I'm OUT of the 501st!

[OldKen]

[/quote]
Your size is not a consideration in membership. Only your gear. :thumbsup
[/quote]


God but it should be.

or you should at least be told that the kid staring at your 400 pound ass isnt staring cause you have a cool TK outfit, hes waiting for that thing to POP...

i seriously dont get it.

if its that tight... then there should be size regulations. and bash me all you want but huge TKs look beyond rediculous.

or short vaders.

hey, im 5'9-5'10

and i would LOVE to have an accurate vader costume (heck i honestly had a dream last night that i did) but do you think i would want to troop in it? NO.

i would look like a fool.

im sorry but i think if there is that many people, then they should be put in proper gear or catagories of gear.

esp for the vaders, esp since there ends up being 5+ at most big events, only the ones who remotely fit the height and weight should be there representing, it would just look more proffesional.

i know im going to be flamed, but ive WORKED several conventions, and ive seen some guys get made fun of behind there back, which is not cool. (and im not saying people of one size or another are better, some just make better vaders, some make better TKs, some dengars... etc. etc.)

i know i would only try to be something i am remotely close to...

5'91/2 X 160 lbs (luke in TK anyone?) one day.

 

[Ben_Forsaken]

perhaps it depends on the costume. A customized Vader would look kind of stupid. But a custom Fett is pretty cool actually. To me depending on how customized it is it can imply 'Bounty Hunter' more the 'Fett'. And Bounty Hunters are in the SW univers and 5 different Bounty Hunters standing side by side would be very cool. 5 exactly identical Boba Fetts wouldn't look nearly that cool.

just my opinion.

 

[Jumpin Jax]

<div class='quotetop'>(Skaught @ Aug 4 2006, 02:14 PM) [snapback]1294017[/snapback]</div>

Am I one of those power tripping, swelled head, wants to pretend he's military command types? I'm the Legion Merchandise & Branding Officer, the only other elected Legion Command position besides the CO. So I guess those criticisms are being applied to me?

Scott
[/b]

Not if you have the foresight to actually ask
(from upper post)
Examples? Just whining? Okydokey.

The locals the Garrison Titan, were, according to one very egomanical local, his creation and property. He had a fanclub that had stormtrooper members, so he petitioned or represented....something like that, to what existed of the 501st in 98-99. So they were a group. Now, this person took great pains to creat events and spectacles to gain attention for the club and garrison, so far so good. Eventually....they became his to command in his own opinion. Now, when I first got involved, there was an event cooking up at the Science Center for astronomy, and one of ours was a pal of the program director there. He asked for a few stormtroopers to work the event to get the kids a little more excited in space. Sounds good, right?
As soon as the plan was underway, this little man with grand aspirations said, unasked, that HE would be glad to set up a FAN BOOTH for the fanclub in the Science Center. Odd, but nothing to start a war over. I asked on the forum, was this entirely appropriate for the event? We're just going for a bit of ambience, at an employee's request. So why did it make sense for it to become a sensationalist show? The board was not entirely happy with the thought, citing that the club and garrison were not competing. I'm pretty sure I suggested nothing of the sort, but voiced a thought on what the purpose of our involvement was. But hey, whatever.

Then HE posted. He RANTED about what a disruptive question I had raised, and how DARE I come into HIS group and start trouble like this?
I asked a question.

So, ok, I just skipped the event and stayed technically in the roster, no point in rocking the boat, eh? So, I was a member in the periphery, until a Xmas toy drive came up, and I figured I would throw in. It was pretty cool, but boy there were still those two guys who just were out to let me know that we were all one group, DID I GET THAT?
Well that little pipsqueak continued his reign over a fanclub, and started something of a smear campaign against many people in my area for a variety of reasons. He tried ripping a couple people off, spread lies about the deals gone wrong, and made enemies faster than he could lose friends. Which was fast, btw.
Well another event comes and goes, Peter Mayhew hits town due to the club, more specifically the work of one of the troops that arranges it, and visits a hotspot club on a Saturday. Being the cool guy that he is, he bends over backwards for everyone he meets. Now, he's selling auto's as part of the bargain, but a couple of the troops ask their mighty leader if they might swindle a couple of freebies from the man, perhaps he wouldn't mind?
The man says no, Peter refused. Peter...was never asked. When approached personally, he says "Of course. Bring whatever you got."
It was at this point that it became clear that the little man wasn't really interested in helping out his fellow fan. SO..
It was decided amongst a few of the troopers......ok MOST of them, that there should be a separation of the club and garrison--NOT hostile side-taking, just a little divider to make sure everyone knew where they stood. I was called in specifically for the meeting, having been the only person with cajones enough to ask if we were going in a bad direction from the start. We sat at Denny's, shot the breeze, and decided to call the union overwith.
Our garrison leader and his flunkie XO ignored it. They didn't even explain why, which is funny because they were there when we voted. Nothing, not a word. We walked.
The rumors persist to this day, the old leaders are gone but that's how long it just took me to get out. We had some great people come and go, some ok ones are in charge now. But I think back to the hateful posts on the old forum of the garrison, the back-stabbing and insults. My friend who ate $100 because that little yutz stiffed him and then told lies about changed prices on an item. People believed him, becuase they just wouldn't see past their own....I dunno, ignorance. I see sheep, I see a wannabe dictator. I saw no reason to stick around. I feel no shame in sharing that, and feel very vindicated when informing people that their choice might just make them unhappy in the end.

"You want people to take you seriously when you bash a group that provides many people with countless hours of entertainment?"
............Like Mel Gibson? I'm trying to figure out what one has to do with the other. Considering how hard these people were trying to get in the news and on TV, charity is just a tagline. So, lemme get this straight: They entertain, so never mind any wrong they do?
WOW.
After brilliant non sequitur like that, I'm pretty sure this thread is over

 

[WookieeGunner]

<div class='quotetop'>(James Kenobi 1138 @ Aug 4 2006, 04:39 PM) [snapback]1294044[/snapback]</div>

Question: When is the 501'st going to recognize 'Darth Vader' as an Imperial costume? (and by Darth Vader, I mean Anakin after he has killed Mace and become Vader, but before he dons the black helmet and armor- AKA 'Evil' Anakin).
[/b]

They do. Look in the Member Gallery under Sith Lord. I'm pretty sure the technical term for that is "soft Vader".

 

[The Clone Emperor]

Alas, it is my favourite analogy.

In this situation where SW and SW Expanded Universe recreations represent Harley Davidson motorcylces that are not altered and Triumphs represent other costumes that are recreations of from .

Still, the orginal founding club rules stand, and as a measure to maintain our club's integrity will be applied.


The 501st is not beyond reproach. It is a fan group with over 4,000 members. The current command staff cares deeply for its members, potential members, and the world we interact with. I am not recruiting for the 501st. I write here because it is my club too. I care about it and I do what I can to make it run smoothly and when possible, better.

Believe what you will. Consider what others say. Or not. I can only offer my point of view.


I realize we are tragically off the topic that this board is considered to be used for. I think perhaps this topic is related to the spirit of this board, and I appreciate the discussion we have been allowed.

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

<div class='quotetop'>(WookieGunner @ Aug 4 2006, 04:57 PM) [snapback]1294064[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>(James Kenobi 1138 @ Aug 4 2006, 04:39 PM) [snapback]1294044[/snapback]

Question: When is the 501'st going to recognize 'Darth Vader' as an Imperial costume? (and by Darth Vader, I mean Anakin after he has killed Mace and become Vader, but before he dons the black helmet and armor- AKA 'Evil' Anakin).
[/b]

They do. Look in the Member Gallery under Sith Lord. I'm pretty sure the technical term for that is "soft Vader".
[/b][/quote]

There's some sort of Porn-joke here somewhere that makes me feel sorry for poor old Darth......

 

[WookieeGunner]

Comments removed to minimize continuation of conflict.

 

[Immortal Goat]

To JJ:

It sounds like you had to deal with a few asshats, and because of that, you've vilified the entire group. And the Mel Gibson comment isn't well placed, either. Mel Gibson is one man, and he has to answer for his mistakes. The 501st is made up of thousands of people, and because you had a bad experience with a couple of them, that does not make the entire group a bunch of self-centered egomaniacle rat bastards.

 

[Skaught]

<div class='quotetop'>(Jumpin Jax @ Aug 4 2006, 05:57 PM) [snapback]1294062[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>(Skaught @ Aug 4 2006, 02:14 PM) [snapback]1294017[/snapback]

Am I one of those power tripping, swelled head, wants to pretend he's military command types? I'm the Legion Merchandise & Branding Officer, the only other elected Legion Command position besides the CO. So I guess those criticisms are being applied to me?

Scott
[/b]

Not if you have the foresight to actually ask [/b][/quote]


Well, I'm pretty much right up there on the command staff ladder, so when people criticize the leaders, they're including me in that criticism. I've worked with three Legion COs in my current capacity and I've found them all to be most interested in the good of the members. This is from first hand experience including behind the scenes command staff meetings. All the "big head" and "power trip" accusation just ring hollow for me, as they're not what I have seen first hand. Whenever someone is in a position of leadership, they will always get brushed with those strokes, whether accurately or not. So when I get brushed with them, I like to ask, "why?"

Of course, I can't speak for every Garrison and every Garrison CO. I haven't worked closely with them all. In my Garrison, I have worked with three COs who I found to be very interested in the good of their members. I served as a Public Relations Officer, an Executive Officer, and a Squad Leader under them. Now I'm a CO myself, so I know it's a tought job. When conflicts arise, people come to me for help. Sometimes things can be settled with both parties shaking hands. That's when I love the job. Sometimes, though, someone will walk away angrier than hell. What can I do? It happens and all I can do is my best. But now there's someone out there badmouthing me and making all sorts of accusations. Are they right? Well, of course I don't believe them. I would just ask people to judge for themselves and see what my motivations are and what I do directly.

The fact remains that out of nearly 4,000 people, you're going to end up with some that think the club is messed up. It's a statistical probability. We're all human, all imperfect, so all I can tell people is to remember that and take the good with the bad because there is simply no way they're going to find perfection on this side of eternity. There are people who think the RPF is a wretched hive, after all. As for me, I just enjoy serving my fellow members with the skills God gave me and hope that I don't piss too many people off with my faults.

Scott

 

[Primrodo]

<div class='quotetop'>(WookieGunner @ Aug 4 2006, 05:57 PM) [snapback]1294064[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>(James Kenobi 1138 @ Aug 4 2006, 04:39 PM) [snapback]1294044[/snapback]

Question: When is the 501'st going to recognize 'Darth Vader' as an Imperial costume? (and by Darth Vader, I mean Anakin after he has killed Mace and become Vader, but before he dons the black helmet and armor- AKA 'Evil' Anakin).
[/b]

They do. Look in the Member Gallery under Sith Lord. I'm pretty sure the technical term for that is "soft Vader".
[/b][/quote]

Pre-Armoured Darth Vader technically....

http://www.501st.com/members/displaymember...D=7&userID=5167

 

[SHalamar]

JJ.. Why not come out, and check out the Garrison sometime? I just ment GT, and I've done a couple events with them. They seem like nice people, and I did ask about the 'history' of GT. They said that yes, there were some REALLY bad froup wanted to 'own' GT, and dictate what events we could, and could not do.

Well, that group is gone. GT is still here. I understand the bitterness, but groups change over time. Can't hurt just to come see, can it?

 

[Jumpin Jax]

<div class='quotetop'>(SHalamar @ Aug 4 2006, 05:44 PM) [snapback]1294181[/snapback]</div>

Well, that group is gone. GT is still here. I understand the bitterness, but groups change over time. Can't hurt just to come see, can it?
[/b]

There isn't a single reason left. Hell on RS yet another discussion blossumed mere weeks ago as to how silly it was to have a screen accurate stormtrooper.......because they don't look like 99% of the 501st..... :rolleyes Powerplay? Snobbery?I don't know, and I don't care to find out.
Guys, I know it's a new day, but you just might be doomed. :eek

 

[SHalamar]

<div class='quotetop'>(Jumpin Jax @ Aug 4 2006, 06:00 PM) [snapback]1294190[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>(SHalamar @ Aug 4 2006, 05:44 PM) [snapback]1294181[/snapback]

Well, that group is gone. GT is still here. I understand the bitterness, but groups change over time. Can't hurt just to come see, can it?
[/b]

There isn't a single reason left. Hell on RS yet another discussion blossumed mere weeks ago as to how silly it was to have a screen accurate stormtrooper.......because they don't look like 99% of the 501st..... :rolleyes Powerplay? Snobbery?I don't know, and I don't care to find out.
Guys, I know it's a new day, but you just might be doomed. :eek
[/b][/quote]

Bah. I'd want accuracy. Stand out from the crowd. Improve the standards.



If I was short enough to be a trooper, I'd probably try for screen accuracy. alas, I'll have to be an accurate Vader.

 

[Skaught]

<div class='quotetop'>(Jumpin Jax @ Aug 4 2006, 09:00 PM) [snapback]1294190[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>(SHalamar @ Aug 4 2006, 05:44 PM) [snapback]1294181[/snapback]

Well, that group is gone. GT is still here. I understand the bitterness, but groups change over time. Can't hurt just to come see, can it?
[/b]

There isn't a single reason left. Hell on RS yet another discussion blossumed mere weeks ago as to how silly it was to have a screen accurate stormtrooper.......because they don't look like 99% of the 501st..... :rolleyes Powerplay? Snobbery?I don't know, and I don't care to find out.
Guys, I know it's a new day, but you just might be doomed. :eek
[/b][/quote]


In my fours years in the 501st, I've never heard anyone make that statement. Quite the opposite. I've seen people strive for more accurate than the standard. Right now there's a thread about a more accurate helmet on the scene (too bad my head's too big). I'm a moderator on the 501st forum so I read a lot of posts. I've never seen an argument in favor conformity over accuracy.

Scott

 

[jorusfett]

<div class='quotetop'>(Skaught @ Aug 4 2006, 06:16 PM) [snapback]1294202[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>(Jumpin Jax @ Aug 4 2006, 09:00 PM) [snapback]1294190[/snapback]

<div class='quotetop'>(SHalamar @ Aug 4 2006, 05:44 PM) [snapback]1294181[/snapback]

Well, that group is gone. GT is still here. I understand the bitterness, but groups change over time. Can't hurt just to come see, can it?
[/b]

There isn't a single reason left. Hell on RS yet another discussion blossumed mere weeks ago as to how silly it was to have a screen accurate stormtrooper.......because they don't look like 99% of the 501st..... :rolleyes Powerplay? Snobbery?I don't know, and I don't care to find out.
Guys, I know it's a new day, but you just might be doomed. :eek
[/b][/quote]


In my fours years in the 501st, I've never heard anyone make that statement. Quite the opposite. I've seen people strive for more accurate than the standard. Right now there's a thread about a more accurate helmet on the scene (too bad my head's too big). I'm a moderator on the 501st forum so I read a lot of posts. I've never seen an argument in favor conformity over accuracy.

Scott
[/b][/quote]

Here is the quote pulled from the RS thread on this...

"Only problem with the more "movie accurate" helmest (besides being very tiny) is that the thousands of 501st stormtroopers wear different armor, so it sticks out like a sore thumb when someone has a more accurate one."

This implies that if you don't look like the rest of the bunch, you shouldn't be with them. Sounds almost like the 'popular' group from my school-days.

 

[Immortal Goat]

That doesn't imply anything of the sort. Now you guys are just grasping at straws. They never said that "if you don't look like us, you can't be with us". They were saying that if it does stick out like a sore thumb, even if it is more accurate, that might be off-putting to some to even try it. That is all.

Oh, and 4000+ members. We're doomed alright :rolleyes

 

[Lodril]

<div class='quotetop'>(Skaught @ Aug 5 2006, 01:16 AM) [snapback]1294202[/snapback]</div>

I've never seen an argument in favor conformity over accuracy.[/b]

I've heard it spoken, but never seen it on the boards. Hanging around at SDCC a few people made comments like that about the TKs, and how some people were going with the 'small' helmets now. My personal experience is that all that stuff varies drastically by Garrison. SoCal seems to have a lot of FX fans, but in OLG the pressure seems to be exactly the opposite ("You don't want to look like a bobblehead, do you?"). Some garrisons focus more on conventions, others on trying to put together charity events, still others just get together and get hammered... it's a very mixed crowd.

All in all, I like my garrison, and feel like I fit in well here; but I know that the groups do vary a lot, and I would probably participate in far fewer events were I in a different group, even within the 501st.

 

[Thrawn]

Well, having just got into the 501st I know nothing about what most of you are talking about or complaining about. Ive NEVER heard of any kind of power struggles up here in Canada though, and I know for a fact that our local leader guy wears a custom red mando to most events. JJ, perhaps you should come up to Canada and troop with us

 

[Darth Kahnt]

<div class='quotetop'>(Thrawn @ Aug 5 2006, 04:06 AM) [snapback]1294352[/snapback]</div>

Well, having just got into the 501st I know nothing about what most of you are talking about or complaining about. Ive NEVER heard of any kind of power struggles up here in Canada though, and I know for a fact that our local leader guy wears a custom red mando to most events. JJ, perhaps you should come up to Canada and troop with us
[/b]

Im with you there Thrawn.

Sometimes when people have bad experiences they are not as willing to try and move past it. I think we all need to recognize that people deal with things differently and we need to respect their opinions and differences, as is the case with JJ here.

I have met JJ in person and he seems like a good guy to me. He's got an opinion of the 501st based on his experiences and we all need to understand and respect that, even though our own opinions and experiences may differ.

 

[Gytheran]

<div class='quotetop'>(gw2tulsa @ Aug 4 2006, 03:05 PM) [snapback]1293968[/snapback]</div>

You think the 501st is bad you should try to particpate in a local Fan Force group...

Man, I could tell you stories...

-Gary
[/b]

:lol