conditionfreak

I love that Strange Adventures #3 cover. How colorful.

I have a bunch of Stan Lee File Copies. But I don't think they count as pedigrees. Certainly are not high grade.

None of these are new. But here they are anyway.

I have the "Crippen" copy of #2 of Cannonball also.

Here is one you don't often see.

Picked this one up about two weeks ago, from these boards.

Not new, but I will post them anyway.

Any SA (early - late) #1 Peds ?

Here is one. I think I have more, but have to check. This one is not a high grade, but is a tough book to latch on to in a pedigree.

If I have given sufficient warning to some here, to make them think twice about dealing with Castrillo. Then my mission is a success.

But I take no joy in it. I just wanted a good transaction with him. Alas, as hard as I tried. It did not come forth.

(man, I kind of sound like Thor there)

I am glad the mod/s did not delete this entire thread. Hopefully, no one will derail it again.

Now, if I can just make it through the day without getting a strike.

I have to go visit my mother in the hospital for a few hours. She has pneumonia, but will be okay. Did I ever mention on here that she had me when she was 15 (and married by the way), and I weighed 10 lbs.? On Mother Day even.

You may be right. I may be wrong. I will let the public decide. But as has been said. Castrillo brought his family problems into this situation. He used them for excuses. When you use things for excuses, they become part of the public record.

Future interested peoples should know that this is what he has used to justify his inability to live up to commitments.

I am as sympathetic for a persons temporary problems as the next guy. But the key word there is "temporary".

Bottom line is this: Anthony Castrillo can not be counted upon to live up to obligations and commitments. A prospective employer, be it a company or an individual, should be aware of this.

You should delete any reference you made to his family (wife/sister) regardless of how mad you are. Obviously there are issues in completing deals but once you included those bits of information I really could give a mess about your $240 dollar drawing.

 

I stand by what I wrote. If it bothers him, then good. Great actually. I couldn't care less about his feelings, or about his situation. My interactions with him revealed to me that he was sane and normal. Normal enough to complete his work that he was paid for in advance.

He used the family excuses. I didn't. I did not send him a PM saying that "my best friend is dying and I would like to give him his present before he goes", or anything like that.

And I don't give a spoon about you giving a spoon. You ain't gonna fix this, so why would I?

I am fed up with Anthony Castrillo. Yes, I know his alleged story. Don't care about it at all. Either he is an honest man, or he is not.

He is not.

I am posting this so that anyone, anywhere, who uses a search engine to find out about him, will see this. Perhaps a perspective employer, or whatever other reason someone may have to check into his character. I will do this on as many internet places that I can.

I do not care if the commissioned artwork shows up tomorrow, or if I get a refund the day after tomorrow. The money, the artwork, and Anthony Castrillo, can all go to hell together. $240 did not, and is not, going to change my life even a little bit. But the principal is important. Being lied to and cheated by a "professional" in this hobby, stinks.

I do not care if his dog died. Or if his cat ran away. Or if he totaled his car. He has cheated me out of $240.00, and has lied to me. The business transaction between him and I, have nothing to do with his personal problems.

We here, all know how he stiffed so many of us out of our money for commissioned artwork. Speedy-D from this site, worked with Castrillo and led him by the hand like a baby, until many were made whole and got something for their money.

But there are some that got nothing. Nothing except lies and excuses.

I first commissioned this artwork over two years ago. My last PM to Castrillo was on May 31st of this year. It is listed as "unread by Anthony Castrillo".

I paid for this commission, upfront and even paid using the PayPal "personal method", out of the goodness of my heart. That was a mistake and I caution others to not be so kind in their transactions. I have done that to members of this forum many times, and the only one to ever "stiff" me, is Anthony Castrillo. But I will not do it ever again. Sorry.

Here are the highlights of my PM's with him, over the past two years. There have been more, but of not much consequence. Just pictures of what I was asking of him for the commission.

I have not pestered or bugged Castrillo about this commissioned artwork. I have been very patient. If he wants to blame it on CGC, then he needs to deal with CGC. Not me. I paid him He did not pay me.

Is there anyone else here, who is still holding out "hope" that he will come through for them? If so, my advice to you is: Don't hold your breath.

PM exchanges between Castrillo and I, over the last two years.

Sent from me to Castrillo, 5-02-11.

"I was unsure as to when I was supposed to pay. Before, during or after the request was done. So I went ahead and sent you $240 via PayPal today. I used the "personal" method of payment, so that no fees would be deducted.

Let me know how the art piece is coming along, now and then. No hurry. Please do it as a CGC Signature Series if possible.

Thanks very much."

Sent from me, 9-27-11.

"Don't forget me. \:\) "

Received from Castrillo same day, 9-27-11.

"I havent. "

From me to Castrillo on, 3-20-13.

"Did you ever get this done and submitted to CGC?"

From Castrillo to me, on 3-20-13.

"Yes and im sorry i didnt get a chance to scan it.cgc has the book fast tracked so youll get it before months end,sorry it can be faster."

From me to Castrillo on the same day, 3-20-13.

"Great news. Thanks. It is a present for the other guy in the pic. My best friend."

From me to Castrillo, 5-31-13.

"Still waiting. Months end was quite a bit ago."

Go to hell, Anthony Castrillo.

For two years I have waited for a "present" that was slated to be given to my best friend. It should have been done within six months of you being paid for it. I originally told you that it was slated to be a Christmas present in December of 2011. Then again for December of 2012. You said, "no problem" to both.

I find it hard to accept that people would pay out $2500 bucks on a modern comic book, because they like a TV series.

I think that this book rose on speculation and that supply/demand thing. Not on love or value. How long has speculation value lasted on any other modern books?

Tell me some.

Many previously hot books, have or are falling. That is the hobby (investment wise).

Almost all are modern. From Cursed Pirate Girl, thru to Saga, Chew, PP, WD, et al..

Many "professionals" made their money. Many collectors will lose money.

But like the professionals will tell us, time and time again. Buy what you like. So I can not blame them.

I happen to like value, and profit. At the very least, not to lose money.

Going down faster than Monica Lewinsky on a....cigar.

I figure I saved close to $3,000 by not buying this book recently.

Some did.

Saw "Warm Bodies". Not very good.

Saw "Last Stand". Okay, but nothing great. Worth watching, unless seeing one of your favorite action heroes looking and acting old, bothers you.

Saw "Stand Up Guys". Same thoughts as above. Christopher Walken and Al Pacino.

Saw "Escape From Planet Earth" recently. Okay for a kids movie. Lots of funny parts.

Getting ready to watch "Life of Pi" in about an hour. I have high expectations for it.

Try reading the balloons on the cover.

This thread grows a lot slower than I thought it would.

I know that it is just a personal preference. But I won't blink to spend hundreds of dollars on a 227. But I do not own a 232, because it just not appeal to me as something I need to own. A 232 could join my collection, at a significantly reduced price than is currently feasible.

There are of course, those that think in the exact oppostie way. That is why ice cream comes in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.

Not a gem. But mine.

I am truly sorry for your loss. Been there and done that. Too many times.

A poem for you.

~~~ A Dog's Plea ~~~

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,

for no heart in all the world is more grateful

for the kindness than the loving heart of me!

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though

I might lick your hand between blows, your patience

and understanding will more quickly teach me the things

you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's

sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging

of my tail when the sound of your footstep falls upon

my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a

domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to the bitter

elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of

sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you

when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I might stay well, to romp and play

and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready,

willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life

be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy

good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts

to keep me going. I am not having any fun.

Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall

leave this Earth knowing with the last breath I draw that

my fate was always safest in your hands.

~ Beth Norman Harris ~

How many of you have moderated a large site with some boisterous (albeit humorous) personalities?

 

I've done "my time" (8 years), on my own time, and while I loved it, it wasn't always easy when you've got people trying to push, push, push all the time (and it is usually the same people). I've even had people argue with me and call me names over what were blatant violations, after I quoted the posted rules, and I've had people tell me that I was on the more lenient, patient side as a mod. Really nasty things said to me over what were some of the more obvious breaking of common sense rules AFTER they received a warning.

 

There's just no pleasing everyone. Basically, you're asking for over-moderation or under-moderation, and you're not always going to get it right according to everyone (most often, the people who keep finding themselves in direct conflict with the moderators).

 

I hope we can all come to some sort of balance, because I like it here, I like most of the people here, and I hope I can continue to enjoy the community.

 

I was a moderator on four Ebay comic book chat forums, for about 6 months. Those chat rooms went out of business. Due to a lack of interest, I think.

 

But during my time on there, I found it easy to moderate. Piece of cake actually. What I didn't catch, other moderators did. There were no notify buttons. You read the threads and made judgement calls. It is easy to spot infractions if you are reading it all.

 

Many of the people posting on those Ebay sites, are on this site. The same ones that were always in arguments, and often doing the personal attack thing, are the same ones who do it on this CGC site. The Ebay chat forums had much more venom than this CGC forum.

 

Noooo! Say it isn't so!

 

 

When you do not get paid for being a moderator. You lose interest in it quickly. It is like being a referee or umpire in sports. It usually makes you disliked. It rarely makes you liked. Except by the very few that feel the need to suck up to authority. Those types are in every aspect of society and business, and are known to all who pay attention.

 

The only people that like umpires, are those whose team wins on a bad call. Obvious calls go unnoticed. As they should. A guy catches a fly ball and is called out. Big deal. The referees and umpires, should not be in the spotlight. They, for the most part, should go unheralded and unnoticed.

 

 

 

CAL recharging the repulsor rays..

Yep. To tell the truth. You were a problem there, and now here. But it probably ain't you at fault. It's everyone else. So, I apologize for all of us.

How many of you have moderated a large site with some boisterous (albeit humorous) personalities?

 

I've done "my time" (8 years), on my own time, and while I loved it, it wasn't always easy when you've got people trying to push, push, push all the time (and it is usually the same people). I've even had people argue with me and call me names over what were blatant violations, after I quoted the posted rules, and I've had people tell me that I was on the more lenient, patient side as a mod. Really nasty things said to me over what were some of the more obvious breaking of common sense rules AFTER they received a warning.

 

There's just no pleasing everyone. Basically, you're asking for over-moderation or under-moderation, and you're not always going to get it right according to everyone (most often, the people who keep finding themselves in direct conflict with the moderators).

 

I hope we can all come to some sort of balance, because I like it here, I like most of the people here, and I hope I can continue to enjoy the community.

I was a moderator on four Ebay comic book chat forums, for about 6 months. Those chat rooms went out of business. Due to a lack of interest, I think.

But during my time on there, I found it easy to moderate. Piece of cake actually. What I didn't catch, other moderators did. There were no notify buttons. You read the threads and made judgement calls. It is easy to spot infractions if you are reading it all.

Many of the people posting on those Ebay sites, are on this site. The same ones that were always in arguments, and often doing the personal attack thing, are the same ones who do it on this CGC site. The Ebay chat forums had much more venom than this CGC forum.

When you do not get paid for being a moderator. You lose interest in it quickly. It is like being a referee or umpire in sports. It usually makes you disliked. It rarely makes you liked. Except by the very few that feel the need to suck up to authority. Those types are in every aspect of society and business, and are known to all who pay attention.

The only people that like umpires, are those whose team wins on a bad call. Obvious calls go unnoticed. As they should. A guy catches a fly ball and is called out. Big deal. The referees and umpires, should not be in the spotlight. They, for the most part, should go unheralded and unnoticed.

By the very nature that the head moderator has started a thread to discuss, or explain about moderation issues. We obviously have a problem or situation, with either the moderation actions heretofore, or, with the actions of many of us.

Or both.

The No Politics thing seems to be the biggest problem. Because just about anything and everything we discuss in the Water Cooler (or anywhere else here), is politically charged. If a comc book has a character come out of the closet, that is political. If a cover has a picture of Obama helping Spiderman fight bad guys. That is political. If the Savage Dragon punches Pres. Bush, how is that not political? If Sarah Palin is the bad gal in a comic book, how could that possibly not become a politically charged discussion? A discussion about a nuclear power plants "melt down" is political. Gun Control? Forget about it. Political 100%. How is the argument that transvestites are part of "real life" and thus should be in comic books, compare, to politics is not allowed. Isn't politics a huge part (more now than ever) of life also?

It is the "times" we live in. Everything is political. Taxes, Texas, guns, bombs, Korea's actions. Abortion. Gay marriage. Raising kids. Killing kids. Health Care. Green energy companies. Green energy companies going bankrupt. etc, etc, etc.

People will obey the rules for the most part. If they understand the rules and believe the rules are enforced evenly. Just give us consistency and fairness. Currently the enforcement of the board rules is all over the map.

I do not expect perfection. Especially by volunteers. But do not expect too much from us either. We are human and we get charged up when arguing or debating. Those with no passion and no wrist slaps or strikes, are the wall flowers and lurkers and not visiting here every day, for hours and hours.

When the moderators are also forum members, they have friends here, and those they do not like also. When we do not know who the moderators are, then we "assume" that we are a victim of bias or revenge. We may not be. But appearances count.

When I was a narc. I made literally over a thousand undercover buys of narcotics. But due to manpower requirements, I also had to assist with the search warrant executions. You know, bust down the door and enter with our guns drawn and ready. That puts an undercover person in extreme danger of being recognized during future undercover buys. I requested to wear a mask when assisting with the house "hitting" (what we called executing a search warrant). I was refused. Because it was felt that those that enforce the law, should not hide behind a mask.

That is what a moderator who is also a member of the forum does. Hides behind a mask.

Who likes being punished by a person behind a curtain? Would we accept that in a court room? Hell no we wouldn't.

An open and above board policy is best. For the law/rule enforcers. I assume that since we register here. A moderator can find out our identities. But we do not know theirs.

Am I wrong about that?

I ain't saying that I have been picked on. I deserved one of my several suspensions. I did not deserve all of them, without those that I was arguing with, also being punished. They did not and I did. Poor me. Ha Ha

What I am saying is that there seems to be a bit of favortism towards letting some members get away with just a little more than some others.

Even though we were all technically speeding. This site is loaded with speeders.

And I still want to know. What is a duck supposed to be? A turtle. A tree?

This is just a friendly reminder that none of us is the center of the universe. Moderation is not about any one person. It's about setting limits for the community in order to allow for constructive discussion.

 

I read a story once a while back about a guy who was driving down the highway somewhere in the south, staying with traffic, minding his own business. Traffic, however, was going about 15mph too fast for the limit. As he is driving, he and all of the other drivers have the bad luck to drive past a speed trap.

 

Out roars the police car, on go the lights - bam, he's got somebody. Well, it turns out to be our hero - the one who is just driving along with traffic.

 

Our hero gets ticked off, and can't wait for his court date. In court he makes alot of noise at the judge about how everyone was driving fast and how he was not even the fastest of the pack. He protests in a loud voice about the injustice of it all, the lack of consistency and horrible mental anguish that this speeding ticket has caused him.

 

The judge looks at him and says, "Hey, have you ever been duck hunting?"

 

This stops the man short. Weird question. "Yes, I have," he says.

 

"When you go," says the judge, "and you're sitting there in the duck blind, and a flock of ducks flies by over head, do you pick out the fattest duck in the flock... the one that looks like it has the most flavor, or do you just pick a duck and shoot?"

 

The man just looks at him. "Guilty," says the judge, and fines him.

 

The point of the ticket in this case was definitely about the speeder, but it was also about all of the other speeders.

 

Your posting guideline tasks, should you choose to accept them, are pretty basic. They are outlined fairly decently here on the site. They are executed by a number of different people who interpret those guidelines as they moderate, just as all of you interpret those guidelines as you post. It's not a big deal. It's not a deep mystery. It isn't a conspiracy.

 

If you don't want to get shot, don't be a duck. Sometimes you can drive by a police car at 7mph over, sigh with relief and not get a ticket... and sometimes for the same thing you get pulled over AND you get a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt. Other times, you get a warning ticket.

 

What moderators want is to set some boundaries so that good discussions can take place without everyone wanting to destroy each other and to set the acceptable social tone at a level that doesn't drive any notable percentage of the community away. That is true whether the posts are humor or debate.

 

Some of you occasionally (read: everyone who ever got a strike or warning) may deeply believe that in your case it was all about injustice. You may even have a point - like our speeder above who was not the fastest one in the pack. But you were still speeding.

 

By and large I tend to give the benefit of the doubt to moderation because:

 

1. The people posting are generally wrapped up in their posts whereas the moderators are not.

 

2. The moderators, contrary to popular opinion, are not doing this because they love tedious thread trimming and reading moderator notifications by everyone from upstanding members of the community to lunatics. They are just trying to help the community.

 

If you think someone got treated unfairly and then you look around and suddenly evidence starts popping up all around you of a trend of unfairness... you may want to research confirmation bias.

 

Did you know that smarter people are actually MORE likely to suffer from confirmation bias?

 

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/frontal-cortex/2012/06/daniel-kahneman-bias-studies.html

 

Take a deep breath and enjoy your comics.

 

Oh, and stop hassling the mods. They are trying to help. Think about what it's like to be a mod - the difficulty and tedium of sorting out he-said she-said, the process of choosing where to rein things in when a whole thread has started going off track without just laying waste to everything around you.

 

Then do this: assume that the moderators have positive and helpful intentions. Assume that they didn't aggressively apply to become moderators out of a deep desire to torture an internet community. Think about why they do what they do with all of that in mind. You might come to different conclusions about the mechanics of moderation and community.

 

Have a nice day, guys.

C/w the highlighted areas above. I just have three questions.

1. What is a duck supposed to be? A chicken. A frog.

2. Of course moderators can and do, have bias and opinions on everything. They are humans (I assume). They take sides like everyone on the planet. Have you ever chastised a moderator, for misapplication of authority and power?

3. Would you be okay with a judge in a criminal case, who finds every 18th person guilty, just to send a message? But let's the other 17 off, even though they where doing the same basic thing.

My opinion, (which is worth less than an X-Force #1 in CGC 7.0). Someone needs to moderate the moderators. One in particular. He is snarky and uppity. (I now put my name on his list....goodbye y'all).

Whenever I have gotten a strike, I can not appeal to anyone. Heck, I can not even get on the site to know what I did wrong, and for how long I am being punished. An email telling me length of punishment, and what for, would be courteous. The ability to ask a question or state a case for reconsideration, would be standard in every area, except this one.

Ruling with an iron fist, is one thing. But locking the door and throwing away the key, is another thing entirely.

Does this get me admission into the club?

I have a 1, 2 and 3, but I do not have a scan of #2 right now.