Mr. Rotondo,
Unfortunately, disdain for your attacks of my Team at World’s has left very little room for any congratulatory post, so I will take this one shot at Congratulations on your successful season. Obtaining the US National Championship, Third at World’s and overall First in the World at the end of 2007-08 Season is a true accomplishment and something to be proud of.
We briefly spoke Friday evening at the Ice Cream stand there in the hotel where Clay and some of us were testing. The feeling towards you then is the same it is now, nice young man with potential to be great but allows character flaws to get in the way. When you referenced me as “Kid”, I chuckled a bit at you and we laughed and then the follow up of a tap on the shoulder and the comment of playin’ wit you was a sign you have that true potential. It would definitely behoove you to show that more frequently, and you could do it after reading this post a delete your negative comments from your first post.
The direct attack at BDS was uncalled for and unwarranted as all know he would rather it be decided on the Table and thusly providing a time extension to do so. (Understand I do not have ot defend BDs in any way as he is a Pillar amongst our Community, however this very standard is why most will defend him and PokePop for the matter!) It was I that sat on your match against Jason and your facts are definitely incorrect. Jason has corrected them throughout this thread showing the type of Respect a player should have. He did not overly defend the Judges, he just corrected the errors that were printed by you. That type of respect is the same you should mature too which would allow for more to praise your accomplishments and not degrade them. BDS was providing an extension based on the continued slow play by both players as documented and recorded by the Team of Judges there. As has been stated by outside spectators, both players were taking some extra time during turns which was also identified and thus the reason for the extension.
The pressure cooker we were in, Jason, yourself and I, was definitely unmeasurable as some have stated about the shear intensity of the crowd. I did my best as a Judge to maintain a Fair Game-State, ensured both players were comfortable to the best of my ability (remember the water bottles boys) and also made an effort to be in communication with the Staffers to keep the discussions by spectators to a minimum and to identify any continued issues with the crowd. But understand the FAIRNESS of your match with Jason was my first priority. It was interesting at the beginning of the match, neither of you communicated your moves but by the end of the match it was clear and concise with each move. During your subsequent matches, I noticed both of you continued with clear communication and that is what the game is about. Interacting with others in a FUN environment regardless of the prizes or pressures.
Gino, you can bash me personally through PM or emailing POP, but you need to refrain from the public forum of degrading My TEAM. Dislike me on a personal level all you want, but leave the Team out of it.
Blizz is a stand up guy and took the bullets for Nationals, which is why he will remain a lifelong friend and has asked me to allow him to do that. Ken, you’re a great testament to Pokemon, but no longer can I sit idly by and allow the continued barrage of negative dealings at you. He was the Head Judge and in actuality confirmed and agreed upon the situation at Nationals, however I was the one that suggested the continuation of the steps in the penalty process up to the Game Loss. We side-barred (sound familiar from an occurrence at World’s there Gino) and discussed the steps to that point, issued the penalty and also gave a time extension. (Note that your opponent had also received a Warning for slow play.) The reason this is being brought to light is to show a pattern that could have followed you to World’s creating a more harsh starting penalty base for you but was not implemented based on the environment we were encountering. If the Team was really against you, this would not have been the case and it could have possibly went straight to a Prize Penalty based on prior behavior with the same play style. It is nice that you now have studied the Rulings, so you should have been more than aware of time constraints on each move and also on the fact that penalties now follow you from tournament to tournament. So was the Team against you really with this knowledge you possess, or was the Team creating a fair environment for both players? (Remember, it could’ve went straight to PP for you and didn’t.)
It is greatly appreciated that some have come on and defended the Staff here and that reaffirms the commitment to Pokemon as a Family regardless of the situation. On behalf of the Judge Team, we all Thanks the Players as without you, we would be just a bunch of guys in a Lab Coat convention! Thanks for the Support!
Unfortunately, there are some lemmings that had no knowledge of the events discussed here, and are not taking the time to collect the facts before jumping on-board. This saddens me as some of you I know personally and if you feel that as a Judge I am biased and do not create a fair environment (you know who you are and it would be nice to see a retort of some kind) then email POP and let them know. They are there for you, the Players, to voice your opinions to. On the flip side of things, if you feel that the Team provided a Fair environment, email POP and let them know. TO often people forget to report the GOOD and just let it roll thinking it is a known thing. POP hears what YOU tell them. They do see things during the events, but not everything!
So there you have it. Gino, think about how YOU would want people to see the REAL YOU. Not this façade behind a screen with a keyboard. Interestingly enough, after World’s, you came up to me and said “Good Job, Kid” and we both laughed a bit reflecting on the ice cream place. This is the “Gino” I like to see and remember. Good Spirited with no Rep to protect. Too bad more do not get to see it as I think the Family here would identify with you more and you would definitely get the praise you so long for from everyone. Don’t be a hater to the system, help change the system where everyone (even though there will always be rivalries) can get together and not worry about clicks and groups!
Again, it would be a huge step forward to remove your negative comments. Attacking a Mod with the knowledge he can’t respond (which in all honesty, he wouldn’t anyway, just the type of Character he is) is lackluster from a Champion. BE the role model and show that you’re a TRUE CHAMPION and feel the difference you will receive form those around you!
Regards,
Danny Fish