New Convenience Store

[cindi]

I am sorry to post this here and maybe someone can move it to myspringfield.org, I cannot get into that forum and I guess I really do not wish to but the following was posted by Matt McVay this evening and I can assure that I am incensed;

Quote
I have the utmost respect for Louise and Chris. It is entirely a communication issue on their part that causes them so many problems. In that regard they are their own worst enemy  end quote

I tried hard to think of another Chris who helps at SPAR, I believe it is pointed at me.

Funny I do not need your respect and I wish for you to spell out the problems I have and to whom do I need to make explanations.  I am not a board member of SPAR, simply a dues paying member who volunteers.  Since I do not owe a cent on my house, cars or other property, or owe anyone anything,  why do I have to justify anything I wish to do (as long as there is no harm to anyone), and certainly I should not have to justify what I try to do on these boards, which is in most cases try to give a little background, or history.  How dare you Mr. McVay who are you?  Maybe  I am being a stupid eneny to myself for trying to help in Springfield, or answering your crass posting but, I suggest that you are listening to the wrong propaganda.

Louise is no enemy either, they try so hard to put stuff out, they are limited in funds and time - I do not see you going to help out.  .No one would put in the hours or effort she does and take all of this nonsense from people who do not check the facts, As for Fusion, Alex,  go ask Mico, he will tell you that Louise stepped in and got him his license, he was being denied over a one bathroom issue.  He has nothing but respect for Louise, as do I.

not sure why you can't get on myspringfield but this is about as on topic as Dare calling someone stupid. start another topic or send a pm.
Does Mr. Silas have an estimated time frame for his presentation and are our signatures on the petition going to be good?  do they "expire" (serious question, i have no idea)?

[cindi]

i am not sure what petition you are talking about.  i am referring to the petitions for and against the carwash.  are implying that the petition was "secret"?  why would you have a petition that needs a large volume of signatures and only distribute it to a select few. 
i see you editied your post, why is that? i've read that  "which is typical cowardly type action."

[cindi]

so, because you had no idea there was a car wash petition (there are actually 2, 1 for and 1 against) it is some deep dark secret? the petition info is posted somewhere in the 40 pages of this thread.  it's kinda hard to sort through because of everyone calling people stupid and cowardly - but it's there.  no real secret.

[chris farley]

I figure I may as well follow the pattern, it keeps it on subject

[jason_contentdg]

The petition information was linked in this thread quite awhile ago.  As for useful information about the actual car wash itself, there may be a total of 2 pages hidden among the 40 pages of "noise".  Any more actual information will be posted in an article about the car wash on the metrojacksonville site soon.  I think it would be nice to link to the petitions again at that point, especially since everyone will then get to see what the place will look like in it's surroundings and the basics of it's operations.

[fsu813]

Ms. Farley,

Try not to take comments personally on here. I know it's easy to. Communicating on forums like these is impersonal in tone, and meaning often gets lost or misunderstood by both parties.

Also, there are people who just like to get under your skin and want to alienate you.

You are a great resource to the community and have a sterling reputation. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise or disuade you from your good work.

[sheclown]

Matt's quote: 

I have talked to Louise about my issues with SPAR IN PERSON and would recommend anyone with issues do the same. At the same time I have a few issues with the operation of the organization I have the utmost respect for Louise and Chris.

It is entirely a communication issue on the part of SPAR that causes so many problems. In that regard they are their own worst enemy. Also, there are perceived conflicts of interest with some of the board members and a lack of adherence to the by-laws leaves room for criticism. I am NOT saying anything under-handed is going on, but once again they are leaving themselves open to some serious speculation. There is no question that they have done/are doing great things for/in the community, but until SPAR becomes more transparent people will continue to maintain these perceptions.

I have suggested numerous times that SPAR publicly address the issues/accusations that have been directed at them. There could be a huge neighborhood celebration, you could call it "Renewing Our Commitment to the Neighborhood" and outline several changes that are being implemented to ensure adherence to the bylaws, new communication tools and processes, etc.; pledging a commitment to integrity and transparency. I could see it really putting some wind in the sails.

Irony much? 

Matt's concerns about SPAR Council and his exchange with Chris about communication problems within SPAR ended up causing other communication problems, hurt feelings, and IMHO, illustrates his point brilliantly. 

[fsu813]

where's Ronald Reagan & Bill Clinton when you need 'em?

[iloveionia]

I nearly live and breath with the internet, my iPhone, and text messaging.  It is hard for me to remember life before this kind of technology, but there was atime in my life I lived without it. 

As a child/teenager, if you called someone, and they didn't answer, they weren't home, or they were outside working.  It was a rotary dial phone with a cord.  No answering machine, no cordless phone, no caller ID, and who knew what a cell phone was.  I had a computer at my job back in 1995 I think.  But they were so new, no one really used them.  Internet?  Yikes.  I STILL think it is new for many people. 

Point is, when I was growing up (I'm 38 years old,) it was face to face conversation, true town meetings, and traditional community events that pulled people together. While I would not want to eliminate my computer, internet, iPhone, texting, etc.  as there are so many perks and benefits, everyone who reads this forum and read multiple other forums that exist see clearly the power of miscommunication when it is done virtually. 

I honestly believe that there is much overlap with what the residents of Springfield want and need.  Still differing opinions, and different ideas about how to get "there," but much overlap.  I have met and continue to meet good, GOOD people in Springfield.  It reminds me of growing up in rural Vermont; family and community squabbles and all. 

Peace,
Nicole

[BridgeTroll]

it was face to face conversation, true town meetings, and traditional community events that pulled people together. While I would not want to eliminate my computer, internet, iPhone, texting, etc.  as there are so many perks and benefits, everyone who reads this forum and read multiple other forums that exist see clearly the power of miscommunication when it is done virtually.

I agree.  Facial features, voice inflection, body language are essential to communication.  All of these things are lacking in blogs, texts, etc.  This leads to communication breakdowns and misinterpretation of meaning.  Our new devices may be advanced but they are also a hindrance.

[cindi]

speaking of organizations with good intentions.  there has been no other mention of SHARP, has it been abandoned or what?  i posted on their website with no response doesnt look like it has had any activity since the middle of november.

[ChriswUfGator]

Well...

It doesn't help matters when every time a SHARP info thread was posted, the same group of SPARbarians immediately jumped in to sling enough personal attacks & random B.S. that the moderators had no choice but to lock it down and get rid of it.

This happened what? 4 different times? 5 different times? After the last time this same cycle repeated itself, I'm pretty well convinced it was a deliberate strategy. So what's SHARP supposed to do? We already know what the result will be if they try to organize using these forums...SPAR people just sandbag it and get the thread locked down within an hour.

[cindi]

i just asked a question.  i have checked out their web site and requested more information.  simple as that.

[Springfielder]

Wow, that's one hell of a response to someone asking a simple question...yeah, it's those sparbarians that really get things out of whack. 

[fsu813]

Chris,

....or......

2 people posted inappropriate emails that they received from the fictional group/character & then the thread was deleted.

But your version sounds much more sensational and that's what matters, right?

Perhaps those old threads can be looked up somehow to verify.