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BGonline.org Forums
Taki Board Copy
Posted By: Phil Simborg In Response To: Taki Board Copy (Bill Riles)
Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2009, at 4:24 p.m.
You are entitled to your opinion on the board, though I disagree because the board is clearly an improvement over Taki's in several ways, and because of the import taxes and cost of shipping, in Taki's own words, he simply can't sell his boards overseas, and he suspects FM won't be selling many in the U.S.
Even if the boards are very close in design, which they are, so are almost all backgammon boards that are not wooden. Nobody owns the rights, and competition is good.
You and I disagree on this, and I have no problem with you having a different opinion. My problem was your suggesting that I was not totally honest about my relationship with FM, saying that you and others thought I had a financial tie that I did not have. My problem was that you suggested that I was not being a good and loyal friend to Taki, and it is not your place or business to tell me how to handle my relationships with others. Taki and I have been good friends for 30 years and still are, and I have done much to help him promote and sell his boards over the years and he appreciates that I am now using my new board which was a gift of thanks from my student and friend, Mete. Bob Z and I have also been great friends for many years and continue to be, and I have helped him sell many boards as well over the years. It is not your place to tell me about my friendships.
And then when I responded to your accusations, you told me that there were others who had the same doubts and concerns about me, and you told me to go public, essentially to "clear my name" and let people know that I was not being devious. I did so, because I do not want people to think I am dishonest. I don't care if they think I am rude or loud or obnoxious, and some people do...and they are right...at times I am all of those things. But I am not dishonest, and I am a good, loyal friend.
For you to get upset with me because I went public and told people why I did I find laughable. You obviously wanted to pick a fight, and I do respect you for not shying away from one. Unfortunately, you met someone who is very much like you in that way.
I DO NOT HAVE AND NEVER DID HAVE A FINANCIAL TIE TO FM BOARDS, TO TAKI BOARDS, OR TO ZAVORAL BOARDS. I have helped all three promote their products out of friendship, and I still do.
I DO HAVE A FINANCIAL TIE TO EXTREMEGAMMON, though it is very minor...they give me $5 a hit in thanks for my help in promoting their very fine product. I IMMEDIATELY AND OPENLY DISCLOSED MY RELATIONSHIP, and continue to do so verbally and in writing every time I advise someone to buy Extremegammon. The $5 doesn't mean crap to me...I promote it because for the same reasons I have promoted those boards...I think it is a fantastic product that people will enjoy and I want to see the makers of the products do well and be rewarded for their hard work and for providing something really great for backgammon.
If you don't like it, or don't agree, that's certainly your right, and I don't fault you for that. But don't tell me I'm dishonest or devious or not a good friend to my friends and expect me to just take that quietly. I thought I responded most gentlemanly and without faulting you (publicly), but you chose to berate me publicly for disclosing your accusations AFTER YOU SUGGESTED I DO SO.
Do I have the feeling I can't win with you? Yes. So be it. I am sure you feel the same way about me. So be it.
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