This is excerpted and quoted from the http://FireEngines.net Forum:
I might just go way out of my way to get to Baltimore this year, simply to see if C3 is a "No Show". Who would represent C3 at the show? I can see it now, more excuses as the ever more enigmatic J Dunkel finds more reasons not to answer questions (ala "Can't say" Ramos) from behind a curtain, or give nebulous, political "non answers" to those seeking enlightenment from the ever full pitcher of Kool-Aid! I agree with my Friend Buckjaw here, referring to, QuoteWere all getting stroked by Dunkel and C3. Dont hang your self from a rope waiting for releases or any type of improvements from C3. These guys would make perfect politicians, especially in this day and age! Dont get me wrong, my glass is always half full, Its just that I no longer have a glass for Code 3.Seems to me that all of the information in the "What's New" could've been disseminated long ago, and the whole recuperation effort given a bit more credability. My opinion is that C3 doesn't truely care about the customer, only it's sullied corporate face and the well practiced art of feeding us only the information which suits their needs for the moment. I can say now with the utmost confidence, that they (C3/Matrix) aren't familiar with the open communications of the firematic community, and if they were on my fireground, would be immediately relieved of duty. Their feeble attempts at trying to become part of the community they serve, fall far short of this Members expectations and requirements and I don't appreciate it. Command decisions are taking way too long not only to be made, but to be implemented and this shows a true lack of leadership. The movement of capital tools and proprietary proccesses will take much longer than most of us expect, unless they move everything to Vietnam, where their base of operations is. I dread the thought of receiving packages postmarked; "DaNang City, Republic of Vietnam" or "From Uncle Ho to you". I hope we see, and are able to address Mr Dunkel at Baltimore. I have some very tough, rather probing questions I'd like direct, factual answers to. Not more excuses, rhetoric or "non denial-denials". One-One-Oh to Brooklyn K ... these c o c k and bull stories are just not fulfilling my need for appropriate, factual, timely information Quoted from http://FireEngines.net Forum and brought to the doorstep of C3 by request of the Moderators My reply after being told to "take it over to their Forum" by the Moderators: I read the post over and over again, but still have a bit of difficulty with this: QuoteI am getting really, really tired of week after week, the same disgrunteled folks coming to this site, and spouting the same things over and over again. Give it, and give us a rest. Code 3 has given you a forum that is owned, operated and maintained by Code 3. Go post this stuff over there. It is or should have been very obvious for almost two years now that no one from Code 3 is coming to this site and replying to you. They created their own forum for that. Use it. You want to stir the pot, or draw attention to you and your personal Code 3 cause, do it over there. Its just not doing any good here. How much longer are you going to keep it up, until you realize it does not do any good. In fact, now it harms the fire engine collecting community. If there is something about Code 3 that you truly do not like, go to the Code 3 forum, and let them know. When any manufacturer visits this site, they draw the same opinion of you that our members do. And you want input to manufacturers? It really is time to drop back a minute, and rethink your contribution to our collecting world. I would rather we lose 50 members here that contribute nothing but the same venom each week, than to lose one person that contributes to our collecting world. In fact, you have another collectible site where regularly, Larry and I are called Nazi's or communists or Hitler or censors or just all around bad people. Go post this stuff over there too. Your cause here has done great harm to your reputations. Time to give it up here. Code 3 gave you an avenue, go use it. And this: QuoteKenny... What ever you do, don't ask John for a job! These two quotes, of course come from the leaders of this Forum, Rich Krom and Larry Lorance. I've recieved a number of phone calls and E-mails relating to these comments, none of which were complimentary to the two Members named. As far as the comments from Larry, I wouln't have a job with an outfit that consistently lies and misdirects those who are simply trying to access information which should be readily available to anyone with even the simplest mind. Hence, I wouldn't work for the Federal Government, nor someone with intentions other than for the free and open transmission of knowledge in reference to a question I might ask. I think that the support of such closed minded, selfcentered attitudes does nothing for the hobby, although it might make some peoples' collections larger, along with their egos. As to the comment attributed to Mr Krom, we spoke on the phone only moments ago an I listened to his opinion, and he mine. In as much as this thread was started seeking comment on the "What's New" at C3, I made my opinion known. I have been notified that those kinds of opinions won't be tolerated here, as C3 has their own Forum now, and that would be the proper place to add my opinions. I agree. But in the future, don't ask for opinions and then state they're not wanted. I was also informed that many other producers enlighten themselves by reading this Forum and the negativity is a bad reflection upon it. I disagree. I believe that the negativity should motivate the other producers to not to act like C3, pretty simple. I was told that my comments are keeping me from getting a job in the diecast fire truck business. No heartier laugh could I enjoy!! I've been a contributer to this Forum from the near beginning. Asked by Larry many years ago, I came here while C3 was in its' hey day. I added comments in both Forums and directed people to read here, even judged model contests with others who are no longer here (Three Blind Mice), yes, I was even a Moderator for a while. My friend Rich said that we become less and less tolerant of change in our old age. At 63, I believe that puts me directly into that catagory. To be sure, I'm not gonna change, but I will honor the request made of me by my Friend. I'll make my comments on the C3 Board, hoping that that youngster will see the error of its' ways and regain the prominence it held only a short while ago. Finally, I'll say that I've given of my knowledge, ability and passion for this hobby both freely and without prejudice, calling a spade a spade and watching the thin skinned fall to the wayside and those capable of accepting honest critique improve and blossom. I'm sorry if my words have offended or insulted other Members for that was not ever my intent, unless directly applied. I am alleged to have caused more defections from this Forum than can be counted, it's truely a shame that intelligent argument, factual explanation and common sensical information drives people away, but that too, is my opinion. I've been fighting this fight with C3 since its' inception (even before) to try to bring back the good things they brought to the hobby. It's apparent that some people think that this Forums' portion of the hobby is suffering due to my efforts. It won't anymore. One-One-Oh to Brooklyn K ... "I've learned two things in this life: never waste a hardon and never trust a fart". Jack Nicholson : "The Bucket List" Report to moderator 71.196.116.15 Da Shops Hollywood, Brooklyn, The World Mr Dunkel, I do not seek employment with your Company, simply the free and open exchange of information which I require to make decissions about where my money will go, and to publicize that information in a free, open Forum. In as much as this is not allowed over at the http://FireEngines.net Forum anymore, I make this statement here and now. I was told you would not respond to comments made over there, yet you've been given both my address and phone number by the Moderators, and I've yet to recieve any communication. I'm told that as we age, we don't adjust well to change. I'm used to people, businesses and Governments treating my communication with respect and securing information. I will not change that stand. In as much as you are the public face of C3, and I've been told that this "engagement" has damaged my credability and reputation, I would appreciate you addressing the issues I've outlined in the numerous attempts to communicate with you, here in your Forum. I truely hope that I've not recieved poor advice from the Moderators at http://FireEngines.net and that you will answer my questions fully. There are many Members who have left over the controversy involving your Company. I for one, would like it all to end and see the return of the C3 we all knew. One-One-Oh to Brooklyn K ... this is my opinion, others may disagree. In an "open" Forum, those things are allowed and tolerated, no matter how long the already deceased equine is assaulted
