Hello to all. Congratulations to TBone and his Staff. I have lurked a bit, but for the most part have taken some time away from all Boards, which was good for my head and my other obligations.
As I cruised around ECCIE, a number of things caught my eye. In particular a thread by notanewbie, titled "Hambone Spoke, but what happen?"
http://www.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=6711
As several commented in the thread, I did ask for cooperation following the raid and I received exemplary cooperation above anything I previously experienced. You deserved answers and conclusions.
I expect to be attacked anyway, so that is not a big concern. I will offer the following explanation in my delay in giving out information and then ask the Administration of this Board to confirm I may post my own conclusions. It confirmed, I will. If it is not obvious, I have no position and therfore no control here.
The raid was unnerving, which was clearly one of several Vice intents. While we scrambled to figure out what the hell happened and how, there were concerns about protecting members and Providers. There were also concerns about not letting too much out while effort continued to receive information. Of course, regardless of how you want to describe it, there was an instantaneous change of management and control of aspd. I disagreed with much of what was said, the way it was said, and things that were done. I was trying to protect myself and my position as I doubted I could accomplish anything if I was also ousted from the ranks of Mod.
I was specifically ordered NOT to divulge information to protect the fact that we knew what was being done. I felt the information needed to go out, but did not buck the system immediately. Before long, the Founder passed and the implosion occurred.
1. I am personally satisfied that no one at aspd "leaked" or "ratted out" any information or list. I found nothing to support a concern that someone had made a deal.
2. I am personally satisfied that no one directly connected with aspd let any Law Enforcement people into the party. There was some concern that someone with the Club may have so acted, but I did not see anything to support this. I do believe someone from the Club may have unknowingly let L.E. enter when L.E. gave someone else's name off the list.
3. L.E.'s main portal for entry into our world was as brilliant as it was simple. Those plans usually work very well. If Administration confirms permission, I will add to this thread and explain. You will be surprised at my detail and support.
It is clear to me that my old enemies are still my enemies. I am tired of all that. If they wish to attack they can. Let my silence simply show I am silent -- no more, no less.
I will also comment that the final weeks of ASPD were very difficult and unpleasant for the Staff. While many of you disagreed about some things and others about most things, the majority of the Staff put in long hours and quite a bit of effort to try to keep things running while protecting Members and Providers. Like me or hate me, I tried to follow and apply the rules; there is no point in debating it any further.
I am honored to still be listed as a Mod at Home2 and to have the benefits associated with being a Mod (over there). In my experience there is a large downside to being a Mod and I have not been active as I have not wanted to experience the downside. I do get curious at times, hence the cruising here and the decision to register (today) so I can post.
Like me or hate me, I still wish all of you the best.
THE Hambone
Admins, please advise.