Dear Mr. Nicholas...

[Laurent]

RE: So very sad

 

I had nothing against Benjamin; in fact, until Doug's revelations, I fully intended to hire the young man, but I don't think a "considerate" individual claims someone else's work as his own. I don't doubt his "caring" about his client, but "caring" about others' property, as well as his own ethics, now appears questionable at best. On a computer it takes mere seconds to credit the original source. I won't bother addressing "honest." There's a tired old adage about actions and words.

[tazmanian5230]

CANCEL ROCK HARD !

 

Website hits are valuable in the internet world but at what cost.

 

Rock hard has insulted just about every member who posts something he doesnt agree with.

 

WHEN WILL HE BE BOOTED !!

 

Somehow, I thought this site was going to be enjoyable.

 

Kick his ass out of here !!

 

THE RULES

The primary rule that governs this forum is to conduct yourself in a way that respects the site and all of the people who come here. Within that context, you are free to express your opinions as you see fit, subject to the guidelines provided below.

 

RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE

1. Attacks against other people are not allowed. Personal attacks stifle discussion and create an atmosphere that discourages many people from joining us. We want all people to feel welcome here and welcome to state their opinions. Those who come here for advice or assistance should be treated with respect. You are free to criticize the opinions of other people at will. But please do not attack, insult or disparage others themselves; all are worthy of respect, even those with whom we disagree.

[Guest EuropTravl]

RE: CANCEL ROCK HARD !

 

Ugggh.

Forums get so boring when there are cries for "ban him!" and the old "attack" argument comes out of TOS. I think I'll end my visit with - what - 20 posts or something.

 

(I did read an interesting link on the "other" MER forum where Dave Barry has even himself

linked to Doug69's post from his blog -at the Miami Herald(?) and there are many replies. It's over there. I'll bet web traffic for here and 15 MM have increased by probably 100-200 percent since Doug's post - someone should send him some champagne, and not the domestic type )

[Guest zipperzone]

RE: So very sad

 

>>>ps Domestic champagne? YUK! ;(

>>

>>No such thing If it's "domestic" then it's not from

>>Champagne in France and only Sparkling White Wine

>

>To Scott Adler,

>Listen here YOU.

>http://www.jardinefoods.com/images/products/0-22531-05255-6-400.jpg

>

>:o

>

>(maybe BN is now breathing a sigh of relief he's never met

>me??? I told you I could rate 2 or 3 chapters....)

 

Ahhhh - Texas Champagne....... Another quality product from the land that spawned George Bush.

[RockHard]

RE: CANCEL ROCK HARD !

 

"Rock hard has insulted just about every member who posts something he doesnt agree with."

 

THAT'S A LIE! And I think THIS is an example of a personal attack. Shall we ban you now, tazmanian5230? This sounds more like a description of Tom Isern.

 

I will never have a problem with getting the BOOT. I always said if Daddy bans me then I really must have said something that seriously crossed the line. If banned unfairly, I will leave this board and I won't return, under any name. I'm not addicted to internet forums or anything else.

 

Fair is fair: if Daddy is going to ban me for personal attacks, then he'll need to ban a percentage of the members who post because they ALWAYS ATTACK ME FIRST. I don't see you calling for anyone else being banned, taz. Surely there are plenty of examples of personal attacks that aren't mine. Have you read almost anything from Tom Isern? A tad hypocritical?

 

I fully acknowledge that I often come near to crossing the line. It's Tom Isern's MO to cross the line regularly. The smarter men on this board understand that the purpose of my carefully written opinions may be there to challenge what other members have already offered. I fully admit poking at some of you and your ideas is fun. But, a challenge to someone else's opinion and/or a challenge to their take on life, love, sex and money is NOT NECESSARILY a personal attack. But, almost always, an insecure man will think it is a personal attack. Shall we ban the insecure? That's 75% of this board!

 

If this forum were mine, I would be spending a ton of time deleting posts, writing warnings to members, and banning a few. Daddy clearly wants no part of that because, not only is it VERY time consuming, I believe he fully understands what I wrote a few years ago: "Gay men don't like to be told "NO"." It pisses them off. Honestly, do we really need more angry gay men?

 

I've come to the conclusion that Daddy is a softie, a smart, lovable teddybear. He'd rather give as much rope as he can until a member forces his hand. So far, I guess, I haven't forced his hand although I have been warned. My desire to contribute to this board will always remain in his hands. :-)

 

ps I sincerely believe having an opportunity to vent is healthy. If it empowers someone to attack me then so be it. I can deal with it. But don't whine and cry because I know how to deal with it.

[Guest DickHo]

RE: CANCEL ROCK HARD !

 

http://blogs.herald.com/dave_barrys_blog/2007/03/hmmmm.html

 

Here's the link.

[augustman]

RE: CANCEL ROCK HARD !

 

Talk about taking things to a fever pitch.

First EuropTrav glad to see you have joined in. Sounds like you have had some great experiences. I hope over time we are able to read some of them. I can understand your lament over the Lynden affair. It is sad when any young person in the prime of their life is taken away from us. I had really hoped to meet him this summer and with Eric of NY here, but not to be. Please continue to stay in. I too agree with you taking people off line even if they go over the top makes for a boring board.

 

Second I am puzzled by those of us who continue to either put escorts on pedestals or viciously attack them when they have never met them. Believe me I have been there where line gets very murky. This forum is a mix of working guys, ex-working guys, clients and non-clients. I am sure we all have lots to offer. The working guys unless we are actually part of their daily life, I think it is kind of hard to actually understand what their motivations were for doing certain things. I guess that is what makes them human beings with human frailties.

 

So I am not sure I am here supporting what Ben did or did not do on his 15 min. What I find humerous are those who are deciding to hire or not hire based upon plagiarism; a very laughable idea. I think to almost every single client including myself the issues would be,

1. Are the pictures real? Usually better in person!

2. Does he show up? On time?

3. Does it get up and stay up?

4. Disease free and clean?

5. Did he do what I want?

6. Did he make me feel great before during and afterwards?

 

Well Ben's reviews, Tom Isern's reviews, Scott Adler's reviews, Steven Draker's reviews and a few other escorts who have had their share of personal criticisms tossed their way because the choose to participate here, have pretty clean records as far as I have been able to read.

 

As far as I know in this industry publicity, good or not so good sells. I am willing to bet Ben's 15 min has had an increase in hits since this stuff went public. That said nothing like reading a good scandal.

[+ Charlie]

RE: CANCEL ROCK HARD !

 

I can remember when people were screaming to ban Doug69, but if Daddy had done so, we wouldn't have had his obsessive but enlightening exposure of Ben's plagiarism. The only person RockHard ever succeeds in embarrassing is himself, and I believe he should be allowed to continue to do so, if only because many of us find him entertaining, especially when he imagines that he is impressing readers or effectively insulting those who disagree with him. And, if he actually does upset you, just don't read his posts.

[RockHard]

RE: CANCEL ROCK HARD !

 

"I can remember when people were screaming to ban Doug69"

 

Based on his internet MO, I know I have no desire to be this guy's friend (but I am curious to see if he's fat and physically unattractive). I've never asked that he be banned. I'm also a fervent supporter of anyone who works to expose copyright thieves.

 

"The only person RockHard ever succeeds in embarrassing is himself"

 

I don't recall ever feeling embarrassed when expressing my opinion. I stand by everything I write. If someone else feels embarrassed by something I wrote, that's their issue. I don't deny anyone the opportunity to respond to anything I write. Speak with intelligence and fair reasoning and our conversation can go on indefinitely.

 

"many of us find him entertaining"

 

I enjoy entertaining people. Thank you, Charlie, for the kind words.

 

"especially when he imagines that he is impressing readers"

 

And here lies a myth I will probably never be able to destroy here. The truth is, I don't say what I say to "impress" anyone. I'm no longer shy about discussing my life and it took me many years to get comfortable with sharing certain aspects. I have to say, internet forums have been great therapy. I'm proud of my accomplishments and my success. I will not apologize for either. Take me as I am or leave me. As for humility, I utilize that in "real" life. The internet (especially the MC) gives me a chance to let my hair-extensions down.

 

"effectively insulting those who disagree with him"

 

Hmmm... I welcome opposing opinions. I think life would be boring if everyone agreed with me. I can't imagine I would insult anyone who offers a smart, well-reasoned opinion. But I can imagine I would challenge anyone who offered something else.

 

I admire the art of ridicule. It's a dying art but some of the best lines are created in the line of fire. At least I'm more creative than Tom Isern. I refuse to simply call a member here an "idiot." I tend to work harder. :-)

 

"And, if he actually does upset you, just don't read his posts."

 

Amen. Thanks, again, Charlie.

[Doug69]

RE: Thank you!

 

>To the gentlemen who posted kind sentiments on this thread,

>thank you. I'd also like to thank the guys who have written

>privately, especially the escorts. I so wish I could copy and

>paste some of the wonderful stuff you guys write but I know I

>would anger many of you if I ever posted it on this board.

 

The most potent hallmark of the Ultimate Internet Loser -- the ones who thank all their imaginary friends for silently supporting them by private e-mail even as the entire Board attacks them and rejects them.

 

It's the Snuffleupagus Syndrome:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloysius_Snuffleupagus

 

More clinically speaking:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imaginary_friend

 

"An imaginary friend, the opposite of an imaginary enemy, is an invented person, animal or character that is created especially by children, but sometimes by adults. The inventor will act as if the imaginary being is physically present by talking to it, playing with it, or even attempting to feed it. If told that the friend is non-existent, the inventor will often retaliate in a defensive manner by stating that the imaginary friend is invisible . . .

 

People may invent imaginary friends for companionship, as part of play, or for other reasons. Imaginary friends can serve as an important source of companionship to some children and adults. As an example, young children in boarding schools often develop imaginary friends to cope with extreme stress and separation from their family. Also, many lonely adults with little to no connections to people will create them, often giving them uncommon names."

[RockHard]

RE: Thank you!

 

Bating me will get you nowhere, sweety. I enjoy having a spine. Thank you.

[MindThe Gap]

RE: So very sad

 

>http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/416055064_429ce58134.jpg

>

>My dick has been called many names but nobody has ever called

>it "pencil." Delaware Man, your post proves you are less than

>ordinary. It sucks to be you. If Delaware is your home, then

>it sucks further. How about I send you my driver to take you

>for a nice long ride? :-)

 

Rockhard, I must confess, I'm almost personally embarrased for you.

 

Any self-confident and self-assured gay man, who would post an alleged naked picture of himself on the internet, simply to prove to another anonymous poster who called you out as having a "pencil dick", really has little or no self-confidence and self-worth at all. I guess that Mr. tough guy act of yours is really just a gigantic cover for lack of what really makes up a real man of style and class.

[Guest zipperzone]

RE: CANCEL ROCK HARD !

 

>"Rock hard has insulted just about every

>member who posts something he doesnt agree with."

>

>THAT'S A LIE!

 

NO IT'S NOT

 

>I'm not

>addicted to internet forums or anything else.

 

No, of course your not!

 

>If this forum were mine, I would be spending a ton of time

>deleting posts, writing warnings to members, and banning a

>few.

 

No danger of that honey - if this forum was yours there would be no posts to ban as there would be no members.

[RockHard]

RE: Zip strikes again!

 

You see, kiddies, I'm not the only one who knows how to sling insults. Sheeeiit! A girl has to defend herself from these monsters.

[RockHard]

RE: So very sad, yep, that's BrainGap

 

My dearest double-posting coward-fraud, you're in no position to ever use the words "style," "class," and "self-worth" in my company. Please, I don't enjoy barfing.

 

"Alleged" picture? I'm not surprised that it would please you to think I'm as physically repulsive as yourself. How else can you carry on with your fantasies, dear? Considering how I clearly feel about copyright issues, you leave me no choice but to laugh at you.

 

Btw, that photo got me lots of dates 10 years ago. Have you ever been on a date? I didn't think so.

 

Daddy likes my photo and I re-posted it for him. So there.

[Lookin]

RE: So very craigslist . . .

 

> Btw, that photo got me lots of dates 10 years ago.

 

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/416055064_429ce58134.jpg

 

 

Hell, it just got me a date for this Wednesday. Now all I have to do is drop thirty pounds and lower my Scrotum a couple of inches. Where is that old wrinkled retainer when I need him? :o

[RockHard]

RE: Dear Mr. Nicholas...Congratulations.

 

BRAVO, Benjamin Nicholas. I, for one, appreciate a beautifully written apology. Nice work. I look forward to hearing more from you at 15 Minutes, whether it's every week or not.

 

Best wishes,

 

Rock

 

from Benjamin Nicholas, Tuesday, March 13, 2007

 

"Dear readers,

 

An apology has to be one of the toughest sentiments to express in written word. It does not come with vocal inflection, or the ability to look someone in the eye with remorse, or convey the level of emotion that comes with strong feelings of regret.

 

Whether you know it or not, I did something incredibly wrong. Out of sheer stupidity and laziness, I took portions of other writer's work without proper attribution, using their words here on 15 Minutes and presented them as my own. There is no excuse for such behavior. As a professional, I am filled with shame and remorse and, personally, I know I will have to live with my mistakes for a long time to come.

 

My greatest regret is that I hurt writers I truly admire. Dave Barry and Andy Borowitz are two of the best humorists out there and my respect and adulation for their work is sincere. I am amazed and envious of their ability to continually come up with fresh and funny ideas. That's not an easy task when you're still growing and you set a personal deadline. That was my mistake: I put an incredible amount of pressure onmyself to make weekly entries to my blog and it ended up suffering from my inability to meet my goals. I plan on making some changes and I promise to never make the same mistakes again.

 

I am human and far from perfect. This was, hopefully,one of the last large mistakes I hope to endure in my adult life. I take full responsibility for my actions and only ask that you give me another chance.

 

I'm not a monster and I never wanted to be a thief. I have morals and beliefs which support and guide my life. My mindset is clear and I enjoy being grounded, even if my actions in this instance suggested otherwise.

 

I am sincerely sorry and I ask for your forgiveness.

 

Benjamin"

[FinFangFoom]

RE: Karma

 

>I've witnessed more good from Benjamin Nicholas than I've

>witnessed the dastardly devil some enjoy making him out to be.

 

Would you please share with the class how much that "good" he lavished on you cost you an hour?

 

Cynically yours,

 

FFF

[FinFangFoom]

RE: So very sad

 

>Rockhard thanks for your post. Ben must be going through some

>hard times right now and I know that your post helped him.

>Dougy knows that I (for one) dismiss his posts summarily. But

>that doesn't mean I don't read them. The one thing I was

>thinking while reading his post was that it smacked of the

>delusional ChgoBoy. Who on God's green earth would go through

>all that trouble and consume so much time conspiring to bash

>someone if he were not himself obsessed with them? Yes, Dougy

>made a splash upon his return, now let's see how long he plays

>the BN card. Heart in the right place Rock? That is exactly

>where Ben's is. I have known Ben for three years, not a

>lifetime by any stretch but long enough where I feel as if I

>realy know him. A more caring, sensitive, considerate, honest

>(yes Dougy honest) gay man walks no where on this earth. If

>these accusations prove to be true, I will be first in line to

>forgive and forget.

 

 

NURSE!!!

 

CALL SECURITY!!

 

ANOTHER ONE HAS GOTTEN LOOSE!!!

 

Apoplectically yours,

 

FFF

[RockHard]

RE: Where would stars be without their fans?

 

Skrubber is a bit effusive, at times, so I understand your cries for help, Fin.

 

It's pretty obvious, no matter what anybody thinks, Benjamin Nicholas is no ordinary escort. Nothing Tom Isern says or does creates quite the stir that comes with Benjamin, no matter how hard Tom tries. That's just one example. I could name others but why hurt their feelings. :-)

[jackhammer91406]

RE: Where would stars be without their fans?

 

Rock,

It seems that Skrubber's affection for BN almost rivals yours for Tom Isern....:+

[RockHard]

RE: Today's Language Lesson.

 

"Would you please share with the class how much that "good" he lavished on you cost you an hour?"

 

Certainly...Nada. Niente. Nichts. Rien. Nothing. Like I said above, if men knew how to seduce with their brain, their heart, and their personality, they might discover a wallet isn't always necessary. :-)