[ Post a Response | Newfoundland Chess Message Board ]
Posted by Cameron on 9/9/2010, 11:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Disappointment"
142.162.143.232
Hi Jordan,
I've never met you or Brian or Anthony or Gilbert or any of the 'regulars' that play in the St. John's tournaments. We do, however, have a common perspective. Like you, I have been an expert rated chess player (out here on the west coast of NL) and have made a contribution over the years to NL chess (through playing and teaching much weaker school-aged players).
I have seen many 'disagreements' since I started on the NL chess scene back in the early 80s. And I have noticed your efforts in developing chess in NL.
It would seem to me that you have let your emotions get the better of you in this case. You have taken 2 specific incidents and made a number of unfortunate generalizations.
Allow me to expain. As you said, "This is really not about the money, I could care less about it. It's about the fact that the players made this change without having an ounce of respect to consider MY input, and I am ALSO one of the regular players." As you have explained the decision was made to split the prize funds without your input - I would have to agree with you. A mistake was made and I feel that you are correct in saying you should have been consulted.
As a regular player and regular winner, you deserved that.
As for Brian's comment - I don't know whether this was a joke or not. I wasn't there. But, it clearly irked you and that's unfortunate.
You say this is not about the money, and I beleve you. But then you go into a lot of math about the subject. That's kind of contradictory.
I believe you got insulted - twice, in 2 specfic incidents. At least once was justified in my humble opinion.
However, you too have made a mistake here. You have taken 2 specific incidents and turned them into generalizations - a number of which would be quite insulting to the audience.
You are not the only person who has made a contribution to chess. Maybe you have done more or less than that person or another - but really, that doesn't matter. It makes you sound childish when you spout off like that.
When you talk about the 'sacrifice' you make by playing (beating and thus, giving a lesson to)weaker opponents. It sounds like you think they should be grateful on some level. This make you sound pompous.
The statement you made about not wanting to be a champion of a province that doesn't appreciate you is, honestly, way over the top. I actually winced and felt a bit bad for you when I read that.
I didn't write this to beat up on you. It would appear to me that you had a legitimate beef. But how you handled it was way off base. Perhaps, now that you've had some time to reflect on this, you'll think the same. And at least reconsider not playing in NL anymore. Having strong players around to play against is good for everyone (whether they know it or not!).
Regards,
Cameron
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