23 replies to this topic

[1849]

Below is an e-mail I received from someone associated, presumably, with one of the Riverside area neighborhood associations. They have been fighting and fighting new business development in the Riverside area because they want everything to remain 'constant'. They just won a residential battle to down-zone the Scenic Bluff hill from multi-family to single. An area that developers were looking to use as an 'up-scale' townhome neighborhood. With that gone, and the rampant desire to outright screw themselves, they chose to defame two of the larger commerical developers in the newly deisngated Riverside Urban Village. Read and enjoy. Not to plug my site, but this is posted in HistoricRiverside.com. A site that may be renamed, to WhoCaresAboutRiverside.com in the near future.

The anaymous e-mailer's comments are in quotes, my rebuttals are not.

Is this common in other parts of town?

==========================

NEWS ~ Concerned or Critcal?
Written by: Anonymous ~ 2/8/2006

Below is a letter sent anonymously by someone who doesn't appreciate what I am trying to do for Riverside. Their comments are in italics, mine are not.

"First of all, what does this website have to do with Historic Riverside. I fail to see the correlation. To me I see this website for what it is, an advertising mouthpiece for a few developers who are trying to take over a neighborhood at the expense of its integrity and the people who live here. It is no wonder no one has commented on this site. As was stated in the "Where's the support?" article. The people of Riverside are smarter than given credit. We can see this site is propaganda and most people will not respond to it. As best I can tell this site seems to be a sounding board for the opinions of one man Graham Brizendine and the lame attempt to give some sort of standing to Justin McWilliams and Jason Miller. Maybe you should rename this site - Editorial Riverside, because that is what it is. If you are looking for editorial content you will probably get some reaction. Or maybe you should name it McWilliamsandMillersDeconstructionofRiverside.com."

This website is an attempt to give Riverside a presence in the city. I grew up in the TCU area and everyone in town knows that is a nice part of town. I now live in Oakhurst and every time I tell someone where I live, they call it 'ghetto' or 'trashy'. As for this being advertising, it is. I have paid for everything on this site and do all of the programming myself. I have spent over $250 in the past few months between the site and stickers I have had made. I'm just trying to break even. No one has donated anything as of today. It's all my nickel. No one has submitted anything for the site, therefore the content is primarily mine. I'm not going to put up a blank page. And yeah, Justin McWilliams and Jason Miller have done nothing for the area. Wells Fargo Mortgage and the other businesses on Race are horrible to have around. I think you need to talk to the owner of the ugly green monster, Bar-W Meat. Is that how you want everything to look? Hey, how about you cough up some money and buy buildings yourself? If you have a problem, that's your solution.

"In response to the story called: Development Business Roadblock I find it appalling that the type of business people who are attracted to our area think that reacting to zoning issues with spite is a proper and acceptable way to do business. A business person who reacts to not getting a zoning request approved by throwing a tantrum and by putting in a bar is not only juvenile and spiteful but not the type of business people we want in Riverside. That remark and action only proves the type of unethical behavior one would expect from someone who's only interest is to line his pockets and not of someone who is focused on Community as this web site states. If they put in a bar there it will only contribute to their determent and demise. When people see them for what they are and not who they want us to think they are I think investors may be less likely to help them with their future endeavors."

No one is putting in a bar, but my point is they could. Lining pockets, where's my money? I've invested my own time and money in this.

"In response to the story called: McAdams - A Monument to Riverside This article only proves my earlier point about developers who are trying to take over a neighborhood. When listing people in attendance at the McAdam's opening the Mayor, three council members and then as if they were of some kind of significant importance - Justin McWilliams and Jason Miller. Of all the important city officials, Riverside Citizens and not to mention the McAdam's family themselves, no mention was made of them. You mention these two? I laughed out loud when I read that. In the grand scheme of people who attended the opening, these two should not have even been mentioned at all. Shame on you for trying to give yourself some kind of importance by trying to align yourself with the Mayor. Again the people in Riverside are not that stupid."

Riverside citizens are a given, do you want me to list them by names? Seriously. I also didn't know anyone from the McAdams family was there, if I had, I would have mentioned it. Importance by aligning myself with the Mayor? I'm not sure I follow this, but he was there and he is the Mayor if you like it or not.

"In response to the page called: Visit Riverside Again I laugh out loud at this. It seems there are only two things to do in Riverside (according to your site) eat and go to bars. Are you trying to attract interest in Riverside or detour it? You neglected to mention the following: Public Library, Bingo, Various shopping outlets, car repair, tire repair and purchase, florists, public parks, play grounds, baseball field, churches, community center, etc. Also, and I intend to call them, if I was the owner/manager of the Roundtable I would be upset by your comment on their business being run down."

If you want to cough up some cash to help run the website, then put your money where your mouth is. I have spend a lot of time and money on this personally. I loose money running this website. If I had time to drive and survey all the businesses, I would, but I don't. Contribute some money so that I can do the local advertising I want and send fliers to all the businesses. I don't have the cash to do this right now.

"And by the way, there are more than 3 restaurants in the Riverside area."

(See above)

"I am sure that there is no way this email will ever be published on your site atleast not in an unedited form, however I wanted to say my peace. I am sure it will get forwarded to the appropriate people. I intend to do so."

Obviously you don't know me, it is published. Like I said, all comments would be. Forwarding it is not needed, because I don't see anything of substance in your comments. Again, thanks for bashing someone trying to do something for the area. I appreciate it and it's great how you hide behind an alias. You failed to mention the fact that I personally offered to paint buildings in Riverside for FREE with my own machine if someone would provide the paint. I guess that slipped by. It's amazing how people are so quick to complain and do nothing. I work the other way, I don't complain and just do. Again, I say put your money where your mouth is, I have. I've heard a rumor that the person who wrote this letter doesn't like Jews in the area, so they have chosen to criticize me and what I support. - Graham Brizendine

"Sincerely,
Concerned in Riverside"

[RD Milhollin]

You don't know who sent the email but portray the individual as an anti-Semetic representative of a neighborhood association?

This forum is not generally used to air out third party differences, but if people wish to comment...

ghughes, I must have missed the reference to anti-semitism, could you eleborate?

[JBB]

In the last response paragraph:

I've heard a rumor that the person who wrote this letter doesn't like Jews in the area, so they have chosen to criticize me and what I support.

I think this is the line ghughes is referring to.

[RD Milhollin]

In the last response paragraph:

I've heard a rumor that the person who wrote this letter doesn't like Jews in the area, so they have chosen to criticize me and what I support.

I think this is the line ghughes is referring to.

DOH! I suppose I should read the ENTIRE posting before commenting. Thanks.

[Dismuke]

Below is an e-mail I received from someone associated, presumably, with one of the Riverside area neighborhood associations.

Hey, 1849 - for what it's worth, I am going to give you a bit of unsolicited advice: when you get such emails, ignore them. Do not dignify them with a reply and, most especially do not dignify them with a public response. People send emails like that because they want to get a certain reaction from you or to have a certain impact on you. Do not give them the pleasure or the visibility.

My website and online "radio station" occasionally generate emails which range from very impolite to what I can only describe as downright hateful.

Unlike my activities on opinion forums such as this one, I pretty much stay away from controversial topics and such when it comes to my website and station - people from every philosophical background imaginable visit them in order to listen to music, not to find out what I think about things. At present, I have yet to charge a single penny or solicit a single dime of contributions for a service that I make available at considerable expense to myself and which, according to the server statistics, a great many people apparently consider to be of value. If somebody does not care for what I am doing, it is not like I have taken their money and end up giving them something different than they thought they were paying for.

Nevertheless, I still get nasty emails. I had one insult-filled email from a guy who said that the fact that I often feature recordings from the ragtime and big band eras on my website is proof that I have a second-rate record collection because (according to him) serious collectors only focus on recordings from the late '20s and early '30s and that recordings from the '10s and late '30s are considered less collectible (which is true). I suppose I could have written him back and told him that I don't give a squat what he thinks of my collection and that I select the records I present based on their content and not their rarity - but why? My doing so would actually accord him a level of respect that he clearly did not show me. Furthermore, I have no desire to change the man's mind whatsoever - that is assuming that someone who would actually take the time to write such an email is even open to changing his mind. I had another fellow who sent me venom filled emails for three days in a row going on about how he hates my radio station's "You are listening to Radio Dismuke" station ID announcement and the 1930s style radio "chime" which follows. He claimed that, since people deliberately tune into the station and do not stumble across it like they would an AM/FM station, telling people what they are listening to is an insult to their intelligence because they already know (obviously he has never heard of the value of branding). His third and final email to me said: "There goes that damned chime again - get rid of it or get off the air!" When it comes to an unsolicited private email like that, even writing back to tell the person where he can shove it would accord him a sanction and a level of visibility that he simply does not deserve - and no person with an ounce of self-respect should do so. (If such remarks are directed towards you in a public forum, sometimes it is necessary to respond in a limited sort of way).

The only thing I do when I get such emails is forward them on to a few close friends so we can all have a good laugh over it

Anytime you undertake a publicly visible project of any sort, you are going to end up with your share of critics and nay-sayers. Sometimes the critics will be people who have philosophical differences. If they present their criticism in a civilized manner and back up their differences of opinion with facts and logic, then it may be in your self-interest to take what they say into consideration and, in some cases, even to respond to it. But if they are rude and uncivilized - don't give them a moment's worth of your time or energy.

YOU know what you want to accomplish with your website - what matters is YOUR goals and YOUR agenda. If somebody offers constructive criticism that you think has validity, then be grateful for it, change your goals accordingly and give credit where it is due. There are always going to be people in this world who will resent the fact that you are DOING something and ACCOMPLISHING something and will seek to pull you down or discourage you because of it. The old saying about misery loving company is very true.

If you encounter organized opposition - well, that can sometimes pose difficulties or problems. But keep in mind the fact that a viewpoint is supported by a great many people does not give it any more validity than if it is only supported by a handful. Truth is not determined by numbers or by the amount of pull or social standing a person has. If you are right and your cause is valid - well, that fact stands no matter how many people may assert otherwise or how powerful or prestigious they may be. The big problem with organized opposition is the fact that can sometimes be more effective at getting out their message due to having greater resources and perhaps a certain amount of pull and influence.

In this case, I would not let whatever organized opposition which may exist discourage you one bit. Exactly how many people are in leadership positions in these neighborhood organizations? And how many active (as opposed to mere dues-paying) members do these organizations have in non-leadership positions? Perhaps a dozen or so? How many people live in Riverside? Most people do not pay much attention to local politics and community issues - they are too busy living their lives. The percentage of people who determine who does and does not serve in a leadership role in such communities is usually quite small - it is only those who choose to be concerned about such matters who end up making those decisions. How many people currently not active in such affairs would you need to bring over to your side in order to be just as organized as your opposition? Probably not very many. Ask people who enjoy your site to sign up for a mailing list so you can send them periodic updates. Consider putting a discussion forum on your website to give you a platform for debating your views and for giving people a reason to check back regularly.

I have zero knowledge about the controversies and squabbles which go on in Riverside - and since I don't live there, I don't really care to know. Therefore, I have zero opinion as to your agenda or the issues brought up in the email. My only point is this: If you believe that your goals are worthwhile, then go for it and ignore the naysayers. There are countless numbers of ways to spend your limited time, energy and resources in order to promote your goals which are far more productive than responding to some impolite, anonymous nay-sayer. Keep your focus on your goals and eventually you will learn to tune out the nay-sayers in the same way that you do the chirping of the little birds outside your window.

[1849]

I have some good ideas about who wrote the e-mail and as a result know their views. I typically don't reply to such e-mails, but quite frankly it is getting so bad in Riverside, I wanted to show them that just because they try to harrass me with e-mails doesn't mean that they won't be shown to be fools. Which is why I posted their e-mail. They portrayed that they were going to let people know about me and my website, so I beat them to it and did it for them. Now they have nothing to build on, I aired my replies and that is that. Amazingly they haven't bothered to voice anything else, as I expect they won't. I'm so sick of hearing their crap, I decided it was time to let everyone see what I am dealing with.

My whole goal with my website is to put all comments out there, I have held back on some, but I'm done with that. I know it's wise not to poke the hornets nest, but sometimes you can't knock the nest down without poking it.

Graham Brizendine

[Dismuke]

Graham -

Since I put up my last posting, I have had a chance to look over your website and form certain opinions about it. It looks to me like you are someone who is interested in bringing an old neighborhood back to life and is taking the time and effort to actually do something about it and rally people towards that cause. That is something which is praiseworthy - and that you would choose to undertake such an effort suggests good things about what kind of person you are.

Perhaps there are some people in Riverside who do not see eye to eye with you on all things about the neighborhood's future. If so, then it is certainly their prerogative to express any sort of disagreement that they may have. But there are constructive and civilized methods of doing so - and the email you received is not an example of such a method.

I have some good ideas about who wrote the e-mail and as a result know their views. I typically don't reply to such e-mails, but quite frankly it is getting so bad in Riverside, I wanted to show them that just because they try to harrass me with e-mails doesn't mean that they won't be shown to be fools. Which is why I posted their e-mail. They portrayed that they were going to let people know about me and my website, so I beat them to it and did it for them. Now they have nothing to build on, I aired my replies and that is that. Amazingly they haven't bothered to voice anything else, as I expect they won't. I'm so sick of hearing their crap, I decided it was time to let everyone see what I am dealing with.

I can understand your logic there.

My point is this: the purpose of that email you received was not to provide you with any sort of constructive criticism. For example, instead of attacking you, the writer could have made some polite suggestions that you add additional restaurants and provide you with a few examples and he/she could have made a polite suggestion that you include the library, rec center, bingo etc. on the "things to do" list. But that is not what the person chose to do. The sole purpose of that email was to attack you personally, to make you upset and to discourage you from continuing your efforts. And, unfortunately, it succeeded.

For example, on your website you made a very generous offer to paint the exterior of run down commercial buildings so that the neighborhood could look better. Now, however, you have stated that the offer is canceled saying "Due to the letter above, this offer is cancelled until they say 'sorry'."

So now, suddenly, some pathetic loser sends you an email and does not have the guts to sign his/her name to it - and you change your plans because of it and have made your future course of action dependent on the whim and behavior of that other person. Why give such a person so much power over what you choose to do? Do you really think that the person ever wanted you to paint those buildings in the first place? Of course they didn't - if you had, you might have ended up getting credit and appreciation for doing so, which is the last thing your enemies want you to have. It seems to me that it is pretty obvious that they do not want you taking a leadership role in the Riverside community - perhaps because they feel your doing so represents a threat to their "turf." And now, thanks to a spiteful anonymous email, it looks as if they have managed to successfully stop you from doing something you thought needed to be done and which you wanted to do.

If the person who sent that email is indeed representative of what you say is a larger group of like-minded individuals, then nothing you say or do is going to change their mind. If they decide, for whatever reason, that they do not like you, they are going to continue to oppose you and to say nasty stuff about you behind your back. That's why I suggest you you simply ignore them. Keep focused on whatever it is you wish to accomplish and, in time, the nay-sayers will end up looking pathetic by comparison. Those people do not represent all of Riverside any more than you represent all of Riverside.

I understand how frustrating it can be to do what you are trying to accomplish and end up getting nothing but spite and grief in return. A lot of times people will start on a project that they are very passionate about and, once they go public with it, are profoundly disappointed once they encounter what often seems to be a wall of indifference from people who obviously do not share the same dream or have a similar level of passion. I am afraid that, unless you start such an undertaking with a hard-core group of dedicated supporters from the get-go, such a wall of indifference is, more often than not, what you are going to have to expect at first. The vast majority of people who visit your website and appreciate what you are trying to do are NOT going to take the time to write you and say so. What percentage of websites that you visit and enjoy do you send the owner an email expressing your appreciation? You may also be shocked at the seeming indifference of many residents and fellow business owners in the community. There are many possible reasons for such indifference. Perhaps some are not as confident as you that the neighborhood can be changed for the better - some people are pessimistic by nature. Others may appreciate what you are trying to do - but they are so busy trying to keep their own lives in order and their own businesses afloat that they simply do not have the time or energy to actively help you or to even care. And, finally, in any older, run-down neighborhood, there are always going to be plenty of people who view efforts towards a potential revival with fear, suspicion and hostility because, if the neighborhood does make a come back, they may no longer be able to afford to remain and will be forced to move somewhere else. Such people have a vested interest in the neighborhood's status quo - and if your goal is to change that status quo, then you will be at cross purposes with them and you should expect a certain amount of opposition.

Leadership means doing what one thinks is right and showing the way despite what all of the critics have to say and how loudly they say it. Spending time and energy worrying about what one's critics think and wishing for some sort of consensus with those who have a diametrically opposed agenda is the exact opposite of leadership - and such behavior will result in paralysis and, ultimately, one's defeat.

Bottom line is, looking at your various websites, it is obvious that you are a very talented individual and a real "go-getter" and it is clear that you are passionate about Riverside. Don't let some idiot who sends you an anonymous email get to you - and don't let ten idiots or ten dozen idiots get to you either. If you are concerned about a lack of sufficient support or gratitude for your efforts - trust me, in time it will come. There are plenty of decent people out there - they just usually are not as visible as the other kind.

My whole goal with my website is to put all comments out there, I have held back on some, but I'm done with that. I know it's wise not to poke the hornets nest, but sometimes you can't knock the nest down without poking it.

I think "gnat" is a more appropriate insect to compare the author of that email with. And the problem with gnats is, even if you manage to get rid of the particular one that is bugging you, another will eventually come along and take its place. Life is too short for you to spend your time acting as a fly swatter. Ignore the gnats - they will eventually perish due to their own inadequacies and ineptitude.

[safly]

Dude, Dismuke.

You MUST have one of those "voice operated dictation software programs".

IF not, HOW DO YOU DO IT?

Best of luck "1849". If you ever need a "budding" restaurateur to eye ball those efforts, give me a holler.

[1849]

Thanks for all the comments.

I am now re-offering my paint labor. I'm just trying to do something for the area and not trying to get anything back other than the satisfaction that things are better in Riverside. It's so amazing to me that people bother to send people like me critical e-mails. I have no secret plans to take over the area or anything, but that is how I have been treated. Yet, when people establish their own cliques, they call Neighborhood Associations, to push their personal views at the city level, it makes me sick. I know some NAs do good work, but around here it is almost like a mafia. It's all for their family, not what the majority may want.

I'm going to keep pressing on and let e-mails like the one I got drop off the radar. It gets really hard when you see e-mails like the one above on a more than frequent basis.

Graham Brizendine
HistoricRiverside.com

[Now in Denton]

In the last response paragraph:

I've heard a rumor that the person who wrote this letter doesn't like Jews in the area, so they have chosen to criticize me and what I support.

I think this is the line ghughes is referring to.

I missed anti-semitic remark also. I skip over post that are to long. If I want to read a book I'll read one. I don't like reading long post here. But each his own.

Jews have done a lot for Fort Worth and is a part of Fort Worth History. I have meet some that are on the left few on the right, but thier all good people and look forward to thier bigger continued contrabution to the Best city in Texas Fort Worth.

But to the point here in hand. Riverside has been White mostly. Asian in the 80's. And now Hispanic.
It's more like redevelopment is taking place in Riverside and i'm happy for that.

[courtnie]

1849,
Dont let creeps like the coward that emailed you and wouldnt sign his or her name to it discourage you from your efforts. Without people like you standing up for what you feel is right we wouldnt have half of the stuff in this town (ft.worth) being redone and brought back to life. If none of us cared then our city would look like crap. Keep on the track you are on and dont let people who are so self centered and close minded ruin what your passion is. You cant change their views and frankly why would you want to because it should just fuel your cause even more.....to provide the services you have offered....that is better then calling off what your offers and efforts have been just from a silly email.....dont get mad....get to painting

[Dismuke]

I skip over post that are to long. If I want to read a book I'll read one. I don't like reading long post here. But each his own.

It is perfectly ok to skip over postings that you think are too long. Personally, I skip over postings that have poor spelling and bad grammar.

[Brian Luenser]

I wish I could skip over messages that have poor logic.

You can skip over long messages. (Reading them is not necessary to ascertain length.)
You can't skip over messages that have poor grammar or spelling. (Must be read to determine such.)

Besides, I have seen no writings in this forum that would be considered exemplary. Including, of course, my own. Most people think their grammar is acceptable. I guess only one person in the world has the best grammar, the rest of us are some gradient of substandard.

Put away the red pen. This place is for fun. Aint it?

[Dismuke]

Put away the red pen. This place is for fun. Aint it?

I usually have lots of fun here.

[courtnie]

Poor grammer,red pens, long posts...geez you would think we were back in high school english class...boooooooorrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnggg.............stick to the topic....

[Buck]

Thanks for all the comments.

When people establish their own cliques, they call Neighborhood Associations, to push their personal views at the city level, it makes me sick. I know some NAs do good work, but around here it is almost like a mafia.

Graham Brizendine
HistoricRiverside.com

Amen.

[Stadtplan]

Have Riverside’s improvements overcome its burdens? It would be nice to see individual homeowners and small business owners take responsibility for their property and clean up the area and not let neighborhood associations and real estate investors take the credit.

[Now in Denton]

I skip over post that are to long. If I want to read a book I'll read one. I don't like reading long post here. But each his own.

It is perfectly ok to skip over postings that you think are too long. Personally, I skip over postings that have poor spelling and bad grammar.

You'r not the only one who post book's here . I didn't say you couldn't. Chill out.

[Dismuke]

You'r not the only one who post book's here . I didn't say you couldn't. Chill out.

True, you didn't say that I couldn't post here. I never suggested that you did - and it is thus entirely besides the point.

You made an observation about my postings (and in the context in which you brought it up, it clearly was in reference to my postings) and I simply returned it with an observation (and an accurate one, at that) in kind about your postings. Had you not make your observation, I would not have made mine.

Here is a lesson for you: If you are going to dish something out, then you had better darned well be fully prepared for someone else to dish it back to you in kind. If you are not prepared to take what you dish out to others, then it is probably in your best interest to simply remain silent and not dish it out in the first place.

[AndyN]

Leadership means doing what one thinks is right and showing the way despite what all of the critics have to say and how loudly they say it. Spending time and energy worrying about what one's critics think and wishing for some sort of consensus with those who have a diametrically opposed agenda is the exact opposite of leadership - and such behavior will result in paralysis and, ultimately, one's defeat.

Bottom line is, looking at your various websites, it is obvious that you are a very talented individual and a real "go-getter" and it is clear that you are passionate about Riverside. Don't let some idiot who sends you an anonymous email get to you - and don't let ten idiots or ten dozen idiots get to you either. If you are concerned about a lack of sufficient support or gratitude for your efforts - trust me, in time it will come. There are plenty of decent people out there - they just usually are not as visible as the other kind.

My whole goal with my website is to put all comments out there, I have held back on some, but I'm done with that. I know it's wise not to poke the hornets nest, but sometimes you can't knock the nest down without poking it.

I think "gnat" is a more appropriate insect to compare the author of that email with. And the problem with gnats is, even if you manage to get rid of the particular one that is bugging you, another will eventually come along and take its place. Life is too short for you to spend your time acting as a fly swatter. Ignore the gnats - they will eventually perish due to their own inadequacies and ineptitude.

Amen Dismuke and well said.

[Now in Denton]

You'r not the only one who post book's here . I didn't say you couldn't. Chill out.

True, you didn't say that I couldn't post here. I never suggested that you did - and it is thus entirely besides the point.

You made an observation about my postings (and in the context in which you brought it up, it clearly was in reference to my postings) and I simply returned it with an observation (and an accurate one, at that) in kind about your postings. Had you not make your observation, I would not have made mine.

Here is a lesson for you: If you are going to dish something out, then you had better darned well be fully prepared for someone else to dish it back to you in kind. If you are not prepared to take what you dish out to others, then it is probably in your best interest to simply remain silent and not dish it out in the first place.

Don't be hard on yourself. This all started with me and someone else was looking for the anti-Jewish comment. I say again I skip over long post .You were not even the one who posted. Your the one with the thin skin. I would say the same thing about you dishing it out. If someone don't agree with you. You get personal.

My family has a long history fighting war's . With myself in Desert Storm. I have eaten sand with bullets for desert. Thats your right to say about me and me about your's . Welcome to America !

[tmndi]

What are we talking about here? Sounds like this train derailed! Scenic Bluff NA meeting tonight - make it if you can.

[1849llc]

Riverside needs your support!!

HistoricRiverside.com needs members to keep everything running. The site has been funded personally, for the most part, and has a small (very small) number of members, but not enough to continue paying the web hosting. Please do anything you can to support the cause by joining at HistoricRiverside.com. Personal memberships are $7 annually and business memberships are $25 annually. You'll get a couple cute 'member' stickers when you join. We're trying to bring something good to the area, but can't do it all without some solid support. Thanks!

Graham
HistoricRiverside.com