Originally Posted by
MuscleInk
Forum Members,
Thank you for your patience. First, before addressing the inquisition over the posted photos, I'd like to discuss my absenteeism from the forum for the past week. It has not been an avoidance issue, rather numerous personal issues that have taken priority, including a potentially serious health condition I am hoping turns out to be nothing, but nonetheless, not one to be taken lightly if early tests support a prevailing, albeit early, diagnosis. A few members I have spoken to are aware of the situation but I will not elaborate further on this issue here. On top of this, I am struggling with messy child custody issues and serious cash flow problems which may foreclose some or perhaps all of our clinics here in California - yes, I am in fact a resident of California as stated numerous times. I mention this not in a vain attempt to solicit your empathy, rather as a case to be made for my absence from the forum. I am not one to disclose personal issues as I feel we all have crosses to bare, so far be it from me to present personal problems for public debate or discussion. I am quite certain each and everyone of you would similarly put your personal issues ahead of a recreational forum such as this. That's not intended to be demeaning, again, just a point of fact.
On to the matter at hand - the validity of pictures I have posted. The first avi, the one of my friend and colleague, NICK (last names will NOT be used out of respect for privacy), or as some of you have seen on other forums, "Nick Edge", was initially pased off as my own. For that I apologize misleading the members. Earlier, several members had asked if that was me and eventually I confessed, "no, it is a friend", at which time I removed the avi and replaced it with the one currently seen (which, to clarify, is also (obviously) NOT me, as I am sure many of you deduced - just as many avatars used by fellow members are clearly not of themselves). The only other picture which was incorrectly posted was that of Jason, another member of our training squad in Cali. When posting pictures, there should have been two pictures of me in the grey S&H shirt, one from two years ago, the second (more recently) from my excursion in Vietnam (the picture where I am seen drinking snake blood, yes, that is in fact snake blood and I have a video to support that - AXx and Capebuffalo have both viewed this video).
All other remaining pictures are in fact ME as presented and some of those pictures have been validated by video footage sent via text message to members of this forum (said videos would have been posted here but I am unsure how to do that from the phone app, which is where my training videos are recorded).
I understand the anger, frustration, and perhaps betrayal some of you feel. For that, I can only sincerely apologize, express my regret and hope you will accept my admission of fault. I will NOT however, grovel or engage in any derogatory exchanges or character defamation with ANY of you. It's pointless, deconstructive, deplorable and tantamount to playground bullying. You, as a community are tasked with passing whatever final pronouncement you deem appropriate. If a suspension or banning is in order, so be it. I do respect the members of the community and the PRIVILEGE to participate in this forum, however, I will not engage in inflammatory abuse with any of you. I have neither the patience or desire to do so. If you feel my integrity and trustworthiness is questionable, do as you must. I accept responsibility and penance for my misactions, but, will move forward regardless of your deliberation. If I am ostracized, again, I accept it and will simply move on. I am not one to dwell on issues.
I have made several friends here, many of which we openly exchange texts offline. I hope those of you who this reference applies to, will continue to reach out regardless of the outcome herein. If you chose to disconnect, I will certainly understand and not fault you for that decision.
Finally, I want to make two comments in closing.
First, to all those of you who have stood by me during the acqusations through texts, PMs, phone calls, etc, I appreciate and value your support and words of encouragement. Specifically to Capebuffalo and AXx, ambassadors to this forum and people of integrity and respect that represent the meaning of "friend". I know during the past week, in many cases, each has spoken in my defense and patiently supported me where they felt justified, waiting for my return to apologize and appeal to the forum membership. Thank you for being steadfast during what I am certain was not an easy task. You have my respect brothers.
Second, if the decision going forward is to eliminate my access to this forum, I assure the membership that I will NOT return with an alternate identiy. That is not my style and I simply see no point in doing so. Life is too short and valuable for that kind of juevenille and manipulative behavior. What ever the deliberation, the decision shall be final - just as I hope that if my actions are foregiven, that the issue here will be put behind us and not drugged up every opportunity.
I rest my case and leave the final decision to the forum members. If this is to serve as my final communique, it was a privilege and opportunity to particpate in this forum and I apologize for any misgivings and breach of trust my ignorance caused. I wish each of you success, health, and of course great strength.
Peace brothers.
Always,
MuscleInk.
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