I'm OUT of the 501st!

[Cpl Smith]

Everyone...it seems like this topic comes up way too often...tempers get flared and things are said that should not be...I am guilty of this.

To Albin Johnson...my comments about your actions at DragonCon last year were WAY out of line. I am here to publicly apologize to you. I am truly sorry....Ive always considered you a friend...heck, we are the originals.


After my mother passed, you were the ONLY 501st member to come to me that year at DC and give your condolences. Funny thing is, I wasnt active in the club anymore..yet you still did that for me.

I have no problems what so ever with you...its just the club in general. I hated to see something I helped you build be treated and used the way it was.

Albin, you personally have never done anything to wrong me...I let my ramblings get the best of me, and once again, I am truly sorry..


Derek

 

[JediCarl]

Darnitall, I missed all of the fun. I'm always down for the opportunity to point out fandom's biggest hypocrites and frauds.

Oh well... I'm sure there will be another one of these threads in about 6-8 months.

 

[SHalamar]

<div class='quotetop'>(JediCarl @ Aug 8 2006, 04:04 PM) [snapback]1296552[/snapback]</div>

Darnitall, I missed all of the fun. I'm always down for the opportunity to point out fandom's biggest hypocrites and frauds.

Oh well... I'm sure there will be another one of these threads in about 6-8 months.
[/b]

:angry

 

[Darth Kahnt]

Wow, Im gone for a couple of days and a hell of a lot went on in this thread.

I agree with Thomas that this discussion should probably be kept to the 501st boards.

And to think this thread started as somewhat of a joke.... :confused

 

[darthgoat]

<div class='quotetop'>(Darth Kahnt @ Aug 8 2006, 08:49 PM) [snapback]1296663[/snapback]</div>

I agree with Thomas that this discussion should probably be kept to the 501st boards.

[/b]

Just curious as to why you think this is a discussion that is meant only for those boards? Aren't those forums "members only"?

 

[Darth Kahnt]

<div class='quotetop'>(darthgoat @ Aug 8 2006, 10:58 PM) [snapback]1296720[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>(Darth Kahnt @ Aug 8 2006, 08:49 PM) [snapback]1296663[/snapback]

I agree with Thomas that this discussion should probably be kept to the 501st boards.

[/b]

Just curious as to why you think this is a discussion that is meant only for those boards? Aren't those forums "members only"?
[/b][/quote]

Because this forum is not to discuss good and bad experiences in the 501st. Yes, their offical forum is members only but several garrisons have their own forums that anyone can join. This forum is for the discussion of props, costumes and models, not to debate about the pros and cons of the 501st. If anything this discussion should be in the off-topic and not in the costuming forum at the very least.

 

[Lord_Gita]

<div class='quotetop'>(Skaught @ Aug 8 2006, 12:27 AM) [snapback]1295971[/snapback]</div>

As for charity work, my squad alone (not to mention my Garrison) has visited All Children's Hospital twice this year and is currently working on projects for a little boy who has cancer. I just helped set up Lucasfilm with an appearance at a Children's Hospital in S. Florida. I've done Toys for Tots events. A week from Saturday I'm appearing at a children's museum for a special event. Charity work is a major part of what our Squad and Garrison does. We also troop Disney, cons, stores and baseball games for fun.

Here's a new trading card we just made about our hospital visits. The front pic is from Miami.

And no, Tequila wasn't my FIRST drink. I've drank beer (yuck), wine (bad grape juice), and plenty of other drinks. It's just when your non-drinking CO takes a shot around a bunch of already drunk people, people find it funny I guess.

Scott
[/b]

Hey, I'm on a trading card and didn't even know it. The principal from elementary school that said I'd never amount to anything owes me a quarter.

 

[MusicTrooper]

Ref,

Just curious as to why you think this is a discussion that is meant only for those boards? Aren't those forums "members only"?

And

This thread in general____which seems to contain many costuming points of view,
But then I am new here.

I am not a 501st member, but have been trying to learn more ever since C2,
And am very grateful for this thread.

EveryoneÂ’s point of view has taught me how little I know about many things,

My hope is to become familiar enough with the 501-st to learn
If (or how) I can be usefulÂ…(IÂ’m not that creative)

Since I have no personal conflicts with anyone, I have other concerns and am
Open to information/opinions/hopes on the organization in general.

Yes, I have been to their web site, (wasnÂ’t there a public forum at one time?)
but am hopeful to discover more.

But for now, feel more comfortable in a more public form, like this.

Whether I join or not, my goal is to look for ways to support
The charitable aspects of the 501-st. and make some friends along the way

Sorry to be so long winded, guess, I just wanted to say a little about me,
Unless there is an “introduction” kinda thead I can go to

I am not allowed in the off-topic area yet.

Ed

 

[Skaught]

Ed - I recommend visiting the website of your local Garrison. Garrisons typically have public forums that you can participate on and get to know the local members. In Florida, we have a "general" forum, a "newbies" forum, an "armor & props" forum, and several events forums, all open to the public.

As for your usefullness, most everyone has some talent that can be utilized. I'm sure you could find a way to contribute. Just "being there" is important, too.

Scott

 

[WookieeGunner]

<div class='quotetop'>(Skaught @ Aug 10 2006, 09:38 AM) [snapback]1297659[/snapback]</div>

Ed - I recommend visiting the website of your local Garrison. Garrisons typically have public forums that you can participate on and get to know the local members. In Florida, we have a "general" forum, a "newbies" forum, an "armor & props" forum, and several events forums, all open to the public.

As for your usefullness, most everyone has some talent that can be utilized. I'm sure you could find a way to contribute. Just "being there" is important, too.

Scott
[/b]

Yeah, I still think one of the Trooper Olympics events should have been "In full Stormtrooper armor, see ho many pencils a trooper can pick up in 60 seconds."

And they have a lot of trouble seeing below 4 feet so the average 8 year old is invisibil to them.

 

[MusicTrooper]

Scott- Thanks for the advice and kind thoughts, Ed

 

[dadvader]

Well I can say,Ed (AKA Musictrooper) has alot to offer any group he is a part of...
I have trooped with him before and he makes things alot of fun...
I know he does visit the boards and is already very helpful to the membership...
As a member or not I would be honored to troop with him at any time...

 

[The Stig]

<div class='quotetop'>(Prometheus @ Aug 3 2006, 09:59 PM) [snapback]1293572[/snapback]</div>

Is it even possible to give up your 501st membership once you are in?
[/b]

Lord knows I've repeatedly requested that my name and images be removed from their database, yet there it remains.

Look, I've got people after me. There are lives on the line.

 

[JediCarl]

Skaught,

I will reply to your PM in private but I did want to post here publicly as well...

For starters, I personally have no problem with the 501st for the most part. While I do believe that the group (and certain individual members) has let all of the attention and Lucasfilm's blessing get to its head a good deal I am still very much respectful of what the group has accomplished and its rightful place within SW fandom. Afterall, that's what this is all about at the end of the day... being fans and having FUN sharing a hobby with our peers.

That said, to simply write off any criticism of the group as either "envy" or the rantings of some delusional mind is also counter-productive. Certainly I hope that the apologists are not insinuating that the 501st is infallible and beyond any legit criticisms or concerns. But it does seem as if the immediate response SOME have whenever anyone says anything even remotely critical is to go on the defense and then attack that person instead of legitimately listening to what they have to say.

Look, I have A LOT of close personal friends within the 501st. Some are even pretty visible members. I also have close ties with some of the same folks at Lucasfilm that the Legion has. And I'm also friends and in other groups with people who have had very negative experiences with the 501st. And I personally have as well. I even had a negative experience with Albin just before Celebration II (even though I was not a member of the group). I feel it's safe to say that I have a pretty good view of ALL sides of the story here. There is enough "blame" to go around for all of the crap that has transpired in many instances. And it's time that the 501st accepts that as well. Whenever anything at all untoward happens, it's almost always responded with "Well the Legion has no responsibility there..." or "What do you expect us to do?" All of this inspite of the fact that this is a FAN group with a Charter that is longer and more complex than some government Constitutions (which is also indicative of part of the problem).

And, seriously, whether this is off-topic for discussion on the RPF or not... what is really solved by sweeping any discussion under the rug by suggesting it be taken to the official 501st boards (where only members in good standing can read it)? Do you guys seriously have no idea how this looks and reflects on the group??

In conclusion, I still like what the 501st was created for and MOST of what it continues to do this day. And aside from a few individuals I have absolutely NO problem with any of the members of the Legion and sincerely wish them all well. I just wish it didn't always automatically have to become this "us against them" maelstrom whenever anyone has anything critical at all to share.

Peace.

 

[MusicTrooper]

Thanks for the endorsement Rich, (aka dadvader)

I think we are pretty much on the same page when it comes to trooping

Ed

 

[tuskentrooper]

<div class='quotetop'>(Badd Blood @ Aug 12 2006, 12:23 AM) [snapback]1298870[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>(Prometheus @ Aug 3 2006, 09:59 PM) [snapback]1293572[/snapback]

Is it even possible to give up your 501st membership once you are in?
[/b]

Lord knows I've repeatedly requested that my name and images be removed from their database, yet there it remains.

Look, I've got people after me. There are lives on the line.
[/b][/quote]


Badd Blood, please e-mail or PM me your request for removal from the online database and I'll see to it immediately. Thank you.

 

[Cpl Smith]

Im with Badd Blood...Ive been out for a long time now, yet, my pics and profile are still on our Garrison board....why??



Derek

 

[TKBIG]

Well said JediCarl, well said. :thumbsup

 

[TK-2067]

i just joined the 501st with darth kahnt , i guess we have the 4 corners of north america taken over for the 501st now we live in newfoundland canada , the most easterly point of north america. we do raise money for childerns events and we love doing it. lets not forget what the 501st do for the community. rod

 

[Cpl Smith]

<div class='quotetop'>(TK-427 @ Aug 13 2006, 01:44 PM) [snapback]1299457[/snapback]</div>

lets not forget what the 501st do for the community.
[/b]

I think what alot of people are saying is...lets not forget what they do to their members

True they do alot for the community, but the 501st needs some restructuring on the inside for it to look good on the outside.


Derek