Bob,
I been on this thread for a while but usually lurk unless I feel I have something of value to offer regarding FTEL. In this particular case I'm deviating from that rule. I'm personally glad your hanging in on this thread. I've enjoyed your energy and, whatever else may be said about your posts, you express yourself clearly and generally make valid points. The folks that frequent this thread are a good bunch. There are always those few that forget their manners, but either they don't seem to last or they come around. The collective vibe doesn't seem to support the terminally ill-mannered.
I also would like to share a belief I hold about this thread that I think you might appreciate. And I mention this only because of your open admission to being new to investing. Please know that I'm in no way intending to be condescending.
I believe that this is a powerful thread and may become quite a bit more so in the near future. By powerful I'm refering to its potential to effect FTEL and therefore Franklin itself. The source of this power resides in my belief that a healthy proportion of FTEL shareholders controlling a potent number of shares read what is stated here. And that among this number are folks that have a serious financial stake in this company. I therefore view any contributions I make with a powerful sense of responsibilty to all the good, honorable folks that have placed their collective asses on the line because they believe, as I do, that Franklin truely has a chance to be special. This does not mean I don't avocate dissenting views. I'm only saying that once I presume to have something important to publish here, I try to look hard at how my input may effect other good folks that have more at stake than I, and do my best to honor that point of view.
As they say, on the Net, you are what you write. Unscrupulous people that can turn a phrase and have skill in manipulating human nature can wreak havoc through a forum such as this. The only weapon that honorable people have to combat this is to vigilently demand high standards regarding the quality and tone of the posting. Assertions and questions must be logical and not continually restated. Amplification of a negative through continual restatement is a common and powerful ploy used by shorts and bargain hunters. Just state the idea once and try to stick to addressing individual points in subsequent replies. Remember, your original post ain't goin' anywhere. It can always be referenced. Factual assertions must be referenced. Manners and fundamental respect must be demanded, but without unnecessary emotional content. The best threads I've experinced are firm and swift in this regard, but always in the spirit of extending a hand in friendship and never involving personal attacks. Everyone deserves a second chance if they transgress, but not necessarily a third. It is through practices such as these that a healthy trust can develop between various members. And such trust, though not a substitute for DD, can complement responsible DD with lucrative results. I personally view Raliegh's history of behavior and contributions as an example of this.
I've found that if values such as these can be maintained though group effort and are found in conjunction with honorable and knowledgable people (which I believe you, Raliegh and many others to be), great things can happen when applied to a company such as Franklin. If Franklin really does have what many of us here hope it has, then essentially we've all lucked into a potentially very important "club". But the realization of that potential remains up to us. If it works out and Franklin becomes a star, then there will definitely come a day when we will no longer be able to maintain such standards due to the sheer volume of new personalities and motives. But if we make it to that point, at least we'll know that we did our part at a crucial time in Franklin's evolution and frankly, our shares will be worth enough to compensate for any sense of loss we feel as we watch our little group fade away.
Well, now I realize why I don't post often. I'd max the server. Sorry about the length. I hope it wasn't worthless.
And BTW, a great deal of this was not directed at you. I just got carried away.
Regards,
Scott |
