Scott,
I said I would not comment further, but I felt compelled to comment on the following post as I believe you need to get a grip on reality here:
Message 3498944
<<It [sic] *I* owned SI, I'd be thrilled to give free accounts to people like me, who probably have inside info on the companies being discussed here, and be a great resource to customers here. It's simply the smart thing to do.>>
I have to assume now that you are joking. SI nor anyone with half a brain would EVER encourage nor expect someone with insider information to post on these boards if his intention were to reveal any of this inside information! That blatantly violates SEC regulations, it is illegal! I am flabbergasted that you would make such statements that would put your company and GTIS under SEC scrutiny. The ramifications to touting that you are privy to insider information and would make that known on this thread as a 'great resource' are severe. I cannot now imagine that the legal departments at GTIS or Apogee have authorized your posts here unless they are total idiots.
<<I'm not saying that anyone's input here in [sic] of no value, but surely you can see the benefit of having someone in my position contribute here?! I mean, come on--this isn't rocket science. You must agree that I know information that could help with your investment decisions here--information you probably can't get from anyone not involved with GTIS.>>
I am sure that you have information which would be useful to GTIS shareholders that is not likely available to the common Joe, but unless it is something that is already known and announced publicly, it has no place on this board. In fact, by saying that you should have a free membership BECAUSE OF the fact that you are on the inside is practically akin to a bribe!!! That is a strong statement I am making, and I am sure you do not intend for your comments to be construed in that fashion...therefore, I again implore you to think more carefully about what you are posting on this thread, and to consider the ramifications of all that you say having publicly stated that you the head of Apogee.
If the information that you wish to share is your personal insight, experiences, opinions - or to field questions on topics that are already publicly disseminated - then that is fine. If you are inferring that you are a great resource deserving of a waiver of the SI membership fee because you have insider information that you will post here, then that is astoundingly stupid to say the least.
<<That's my value here. That's why if I were the owner of SI I'd jump at the chance at having company execs here--and giving them free accounts.>>
But alas, you are not the owner of SI. The Dryers are and they are aware of the company execs that post on the threads, are pleased to have them as members, and encourage ANYONE to join SI who has a contribution to make or a question to ask as far as I am aware. Again, there are executives, analysts, professional traders, market makers, CNBC personalities, fund managers, newsletter editors, etc., who post on these threads. None of these people deserve special treatment, however. There are also thousands of folks on SI who invest or trade who are heavily involved in the industries discussed here, and they have first-hand knowledge of what transpires in their companies, but they would hopefully never be so stupid as to disclose any of this information on a public forum as it would jeopardize their jobs or their companies. Again, the SEC is not fond of people who trade on insider information. Call them quirky, but that's the rule.
<<But then, I might be a bit smarter about running a business than the SI owners... Their lack of understanding of my value here very much indicates that's the case.>>
You just lost whatever credibility you might have had in my mind, Scott, by insulting the Dryers one last time. You blow your own horn so much that you have also blown the gray matter right out of your nostrils to boot. (YUCKY! What a mess!!) In fact, you need to read some of the articles that are available on just how successful they have become with this little board. In fact, they are incredibly talented and exceedingly bright men who possess extraordinary entrepeneurial skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, and they are computer geeks as well. (I love computer geeks, btw, but that is off topic, so EXCUSE ME!) They have singlehandedly put this site together and have seen it rise to fame in a very short time. This isn't just flattery, it is the fact, and they have already been offered millions to sell this site, but have chosen to continue as the owners as they have a great desire to further the site and continually provide new and better services to the people that they serve. That they should be compensated by expecting a nominal, one-time membership fee to defray some of their operating expenses is perfectly reasonable. I will be extraordinarily pleased should they make millions off of this endeavor, and would jump at the chance to become a shareholder if they ever do go public. I simply do not like to see good people be insulted, Scott. I have tried to get this across to you in other ways, but you seem to be a few fries short of a Happy Meal in your latest post which now claims that you are not only God's gift to the gaming industry, but really, really smart as well! You must have your arm in a cast most of the time, from breaking it as you pat yourself on the back so frequently. "For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself." DIG IT???
<<The real losers will be you and the their other customers here, because when I'm gone SI customers will have *lost* an inside information resource, and gained nothing.>>
No, you will be the loser, because you are unable to keep your ego in control, my dear. You have answered some questions on this board, and your input has been appreciated, but I maintain that if you truly had the shareholders' best interests in mind, you would not be insulting of the SI board on which you post, and you would be willing to do what is expected of all new members who wish posting privileges - pay the fee and stop whining for a free membership. You would also realize, as I have repeatedly stated, (but that point has fallen on deaf ears apparently), that YOU, Apogee, and GTIS stand to gain far more from this board than we do from you. Namely, you are nothing without the support and cashola from your shareholders. As far as my "loss" if you should leave this board: Well, I have told you that I welcome your input, Scott, and have not tried to discourage your from contributing from this board, as it is not my place nor would that be my desire; however, I can do without your temerarious commentary and audacious disposition to be frank.
In my opinion, if your behavior on this board is an example of how GTIS conducts its business in general, then there is now no doubt in my mind as to why the company has experienced such difficulties of late. If such blatant superiority as seen here is also manifested in the board room, it would be entirely unproductive for the company, as there would probably be power struggles constantly ensuing. (I might add, though, that it would be highly entertaining to witness such a display!) <ggg>
Unless you become cognizant of all that some of us here are trying to convey, you may find yourself being at the "head" of the unemployment line before long...
And in parting, let me just say that I might be out in your parts relatively soon on business, and if so, perhaps I can stop by to further Duke it out with you in person. You really should take me up on the offer, Scott. Remember, "Never look a gift horse in the mouth." Unless you are a veterinarian, of course.
[V. exits, singing, "You've got to change your evil ways....Baby..."]
Victoria Karas
"Head" of my company |
