I want to apologize.

First, some background: TommyAlma was an internet identity created specifically for prince.org. Mostly, Tommy argued with soulpower and other Europeans in the P&R forum. Tommy was also MyLittlePill and lamiapillolapiccola, which roughly means "my little pill" in Italian. I have a problem with my temper sometimes, so after realizing that all I did on the org was get into fights, I decided to drop all anger and become the sweetest, cutest, most harmless little thing I could be - POOK. POOK posted in all caps and always in bold text. POOK spent all his time looking for his beloved froggybaby and taking naps. POOK made up songs. He grew to be one of the most popular posters on the org. I say "poster" rather than "character" because when I picked up the POOK mantle, the other logins became characters. So POOK was my new identity, not just a character.

When POOK posted about loving the org and the people on it, POOK meant it. POOK always meant what he said. When he made up the new lyrics to "Where The Streets Have No Name (aka WHERE THE POST HAVE NO FLAME)" for rdhull, he meant it. The problem was, and I didn't know it, but TommyAlma was just below the surface, ready to start a fight. This may sound schizophrenic to some, but after a year of posting like a monkey, you start to think that way, even off the org. Try it - try never breaking character for a year, even in orgnotes, except to a few people. It affects you. I don't think anyone else has ever done this to such an extent.

Some months back, I posted a large e-mail basically denouncing the org and its members. I'd quote it, but I'm sure someone will dig it up. You may not want to read it - it's pretty harsh. I named no names but due to the timing, it's obvious what the impetus was. Mostly, I posted about people's love lives and politics, and said some hurtful things.

I was wrong to criticize and judge everyone so harshly. I thought I was standing up for something but as someone who is nowhere near perfect himself, I was really being hypocritical and self-righteous. Even if I don't agree with your relationships and politics, it's not my place to tell you off like that. Even on the faceless, mostly anonymous internet, where feelings are still real.

Again, I was wrong and should never have even thought that, much less posted it. Please understand that I know this. I do not hate anyone based on sexual preference or politics and never have. I do not think I am better than anyone else because of the different lives we lead.

So I said POOK was no longer allowed back on, but in truth, he's lurked some. And I'm posting on this account because all the others are now gone. I'm not asking for POOK to come back, just for forgiveness. And if you still hate me, I understand.

I specifically want to apologize to ben because I started so much drama on this site he spends so much time on. I also want to apologize to Matt and TACKAM (doves, Mel!ssa). Cborgman, I'm sorry that I upset you so. Anxy, Gooey da Hooey, Organgrinder the Magnificent, I'm sorry that POOK let you down. Applekisses, mi dispiace. Shausler, Teller, Azurestar (TOOFUNKYBLUE), JediMaster, Dansa, Aannestasia, and all other orgers, old-school and new, I'm sorry. REDFEATHERS, you too. Karen and Tony, miss you guys.

I'm sorry.

-TommyAlma

[This message was edited Fri Mar 26 9:27:45 2004 by POOK]

POOK said:

I don´t know you, but i´ll forgive you
We´re all human and we do make mistakes...so welcome back Pook

all is forgiven, pook. i miss ya.

I missed all the drama, but this apology took humility and courage. (Though, I couldn't help but chuckle at your third-person references to Pook --- that habit dies hard, huh?)

Welcome back.

Viva La pook

Even if he does need therapy

POOK, I too made some mistakes in the past on here, and I've found that the org is surprisingly forgiving. I hurt several people, and those same folks found it in their hearts to forgive and forget. It was brave of you to come forward and admit your wrongdoing, and I commend you for it. I know that the love I was shown really moved me, and I certainly learned from it. It appears you have learned as well. You've grown as a person, and that is a wonderful thing.

As far as I'm concerned, the past is the past. What you did then is irrelevant to who you are now. You've got a new outlook, and it is from that that folks should view you. In my book you're okay. I don't really know what it was you did to upset folks, and I really don't care to know. You've repented in a most sincere way, and that is all that matters to me. It may take a few folks a little time to trust again, but you'll have to give them that leeway. Prove yourself by showing your newfound outlook. It will work wonders, believe me.

Welcome back

I'll follow Dansa's lead then.

Hi POOK, be well

POOK!!!

I remember that "thread".

I missed ya!!

What's to forgive? Get back to monkeyin'.

I, for one, would like to see POOK posting again...

And, I think we should all keep this in mind: "Even on the faceless, mostly anonymous internet, where feelings are still real."

Anyway... nice to see you, POOK.

I missed you, Pook.

Lol, i'm still not sure if you're serious or not, and i kinda hope you are not, 'cause this place is quite dull these days and it's a shame when people cannot cope with other opinions on a public forum like this one. Many of the interesting people here left, and i'd prefer to see them come back kicking and screaming in stead of beggin for some kind of forgiveness.

Also, i'm a bit sad now you abused poor POOK for such a silly task. It feels like discovering Santa is not real and seeing him in a Micro$oft commercial all in one. FREE POOK!

Hi Tommy

Good to hear from you again. I remember the events and I think it shows great strength and maturity on your part to make this post. I'd like to add my voice to those others asking for the return of Pook. He really was an inspiration apart from that little incident. Bring back Pook (and MyLittlePill, of course, gotta have a reality check).

Pook!!!!!

Welcome back mate.

Hi POOK,

Good to see you...heh...I'm feelin' ya on this one.

T

THANKS YOU ALL


oops forgot to switch screen names

shausler said:

YOU STOP RIGHT NOW!

SILLY SHAUSLER

POOK said:

god love you you little monkey

dont know what your ramblin about and dont care

welcome the frick back dude!

Yeah, but who the hell was froggybaby?

Natsume said:

FROGGYBABY LOVE OF POOK LIFE

FROGGYBABY NOT ANYONE ON ORG IF THAT WHAT CATSUME MEAN

PS WHEN YOU GO GOTH?

POOK said:

As part of my goth lifestyle, I eat monkey brains!



Run, monkey, run!

no offense, but i still think that this is the dumbest alter-ego in the history of the org... sorry, but i do... ...

EllisDee said:

I still don't understand why you have this silly "EllisDee" account Shausler.

althom said:

actually, i'm AnotherLover... ...

... freaking:Pedit...
[This message was edited Fri Mar 26 15:14:47 2004 by EllisDee]

POOK!!!

Welcome back!

Pook! But... what about all the immorality dammit? Seriously though, good to see you back. But I preferred it when you type in all caps.

Ian!

OMG, it's like coming home this thread! U irish twat!

So what's shakin'?