Taking a few steps back...

[martok2112]

I have ultimately decided that I am just gonna step back from all of this (except in my role as a moderator) and stop contributing any input to this or any other Galactica site, whether it is geared towards the original Battlestar Galactica series or the Ron Moore Battlestar Galactica series .

Everyone has their rights to their opinions, but as I've said before, too many people seem to think that their opinions are tantamount to "matters of fact".

I will monitor and moderate where necessary. I have nothing further to contribute to the Galactica fandom., except for my sequel story...but that's about it.

Being a fan of both shows is proving to be a heartbreaking endeavor when surrounded by fans of one or the other.

I have tried to be an Ambassador of good will between the fandoms. Ambassadors are useless. I have learned this the hard way, and it is too painful to deal with.

I have tried to respect both sides of the fandom, and I still do...but now my respect is best just expressed in silence. No matter how valid a point one side might make to the other, people are still going to refuse to see the validity of such opposite points.

Fans of the Ron Moore Battlestar Galactica series are going to be made to feel unwelcome here, despite the efforts of those who are trying to make this site friendly to all. They are unwelcome in every other Galactica site that leans toward, or fully embraces the original Battlestar Galactica series . As a fan of both shows, I feel partially unwelcome here, and in those other sites. But if I cannot feel entirely welcome, then I have no place offering input anywhere.

I realize that in another area, I placed a "No Apologies Necessary" thread, and that is still true. No Apologies are necessary. Everyone's views are their own, and I do respect them. But I feel for those other fans of the Ron Moore Battlestar Galactica series that might join this board, see the hostile remarks toward the new show, and wonder why the hell they are here in the first place.

So, I'm just gonna go grab a box of popcorn, sit in my dark little corner of the universe, and enjoy Galactica in whatever form that happens to be when I can catch it.

I will look in as a silent partner, discharging my moderator duties where appropriate. Beware the shadows. Klingons can be devilishly tricky little blighters. :)

Those who wish to stay in contact by YIM, please do so. I am not turning my back on anyone as a friend. Please do not mistake my silence here as a disinterest in the many friends I have made here. I would not be a friend at all if I did that. As friends, you are all in my heart. Never doubt that, please.

In time, if I see that things have changed for the better, where all Galactica fans can feel like their input is valuable, and not dismissed off-handedly, then I will speak again.

And yes, I STILL LOVE COLONIAL FLEETS! It is my home....but I am just gonna park myself out in the doghouse for a while.

Respectfully,
Martok2112

Rotarran, this is Martok. Beam me out of here, but maintain cloaked in orbit. I still have duties to perform.

[ernie90125]

Martok, you're one of the ost decent people here...It will be a great shame to see you post less....

Maybe we can come up with a few interesting threads over time to tempt you back a little ?

I hope so....

[thomas7g]

I've learned that walking a middle road means you get crapped on from both sides.

People would rather argue than listen and weigh different opinions against their own.


But Colonial Fleets is built on the philosophy that any fan of the old show can come here and say what they want just as long as they respect other opinions. Infact we encourage people to respectfully speak up and let their voice be heard.

That bloody well goes for MODS too!

The BG universe is richer if people join in and have fun. So don't leave. Just leave the arguing people behind (as much as possible)and have fun!

(That goes for you Lurkers too!)

:D

[Reverend Dr Syn]

:cry: Dont go Mart. Whos gonna put up wth me? :cry:

[Ninja]

Thats no good.
It won't be the same round here if you don't post man. :(

[amberstar]

(((((((((Martok)))))))))))
I will miss seeing your posts here. I do hope that you reconsider.
We have all felt the pain of what "fans" can cause :rose:

[julix]

((((((((((((((((Steve))))))))))))))
I guess I am surprized....I thought things were improving....I think the only way to initiate change is by example. The only way to grow is to spread the seeds of diversity and tolerance. Please reconsider my friend. It is the same way in real life....if you are not in the mix standing up for what you believe in then how can we all build what we want to. I know it is hard and I know you maybe were expecting things to be different then they are....I fear something has happened I don't know about................Please reconsider my friend. :heart:

[CommanderTaggart]

Martok... do what you need to do, man. But I know I won't have as much fun here if you're not posting. I rather enjoy voicing my opinions... I thought you did, as well.

[Rowan]

Sometimes a body just gets weary of all the negativity towards the new series. You can understand from now until the dawn of time that people are hurt and feel profoundly betrayed by actions of Moore et al. You can use all your sensitivity, compassion, understanding, patience and goodwill to understand why people are still slamming the new show. You feel obligated when you post something positive about the new show to always mention/clarify how you feel about the original, those of us who do this do it because we don't wish to hurt the feelings of the people who love only the original. But this same sensitivity is not reciprocated. It's exhausting after awhile because you are for ever holding back, In the end you don't post on threads because you know it's just a waste of time, people are too hurt to take in any new info, they don't want to hear what you have to say because it hurts them, anything positive about the mini or the new series is perceived as a slap against the original. You want to be able to say you like the mini and just be allowed to say it without fear of criticism. Despite making many dear friends here and loving Fleets I don't feel safe to say I liked the new show. It's a big reason why you don't see me posting on most of the "serious" threads. There are so many times I have wanted to join in an add something to a thread but I see how those who posted before me were received and I realize that what I have to say will be treated the same way so why bother saying anything? I'm not here to hurt people or upset them and they will obviously be hurt if I post what I think (despite the fact that it is nothing more than a perspective on the mini) so I refrain from posting. It's a huge loss for me because I would love nothing more than to have fun talking about the mini with my friends. I missed out on that my whole life 'cause I've never met anyone in real life who loves Sci-Fi like I do, or BSG in particular. But here there are a whole bunch of people who share my passion and that is just so cool to me, but at the same time very sad, because half of them are still carrying around so much hurt. I am personally feeling dejected and frankly rejected and not welcomed for my feelings about the mini I don’t want to have to feel like I need to apologize all the time for liking the mini or made to feel guilty about it.

[Antelope]

Martok:

You are one of if not the most informed and sincere people on the Battlestar web world. I hope you reconsider. If not I hope your abscense is short in duration.

[Ioraptor]

Rowan says it so eloquently, thanks Rowan.
I just have a naturally thick skin (and some say a thick skull!). So....it doesnt bother me much.
Martok, is it the Klingon way to back down from a challenge? This is a glorious battle we are engaged in, fighting for the success of Battlestar Galactica in all its forms. Without clever and brave leaders such as yourself how will our warriors fight as a single crew?
Hmmmm?

Remember; "Sacrifice, Strength, Duty"
No time for thoughts of Sto-vo-kor, the war has just begun!

:/:

[BST]

I am in thought-gathering mode right now. I will have something to say about this shortly but, not just yet.

Preview: Am I beginning a slow boil or am I calm?

Only time will tell.

[thomas7g]

Your avatar and title are rather foreboding Pete. :D

[martok2112]

(sigh)

I suppose, when one thinks about it, perhaps I am taking the coward's way out.

But that is not the Klingon way.

However, I must make it known now that it is not battle I seek...but understanding.

I will therefore return...(not wishing to dishonor my Klingon heritage).

In rereading my "no apologies necessary" thread, I realize that I must be true to my word. Retreating to the Rotarran is counter to the sentiments I embraced in my post.

Perhaps there is not room for compromise...but their must be room for understanding. I will NEVER presume upon those strict fans of the original Battlestar Galactica series to compromise in regard to the Ron Moore Battlestar Galactica series .

But I will EXPECT all sides to understand that when an opinion is offerred about either show, that it is NOT an attack on the fans of said show themselves. (This includes me trying to remember that!) :D

However, I do hope that opponents of a given show can offer up better, less abrasive words that "(TOS or the Ron Moore Battlestar Galactica series ) sucked!" when offering a critique about either show. Those feelings are plainly known.

I would like to see more eloquence....more genuine reasoning for one's enjoyment or displeasure of one show or the other.

I am not going to foolishly wish for the "if ya' can't say anything nice, then don't say anything nice at all" notion. That would be unreasonable.



I understand the plight of my the original Battlestar Galactica series brethren and sisteren (is there such a word?) And all have known my sentiments about that.

But they must also understand that there is a NEW BATTLESTAR GALACTICA that has now ensnared some of us in a retelling of the original story that we have (NOT BLINDLY) acquiesced to and appreciated.

I will defend the original Battlestar Galactica series to my dying day. I will defend the new mini till my dying day. I have no cause to defend the Ron Moore Battlestar Galactica series until it has proven itself to me. If it has upon its impending release, then I will defend it as vehemently as I do the original Battlestar Galactica series .

Therefore, I Martok, Chancellor of the Klingon High Council, will return in active posting to the Fleets.

Beware, all, for a Klingon Warrior has returned!

"I LOVE MY MUFFIT. I LOVE MY MUFFIT! I REEEEAAAALLLY LOVE MUFFIT!!!!!!"


Hey, when are ya' gonna lift this blasted curse?! :D

With regret for my cowardice,
Martok2112



NOW, "nuq daQ oH puchpa'a'e?" The Rotarran's is out of service!

[Dawg]

I have got to find my Klingon dictionary....

Good decision, Martok. :salute:

I am
Dawg
:warrior:

[repcisg]

Good decision Martok.

Right now things are quiet, but once the series starts things will probably heat up quit a bit. Now for me I’d rather see a continuation, but that’s not what’s coming. So I can only hope the series matures with each show, but SciFI’s record is not a good one. But one can hope.

When dealing with rabid rabble on both sides, a tall glass of one favorite adult beverage may be called for. But in the end we must all remember this is only a TV show, and the rest of the universe doesn’t give a rats patute about it.

Now as I said I’m primarily a TOS guy, which is not a bad thing or so I tell myself. But there was a point at the end of the new Battlestar Galactica which caught my attention. If I’m reading it write, Adam treats the President like what she is, ignorant and presumptive.

This was, for me the high point of the whole thing!

I am repcisg!

[thomas7g]

Good to hear it, Martok!

I have lots of friends who like the new show but you are definitely one of the funnest. Don't let the stubborn purists on each side get ya down. We have alot of fun. That's a good thing. Lets keep havig FUN.

:D

[martok2112]

Oh, I'm all about that :D

Besides, I am in spitting distance of my sixth Raider...which puts me within a stone's throw of a Basestar....which gives me approximately one A.U. to get to my own Ship of Lights...which....


*thud*

[julix]

Martok....
Glad to hear the News my friend....
You and I have had great discussions and maybe even made a point or to with each other. I am an original Battlestar Galactica series fan and I didn't like the Mini most all of you know my reasons so I won't restate them here. I do however endorse respect, tolerance and understanding by everyone on all sides. Some people are not capable of this is any walk of life this is no different. I do have a wish that people can express their thoughts and beliefs here(as long as it is not disrespectful of others)People have a right to believe as they do and feel as they will...but we do not have a right to be disrespectful here. I know the mods will make sure of this.
Welcome back my friend I am glad your absence was short. ;)

[BST]

Perhaps there is not room for compromise...but their must be room for understanding.


This quote is the defining statement for my response.

“Perhaps there is not room for compromise” is a very succinct way of describing my feelings toward the Original Series. What follows can be summed up with a blanket “In My Opinion”, which is something that each one of us has. None of those opinions are absolutely correct and, by converse, none are absolutely wrong. As with just about everything else, in the universe, we’re all somewhere “under the bell curve”. Well, except for Langy/Light_Ship.

I refuse to compromise my feelings about the original show because it told a wonderful tale. It told a story about a far-off group of humans who were facing seemingly insurmountable odds against a seemingly omnipotent adversary. They did have one thing to sustain them and that one thing was HOPE. They did not need to succumb to squabbles about petty items. They had just lost everything – their families, their homes, their way of life, and quite possibly, at some point in the near future, they would be in danger of losing their very lives. The show had characters portraying people who were truly concerned about the well-being of their neighbor or friend. They put their problems behind them. Whatever it was that did not directly impact the well-being of the fleet was jettisoned and they placed their own welfare subordinate to those who they protected. They were heroes in every sense of the word. They were people that the average person could be proud of, who children could hope, some day, to emulate. They taught a lesson that was later portrayed, in real life, by the NYPD, FDNY and Armed Services and that is that when you accept that position, you willingly agree to lay down your life for the benefit and welfare of your neighbor.
Why? Because it is the right thing to do.

Sentiments like those are what hooked me, 26 years ago, and they have not yet loosened their grip. They’re timeless.

I refuse to compromise my feelings about the revival campaign because, as far as I’m concerned, it’s NOT over. The original telling of the Battlestar Galactica story has not returned, regardless of what may be presently wearing that mantle.

I refuse to accept what has been produced, for fear that it may be the only “new” endeavor bearing the name, Battlestar Galactica.

I have not waited 26 years, only to settle for something out of desparation.



“….but their must be room for understanding.”

This is absolutely, beyond any doubt whatsoever, the PRIMARY RULE that needs to be followed when participating in a forum environment.

Having “spoken my piece” in the beginning of this post, I will assure you that it is not meant as anything more than a peek into my mindset. So, there will be no apology for the words. I said them, primarily, out of respect since I feel that you deserve to know my feelings about the show(s). I would be disingenuous with you if I said or did anything otherwise. However, that does not infer that I am so inflexible that I would do anything to shut down your right to express your own feelings, in a similar fashion. I may want to have no involvement with the new show but, I will do nothing to prevent you from enjoying it. Count on it.

This forum is not meant to be a battleground but, a place for folks to gather and communicate with their “online friends”. This forum IS a site dedicated to the Original Series but, that does not give carte blanche to any so-called “purist” to blast anyone who is not in lock-step with their thinking. The converse is also true. This site is dedicated to the belief in mutual respect for each member of this family. Whether we realize it or not, in a way, we are a family. We should treat each other as such.

I mentioned family. Well, I have a little story to tell. A few short weeks ago, I shared a very personal bit of information with a member of this forum. Mind you, this person and I have never met. We never knew of each other until meeting, in an electronic fashion, on this forum. The news that had been given to me, was about a member of my family – my aunt. She had been diagnosed with cancer – an inoperable tumor on the pancreas – and given a very short survival time. On September 25, she passed away and last week, we buried her. Through that time, this member showed incredible concern, offered a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, and helped strengthen me to accept the eventual outcome. I can NEVER explain in words how much that meant to me. That person, to whom I’m referring, is Martok.

Steve, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I could not begin to explain my feelings regarding the loss of your presence, here, if you had decided to leave.


Pete :)

[martok2112]

Pete, my friend,

Thank you for your candor, and your understanding. I have always known how many people have felt on this board regarding the Ron Moore Battlestar Galactica series , and I was a fool for thinking that I had to back away for a while. I also felt, after rereading a certain post I had made in a certain place on this site, more the fool for backing away. I love Colonial Fleets...and indeed I love you all as brothers and sisters.

I will say that I have misread some things on this site....I am not going to say specifically what...but I was mostly the fool for allowing myself to see something bad that obviously wasn't there. I will submit myself to the THWACKERY for disciplinary action. :)

Pete, thank you for letting me be there for you when you needed a friend to lean on. (I know that everyone here feels exactly as I do in your time of bereavement and healing. Regardless of where we stand...we are all FAMILY :) )

Thank you, Pete, Julix, Amberstar, Rowan, Cdr. Taggart, Dawg, Warrior, Repcisg, Rev, Antelope, Ernie, Ninja, and ALL my countless friends here at the Fleets for helping me find my strength again too. I pray I do not fail anyone again in this regard.

I am moved beyond further words at this point except to say a very, very, bottom of the heart THANK YOU ALL! :)

LONG LIVE COLONIAL FLEETS!!!


"I LOVE MY MUFFIT. I LOVE MY MUFFIT! I REEEEAAAALLLY LOVE MUFFIT!!!!!!"

d'oH! THOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :duck:

With the greatest respect and humility, I report again to the THWACKERY!
Martok2112 (Steve Dunlap)

[Rowan]

With the greatest respect and humility, I report again to the THWACKERY!
Martok2112 (Steve Dunlap)
Well I ain't thwackin' ya this time...I don't see the need, unless your lookin' for a diff kind of thwack:naughty: :D

[jewels]

No thwacks needed Martok.

I agree with BST about both the "no compromise" where the hopes for the future of the original series go. But I can't fault others for liking what they like. I would be all for both existing at once and thriving--although Kara still irritates me to no end. Just a purely personal irritant. Some people like her and that's fine. I like Dirk's Starbuck and there's nothing anyone can do to change that. (it's difficult to change a melted woman you know ;) And Apollo vs. Lee--Apollo will always win that in my department.

It occurs to me that I'd probably watch some of the series if they gave me my movie of TOS. How's that for ironic? It's the "overwriting" of a classic that irritates the most. Though I view that as a temporary condition--our movie will get done sometime.

I'm glad you've chosen to "hang in" Martok. I want you to know that my opinions are purely that: opinions. Right. Wrong. Indifferent. My respect for you is the genuine article though, and will remain so.

Jewels, who is frightened of Klingon speakers...... :duck:

[justjackrandom]

Man, get too busy to keep track of what's happening, and the world turns upside down. So glad you reconsidered, Martok. You are one of my rocks...

JJR :salute:

[martok2112]

Man, get too busy to keep track of what's happening, and the world turns upside down. So glad you reconsidered, Martok. You are one of my rocks...

JJR :salute:

Rowan, Jewels, JJR,

Thank you all, as with everyone else for helping me to find my strength.

We all like what we like...thankfully, it does not affect us all liking each other.

Me, a rock? I thought I lived under one. :D

Respectfully,
Martok2112

[Ioraptor]

Jewels blnajtaHvls qwyIIS Daghomjaj!

Translated; Jewels, may you encounter Kathless in your dreams!



People misunderstand Klingon its a very sentimental and romantic language.
Really.
It is.....



Qapla!

[martok2112]

You've not heard Klingon until you've heard it in the original Klingon.

:wtf:

:wtf: did I say? :eek:

*thud*

Martok the Misunderstood Klingon :D

[jewels]

I better not ask who Kathless is then, ay?
Martok, that's my space under the rock....I stole it from Don a long while ago! Bwahahahaha!

Klingons make interesting, er, houseguests. At least they handle their own food prep. :rotf: