouring of attention and generosity, but this thing has also nagged at my conscience for a while, since nothing ever came of it. And even if I ever do make such a trip in the future, I'm really thinking it would be better to do it on my own nickel.
It's high time I try to contact Laurent again (I think I have his number in my PM history), and see about getting the funds returned to the surviving donors (or their heirs, since at least one donor, silvereagles92, has passed on).
I promise to make that attempt to contact Laurent and will post an update soon.
If the money's gone, it's gone, and I won't be able to pay it all back, at least not right away. But I did pledge a gold coin giveaway drawing for the donors, and I do still have that coin on my hat. And other coins, of course. If Laurent cannot be contacted or it becomes apparent that the money is gone, I suppose I will then have to individually contact each donor to explain and apologize.
I'm really sorry about this, y'all. It was truly wonderful of you all to chip in on such a great dream project, but now that it hasn't come to fruition, I really feel embarrassed about the whole thing.
I will make amends any way I can, and stand by for suggestions from those of you who were my original donors.
Rob, I appreciate the candor. I can't speak for anyone else, but if Laurent did indeed abscond with the money, I don't think it's right for you to bear the financial burden; it wasn't your doing.
I think the most anyone can expect LordM to do in this matter is to try to contact Laurentyvan and try to get the money returned as he didn't ask for the money and didn't even get it. Granted, a better thing for LordM to have done when he found out what was going on was put a stop to it, but hind sight is 20-20. I am not impacted by this situation but I don't think LordM should be responsible for repayment.
<< <i>Granted, a better thing for LordM to have done when he found out what was going on was put a stop to it, but hind sight is 20-20. >>
Yes, in hindsight, I shouldn't have let this go down, but hey, I was caught up in the enthusiasm for the project and I really wanted to do it. Part of me still does. But if and when I ever DO go on such a trip, it really needs to be on my own nickel, as mentioned.
I hope this doesn't become a stinking albatross around my neck. Because really, the compliment paid me by so many people was, and is, HUGE.
<< <i>I hope this doesn't become a stinking albatross around my neck. >>
It should not Rob.
And just one perspective; this opinion
<< <i>Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. >>
is not shared by the members who have pm'd me and spoken on the phone with me FWIW.
Laurent has continued to operate his ebay business month in and month out since this project began. Any smelly birds are at his doorstep.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
Absolutely no way should LordM even consider paying any of this money out of his own pocket. That's completely backwards. He was the intended beneficiary of people's contributions and never saw a cent. The organizer Laurentyvan should repay the money, or send it to LordM, or a charity, depending on what the contributors decide.
"Men who had never shown any ability to make or increase fortunes for themselves abounded in brilliant plans for creating and increasing wealth for the country at large." Fiat Money Inflation in France, Andrew Dickson White (1912)
I agree, we know who LM is and to fraud anyone is NOT his nature.
I too would be humbled if so many people came together to fullfill one of my dreams, I'm not sure I would have handled it any different than the way LM handled it. To blame him in any way for this situation is in my opinion not the correct way to handle this situation.
In the meantime, I've posted a status thread which lists everyone who pledged. Hopefully we'll figure out how many of those folks actually contributed.
Now that all of this has resurfaced, I'm relieved, actually. It had just come back to nag at the back of my mind this morning.
All will be resolved soon. I'm done with letting this hang out there in limbo.
The one thing that boggles my mind is why does one member (laurent) start a donation fund for another member (LM) when they don't know each other well.
To me, that is a major red flag.
That's like Realone starting a donation to send me on a golfing trip.
If this was the case, I'd be emailing Realone right away saying 'what's going on with this!!" and "what do you truly intend to do with the money".
And this brings me to my second point, I agree LM shouldn't be responsible for any funds, but he should feel responsible in a way, because he should have contacted Laurent right away asking the same questions I'd be asking.
Somethings not right with Laurent (mentally and/or physically).
"Gold is money, and nothing else" (JP Morgan, 1912)
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
Comments
8 Reales Madness Collection
<< <i>From all the different interactions with Laurent over the years on the Darkside forums, I consider him a stand-up and honest guy. If there's no word, there's a pretty good reason there's no word. I would get in touch with Rob (LordM) to get an update before bringing-out the torches and pitchforks. >>
Yes, I think that everyone should just cool down until a little investigation is done. I too have spoken to Laurent before, and he seemed like a very nice fellow. I suspect something may have happened, something other than what some of you all are so viciously suggesting.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>A couple of questions:
who is this laurent guy?
why when it was discocvered that LordM had no idea of the trip wasn't this Laurent guy racked over the coals?
why hasn't been this Laurent guy racked over the coals since LordM never recieved the funds to go on the trip? >>
Read it againt Al. LordM knew about the trip and the "pledges for support" but did not know that money was actually being collected.
<< <i>(Until rather recently, I was blissfully unaware that the funds had actually been collected rather than just pledged). >>
In short, the pledges were supposed to be due when the total amount for the trip had been pledged but I guess some folks went ahead and paid.
I'd cut laurentyvan some slack. It is, after all, only money. >>
Who is this Laurent guy and why should i cut him some slack, the money should ither be returned or at least given to LordM so that LordM can set up the trip in the near future when he has enough to pay for the trip. As far as i am concerned anyone who collects money for a cause, and the money doesn't end up going to where it was supposed to go , and the fund raiser disappears is a bad sign and should be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. >>
Take the time to read all the threads Al. I don't believe it's a simple as what the "mob" would like it to be. It may not occur in your world but things DO occur which is beyond some people's control and it DOES happen to some fairly nice folks.
The name is LEE!
I can't imagine there are a bunch of Laurent Gurewitchs out there.
www.facebook.com/people/Laurent-Gurewitch/100002540846571Cached
<< <i>
<< <i>From all the different interactions with Laurent over the years on the Darkside forums, I consider him a stand-up and honest guy. If there's no word, there's a pretty good reason there's no word. I would get in touch with Rob (LordM) to get an update before bringing-out the torches and pitchforks. >>
If he is a stand-up guy then as a stand-up guy he should act like on eand shouldn't be in disagreement with anything that I have written since all I am doing is questioning why is this guy being allowed to get away with anything after so much time and promises he made has passed. Now you your self are ont he Darkside, you should know if he has disappeared or not. The bottomline when you take other people's money under the premise of a charitable cause you take on a fiducuary obligation and with that you need to show that the money went to the charitable cause of face the heat in the kitchen. If I am applying any heat, the origin of the heat is with Laurent and his inaction and not my just mentioning it. Don't shoot the messenger, shoot the thief if that is what has occurred here. >>
The man hasn't been here in a year.... do you think it's even remotely possible that maybe something else could have happened to him? Think hard now....
He proposed that the money collected be given to Cameron's family, which I was fine with (but which should probably be approved by those who actually donated). That's beneficent but not going to happen if the money's gone.
Lance.
<< <i>I can't access facebook from work, but I did find this link.
I can't imagine there are a bunch of Laurent Gurewitchs out there.
www.facebook.com/people/Laurent-Gurewitch/100002540846571Cached >>
His bio/info is all over the Internet, so I'd suggest if you have skin in the game, then you should personally contact him, and ask, "What's up?"
IMO, the monies should be returned in full, pronto.
Also, if memory serves, Mr. Willis originally shut this fundraiser down, but it reappeared under different terms or somesuch!
<< <i>
<< <i>From all the different interactions with Laurent over the years on the Darkside forums, I consider him a stand-up and honest guy. If there's no word, there's a pretty good reason there's no word. I would get in touch with Rob (LordM) to get an update before bringing-out the torches and pitchforks. >>
If he is a stand-up guy then as a stand-up guy he should act like on eand shouldn't be in disagreement with anything that I have written since all I am doing is questioning why is this guy being allowed to get away with anything after so much time and promises he made has passed. Now you your self are ont he Darkside, you should know if he has disappeared or not. The bottomline when you take other people's money under the premise of a charitable cause you take on a fiducuary obligation and with that you need to show that the money went to the charitable cause of face the heat in the kitchen. If I am applying any heat, the origin of the heat is with Laurent and his inaction and not my just mentioning it. Don't shoot the messenger, shoot the thief if that is what has occurred here. >>
I'm of the opinion that some folks need to climb down off their high horses and douse their torches before rendering judgement on matters of which they do not know the facts.
If these folks would even consider what facts have been presented about what has ooccured then perhaps they could show just a "smidge" of compassion before handing out the pitchforks and accusatory names!
Unfortunately, it's not a black and white world we live in and you'd think that some of the more "mature" members here would understand that.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>
<< <i>From all the different interactions with Laurent over the years on the Darkside forums, I consider him a stand-up and honest guy. If there's no word, there's a pretty good reason there's no word. I would get in touch with Rob (LordM) to get an update before bringing-out the torches and pitchforks. >>
If he is a stand-up guy then as a stand-up guy he should act like on eand shouldn't be in disagreement with anything that I have written since all I am doing is questioning why is this guy being allowed to get away with anything after so much time and promises he made has passed. Now you your self are ont he Darkside, you should know if he has disappeared or not. The bottomline when you take other people's money under the premise of a charitable cause you take on a fiducuary obligation and with that you need to show that the money went to the charitable cause of face the heat in the kitchen. If I am applying any heat, the origin of the heat is with Laurent and his inaction and not my just mentioning it. Don't shoot the messenger, shoot the thief if that is what has occurred here. >>
While you're looking up your legal terms, look-up defamation and the actions that can be taken against you when you intent to harm someone's reputation.
8 Reales Madness Collection
if you know of someone who transacted donation who is not satisfied with where the money went (if any was indeed collected), they should act on it in the real world. if it's you, act on it in the real world.
LM is a victim in this project as well as those of us who tossed in cash (small and/or large amounts).
He did not initiate this project and was, as those who know him can tell you, offput at first and continually distressed at the thought of any harm it has caused.
His sterling reputation need not be tarnished in any way in light of laurentyvan's inappropriate actions, his problems or any subsequent inexcusable inaction.
There I've said my piece.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
<< <i>If I may just say something.
LM is a victim in this project as well as those of us who tossed in cash (small and/or large amounts).
He did not initiate this project and was, as those who know him can tell you, offput at first and continually distressed at the thought of any harm it has caused.
His sterling reputation need not be tarnished in any way in light of laurentyvan's inappropriate actions, his problems or any subsequent inexcusable inaction.
There I've said my piece. >>
*peace
ok, so you're saying you made concrete donations?
<< <i>I jsut realized i spoke a little prematurely, no one ever answered one of my questions, where does Laurent hail from? >>
He's in NY state. You can find his information pretty easily on google. He's the father of Nicholas Gurewitch, if i'm not mistaken, the creator of the Perry Bible Fellowship comic strip, so that can help you find the information you need.
8 Reales Madness Collection
however, the thread appears to list people who have said they made definite monetary contributions.
If people are looking for this guy:
1. Where did they send the money?
2.
A. go to the OP
B. click on the profile glasses beside the PM button
C. Assuming the info provided is correct...
D. use online databases to find address and phone number as I did
<< <i>If I may just say something.
LM is a victim in this project as well as those of us who tossed in cash (small and/or large amounts).
He did not initiate this project and was, as those who know him can tell you, offput at first and continually distressed at the thought of any harm it has caused.
His sterling reputation need not be tarnished in any way in light of laurentyvan's inappropriate actions, his problems or any subsequent inexcusable inaction.
There I've said my piece. >>
It is interesting that you should write this post about LM being a victim with respect to the fundraiser and its non-performance. Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. In my opinion, LM's reputation has taken a hit. This might not be entirely fair, but if you lend your name to a fundraiser then you should be certain it all runs smoothly.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
<< <i>It is interesting that you should write this post about LM being a victim with respect to the fundraiser and its non-performance. Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. In my opinion, LM's reputation has taken a hit. This might not be entirely fair, but if you lend your name to a fundraiser then you should be certain it all runs smoothly. >>
LM wasn't even active on the boards during this fundraisers as it occurred during one of his hiatus M.I.A. periods.
<< <i>
<< <i>If I may just say something.
LM is a victim in this project as well as those of us who tossed in cash (small and/or large amounts).
He did not initiate this project and was, as those who know him can tell you, offput at first and continually distressed at the thought of any harm it has caused.
His sterling reputation need not be tarnished in any way in light of laurentyvan's inappropriate actions, his problems or any subsequent inexcusable inaction.
There I've said my piece. >>
It is interesting that you should write this post about LM being a victim with respect to the fundraiser and its non-performance. Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. In my opinion, LM's reputation has taken a hit. This might not be entirely fair, but if you lend your name to a fundraiser then you should be certain it all runs smoothly. >>
If I recall, in the beginning Rob wasn't fully on board with this (he never asked for any of this to happen), but came to accept it as he saw how we all came together to support the venture.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>The reason that I asked is that I did a tiny bit of digging, wanted to make sure it is the same fellow, realizing that there can't be more than two with his last name. He int he past seemed to by quite honorable and that is why I was considering to get involved with a contribution. I did find him rather easily via the internet, didn't speak to him, buthe is definitely out in full public view, definitely a good thing and goes with what I believe is his honorable persona. I personally believe he has all the right intentions but that maybe he hasn't thought that there is any time clock ticking here ie time isn't of the essence so to say. I also know for a fact that his health is fine and that is really the most important thing here. I hope he comes on here and just moves this plan along to fruition and I get to contribute to the most worthy cause of getting our own LordM to Europe to do his thang. Now if this thread helps to foster that and maybe increase awareness and maybe allow others to feel better about it and also contribute then we did a good thing. SO I hope he is contacted by those who know him to come on here and make it happen, I will help tell my friends here to contribute along with me to what I feel is such a worthy cause. I just wanted to make sure that this indivdual is is alive and well which he was apparently is at least this last week, albeit maybe very busy. >>
Call him yourself. 912-261-8408
The name is LEE!
<< <i>Thanks for the area code it appears I dug up the wrong Laurents. But appreciate that you finally answered my question in some way although a phone number wasn't what I really wanted. >>
That number is in the 27th Post to THIS thread.
The answer you sought was right here all along.
The name is LEE!
That is Robs number. I thought he wanted Laurents info. ?????
<< <i>Now it's really getting confusing.
That is Robs number. I thought he wanted Laurents info. ????? >>
Are you suggesting Rob and Laurent are the same people!? How is this thread not bammed?!
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<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Thanks for the area code it appears I dug up the wrong Laurents. But appreciate that you finally answered my question in some way although a phone number wasn't what I really wanted. >>
That number is in the 27th Post to THIS thread.
The answer you sought was right here all along. >>
That is a Georgia area code, and I believe the other members are correct, LordM's number unless both live in the same State, in that case my digging (a LordM pun intended) was fruitful. But again I never called him and have no desire to have a private discussion, I stated my purpose for my replies already. >>
If it's LordM's number, I must have read the post wrong.
The name is LEE!
Geez, has all this much time really gone by since then?
I guess it has. Part of the reason nothing ever happened was my own sluggishness in actually making any travel arrangements and so on.
<< <i>It is interesting that you should write this post about LM being a victim with respect to the fundraiser and its non-performance. Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. In my opinion, LM's reputation has taken a hit. This might not be entirely fair, but if you lend your name to a fundraiser then you should be certain it all runs smoothly. >>
I do think TomB is correct on this. If these funds do not get returned to the donors, or donated to a suitable charitable purpose agreed upon by the surviving donors, my reputation will (rightfully) take a hit.
I will, however, stress one thing:
To date I have not received ONE CENT of the funds donated, nor had I yet requested any of them from Laurent.
When last we spoke (too long ago), the whole thing was still "on hold". He's since gone off the forums but for all I know, he might still be standing by, awaiting instructions.
I am partly to blame for a large chunk of this, since I was so wishy-washy. The trip was on, it was off, it was on again. Life intervened in my plans.
The last I spoke with laurentyvan (and that's been some time ago, on the phone), he was encouraging me to still go through with the trip. Whether that was to just cheer me on or to stall for more time because he'd actually absconded with the money, I do not know. I do not personally know Laurent, but past forum dealings have all been positive and he always seemed very nice.
It need be again said that I was extremely flattered by the outpouring of attention and generosity, but this thing has also nagged at my conscience for a while, since nothing ever came of it. And even if I ever do make such a trip in the future, I'm really thinking it would be better to do it on my own nickel.
It's high time I try to contact Laurent again (I think I have his number in my PM history), and see about getting the funds returned to the surviving donors (or their heirs, since at least one donor, silvereagles92, has passed on).
I promise to make that attempt to contact Laurent and will post an update soon.
If the money's gone, it's gone, and I won't be able to pay it all back, at least not right away. But I did pledge a gold coin giveaway drawing for the donors, and I do still have that coin on my hat. And other coins, of course. If Laurent cannot be contacted or it becomes apparent that the money is gone, I suppose I will then have to individually contact each donor to explain and apologize.
I'm really sorry about this, y'all. It was truly wonderful of you all to chip in on such a great dream project, but now that it hasn't come to fruition, I really feel embarrassed about the whole thing.
I will make amends any way I can, and stand by for suggestions from those of you who were my original donors.
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<< <i>Granted, a better thing for LordM to have done when he found out what was going on was put a stop to it, but hind sight is 20-20. >>
Yes, in hindsight, I shouldn't have let this go down, but hey, I was caught up in the enthusiasm for the project and I really wanted to do it. Part of me still does. But if and when I ever DO go on such a trip, it really needs to be on my own nickel, as mentioned.
I hope this doesn't become a stinking albatross around my neck. Because really, the compliment paid me by so many people was, and is, HUGE.
<< <i>I hope this doesn't become a stinking albatross around my neck. >>
It should not Rob.
And just one perspective;
this opinion
<< <i>Even though LM did not initiate the process, the fact that he didn't stop the process may lay a large share of guilt by association on his doorstep. >>
is not shared by the members who have pm'd me and spoken on the phone with me FWIW.
Laurent has continued to operate his ebay business month in and month out since this project began.
Any smelly birds are at his doorstep.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
I too would be humbled if so many people came together to fullfill one of my dreams, I'm not sure I would have handled it any different than the way LM handled it. To blame him in any way for this situation is in my opinion not the correct way to handle this situation.
I'm hoping all this is sorted out soon.
Respectfully,
Ray
I'll call Laurent tomorrow.
In the meantime, I've posted a status thread which lists everyone who pledged. Hopefully we'll figure out how many of those folks actually contributed.
Now that all of this has resurfaced, I'm relieved, actually. It had just come back to nag at the back of my mind this morning.
All will be resolved soon. I'm done with letting this hang out there in limbo.
To me, that is a major red flag.
That's like Realone starting a donation to send me on a golfing trip.
If this was the case, I'd be emailing Realone right away saying 'what's going on with this!!" and "what do you truly intend to do with the money".
And this brings me to my second point, I agree LM shouldn't be responsible for any funds, but he should feel responsible in a way, because he should have contacted Laurent right away asking the same questions I'd be asking.
Somethings not right with Laurent (mentally and/or physically).
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
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