Hi everyone
I'll be open and honest with you all, as you are our dearly beloved UKAPS membership. I realise I may come across as unapproachable and distant at times but that's just my nature. I hope this post may help to break down some barriers there, anyway...
The aim of this thread is to try and promote some peace amongst UKAPS and its affected members.
I'm sure some of you are aware there's been a lot of negativity recently, reflected in this thread here -
viewtopic.php?f=47&t=5493
Firstly I was disappointed to see such aggressive posting directed towards one of our sponsors, and then some more aggression in retaliation. It was distressing for me to see.
I understand some of the scepticism regarding sole distribution etc. but personally feel that the consumer may benefit in the longer-term, especially given TGM's excellent track record so far.
I would like to put a stop to all the sly digs at TGM, please. That does not mean you can not ask 'awkward' questions, of course, but please do so in an appropriate manner.
How TGM choose to do business is their business, and whilst I understand they are our sponsor and have a close working relationship with UKAPS (as do Aqua Essentials and the other sponsors), I would encourage those that are not happy with them to contact them privately.
Even better, pay them a visit, or at least phone them. It's harder to understand the shop and their intentions without visiting the shop and speaking the staff. The written word can so easily be taken the wrong way, after all.
I'm not sure how all this negativity started. I recall some issues with distributing ADA products and minimum orders. That is not our business and as discussed, any issues like these should be addressed in private, rather than creating a whole atmosphere of sarcastic undertones and passive aggression.
Also, if sponsors have an issue with one another, I would encourage them to speak with one another.
I know the facts and can say that TGM are acting entirely appropriately, in my opinion.
I’m acutely aware that a forum ban on a well-liked (by many) member did harm the credibility of UKAPS. I won’t go into specific details but the membership has been re-instated for some time now and I would like to encourage more positive posting on UKAPS by the relevant individuals.
If this is not possible then I respectfully request that any member who chooses not to contribute to UKAPS in a positive manner avoids posting altogether. I understand that this may result in the loss of some members, but if they are not helping UKAPS, then such is life.
My sincerest apologies to the vast majority of UKAPS members that contribute to the forum in a positive way. I feel, in part, responsible for a lot of the recent ‘waves’ and hope this thread may serve as a start to a peace process. I realise I don’t post so much these days, but trust me on that a lot of work goes on behind the scenes, especially by the other founders, admin and mods.
May I also take this opportunity to thank everyone for helping to make UKAPS what it is today. Despite the odd ‘blip’ in the forum’s running, caused by a minority and some questionable judgement calls, we have altogether made an incredible contribution to the UK planted tank and aquascaping scene and we should fee very proud.
So, please, let’s concentrate on what binds us together, the love of the hobby, rather than our differences and help UKAPS grow in peace even further.
Best wishes to you all,
George
I'll be open and honest with you all, as you are our dearly beloved UKAPS membership. I realise I may come across as unapproachable and distant at times but that's just my nature. I hope this post may help to break down some barriers there, anyway...
The aim of this thread is to try and promote some peace amongst UKAPS and its affected members.
I'm sure some of you are aware there's been a lot of negativity recently, reflected in this thread here -
viewtopic.php?f=47&t=5493
Firstly I was disappointed to see such aggressive posting directed towards one of our sponsors, and then some more aggression in retaliation. It was distressing for me to see.
I understand some of the scepticism regarding sole distribution etc. but personally feel that the consumer may benefit in the longer-term, especially given TGM's excellent track record so far.
I would like to put a stop to all the sly digs at TGM, please. That does not mean you can not ask 'awkward' questions, of course, but please do so in an appropriate manner.
How TGM choose to do business is their business, and whilst I understand they are our sponsor and have a close working relationship with UKAPS (as do Aqua Essentials and the other sponsors), I would encourage those that are not happy with them to contact them privately.
Even better, pay them a visit, or at least phone them. It's harder to understand the shop and their intentions without visiting the shop and speaking the staff. The written word can so easily be taken the wrong way, after all.
I'm not sure how all this negativity started. I recall some issues with distributing ADA products and minimum orders. That is not our business and as discussed, any issues like these should be addressed in private, rather than creating a whole atmosphere of sarcastic undertones and passive aggression.
Also, if sponsors have an issue with one another, I would encourage them to speak with one another.
I know the facts and can say that TGM are acting entirely appropriately, in my opinion.
I’m acutely aware that a forum ban on a well-liked (by many) member did harm the credibility of UKAPS. I won’t go into specific details but the membership has been re-instated for some time now and I would like to encourage more positive posting on UKAPS by the relevant individuals.
If this is not possible then I respectfully request that any member who chooses not to contribute to UKAPS in a positive manner avoids posting altogether. I understand that this may result in the loss of some members, but if they are not helping UKAPS, then such is life.
My sincerest apologies to the vast majority of UKAPS members that contribute to the forum in a positive way. I feel, in part, responsible for a lot of the recent ‘waves’ and hope this thread may serve as a start to a peace process. I realise I don’t post so much these days, but trust me on that a lot of work goes on behind the scenes, especially by the other founders, admin and mods.
May I also take this opportunity to thank everyone for helping to make UKAPS what it is today. Despite the odd ‘blip’ in the forum’s running, caused by a minority and some questionable judgement calls, we have altogether made an incredible contribution to the UK planted tank and aquascaping scene and we should fee very proud.
So, please, let’s concentrate on what binds us together, the love of the hobby, rather than our differences and help UKAPS grow in peace even further.
Best wishes to you all,
George