An unfortunate turn of events...

[Fenris]

I'm sorry for my reaction as well. I just thought it better to just leave it alone. Addressing the issue was fine, but I think that it would have been better to not go to the extent he did. Everyone has their own opinions and that's mine. This whole thing was blown way out of proportion and it shouldn't have been. I think now, it is best to leave the issue alone and just move on.

Again, my reaction was on impulse. It was brought on by crap that's going on in my own life. My anger flared. I'm very sorry Ben. You do have every right to protect your own. Let's just leave this the way it is and go on being happy. I think it's best for everyone if we do. 

[Scani]

I know some people on this forum have been in the fandom for far longer than I have; myself, I've been around it for four years, and I have certainly seen my fair share of lying and manipulation among furs to meet their own objectives. (Where do you think all the drama comes from!?) I don't imagine those who have been around for longer, or even shorter, would disagree with me on that front.

However, I can honestly say that as far as I remember (and keeping in mind that most of the folks I've met have initially been on the Internet), every fur that I have encountered has been, fundamentally, truthful about themselves. I've never come across a case where somebody has been intentionally deceitful about who they are... I don't mean little omissions or changes, I mean BIG, deliberate lies. Have I been conscious that it could happen? Absolutely. Has it happened here? I'm inclined to think so.

This whole thing frightens me, to be honest. One of Wahini's tribulations mentioned on Fur4U was the theft of her truck and her work gear... insurance covered most of the "damage", but not all of it, leaving her about $8,500 short if I'm not mistaken. If somebody had taken pity on her and decided to toss in a few bucks to help ease her plight... wouldn't that be fraud?

While I'm not the most prolific of posters on either forum, I definitely considered myself a walker-between on the two forums (those who know me know I have a reputation for that...) and I was actually content to keep varying company... I didn't have a problem with anyone, I still don't. When this whole thing broke out, this was never an issue of "Fur4U vs. furry.ca" or anything like that - my initial impression was "This was an individual, how can you hold the forum accountable?" Of course, some folks know how that went...

Of course, that was before identity was called into question. But even then, it still wasn't an X vs. Y issue. It still is not - instead, for me the dilemma is a matter of "Do I believe this?" and "Do I trust the individuals involved?"

Benjamin isn't perfect - certainly there have been times when I may not have agreed with him. However... furry.ca has had a few enemies, and in my memory of the forum this is the first time that I've seen a fur called out like this... or this sort of thread, in general. I'm tempted to think that it's not something done lightly. There is no agenda here, other than defending the reputation of a website that he's been part of for almost eight years (really, folks, I think you'd be just a hint protective of a project you'd invested that much time in, too). I'm more inclined to trust him.

Without any other prejudice, I can't say the same for SheWolf, at the moment.

(Reserving right to cross-post this.)

[Harle]

Whew, I had no idea this thread was going on.

I was the one who pointed out the photo was a fake, so I guess I'll have to take my share of the responsibility for this whole thing exploding. I have to shamefully admit that I wasn't really in the soberest of minds when I made that post, though all the same, though it was a bit more confrontational than I would have been otherwise, I don't think it was especially rude or.. for that matter.. wrong.

I ended up sending an apology to Wahini after my post had been removed, because I'd realized that it was rude and unnecessary, no matter how sure I was about whether the photo was fake or not. I should have left it alone. So I apologized to her. I'm not sure if she ever got the message or not; sounds as though she might have been banned before that happened.

I've been around on the net for a long time, and people do post fake pictures now and then(maybe a lot), and I don't... necessarily think that's really a bad thing. But I do think that there's a line people can cross, posting blatant pictures of models in a thread where dozens of people have been posting their real-life pictures, despite whatever misgivings they might have. That takes more than a little trust. It struck a nerve, that someone would flaunt a fake identity so carelessly. But still, this is a peaceful place, and I should have just let people come to their own conclusions.

That all said, to learn that this whole thing runs deeper than just one person uncomfortable with their identity, makes it more than a little more uncomfortable, for me.

Now I'm learning that there's a whole minor community of furs who think I'm this horrible person for pointing out something that can be factually verified(thanks Seamus). I guess on some level it's hard to feel bad about that, given the situation... but regardless, I'm not used to people having some kind of vendetta against me. I'm pretty sweet and harmless, but there are occasions where I feel an urge to call someone on their crap.

I don't think I know anyone on the other forum, though I have a feeling that anyone who really knows me would take any negative comments with a grain of salt. I just hate to think that I'd meet someone new and have them think I'm some kind of horrible person based on this big drama. =(

Mostly I just hope this blows over.

[Benjamin]

The apologies are accepted, naturally.
 
Rrrmm...
 
Thanks go to everyone that put their input into this thread... even the stuff that got deleted. It helps to know where people stand at times. I'm sure it wasn't an easy thing for some of you to do.
 
I believe things will calm down in the near future. Things tend to be fairly tranquil around here, even if we are a bunch of crazy Canucks, after all.
 
And thanks for posting, Harle. Am glad you don't feel bad for your part in all of this. You did what you felt was right, after all. Those that know you and understand you will definitely not fault you for what has come to pass here.
 
Benjamin

[crazyfur]

how very intriguing!!  some ppl seem to have way too much time on their hands!!

[Lady Serpent]

If somebody had taken pity on her and decided to toss in a few bucks to help ease her plight... wouldn't that be fraud?

Those were actually my thoughts exactly when I saw that particular thread.  Thankfully I don't think that was part of the plan, and it was posted shortly after that most of the cost had been covered by 'work'.  That's why you always have to be careful before supporting someone financially over the internet; they might not be legit.

Harle:  I don't think you need to worry; you've not been singled out for any reason that I've noticed.  If anything, it's Seamus that have been taking a lot of flack for actually posting evidence that the picture is fake and sticking to his guns.  (Besides the fact that the issue isn't about a fake picture, but a false identity used in a malicious way.)

Cheers,
-Sephren  (Six more days!)

[Kell]

Im just gonna add my two bits worth, cause well, thats how i roll.

Ben, you did the right thing.

You cant simply act like it didnt happen once the first case blows over, this is the internet, people have a way of taking things way too far, way too fast, and never letting things go. Its best that our members know this is going on, so they dont trust every word they always see... i know it sounds cold, but this is the net, dont trust anything unless you can prove it, and even then, check your proof!

Also, anyone that douts how valid his IP checking is.

Most forum ban systems dont ban JUST one IP. If yo banned say 12.345.67.890 chances are your forum would bad everything fro 12.345.67.700-900 or a system like that. Reason for this is that with ALOT of routers and ISPs, it is possible to change your IP, if only by a few digits, easily, i know this from past dealings, both as an admin, and having to change my IP. Also, anyone with an IP that shows the same as someone else, down to the digit, is infact using their router, doesnt matter if they are wireless or not, one router, one IP, in all but a handfull of cases, and never 1 IP, 2 routers.

As for the stolen picture, its probly best that you didnt jump on them for it right away... god knows there are enough teens on this planet that dont think much of their bodies that would like to fake it once in a while... its sorta sad and wrong, but it doesnt really hurt anyone...

Iv read alot about this whole issue, and it seems to me that Ben did the right thing on all points. And no, i aint just kissin ass, someone was trying to make his site look bad via lies and hiding who they really are, and guess what? they got banned and he didnt hide it! A admin with balls is a wonderfull thing, we should all be glad to have one!

Oh, and if this post has pissed anyone off... well, go be pissed off to someone that cares...

~Kell, a rather infuriated bunny.

[Methadone]

....I am so freakin confused...

I read through this thread... and the only mudslinging I saw was people mudslinging Ben (Which I don't believe should be happening, btw)

When someone states a fact thats it.

Ben explained the situation. He didn't declare war, and nor did he pry. He explained the situation, to his own disdain, to the people on his forum. That's his own right to do. In regards to everyone flipping out on Ben.. To you get angry when other people inform you of things too?

This isn't remotely a flame.. This is information! How can you not want to expand your horizons by learning things? That seems ignorant to me. In  the long run.. this is all blown way out of proportion...

My two cents Ben, Negate every post on this except for your first post explaining the information... that way its like a sticky not.. you can't add to it, but damn well you can read it [also, sticky notes rock]

[Lady Serpent]

I actually disagree with deleting the posts below the first. (But I don't agree with post-removal in any case unless someone's completely out-of-line). If there's no outlet for discussion, people still feel like they havn't had a chance to talk about it and it just hides the issues at hand.  But to the rest of your post; yea.  My sentiments exactly.

Cheers,
-Lady Serpent

[Benjamin]

Thanks for the input, Meth.... and everyfur else.
 
I'm keeping the thread here in tact as much as possible. I've only deleted the stuff that had exhibited animosity. It has no place here. Everyone else's voices have every right to be heard and for that opinion to stand. I've argued with some of you in order to clarify my point and I'm thankful for those that didn't let things get too out of hand. This situation has been awful enough, as it is.
 
Just so any of you know, guest accounts can easily see the posts here. I'm not into concealing our community. It is an open community, after all. We've nothing to hide!
 
Benjamin

[Aaeden]

Wow. I totally missed something somewhat significant in my absence. Kudos Ben for your handling of the situation. From what I'm seeing, you did a fantastic job of sorting things out to the best of your ability given the circumstances. It's clear to see why furry.ca has lasted so long with the dedicated crew we have around here.

*golf claps*

[Wotan]

Wow. I totally missed something somewhat significant in my absence. Kudos Ben for your handling of the situation. From what I'm seeing, you did a fantastic job of sorting things out to the best of your ability given the circumstances. It's clear to see why furry.ca has lasted so long with the dedicated crew we have around here.

*golf claps*

  I truly hope, Aaeden,
  That your use of the term 'golf claps' in this particular case does not mean what it usually does when used elsewhere on the net.
  Anywhere else, it is generally an indication that the entire post that preceded it was dripping with sarcasm.
  Again, I will give you the benefit of the doubt unless you prove otherwise.

[Benjamin]

He's usually a nice kitty, so I tend to give him the benefit of the doubt.
I don't think he'd post so much here if he didn't approve of how it's run, after all...
 
Benjamin

[Aaeden]

Oops. :o I'm sorry, Wotan. I totally didn't realize that it could be taken that way.

Golf claps, in my mind, are quietly respectful of a golfer stepping up to a tricky shot, aware that hooting and hollering will intrude upon their sense of consciousness and will likely distract them. I guess my sense of it is more puritan in the sense of 'golf' claps, as opposed to just applauding someone's efforts.

I'll make a point of keeping this in mind in the future!

Thanks Ben, I totally approve of how this place is run. ^^

[Benjamin]

Thanks for the clarification, Aaeden.
 
Benjamin

[AshleyAshes]

I wonder how many furs would have never known about this furry drama had this thread never existed.  I know I wouldn't have and this thread here ensure that anyone new knows about it too.

This thread is like reading an ED article, if ED articles written in plain English.  Neat.

[Benjamin]

That's alright. Regardless of what you think of it, this thread is a necessity. I'm not one for drama, but if people try to drag me into it too far, I'll just have to stomp it out.
 
Benjamin

[Rainer Fenixhart]

Oh wow...this is such a Blow to the face to read all of this...

Just got back to the Forums after my long hiatus...and this just saddens me.

I mean...to think someone who earned the nickname "Mama SheWolf" would have been like this in the first place 

Scary man...scary.