[Username]

People (and without going back I can't say who) by their comments leave an undertone of exactly what they mean with their questions. I suppose I was adding that to all the other comments I've been reading about JL. I know he has disappointed many people, but come on, he's gotten really beat up over BT. He doesn't owe anybody anything. Because he started something he doesn't have to commit to that project the rest of his life. Why so many people feel that he owes them something, is beyond my comprehension. It was great while it lasted (and it may still come back) but it's season may be over. It seems like all good he has done for people, is being shadowed by the fact he's not doing it right now. And I don't feel he deserves that.

[Curious]

i think since he asked and got donations for a new server, he should be held accountable. thaty board was also set up with google ads to generate income.

i agree it's season may be over. but where (not to mention how much) did the money go? don't non-profit organizations have to report p&l statement?

i feel the same as chemar. are the old members of bt getting the support and help they need?

i don't think anyone here has crucifed jl.

[Username]

I just went back and re-read everything. I admit the undertones weren't the same as they were when I was reading them half asleep at 4:00 in the morning. So, I'll take that much back. But, in combination with the other threads, not just this one, I still believe JL has taken an unfair beating.

He supported BT for a very long time with his own funds. I certainly agree that would never justify taking money from donations and then not funding the site. But, I also believe that has not been proved yet. As a matter of fact, nobody knows what the heck is going on. He may very well be working on it. Innocent until proven guilty. It's still America. (At least where the site is homed!) I think the only thing he's guilty of is not keep updates updated. Period. But, that's only my opinion, which I'm entitled to, along with everyone else's opinion, which they are also entitled to. I think people just need to be more cautious before all the facts are in.

I won't say anymore. I've stopped posting on the other topics as well.

Linda

Edited: I think what happened here on the topic of SL, was once people saw that real money was being made from people buying "imaginary things", they lumped it together with the fact that people donated money for BT and now nothing. Possibly their initial thought was that JL was being less than admirable. And that it what I reacted to.

[Jane]

Originally Posted by Username

People (and without going back I can't say who) by their comments leave an undertone of exactly what they mean with their questions. I suppose I was adding that to all the other comments I've been reading about JL. I know he has disappointed many people, but come on, he's gotten really beat up over BT. He doesn't owe anybody anything. Because he started something he doesn't have to commit to that project the rest of his life. Why so many people feel that he owes them something, is beyond my comprehension. It was great while it lasted (and it may still come back) but it's season may be over. It seems like all good he has done for people, is being shadowed by the fact he's not doing it right now. And I don't feel he deserves that.

We are in agreement except that we don't really know if this has been a matter of lack of interest or being bound by a board with a differing vision. BT stopped being a one man show when it became a not for profit.

If one checks early posts relative to Brigadoon, it was organized through BT and designated donations could be made to it through BT. As in most not for profits, funds can be designated to specific projects. Perfectly legal and a good thing. This allows those who are interested in a given project to help fund it and reduce the amount needed from the general fund.
Jane

[Wittesea]

I agree that JL owes us nothing....

However, doesn't he have a moral responsibility to at least try? I say that because over the years at BrainTalk, as it went though changes (leaving MGH, becoming a non-profit) and as John went through changes in his life (also leaving MGH and getting a new job) -- through all that the messages and posts from John all support the fact that he cared about BT, that he would continue to maintain BT, that he would never abandon BT, etc...

That was always the tone and message of his posts during every change - in BT itself, or in his own life.

So, I believe a lot of people are disappointed over the lack of communication from him recently because all of his previous statements regarding the forum were always about how he will always "be there" for BT and the people who use it.

And then the forum crashed, he was nowhere to be found, and there was no message and no communication. After years and years of promises to always "be there" to support BT, all of a sudden he wasn't there anymore.

Sure, technically he owes us nothing at all. Legally he owes us nothing at all. But morally he should have done better because that's what he promised over and over again.

[Thelma]

I guess I am one of those who have been very vocal about how I feel personally about Braintalk at least the five people who have reported on me think I have been by far too vocal. Wish they would have asked me for an explanation instead.

But in any regard there is not much to know really. John has been up front with us about his involvement with second City from the beginning although I didn't think it was anythilng but childish at the beginning I have now seen that it can be a great asset for those who psychologically need it and those who physically have no other way to put their dreams of moving into action.

Although it was not originally intended for Johns purpose I believe he had a brainstorm when he first began to build on his idea for those sites.

Whether they succeed or fail they were and are worth the cost of supporting them.

Take them in the name of research and look at them.

My problem lies in the lack of information he has given out to the members who have stuck by him for so many years. I can't believe the coldness of his response to their concerns.

Sure he has been travelling but he did before and always kept in touch as he carries a very good computer with him.

When he first put on the message at Braintalk it was not him but David Hosobuchi who put it on. John immediately took it off and put his own on. He has changed it only once since he put it in on my birthday aug 24.xxxx lol

So then David can do it as well. Then there has to be a problem bigger than what we are assuming going on behind the scene. The chat moderator said he would have it back last weekend and it did not appear. John has said the chats would have to be closed and the site as well for the repairs to happen. .

I personally sent him an email at his work to ask if it were a money problem and if so let me know and got no reply.

First time on a money subject no reply has come. Although I must admit I have only done it twice.

So there we are in the dark and not a thing we can say nor do till he himself desires to once again talk to us.

I have in a sense picked up all of the straws and they have led me nowhere.

It has been 7 years he has laboured over the site and for it to end like this or even have such an event as this blacken it's name is really sad.

He is in Sommerville and has been seen there yet this lack of caring remains.

This has led me to think about what has happened at Linden Labs and wonder if it has effected other sites perhaps Braintalk.

What ever it is time to stop wondering.

Take care all Thelma

[Alffe]

I wonder if Thelma knows that it's impossible for me to stop wondering.... (((Thelma)))

[JoJo6]

aaaahhhh my favorite dancing partner I do not have any dates before me, but if my memory serves me right it has not been THAT long since BT became non-profit! John made a big todo about it and we all congratulated John, BT and everybody else that felt a part of the "program".

I was thinking it actually came about shortly after the "big money drive" for the server and other things. I could be wrong, but nevertheless it was not far in between and it has not been a long time.
I agree with what Thelma, Chemar and Curious and several others said. JohnLester does not"owe" us his time or money or anything except to be treated with some respect. He may be a genius, he is very smart, he used to act like a human being and he DEMANDED we respect his Moderators and David H.just because HE said so.

there is much here that does not meet the eye. Also many people that depended on BT as their life line, very ill people. For 2 months if they have tried to log into BT y'all know what they got. I worry for these people because I talk with them and sometimes I speak on the phone to some of them.
It was sad to see them send JL money for a server when they hardly had food to eat, couldn't afford their meds. etc.

Many people mentioned that he never even gave a thank you. I guess we just want to be treated like human beings too. I think that is where he has failed him. I know members sent him money off and on a long time, which is great and I don't doubt he put his own money in.

He needs to remember his humble beginnings. He may be a genius, but he could not have built his impire without the people, us, the members!! JL didn't do it ALL by himself.

[Username]

If it comes to be that JL walked with the money, I will be in line with everyone else holding a stone to throw at him.


Added: Like I said though, that's yet to be proven.

[DocJohn]

Over 2 months now. The message has been down now for more than a few days. No update, no word to the thousands of people who depended upon the community. Some on a daily basis.

At this point, I guess we should stop holding our breaths waiting for its return and just get on with life and building this community.

It's sad, but I also think we shouldn't read too much into a person's motives or behaviors without them being here to defend themselves. Instead let's focus on the positive and what can be built here.

John