My most sincere apologies for the past several days

[AlCanuck]

Hi Guys,

I'm sitting here in my office at 2:11am, just wrapping up my day's activity, before I head off to bed. One thing is seriously bothering me though. I don't think I need to mention any names yet, but most of you know exactly who and what I am talking about. This needs to stop.

I would like to offer my deepest apologies to the entire board, and the 2002 community as a whole. I felt I was being attacked, and like most people, I got my back up. Looking back on it, I admit I probably over reacted, and could have handled it in a better way. I'm an emotional guy, and I get defensive at times. I tried to keep my cool, but I failed. I am sorry that this entire community had to witness it.

I'm asking for all of you to accept my apologies, and help me, and this community move forward. I have learned from this, and I hope some other people have, too.

One thing I must say is that I was left feeling pretty crappy at the allegations that I only use this board for my own personal gain, and to "hock my wares". I take that very personally, and those of you who know me, or remember my name from the late 90's on the old Bimmers.org(now Roadfly) will know that simply isn't true. Despite trying to run my shop on a daily basis, I still try and find the time to pop in here, answer a question or 2, and hopefully help someone out. When someone asks about carpet, or upholstery, I'm usually the last guy to post anything up. If Steve asked me to pay money to advertise on this board, I would do it in a flash. Those who suggested that, may not remember that one of the reasons this board was founded was to escape the banner ads and hype of Roadfly. If it ever gets to that point here, I will be the first one to pay up.

The greatest thing about 02's is the people that own them, and drive them(or spend years working on them without actually driving them!). I left a perfectly good, well paying career to start my little shop, because of the people in this community. I felt I had something to offer, and I felt that I could make a living offering it. My business was born out of this very board, and it was even named by another board member. I asked everyone I knew for name suggestions, and Seams Perfect was one of the suggestions. I "think" it was Mike Selaniuk who came up with it, but I honestly can't remember anymore. It's a great name, and it has served me well for almost two and a half years.

I love what I do for a living, which is not simply trimming interiors, and cranking out carpets, but it's interacting with other car guys, and fellow 02ers. I love the fact that I can go to a far away 02 Fest, and write the whole trip off. I must be the luckiest man in the world, and I must have done something great in my past life to be allowed this pleasure. I must always remember that, and continue to do my part to contribute to the community that put me here. THAT is the lesson I will take from all of this.

Final note before I fall asleep. Esty, and Kirin, PLEASE take the blogs down. I realise you two have developed a whole new dislike for each other that has nothing to do with me, or Seams Perfect, but it also needs to stop. I have uncovered enough evidence to know what type of person Esty is, and I know Kirin personally, so I KNOW that both of you will always need to get the last word in. But please, just stop the bickering. I don't want to see it, and either does anyone else. It does no one any good. Both of your blogs are silly, and I'm positive I am not the only one here who feels that way. It would be in the best interest of the FAQ, and it's members if both those pages were taken down. Anyone else agree?

Again, I am very sorry that all this played out like this, and I hope you guys will all forgive me, and we can move on.

Regards,

Al

ps - 02 content. Here's a quick ass shot of the 73 that we're restoring in the shop. It's about to earn the name "Glacier", because of the speed at which it is being completed, but it will certainly be a stunner when it is finally done.[/img]

[Guest Anonymous]

A nice forum you have here. I thought us old rodders were the only one's that spent as much time with our cars. I'm going to have to find and old BMW 2002 now just to see what the fascination is all about.

I've know Esty for more than 4 years and she one of the nicest, kindest ladies I've ever known. She'll go above and beyond to help anyone that ask's. Some people have a soft spot for stray animals, Esty has one for old cars and stray animals. I wouldn't let her fool you by thinking she doesn't know what she's doing. She has 8 or 9 awardwinning classics that she's fully restored. She recently painted 2 of them herself, teaching herself by reading several auto and paint forums. And did a 1st class job on both, as good as I've seen anywhere and I've been painting cars for 30 years. She sews her own upholstery and before anyone questions her knowledge of auto upholstery you might ask her to show you some of her work.

I'm a member of the same autobody and paint forums as Esty and I'll vouch for her being welcome wherever she goes. She might be direct and to the point but one thing you can bank on is her honesty and strong belief in right and wrong, they are unmovable. This isn't the 1st time Esty's bitten into an incredible claim and doubt very much it will be her last. It's how Esty I met, she challenged my methods. Fortunately for me, I was open minded enough to listen to the lady.

Andy

HotRodders.com

[PSloan]

No worries Al. I don't think some bickering is going to hurt your reputation. we've seen the quality of your work - if anyone thinks they can do better i suggest they open their own shop and put you out of business. but i don't see that happening...

We all get a little tense sometimes - it's nothing new to the board.

[FL02]

Remember that song....95% is showing up. Keep your product out there and frequent the 2002 etc. boards enough you'll find happy amd sometimes crappy customers. Business is business, and I'm kinda the same way as u w/ customers sometimes. Good luck

[dubois]

I must have missed all the controversy, but I have the picture to prove it, you are one of the good guys!

[bimmerboy]

it did get in the way and sent out some bad vibes and thats not cool. the apology was a respectful move.

[polloelastico]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

Just because this site was born out of a dislike of all things commercial does not mean that it does not require our support. I don't really know what all the fuss was about, but you are probably the most opportunistic person who comes to mind when I think of the board. Many of us own businesses and many are car/BMW related yet very few use the board as a marketing tool. That sounds inflamatory and offensive and it is not meant to be - it is just one persons observation. You are the one I think of.

So since you are apologizing why wait for Steve and Rob to ask for support why not show good faith and offer to cover some of the costs? Not nickle and dime stuff real costs!

No other "professional" vendors that I know of ie Bavarian, BMPD, 2002 Haus, LaJolla IND. Ardvaark, Korman, Brian C etc use the board the same way you do.

Lucy you got some splainin' to do!

[_z_]

[wohleb]

Al - You're a class act. That's very aparent. It shows in you comments above and in the examples of your work that has been posted. My son and I are going to get up to see your shop in the next month or so.

Z, That's the funniest cartoon I've seen in a long time.

[Anthony]

I am sorry that is the funniest picture I have seen in a while.

Why is their so much drama on this message board? Can we please move this to the OT?

I don't get the babysitter cartoon though ( I mean I get it but dont GET IT)

Anyway Esty, AL, Kirin make love not war.

Personal attacks are not cool, especially making fun of someones apparance, sex, gender, colour you get the drill.

Honestly there are way more imprtant things going on in my life, lets hope your life and definately the world around us to sweat this lame stuff. If you are loosing sleep over the message board you are spending too much time here.

THe DoKtoR

[slash02]

I must have missed all the controversy, but I have the picture to prove it, you are one of the good guys!

Me too Mr. Dubois! Heheh. Al, lemme guess, this is a picture of you saying,

"and i stepped on the gas and the car went... vrrrom"?

[slash02]

I must have missed all the controversy, but I have the picture to prove it, you are one of the good guys!

Me too Mr. Dubois! Heheh. Al, lemme guess, this is a picture of you saying,

"and i stepped on the gas and the car went... vrrrom"?

[slash02]

I am sorry that is the funniest picture I have seen in a while.

Why is their so much drama on this message board? Can we please move this to the OT?

I don't get the babysitter cartoon though ( I mean I get it but dont GET IT)

Anyway Esty, AL, Kirin make love not war.

Personal attacks are not cool, especially making fun of someones apparance, sex, gender, colour you get the drill.

Honestly there are way more imprtant things going on in my life, lets hope your life and definately the world around us to sweat this lame stuff. If you are loosing sleep over the message board you are spending too much time here.

THe DoKtoR

The doktor?

[esty]

Just because this site was born out of a dislike of all things commercial does not mean that it does not require our support. I don't really know what all the fuss was about, but you are probably the most opportunistic person who comes to mind when I think of the board. Many of us own businesses and many are car/BMW related yet very few use the board as a marketing tool. That sounds inflamatory and offensive and it is not meant to be - it is just one persons observation. You are the one I think of.

So since you are apologizing why wait for Steve and Rob to ask for support why not show good faith and offer to cover some of the costs? Not nickle and dime stuff real costs!

No other "professional" vendors that I know of ie Bavarian, BMPD, 2002 Haus, LaJolla IND. Ardvaark, Korman, Brian C etc use the board the same way you do.

Lucy you got some splainin' to do!