Wow, this topic has really caused some heated discussions! Right now, I currently am: A fan of the railroad, A stockholder of the railroad, and the moderator of this forum. This puts my in a unique bind, based on some of the things I personally know, some of the things that former AND current employees of the railroad have told me, and some of the things I wish I knew. Right now, I don't see this topic going very much farther in the right direction.
Sure, we could all speculate on what the money is going to be used for (that WAS the original point of this topic!
), but I don't see the answer coming out. There are several people who read this board who know the answer to this question, and if they have not chosen to answer it by now then I respect their decisions to do so.
The purpose of this forum is to create a public community where people can come together and discuss the railroad, find out public information about the railroad, and also have fun. This post has abandoned these principles, instead having turned into a place to publicly attack the railroad for decisions that their board have made (right or wrong, I will not comment... people can have their opinions, but this forum is not the place to air them in a hostile manner). In addition, in reading the posts I can find very few instances where one could come away after reading them having had any positive, or fun, experiences. True, it can be fun to fight, but I won't tolerate the level that I have seen so far. Finally, I don't mind the per se mention of inaccurate information, because usually it is in the form of a question and the discussion that follows leads to the correct information... which benefits everyone. However, I also don't see how currently there is an ongoing attempt for anyone to gather real information in this thread.
Might I last comment that I cannot hope to comprehend all sides in this issue. I have talked with many of you and I understand that this small railroad has had many large impacts on your lives. It has been a year of transition for the railroad, many of its employees and former employees, and also its fans. My only last recommendation is that if there are true genuine concerns about the railroad, or the way it is handling its business, then they should be taken up directly with the railroad itself. Just because Board members or employees post here does not make this the appropriate forum to post complaints to. Please use their mailbox.
I hope you all can appreciate what I am saying. I am not trying to tell any of you that you are incorrect in what you are doing or saying, or incorrect in feeling the way you do, but that the intent of this forum is being lost (at least in this post). If you have any questions, you all know how to reach me. But, I bet I know what you would say to me (and I bet you know what I would say to you!)
LASTLY: #18 is returning in just over 2 weeks. If we are going to get "heated and steamed up" over something, why not have it be a steam locomotive. (yes, I realize that was horrible! )
Benjamin L. Maggi
A&A Railroad Forum Moderator