Posted ByMaster Roshambollah on March 22, 2001 at 15:13:49:
In Reply to: Why don't you stay "left" posted byDavis Danniel on March 22, 2001 at 12:11:10:
Davis, I see the years have not improved either your demeanor or your tact. No matter. I had hoped that the informational literature I sent you regarding prosthetics would have appeased you, but again,no matter (and, for the last time, I did NOT receive kickbacks from the prosthetics manufacturer!) To respond to your specific claims: It was not I who proclaimed myself "master", that title was bestowed upon me by the rps world as a whole, my students, and the "hidden masters" of rps after I completed advanced study in the 19,683 basic forms. A title, incidentally which is available to any with the will and discipline to study (another trait I sincerely hope you have improved upon.) I agree with you that the sport has grown and prospered, that is what prompted my return.
: Truth be told, you were never as good as you claimed to be and THAT is the reason you left the Society.
I need make no such claims, and other than the occassional braggadocio that many in our sport enjoy (aka "trash talking" and the like), I have found that other's accolades are far more meaningful. In Europe, my work on mid-second round positioning is still considered ground-breaking, though it was first published 15 years ago!
:if I could have seen then what I know to be true now, perhaps I wouldn't have cut off my fingers to join your little protest and I could have been champion now. I wouldn't feel so cheated if you had at least followed your own way and cut of your fingers like the rest of us. Remember, all one needs to see are my hands for proof of you evil soul.
Davis, I truly regret your decision. But it is not my fault that you joined with the schism that split from my students and I on that ill-fated day over ten years ago. For those not around at the time: To illustrate a point, I was telling the traditional "If thy hand offendeth thee, cut it off" parable. This was meant symbolically, as we were contemplating a split from the then hierarchy of the world rps society. Wouldn't you know that a "false prophet" arose, and insisted that the parable be taken literally. Fully one third of my students left our study retreat and cut off their fingers in protest. Davis, there is a big difference between being part of a study group devoted to science, art and the game, and falling in with a bunch of damn fanatics. You, I am afraid, fell in with the latter group. Of all the gall! When I first heard of this protest I tried to dissuade you all, knowing that if you cut off all your fingers, you would only be able to throw rock for the rest of your misbegotten life. It is a sad fact that dynamic, charismatic individuals always tend to attract the weak, fanatical and easily led. Consider my student Victor "Evil Eye" Richards. Although a regional championship still eludes him, he still makes the tournament rounds, and he is still a student and comrade. You don't see any of his digits missing, do you? Self-mutilation goes against all of the teachings I hold so dear. You mention having the wisdom of age, but it seems that you stubbornly hold onto the ignorance of your youth.
Looking forward: I won't say that this sort of outburst was unexpected. Before posting, I readied myself for the psychic toil of enduring the "slings and arrows" of those less aware...or less gifted. In order to assist this process, my students and I are planning to hold a charity tournament in late Fall, to assist those who have been injured in pursuit of rps. I would consider your unfortunate decision to fall under this category (though I am not so certain about your claims to have been world champion by this point. Your end game was always the weakest part of your strategy!) To avoid suspicion, I will ask for suggestions as to the financial coordinator of this event, and hopefully avoid the prattle of the detractors which has hounded me throughout my rps career. Perhaps even yourself, if you are available. Davis, I remember you as having tremendous potential, a quick and analytical mind, and you never once hesitated when throwing. Yet your worst enemy was that same analytical mind, always made up in advance on every issue, and refusing to be dissuaded by new information. I sincerely hope you can forgive me for any of my personal shortcoming, and I hope that we may one day again meet in a match..."for honor's sake"
Yours,
MRSB