Ole Gardner checking up on Flight Options

[SilverSurfer]

1/12/08 Ole Gardner

Page 1 1/12/08

AIN'T NO SILVER BULLETS!


Hi everyone, it be me again, the ole Gardner. With the holidays over
'n winter hard upon us, there ain't been much to do 'round these parts.
So, I been spendin' more'n more time messin' with that there magical
computer machine I done gots 'n I gettin' pretty good at makin' it do
what I wants. My misses says I gettin' addicted, cause I spendin' so
much time playin' with it. I been readin' on yur Union's website where
some'a y'all been thinkin' yur Union should be doin' more to help
speed-up negotiations for a new contract, like yur Brothers 'n Sisters at
that there NetJets outfit done gots.
Some pilots sayin' they thinkin' it be a good idea if'n yur Union be
writin' letters to the bosses at that there HIG group, what now be yur
outfit's new owners, 'n lettin' 'em know how unhappy y'all be that this
here Flight Options outfit bein' run so poorly. Y'wants to tell 'em
just how bad a mess yur big bosses be makin'a things. Some other pilots
wantin' to send messages to the rich folks y'flyin' 'round 'bout how bad
yur outfit's bein' run 'n how poorly y'all bein' treated by yur
bosses. It be easy thinkin' letter writin' like this gonna get things
changed. But y'dead wrong if'n y'thinkin' that'a way.
I done told y'all when I first started writin' that I been out helpin'
lots'a flyers at the big airlines bring in their own bountiful harvest
from time to time over many'a year. At more'n one'a these outfits some
pilots always come up with the same kind'a ideas. Some flyers always
thinkin' the Union ain't doin' 'nough to get the message out to the
folks what invests in these flyin' outfits, or the business folks sittin'
on the boards runnin' 'em, or the passengers what ridin' on 'em. They
must be thinkin' these folks be livin' in some dark mushroom cave 'n
doesn't know what's goin' on 'n they gonna want pilots treated better
if'n the Union just gets 'round to askin'. Mercy, mercy!
Y'know, from what I seen, pilots be really smart men 'n women. But,
they gots two mighty bad habits in the way they thinks: Firstly, they
always wantin' to re-invent the wheel 'n not wantin' to listen' much to
Union folks what come 'afore 'em 'n; secondly, they gots mighty short
memories 'n always needin' fresh remindin'a things what happened in the
past. I hear tell that's why there be checkin' lists on yur flyin'
machines—to make sure y'doesn't forget to do 'em things what other pilots
found out 'bout doin' the hard way, 'n to make sure y'doesn't just come
up with yur own way'a doin' things what might get y'hurt or in trouble.
But, as hard as I look, I ain't findin' no checkin' lists for pilots
splainin' how to best help their Union work the fields to bring in the
harvest, 'cept for my pilot friend's list'a "Ts" I done wrote y'bout last
time. I hear tell that be 'cause some high-falootin' federal judges
say if'n the Union puts out any such kind'a lists it be again' that
there Train Labor Law I done been told 'bout. That be too bad, 'cause from
what I been learnin', not much has changed since soon after the Wright
brothers come up with the flyin' machine 'n the first bosses decided
that carryin' mail 'n folks 'round the country with airplanes be a good
way to get rich. Pilots been treated mean by their bosses right from
the get-go 'n many flyers done lost their lives in the early days
'cause'a the "pilot pushin'" goin' on back then.
When I was a young'n I remember hearin' 'em rickty ole craft flyin' low
just over the treetops dodgin' the clouds day 'n night. One unlucky
soul done paid the ultimate price just 'afore the big world war when he
smacked into a hill just south'a town one rainy night. Sheriff says
the investigation showed this poor fellow didn't want to go flyin' none,
but told his buddies he was scared'a bein' fired by the boss if'n he
didn't. I been told many'a y'all still scared the same way 'n just do
what y'can to please the bosses. The biggest difference between then 'n
now is 'em pioneer aviators didn't have much in the way'a government
rules 'bout drivin' flyin' machines 'n they didn't have no union to make
sure the bosses be followin' 'em rules, neither. Now, I knows y'all
gots yourself a Union, but I hear tell some frightened pilots ain't
supportin' it the right way 'n not payin' dues for negotiations.
I remember readin' down at the town library somethin' a very smart man
once said that I done wrote down word for word. He said, "Those who
cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Well, sir, 'em be
wise words 'n he be tellin' y'like it is. I ain't had me much schoolin'
none, but I been on this earth long 'nough to know that history be
one'a the best teachers 'bout what to 'spect in the future. How it worked
yesterday probably be how it gonna work tomorrow. Fact is, things
ain't changed much between pilots 'n their bosses in nearly 100 years of
commercial aviation. A whinin' letter or two to the bosses 'n passengers
ain't never changed a dang thing 'n it ain't never gonna. What these
folks pay most nevermind to is if'n the planes be runnin' safe 'n on
time, don't y'know.
If'n y'been 'round different kinds'a pilots as much as me, you'd for
sure know some always wantin' owners 'n passengers to be mindful'a how
bad they bein' treated 'n hopin' these folks gonna do somethin' 'bout it.
What these flyers really sayin' is they wants other folks doin' the
hard work'a fightin' the bad guys for 'em. They 'spectin' someone like
the Lone Ranger to come ridin' to town on a white horse with his
six-shooters loaded with silver bullets, just like he once did on that ole TV
show some time back. Well, sir, there ain't no Lone Ranger or silver
bullets in yur future! The only person what's gonna save yur butt 'n
make things right be the guy y'sees starin' back at ya when y'looks in
the mirror each mornin'. That face be the face'a yur personal hero. No
one else 'cept yur family 'n yur Brother 'n Sister Union members 'n me
gives a darn 'bout how y'bein treated at work. NO ONE!
Trust me when I says the bosses runnin' HIG doesn't care a cat's
whisker 'bout what y'thinks or how mean y'bein' treated or how hard y'workin'
or how little y'gettin' paid. They provin' that by the way they'
treatin' pilots at the other flyin' outfits HIG owns. I done already wrote
y'some 'bout that a few weeks back when I talked 'bout "HIGs 'n Pigs."
If'n y'ever gets a chance to talk to flyers what works for one'a
these HIG flyin' outfits, ask 'em what they thinks. I bettin' they ain't
gonna paint ya a pretty picture none. All these HIG bosses cares 'bout
is money—their money, not yurs! They ain't no different than the
bosses at many'a the big airlines I seen. To them y'all needed only 'cause
someone with a pilot's license gots to drive the plane, 'n they intend
to control y'as much as possible, work y'as hard as they can, even if
it might be again' the law, 'n pay y'as little as can be.
I been told by my friend what runs the First National Bank in town that
this HIG be a fancy outfit what invests billions 'n billions'a dollars
in all kinds'a businesses. He says if'n y'thinks they didn't do their
homework 'n doesn't know everythin' there is to know 'bout yur outfit,
y'bein' mighty foolish. I hear tell HIG has all kinds'a accountants
'n lawers 'n college-learned folks what looks mighty closely at any
outfits they gonna buy. They turns over every rock, looks in every corner,
inspects each nook 'n cranny, talks to all kinds'a folks 'bout the
outfit—not just yur big bosses—'n check out all the books 'n bank accounts
'n business stuff yur outfit be doin'. Y'can be sure 'afore they
signed the for sale papers, they knowed everythin' they wanted 'n needed to
know 'bout yur outfit. My pilot friend what lives 'round these parts
says they didn't talk none to any flyers he knows 'n they didn't talk
none to yur Union. Y'all be just hired hands to 'em 'n they ain't very
interested in what y'thinkin'.
My banker friend says yur big bosses can't begin to hold a candle to
the smart folks what's runnin' HIG 'n they didn't pull any wool over
their eyes none, neither. He says yur big bosses ain't fit to share the
same slop trough with these much smarter HIG pigs. I been told y'can't
tell 'em HIG folks nothin' in a letter y'might write 'bout the way yur
outfit bein' run what they doesn't already know. My banker friend says
either they doesn't care or they thinks the way it bein' run be OK for
the very reasons they done bought yur outfit out in the first place.
He says it could be to fix it up 'n make money, or it could be to let
yur big bosses run it into the ground so it can be sold off for parts 'n
get more money much quicker. Time will tell 'n y'ain't gonna change
the HIG bosses' minds none with some kind'a letter whinin' bout how
unhappy y'all be.

 

[SilverSurfer]

1/12/08 Ole Gardner

Page 2 1/12/08

One thing I does know, the longer it takes for yur Union to get y'all a
contract, the more millions'a dollars the HIG bosses be takin' home
for themselves. If'n y'really wants to get 'em to pay some nevermind to
what's goin' on at Flight Options, y'gots to fully support yur Union 'n
pay yur dues. Also be sure to follow exactly my pilot friend's list'a
"Ts." If'n yur outfit's operation keeps grindin' to a halt cause the
pilots be unhappy 'n ain't no longer greasin' the wheels, the HIG
bosses start wantin' to fix it up if'n it messin' up the plans they had for
yur outfit when they done bought it.
Like I says, I seen this work at lots'a big airlines 'afore 'n also at
that there NetJets outfit a couple'a years back. Followin' the rules
exactly gets the attention'a investors 'n bosses each 'n every time.
From what I seen, letters to the bosses ain't even worth bein' takin' out
back to the outhouse for cleanin' up after, if'n y'knows what I mean.
Writin' letters to the rich folks y'all flyin' 'round ain't no
better. They doesn't seem to care much, neither. Y'all just the hired help
to most'a 'em rich folks, too.
I hear tell many'a these rich folks leavin' as fast as they can for
other flyin' outfits, anyways, 'n ain't none too interested in tryin' to
fix-up what's wrong with yurs. I been told many ain't none too happy
with yur big bosses 'n they takin' their business elsewhere. They
already knows yur big bosses be makin' a mess'a things, so there be no need
to write these folks any kind'a letter 'bout that, don't y'know. My
pilot friend says yur big bosses tryin' to get out'a the little jet plane
time-share ownin' business 'n get more into airplane managin' 'n
charter businesses. Losin' a time-share owner now'n then might just be
helpin' yur bosses speed up the change to these other kind'a flyin'
businesses.
I sure hopes those pilots what's comin' up with this writin' letters to
the bosses idea they been postin' on the Union's website, as if'n they
done found some kind'a wonderous, new fangled thought that be bright
as a shiny copper penny, been readin' what I be writin'. There ain't
much new under the sun in the way pilots bein' treated at flyin' outfits.
My pilot friend says he been told the outside experts 'n advisors
what's helpin' run yur Union done seen it all 'n be givin' yur leaders
good advice 'bout what be the best 'n legal path to follow. The ole
Gardner also done seen what works 'n what doesn't.
Well, sir, that be it for now. Sorry if'n some'a my messages be a bit
long winded. But I gots so much information to share with y'all to
help y'from makin' the same mistakes I seen other pilots make what
wouldn't listen to those what come 'afore 'em. I truly hope y'all thinkin'
'bout 'n sharin' my writin's. Remember, there ain't no silver bullets 'n
the fight be up to each'a y'all to carry-on. If'n y'wants to get the
bosses to pay y'all some nevermind 'n speed up the harvest, then y'gots
to stop greasin' the wheels 'n be sure to follow that there list'a
"Ts" to a "T." As always, remember to spread the word that the ole
Gardner workin' the fields at Flight Options. The harvest—it be comin'.
Stay healthy 'n warm 'n fly safe,
THE OLE GARDNER.

--
ARE YOU A HAPPY PILOT?
HAPPY PILOTS MAKE THE SYSTEM WORK BY BENDING THE RULES,
and
PILOTS CAN LET THE SYSTEM FAIL BY FOLLOWING THE RULES.
NO HEROES NEEDED, JUST DO YOUR JOB.
Y'ALL BE VERY CAREFUL OUT THERE!

 

[SilverSurfer]

Don't Be No Rat!

DON'T BE NO RAT!

It be winter, for sure, 'n the ole Gardner thinkin' 'bout you flyers
out workin' in the cold for this here Flight Options outfit. I knows
this time'a year be kind'a rough on y'all, 'n lots'a pilots' home lives
done suffered 'cause'a bad weather, broke machines 'n mighty poor
schedulin' from the bosses back at the Cuyahoga County spread up north.
Many'a y'all done missed Thanksgivin' 'n Christmas 'n New Years at home with
yur families. That be a sad thing.
I promised y'all I'd learn 'bout ASAP, so's I done me some talkin' with
my pilot friend 'bout it. He says ASAP be a special safety program
the Sheriff, yur Union 'n the bosses done agreed 'bout. I been told it
sort'a like a 3-legged stool what needs all three legs to stand up.
If'n one leg be missin', the program doesn't work. My pilot friend says
if'n a flyer thinks he might'a accidentally done somethin' wrong, or
been asked to do somethin' wrong by a boss or somebody else, he should
quickly let this here ASAP know 'bout it 'n they be lookin' into it. I
hear tell Sheriff says pilots what be reportin' to ASAP not gettin'
'emselves in any kind'a trouble for things they done, so long as they didn't
do 'em on purpose. There be rules for reportin' to ASAP 'n I doesn't
know 'em all. But yur Union sure knows 'n be glad to help y'with
reportin' if'n y'gives 'em Stewards a call.
Sheriff says he for sure wants to know if'n any bosses askin' pilots to
break the rules or go out flyin' when they shouldn't cause they sickly
or tired or the flyin' machine be broke. I hear tell some bosses
wantin' pilots to wait writin' in the 501 page books till it more
convenient to fix 'em up. Sheriff calls such kind'a foolishness "pilot
pushin'." If'n this be happenin' to you, let ASAP know 'n for sure call yur
Union so's it can be makin' complaints with the big bosses against the
folks what be doin' the "pushin'."
If'n he flyin' with a crewmate he thinks be doin' the job wrong, my
pilot friend says he tries workin' things out between 'em. If'n the
crewmate wantin' to do somethin' that be clearly again' the law or downright
dangerous, my pilot friend says he lets the crewmate know he ain't
goin' flyin' with him. But, if'n it just be the crewmate rubbin' him the
wrong way, my friend says yur Union gots a special committee called
"Professional Standards" to help work things out between y'all. He calls
it "Pro-Stan," for short.
I seen this kind'a committee 'afore at all the big airlines 'n I knows
how good it be at helpin' pilots settle spats what grows up when y'out
workin' together. I hear tell Pro-Stan workin' just fine at that there
NetJets outfit down Columbus way. 'Em bosses works with Pro-Stan to
keep pilot spats from steamin' up. I been told the big bosses at yur
outfit thinks yur Union gonna "pay" for Pro-Stan by wantin' less'a other
things in the negotiations for yur contract. So's they holdin' out
from workin' with Pro-Stan folks till then.
My pilot friend says yur Union ain't gonna pay one thin dime for the
bosses to work with Pro-Stan or any other committee. He says Pro-Stan
folks doesn't need the bosses involved none to be workin', 'cause
Pro-Stan works just fine without 'em. I been told yur Union 'spects the
bosses gonna 'ventually come 'round to workin' with Pro-Stan, no matter
what. In fact, they be eager to do it, 'cause it be takin' some chores
off'n their backs. Meanwhile, the bosses wantin' y'all rattin' on one
'nother so's they be gettin' pilots in trouble. Don't be fallin' for the
bosses traps none 'n tellin' tales on yur fellow Union members. They
be yur comrades-in-arms. If'n y'havin' spats with someone at work, call
yur Union's Pro-Stan folks. They wantin' to help 'n doesn't let the
bosses know 'bout it none. I been told 'em Union Stewards have
Pro-Stan's phone numbers to share 'with y'all, if'n y'just ask.
I hear tell some'a the bosses been askin' real "friendly" like for
pilots to chat on the phone or write e-mail messages usin' computer
machines or 'em little Blackberry gadgets y'all carries 'round talkin' bout
what they been doin' or what some other pilots been doin' at work. I
been told some bosses even been havin' talks with flyers what come by the
Cuyahoga County spread as they passin' through town. Then, 'afore
y'knows it, up jumps the devil.
The bosses usin' what they done learned to woodshed pilots what done
spoke or wrote it. Some pilots what been fooled that'a way been
woodshedded without first bein' invited on a "CGF-1 Arrival," where they
could'a had a Union Steward helpin' protect 'em from the trickery 'n
dishonesty these bosses done gots foulin' their souls. From what I seen 'n
heard, y'just can't trust a single one'a 'em mean bosses y'all works for
none, at all.
I done watched lots'a TV shows in my day 'n seen police tell folks they
doesn't need say nothin' if'n they doesn't want to, 'cause what they
says can be used again' 'em. Police also gots to let folks know they
can have lawyers help 'em if'n they wants. It be called readin' 'em
"Miranda rights," or some such name, 'n that there Supreme Court in
Washington done says police gots to say it. I remember a Latin singer named
Carmen Miranda many'a years back what used to wear a hat looked like a
big fruit basket perched on her head. Wonder if'n this Miranda readin'
be named for her, cause knowin' yur "Miranda rights" might just keep
y'from "singin'" when y'shouldn't, don't y'know.
But, I been told 'em judges says there ain't no "Miranda rights" at
work. Yur bosses ain't the police 'n they needn't let y'know y'can get
yur ownself in a heap'a trouble by talkin' or writin' 'bout stuff
y'might'a done or seen at work. The bosses ain't none too keen on lettin'
y'know they be settin' traps for you or some other flyer.
My pilot friend showed me a message the Stewards done posted on the
Union's website a few weeks back talkin' 'bout what to do if'n y'asked to
have a "friendly" chat or send a e-mail to a boss 'bout things
y'might'a done or seen at work. The Stewards say y'should first ask the boss
what he plannin' on doin' to y'bout it. If'n he says y'ain't gonna get
in any kind'a trouble 'n ain't gonna get a trip to the woodshed, ask
him to send you a message sayin' just that. If'n the boss says he might
be woodsheddin' ya or won't send a message sayin' he ain't gonna,
y'shouldn't talk or write 'bout what he wantin' to know till y'speaks to
one'a 'em Stewards first. The Steward be helpin' y'send the boss the
right kind'a answer.
I hear tell yur Union done negotiated a rule for y'all what says if'n
the bosses thinkin' 'bout woodsheddin' ya, they gots to first give an
invite to a "CGF-1 Arrival" meetin' at the Cuyahoga County spread where
the bosses be investigatin' what y'might'a done or seen at work. Y'can
have a Steward come along, but the bosses ain't lettin' y'bring no
lawyers. So, if'n y'does gets an invite for a "CGF-1 Arrival," call yur
Union right away 'n they be sendin' a Steward along when y'comes to the
Cuyahoga County spread to meet with the bosses.
Some bosses been tellin' pilots they ain't gonna be woodshedded, but
they wants 'em to rat on their fellow Union members. If'n that happens,
for sure call yur Union so's a Steward can help y'not sayin' or writin'
things y'doesn't have to say or write that might get other flyers in a
heap'a trouble. Y'doesn't want to be known as a rat among yur
friends. There already be enough rats skulkin' 'round yur outfit workin' as
mean bosses. They for sure ain't yur friends none.
Well, sir, even though it be cold out, there still be lot's a chores to
do 'round this here place. I knows there be lots'a chores y'flyers
gots to do when you're out workin' in the cold, too. Do the work y'bein'
paid to do, even though y'ain't bein' paid much at all, 'specially
compared to yur Brothers 'n Sisters at that there NetJets outfit. But,
y'shouldn't do a dang thing y'doesn't need or have to do, 'specially if'n
it be a job others supposed to be doin', but doin' badly. Ain't yur
job to be cleanin' up after 'em 'n makin' things right or fillin' in the
holes by flyin' overtime, neither. Don't be drivin' machines with
broke parts; don't be flyin' sickly, hungry or tired; don't be workin'
overtime; and don't be no rat against yur fellow Union members. Don't be
takin' no chances, or be bendin' the rules none. If'n y'aint happy,
y'shouldn't be fixin' things for 'em bosses what treatin' y'mean and
makin' y'sad. Happy pilots be the "grease" what keeps the wheels a'any
flyin' outfit turnin' just right, don't y'know.
Stay safe, yur friend,
THE OLE GARDNER

--
ARE YOU A HAPPY PILOT?
HAPPY PILOTS MAKE THE SYSTEM WORK BY BENDING THE RULES,
and
PILOTS CAN LET THE SYSTEM FAIL BY FOLLOWING THE RULES.
NO HEROES NEEDED, JUST DO YOUR JOB.
Y'ALL BE VERY CAREFUL OUT THERE!

 

[SilverSurfer]

"x" Marks The Spot!

"X" MARKS THE SPOT!

Hello everyone, it be your friend, the ole Gardner. I doesn't know
much 'bout what's happenin' where y'all live, but 'round these parts it
been a might bit chilly. I already done mentioned I doesn't like the
cold much none 'n that there global warmin' I been readin' 'bout ain't
helpin' me keep comfy this winter. No, sir, a cracklin' log fire 'n a sip
or two'a homebrew from'a Mason jar now'n then be what I usin' to stave
off the cold. My pilot friend come by the cabin when he got back from
his last trip on the road 'n he had lots'a news to share with me 'bout
the goin's on at that there Flight Options outfit y'all works for.
He showed me some messages the big bosses done wrote sayin' they gonna
be takin' on some new flyin' machines some rich folks own that they be
lettin' your outfit manage for 'em. I thought this be good news for
y'all, cause I hear tell most'a the planes yur outfit's now flyin' 'round
gettin' kind'a ratty lookin' 'n with lots'a broke parts fallin' off.
Then I read the fine print in the message 'bout one'a these machines
called a "Citation X."
It seems the big bosses changin' all the rules 'bout who gonna be
drivin' this new "X" machine 'n how much they gonna get paid doin' it. My
pilot friend says when new flyin' machines be added to yur outfit's
fleet in the past, all pilots got to "bid" on the chance to drive it. He
says those pilots been 'round the longest with the bestest seniority
gets first choice. If'n they didn't already know how to fly the new
planes, the big bosses got 'em schoolin' to learn how. We got some'a the
same kind'a rules down on the farm, don't y'know. There be 'a peckin'
order 'mongst all the barnyard animals 'bout who gets the bestest 'n
mostest food to eat 'n where to bed down when night comes.
Now yur big bosses be sayin' those pilots what doesn't know how to
drive this new bird can't even bid 'n those what already knows how can move
right to the head'a the line with no nevermind for their seniority
peckin' order. But, I hear tell there be one hitch in the giddy-up, even
for these folks. Any pilot what wants to drive this new machine gots
to live right near the flyin' field where the rich guy what owns this
plane has his barn. I been told the new flyin' field be just outside'a
Denver. I done visited Denver a time or two 'n it sure be a beautiful
city with the purple mountains risin' high just to the West. But, I
knows not everyone wants to live there. I sure doesn't, 'cause I hear
tell that place gonna run out'a water some day.
So, I asks my pilot friend what's gonna happen if'n none'a the pilots
workin' for yur outfit what knows how to drive a "X" machine wants to up
'n move to Denver for this here new job. He says that be where the
real rub comes in. Yur bosses plannin' on hirin' two new pilots off'n
the street what already knows how to drive this new plane. Even though
these new hires gonna be put at the very bottom'a the seniority peckin'
order, the big bosses plannin' on payin' these new flyers more money'n
the rest'a y'all what's been here for years gettin' paid for drivin'
yur outfit's tired old flyin' machines. That be rubbin' y'all's faces in
the dirt just a bit much, don't y'think?
If'n I was a pilot what's been workin' for yur outfit for any length'a
time 'n the big bosses done wrote me a message sayin' they gonna
trample on my seniority peckin' order so's I can't bid to drive this new
machine or live where I darn well please, I'd be hoppin' mad, don't y'know.
That'd be 'specially true when I figured out that a couple'a new
pilots might be hired off'n the street to take my rightful place 'n get
paid many thousands'a dollars more'n I gettin' paid for doin' my job.
My pilot friend says yur Union tryin' to negotiate with the big bosses
'bout comin' up with rules 'bout who 'mongst y'all gonna get the job'a
drivin' this new "X" machine, when they gots to work, where they gots
to live 'n what they gets paid. But, I been told the bosses ain't too
eager on meetin' with yur Union to talk 'bout it. In fact, I hear tell
the big bosses ain't too keen on meetin' regular with yur Union more'n
3 or 4 days each month to talk 'bout writin' a good 'n fair contract
like 'em flyers at that there NetJets outfit done got. From what I seen,
yur big bosses just doesn't respect y'all what be doin' the real work
that be makin' 'em big bosses rich.
So, what y'all gonna do 'bout it? As I sees it, y'gots yurselves two
choices. If'n y'wants, y'can put yur heads in the sand, like the silly
scared ostrich I seen in a picture in that there "National Geographic"
magazine they gots down at the town library, 'n hope against hope yur
bosses gonna change their mean ways. Let me clue y'in folks—they ain't
gonna change without y'all havin' a contract says they gotta. Or,
y'can stand up for what be rightfully yurs, like the brave men 'n women I
knows most'a y'all to be, 'n let the bosses know for sure y' mighty
unhappy 'n ain't gonna take it no more 'n want that contract sooner, rather
than later. Y'gots to let 'em know y'be sick 'n tired'a 'em big
bosses draggin' their feet in how they goin' bout the negotiations with yur
Union.
Let the"X" from that there new "X" machine mark the spot where
y'drawin' a line in the sand! For those'a y'all what ain't yet been followin'
my advice, let yur bosses know 'nough be 'nough. No more drivin' broke
flyin' machines! No more workin' when y'tired, hungry or sickly! No
more bendin' the rules! No more answerin' the phone when y'restin' or
on days off! No more workin' overtime! No more doin' other folks jobs
for 'em! No more doin' the bosses any kind'a favors! No more buyin'
into the tall tales 'n false stories the bosses spreadin' bout yur
Union 'n its officers! No more "greasin'" the wheels to get the mission
done! No more! NO MORE!
Well, sir, January be movin' quickly along 'n afore y' knows it
Valentine's day be here. Soon after comes Spring. All you Flight Options
pilots what be strong, dues-payin' Union members gots lots to be proud of.
Y'all gonna win this fight with the bosses if'n y'keeps yur eyes on
the prize, which be a fair contract, like yur fellow strong Union
supportin' Brothers 'n Sisters at NetJets done gots 'emselves. Follow that
there list'a "Ts" I done already wrote y'all 'bout as closely as can be.
It truly be the answer to makin' yur outfit a much better 'n safer
place to work. Even though there be lots more work to do, I for sure
seein' the signs'a yur efforts. Yes, sir, the ole Gardner workin' the
fields at Flight Options. The harvest—it be comin'.

Yur true friend,
THE OLE GARDNER.

--
ARE YOU A HAPPY PILOT?
HAPPY PILOTS MAKE THE SYSTEM WORK BY BENDING THE RULES,
and
PILOTS CAN LET THE SYSTEM FAIL BY FOLLOWING THE RULES.
NO HEROES NEEDED, JUST DO YOUR JOB.
Y'ALL BE VERY CAREFUL OUT THERE!

 

[SilverSurfer]

Cull Yur Herd!

Howdy folks. It be me again, the ole Gardner. It takes strong folks
to survive the winter, specially when its been as bad 'round the country
as I been readin' 'bout in the local newspaper. I sure hopes those'a
y'all been out workin' in the cold 'n ice 'n snow been takin' extra
care to be warm 'n safe. Payin' close attention to 'em "Ts" I done wrote
y'all 'bout 'n those wintertime DYKs yur Union done posted on its
website, be a good way for y'all to brave the elements without gettin'
yourself in a heap'a trouble or hurt none.
But I been told by my pilot friend what lives round these parts there
be too many flyers at yur outfit not doin' their part to bring in the
harvest. They afraid to join the Union; or if'n they did join, some
afraid to let the bosses know they done it; or they afraid to do their job
the way the Sheriff says they must; 'n some not wantin' to write-up
broke parts in the 501 page book when 'n where they finds 'em broke. I
hear tell some pilots ain't joinin' the Union 'cause they ain't wantin'
to pay dues—not 'cause they can't afford it none, but 'cause they just
don't wanna. Some'a these free-loaders be sayin' they only gonna pay up
once the Union gets 'em a contract, 'cause that's what they was told
when the Union first come 'round. That kind'a story be a big pile of
smelly, rottin' horse manure like the muck I got out back the barn, if'n
y'asks me.
I think it be time the ole Gardner took the gloves off 'n tells it like
it is. I told y'all when I first started writin' that I done already
helped lots'a flyers at the big airlines bring in their own bountiful
harvest from time to time o'er many'a year. So, I be pretty good at
judgin' pilot "horseflesh." I seen selfish 'n scared pilots lurkin' in
the shadows at some'a these other outfits just like be slinkin' 'round
'mongst y'all. When in pubic or back home with the wife 'n kiddies, they
strut their stuff in their fancy uniforms pretendin' to be someone
special to be respected. But at work it be a different story.
They let others take the chances 'n do all the hard work that gonna
bring in the harvest. They try to be invisible. But, at the slightest
kind'a trouble, they cower in the corner like the mangy dogs they be.
They doesn't want to be associated with a Union, unless they gets their
butts in some kind'a trouble with the bosses 'n needs the Stewards to
help 'em out. I hear tell a few 'em slackers already done come runnin'
for help with their tails tucked between their legs. If'n y'ask me,
folks like this sure ain't fit for membership in the brotherhood'a airmen
what was built with the blood 'n guts 'n lives'a those brave pioneer
aviators what came 'afore 'em.
Now, I hear tell there was some talk when the Union first come 'round
that no dues need be paid till there be a contract. But, my pilot
friend says a few months later there be a vote 'mongst ALL the pilots 'bout
changin' the Union's By-Laws so dues be paid even 'afore there be a
contract. He says lots more Flight Options pilots voted for this change
than were again' it, as did yur Brothers 'n Sisters at that there
NetJets outfit. That be the right 'n democratic way to make changes—by a
fair vote—not the way yur big bosses do by just sayin' pilots gots nothin'
to say 'bout changes they always makin' at yur outfit.
I been told the bosses didn't let y'vote on the changes to yur health
care insurance costs 'n benefits, 'n y'didn't get to vote on the
vacation mess 'round Thanksgivin' time, 'n the bosses ain't lettin' y'vote
'bout who be drivin' that there new "X" machine they be takin' on. When
yur Union done gets y'all a contract, y'gonna get to vote on all these
kind'a changes 'afore they happen. The bosses ain't gonna be makin' no
such changes without yur Union first sayin' it be OK. But, right now
y'ain't got that there contract 'n negotiatin' to get it costs yur Union
lots'a money, which comes from dues.
My pilot friend 'n I was readin' bout some words in the big dictionary
down at the town library 'n we looked up the word "scab." Now, I knows
most'a y'already knows a "scab" be someone what crosses a Union's
picket line 'n snatches food off'n strikin' workers' tables. They be
modern day Benedict Arnolds 'n should be shunned for the traitors they be.
Folks 'round these parts where I lives runs that kind outta town on a
rail fast as can be when they comes driftin' by. What y'all probably
doesn't know is the dictionary says a "scab" also be a worker what
refuses to join the Union all the while takin' 'vantage'a the good the Union
be doin'.
Most'a those pilots at yur outfit what ain't yet joined the Union
probably ain't never gonna 'n ain't never gonna pay the fair share they
owes, even after yur Union gets that contract. Some might, but most surely
won't. Just figure how much money they already owes the Union since
dues got voted in. That be a mighty big check they needin' to write to
join up 'n it keeps gettin' bigger with each passin' month. Sayin'
they standin' on what they was told 'bout dues at the start, even though
there was a rightful vote to change it, be their selfish excuse for not
payin' their fair share to help y'all get that contract.
I been told some flyers gots worries back home 'n just can't afford to
pay dues, no matter how small an amount it be each month, cause they
bein' paid such small wages by yur mean bosses 'n need every nickle to
pay their bills 'n feed their families. My pilot friend says this be
'specially true 'mongst co-pilots what drives that there BeechNut jet. He
says there be a few captains in the same boat. The good news is most
BeechNut jet drivers be payin'—even those what can't afford it—'n many
non-payers be helpin' bring in the harvest in other ways, like
followin' the list'a "Ts." That be a good thing, for sure.
But, my friend says too many pilots whats drivin' the bigger planes yur
outfit gots 'n gettin' paid higher wages be the worst slackers when it
comes to not payin' dues 'n they ain't helpin' out none in other ways,
neither. They gots no excuse for not payin' their fair share but
selfish greed, don't y'know. Yur Union gots to have dues money to operate
'n pay for negotiations, but they doesn't care. They just sittin' back
waitin' for y'all to bring in the harvest, then they wantin' to take
part in the fruits'a yur labors for free.
I hear tell there be a few pilots wearin' yur Union's pin what ain't
really members. My pilot friend says some'a these pin-wearin' fakers
done "bought" their pins by payin' dues for only the first month or two
after the Union come 'round. Then they quits payin' but keeps on
pretendin' they be members by still wearin' the pin like a cheap disguise.
They wants y'to think they somethin' they ain't. I been told some'a
these dishonest folks be "double agents" workin' secretly with yur mean
bosses tryin' to get rid'a yur Union. My pilot friend says when he sees
flyers he doesn't know wearin' the pin, he asks 'em if'n they be members
with dues paid full up. He says when he finds a scab wearin' a pin
what shouldn't, he lets other pilots know who the traitor be 'n lets the
Union know, too.
If'n y'be workin' with a crewmate what be a coward or a scab 'n he not
doin' what y'knows be right to help bring in the harvest, there be a
simple solution. I been told it takes two pilots to drive one'a 'em
little jets yur outfit's got. So, if'n yur crewmate too scared or greedy
or dishonorable to do what's right 'n safe 'n legal, it be yur job to
stop it by sayin' y'ain't gonna help him do wrong or break no rules or
take no chances. Sort'a reminds me 'bout that old sayin' "it takes two
to Tango!"
My pilot friend says he lets weak crewmates know he be callin' the
Union's Pro Stan Committee or writin' to ASAP 'bout what he thinks they be
doin' wrong. But, if'n what they doin' be really bad 'n might get his
ownself hurt or in trouble with the law, he lets 'em know he be tellin'
the bosses he ain't goin' flyin' with 'em none. He says he for sure
doesn't want to be no rat, but he gots to protect his ownself from harm
when there be no other choices left. I agrees with him. Eventually,
the traitors 'mongst y'all be gettin' the message the rest'a y'ain't no
longer puttin' up with folks what be puttin' y'at risk.
Now, I knows what I talkin' 'bout be kind'a harsh. But, the time has
come to cull yur herd. The big bosses dependin' on the cowards 'n scabs
'mongst y'all to help 'em out by breakin' rules 'n doin' what they
want, even if'n it be wrong or unsafe. That be workin' again' the rest'a
y'all what's doin' things right 'n followin' the rules 'n stayin' as
safe as possible. The big bosses playin' the waitin' game 'spectin' the
rest'a y'get tired'a the fight 'n abandon yur Union's efforts. Then
they come stompin' down on yur heads, big time, like I seen 'afore at
other airlines where the Union done give up.
It be time to pick sides 'n let the traitors 'mongst y'all know y'ain't
gonna take kindly to 'em workin' again' y'no more. If'n a pilot ain't
now payin' dues to yur Union 'cause he just doesn't wanna, he ain't
with ya. If'n he ain't with ya, he be again' ya. It be just that
simple. Like I says 'afore, y'shouldn't be sittin' a meal or drinkin'
spirits with these kind'a folks, none, neither. They ain't yur friends, even
though y'might'a once thunk different 'bout 'em.
Well, sir, it be February 'n winter almost half-done. Valentine's day
be right 'round the corner. I beginnin' to get a bad case'a cabin
fever 'n can't wait to start up my trusty tractor 'n get to plowin' the
fields for spring plantin'. I just knows when I looks 'round that the
strong 'n brave folks 'mongst y'all gonna be right there with me workin'
the fields at Flight Options. Y'followin' 'em "Ts" close as can be so's
y'be stayin' healthy 'n legal 'n safe. Yes, sir, the signs be gettin'
unmistakable with each passin' week. The harvest—it be comin'.
Yur true friend,
THE OLE GARDNER.

 

[SilverSurfer]

The Head 'n Ass

PAGE 1

THE HEAD 'N ASS.
Howdy friends. It be the ole Gardner again. Sorry I ain't writ y'all
in quite a while, but that dang computer machine'a mine done broke
down. My pilot friend what lives near by done said some gadget he called a
"hard drive" what's buried down deep in that computer's innards done
"crashed." Mercy me! I doesn't have a clue what he be talkin' 'bout,
'n I surely didn't hear nuttin' go crash. It just stopped workin' 'n
the TV set hooked up to it turned blue. Last time I seen somethin' that
color was when I got myself sickly from somthin' bad I done et.
I was gettin' ready to take the darn thing to town to get it fixed when
we got hit with the biggest snow storm I done seen in quite a spell.
Now, y'knows I doesn't like bein' out in the cold much, 'n I be gettin'
too old to be shovelin' snow, so I curled up with the misses by the
fireplace in my cabin sippin' homebrew from a Mason jar 'n waited fur the
sun to melt it gone from the roads.
Now, round these parts, not too many folks got 'emselves a computer,
much less knows how to fix 'em. So, I boxed it up 'n the owner'a the
general store knew just where to send it away to get it fixed. It got
delivered back just the other day 'n my pilot friend come by the cabin 'n
hooked back up all the wires that run to that magic box. Yes, sir, I
be back in business writin' y'all once more. Now tell me truly;
y'missed me, didn't ya?
After he got the computer up 'n runnin' again, my pilot friend filled
me in 'bout what be goin' on at that there Flight Options outfit y'all
works fur. I hear tell the head boss gots a terrible case'a the ASS and
be getting' mighty desperate. My pilot friend showed me a letter he
done wrote to all the workers, hintin' yur outfit be on the brink'if'n
things don't get better. I been told the head boss at that there
NetJets outfit done wrote the same kinda gloom 'n doom letter just a few
years ago right 'afore 'em pilots' new Union negotiated their contract. I
wish I had a dollar under my mattress fur each time I seen one'a these
kinda' letters 'afore when I be helpin' out pilots over the years at
the big airlines.
Seems like these head bosses always followin' the same script 'n cryin'
poor whenever the Union be makin' headway in negotiations, like I hear
tell be happenin' fur y'all. That be 'specially true if'n the pilots
done made it clear they ain't gonna keep workin' lots more hours fur
lots less money than flyers what works at other outfits be makin'.
Today, yur brother 'n sister pilots workin' at NetJets be gettin' paid
almost twice what some'a y'all gettin' paid fur doin' the same job, but
doin' it less days a year. Even so, their outfit be makin' lots'a money 'n
buyin' lots'a new airplanes 'n growin' by leaps 'n bounds. I hear
tell dozens'a yur fellow pilots done quit yur outfit in the last few
months 'n many done gots 'emsleves hired on at NetJets. They be happy
campers now.
My pilot friend says 'nother one'a these airplane time-share outfits
like yurs called "Citation Shares" pretty much done matched NetJets pay
fur their pilots so's they wouldn't be losin' 'em. Meanwhile, yur head
boss with the ASS ain't yet figured out y'all done drawed a line in the
sand 'bout wantin' a contract what brings y'in line with what be goin'
on at these other flyin' outfits like yurs. I hear tell y'tired'a
suckin' hind teat.
Don't be fooled none. The head boss done wrote that letter tryin' to
scare y'all into rollin' over 'n playin' dead. He be hopin' to scare
y'just 'nough so y'be happy to merely have a job at yur outfit, even
though it be miserable 'cause the bosses treatin' y'mean, workin' y' hard
'n payin' y'poorly. I knows y'all way too smart to fall fur such a pile
a horse-hockey. It be plain to me yur head boss don't respect y'none.
I been told pilots be quittin' yur outfit to go flyin' at NetJets or
some other place cause they can make more money, have better workin'
conditions 'n benefits 'n spend more time at home with their families. Yur
head boss should'a figured that was gonna happen when 'em NetJets
pilots done got their newest contract. I hear tell yur outfit can't hire
enough new pilots to replace those be leavin'. Now, if'n pilots be
quittin' much faster than yur outfit can replace 'em, it be no wonder yur
head boss gonna have to be cuttin' back flyin' trips like he says in his
letter 'cause there be nobody 'round to drive 'em. If'n he not be
runnin' the planes he already gots, then it be easy to see yur outfit's
gots more flyin' machines than it needs. So, why buy new ones?
Yur head boss now says he givin' up on some'a 'em new airplanes he gots
on order. Y'might remember I wrote y'all mid-December time, right
after yur head boss done crowed in the press bout 'that there HIG group
buyin' yur outfit 'n puttin' up lots'a money to bring on a bunch'a 'em
"Phenom" flyin' machines. Back then, many'a y'all, includin' my pilot
friend, were pleased as punch, thinkin' y'done won the lottery. I told
y'not to be so excited. The exact words I writ at the time were:
"Now, I been 'round helpin' pilots for many'a year 'n I seen lots'a
flyin' outfits bought 'n sold 'n come 'n go. I also seen 'em place
orders to get new airplanes that never gets filled. So, I learned long ago
not to count my chickens 'afore they hatch. I be leery when I hears
'bout such buyin' 'n sellin' 'n airplane orders."
Yes, sir, it just goes to show y'all that the ole Gardner done knows
what he be talkin' 'bout. History has a way'a repeatin' itself, don't
y'know. Unlike yur big bosses who ain't always tellin' the truth, I done
tells it like it is.
I seen in the head boss's letter where he be worryin' some 'bout the
economy 'n the recession all 'em politicians in Washington be frettin'
'bout. He want's y'all believin' he be makin' yur outfit smaller 'cause
there be less demand from 'em rich folks y'all flyin' here 'n there
'round the country. He warnin' that 'em rich folks be cuttin' back on
usin' yur outfit's little jets. Now, I knows things be gettin' mighty
tough out there fur workin' folks, but most'a 'em rich folks gots more
money than they knows what to do with. Most gonna breeze thru the bad
times without missin'a beat. In fact, while the average family barely be
scrapin' by hopin' their house ain't foreclosed on by the bank, 'em
rich folks keep spendin' 'n spendin' durin' bad times. Fact is, many'a
'em rich folks gonna get lots richer if'n bad times come while average
folks be gettin' poorer.
Yur head boss also says he worryin' 'bout the price a gas to run yur
little jets. My pilot friend used the computer to find an interview yur
head boss give last summer to a magazine rich folks read called
"Forbes." He told the reporter that the price'a gas makes no nevermind to yur
outfit's customers cause they be so rich. Now he sayin' just the
opposite, tryin' to scare y'all. Seems to me yur head boss be sayin'
whatever he pleases, whenever he pleases, just to make whoever be foolish
'nough to listen to his dribble think he knows what he be talkin' bout.
Well, sir, the ole Gardner wasn't born yesterday.
Nope, if'n y'asks me, yur head boss be sayin' in his letter that he
doesn't have a clue how to run yur outfit, except to run it into the
ground. He can't keep 'nough pilots workin' here 'n he can't hire 'new
pilots fast 'nough to replace the ones be leavin'. He can't keep his
planes in the sky cause they mostly tired 'n broke 'n there ain't 'nough
pilots 'round to fly 'em. He askin' y'all to do yur part to keep the
customers happy while he 'n the other bosses be doin' everythin' to make
'em mad, just like he done made y'all mad.
Answer me this—if'n yur head boss can't get his planes in the sky, how
does he 'spect to keep the customers he already gots? Just like he
can't hire 'nough new pilots, he fur sure ain't figured out how to get new
customers, neither. Without pilots or customers, I ain't surprised he
ain't plannin' on flyin' as many trips as 'afore, or buyin' all the
new airplanes he once crowed 'bout. Like I says, I didn't believe him
none when he first told y'all bout 'em planes anyways. What really
surprises me is 'em smart folks runnin' that there HIG group keeps a head
boss who be such a screw-up in charge'a yur outfit. If'n he worked fur
me, I'd'a shown him the boot long ago. I been told he was shown the
door at the last outfit he worked fur after he done screwed it up to a
fair-thee-well.

 

[SilverSurfer]

The Head 'n Ass.

PAGE 2

THE HEAD 'N ASS.

My pilot friend 'n I got to thinkin' 'bout what yur head boss be really
sayin' in his letter. It was all we could do to keep from laughin'
'bout how easy it was to figure out his real message. "I want the pilots
to quit followin' the rules," was the real message yur head boss be
sayin' in his letter. Best thing y'can do is send him a strong message
back that y'ain't gonna put yur ownselves or yur customers at risk 'n
y'gonna be followin' even more closely that there list a "T's" I done
wrote y'all about a while back.
If'n yur head boss ain't smart 'nough 'bout aviation to know that
flyin' machines gots to be properly maintained, just like the Sheriff says
they must, don't be helpin' him out by drivin' ones be broke. Let the
bosses know 'em planes broke where 'n when y'finds 'em broke. Don't be
flyin' sickly, tired or hungry none. Don't be flyin no overtime. I
know the head boss not wantin' y'be careful in doin' yur job, even though
he done stuck up paper signs all over that there Cuyahoga County
spread sayin' otherwise. Safety be just 'nother one'a his tall tales. My
pilot friend says it ain't gonna do yur outfit no good if'n the stars
all line up in the wrong direction 'n one'a yur outfit's little jets
makes a smokin' hole in the ground 'cause it was broke 'afore it took off
or the pilots were to tired or sickly or hungry to be out flyin'. He
says if'n that happens, yur outfit be shuttin' its doors fur sure.
Think very seriously about that message when y'bein' asked by anyone to
bend the rules to keep the customers happy, 'specially when bosses
with the ASS be messin' up the operation as bad as they be doin'. It
ain't yur job to be cleanin' up their mess after 'em. I hear tell they all
gettin' paid mighty big bucks to do a much better job than they be
doin', anyways.
That be it fur now. I sure hopes y'remembered to set yur clocks up one
hour so's y'gots more daylight to see the fields just waitin' fur
plantin' to begin soon after all the snow be melted. Winter be nearly gone
'n plowin' time be just round the corner. I can feel it in my bones.
Remember, spread the word that the ole Gardner still workin' the
fields at Flight Options. The harvest—it be comin'.
Your friend,
THE OLE GARDNER

 

[Voice Of Reason]

Just my 2 cents

To be perfectly honest...I am sure there are good messages buried somewhere in these emails, but myself (and many others) never read them, for the simple fact that the length, and more notably the use of the redneck "Dialectizer" is a big hindrance toward getting the point across. You'll notice a lot of times, people will make posts even in normal, everyday English that no one really reads. These will make people's eyes glaze over and skip that person's posts because they are incapable of getting a simple point across in less than 4 pages worth of space. That does not make a good writer, in fact, quite the opposite.
There's vocal minority that will always pipe up and cheer the person on ("Oh, I just loooove that Ole Gardner"), but that does not negate the fact that the majority just ignore.
Not at all flaming the INTENT, just making a point that the efforts could be directed in a more succinct, less distracting manner to reach a larger audience. It is the reading of it, after all, that is the most fundamental, and I too want to see success in this thing.

 

[ProFracPilot]

Not at all flaming the INTENT, just making a point that the efforts could be directed in a more succinct, less distracting manner to reach a larger audience. It is the reading of it, after all, that is the most fundamental, and I too want to see success in this thing.

You are spot on, VOR. The message is indeed lost in his tome. My dues are paid and I trust my leadership to exercise good stewardship with our money. For that reason I sincerely hope that any portion of our dues are not going toward paying a consultant to compose these difficult to read 'Ole Gardner essays.

 

[shanes123]

I agree with Voice Of Reason..It was cute, funny, and a little entertaining at first but now its to much nonsense to read to get to 1 or 2 good facts. I myself have just started deleting the emails when I get em..

 

[TurboHonda]

VOR,

I can’t dispute your point. However, I find myself reading his letters in much the same way that I listen to my aging father’s stories that I’ve heard over and over, time and time again. Out of respect for where he’s been and what he’s done I still listen and read and usually learn something new each time.

The history of the Ole Gardner goes back to a time when computers were not the norm. His messages were written on paper and passed around and shared. His contribution to past organization efforts are legendary. I don’t know why he’s picked us to help, but I’m thankful that he did.

I’m sure he could change his delivery technique and join the rest of us anonymous and quickly forgotten “bullet” posters. But, then he wouldn’t be the Ole Gardner anymore.

 

[Voice Of Reason]

I’m sure he could change his delivery technique and join the rest of us anonymous and quickly forgotten “bullet” posters. But, then he wouldn’t be the Ole Gardner anymore.

I guess one can't "forget" what they don't read in the first place. Whether this caricature is considered "legendary" or not, I stand by the point that he isn't making one in this manner. It reminds me a lot of the insecure poster who writes pages of drivel that impresses one or two easily impressed individuals. He fancies himself a "great debater," because people have stopped debating him...when in reality people just scroll past his insecure, babbling, posts. His efforts are wasted, and best spent elsewhere.
Same here.

 

[TurboHonda]

I guess one can't "forget" what they don't read in the first place. Whether this caricature is considered "legendary" or not, I stand by the point that he isn't making one in this manner. It reminds me a lot of the insecure poster who writes pages of drivel that impresses one or two easily impressed individuals. He fancies himself a "great debater," because people have stopped debating him...when in reality people just scroll past his insecure, babbling, posts. His efforts are wasted, and best spent elsewhere.
Same here.

I can't argue with any of that. So, I guess you win.

 

[Voice Of Reason]

I don’t know why he’s picked us to help, but I’m thankful that he did.

The goodness of his voluntary heart I hope? FWIW, I'm not trying to "win" anything but understanding of the general sentiment regarding these letters. They ARE in fact failing to reach the majority. Well, they do reach them, but they are either barely skimmed, skipped or just deleted now.

 

[SilverSurfer]

I agree with you 100%

To be perfectly honest...I am sure there are good messages buried somewhere in these emails, but myself (and many others) never read them, for the simple fact that the length, and more notably the use of the redneck "Dialectizer" is a big hindrance toward getting the point across. You'll notice a lot of times, people will make posts even in normal, everyday English that no one really reads. These will make people's eyes glaze over and skip that person's posts because they are incapable of getting a simple point across in less than 4 pages worth of space. That does not make a good writer, in fact, quite the opposite.
There's vocal minority that will always pipe up and cheer the person on ("Oh, I just loooove that Ole Gardner"), but that does not negate the fact that the majority just ignore.
Not at all flaming the INTENT, just making a point that the efforts could be directed in a more succinct, less distracting manner to reach a larger audience. It is the reading of it, after all, that is the most fundamental, and I too want to see success in this thing.

VOR

I agree that the emails are cumbersome and to long. They even a pain in the a$$ to put on the message board because you have to break them up into 2 sometimes three different post to get them on the board.

I have had many PM's form different board members thinking that I am the Gardner because I'm the one that has been posting his messages. Let me assure you that I am not the Gardner, I'm not even sure I know who he is. My mission in posting his messages here is simply to make sure that it gets out and however cryptic it may be seen by as many as possible.

To be honest when they first started coming out they were so difficult to read I couldn't even make it through to the end. I guess his messages are a bit like Scotch, its an acquired taste. Now that I have read a few of them, I find them to be very comical much like Larry The Cable Guy.

At any rate, if reading it causes you pain, don't read it. For those that can adjust their reading level down a few notches, read and smile.