Dan, you have only part of the story, and only a small part of the history of pokemon up here over the years. I have a few more details to add to what you brought forward, yet when I questioned some of the practices being done, I was set upon by his friends as someone who wants to destroy pokemon up here (which was the furthest from the truth). I got people boycotting my events for all the trouble I went to, to straighten things out. All I asked was for people to have an open mind and see what was really happening, yet few were brave enough to look past their own noses. Even reports to TPCi were rarely followed up properly, with either a slap on the wrist, or no discipline at all, since let's face it, he was the PTO with the most experience organizing in Canada (as far as TPCi was concerned, even though many others had more years of experience), the closest to the largest player base, and the most friends at TPCi's head office. He can call them up any time and smooze things over. In my case, when I looked for equality and fairness for everyone, all I got was excuses, and branding as a trouble maker..... even when Marvin deliberately tried to steal a venue that I lined up as a spot for premier events right out from under my nose. (That is common knowledge by the way - yet few truly believe it for some reason.)
Some things change Dan, but a lot of things stay the same year after year. That was another factor of the things that lead to my retirement. I honestly hope some things turn around, but as they stand ..... I highly doubt it. The only thing I've seen that has changed is that the PTO who took over from me has been able to schedule events at venues closer to the GTA. However that doesn't change things from happening at Marvin's events. Let me ask you ..... why do you think Marvin has so few staff on his events? One of the reasons why is that it maximizes his take home pay. It may even be possible that he is aware of some problems with certain players, yet unless accusations aren't substantiated by judging staff (which he deliberately keeps very few), he feels he can live with the status quo - again maximizing his pocketbook. Don't get me wrong. I'm not against anyone earning a buck. But there's a right way and a wrong way. [DEL]Same thing - different question: Do you honestly feel that certain judging staff was experienced enough to be classed as "World Classed," worthy of being head judge of Masters at our Nationals? Where were other judges who have had the experience to do the right job?[/DEL] EDIT: The previous [DEL]soft deleted [/DEL]portion was in poor taste. I have no right to judge another judge since I wasn't there to witness anything, nor do I even know that judge personally, but was just making a comment due to hearsay from comments by others. I apologize.
In any case, being bitter over past history doesn't change future policy. I'm retired, and sometimes glad of it. Quote by a very wise person: "Their house is abandoned to them." However if you want to make a change ... DO IT! Don't allow yourself to be put in those situations again. Seek same minded people and demand change. If you want Canadian pokemon players/judges/leaders/metagame/PTOs to be taken seriously and respectfully, demand that things change and make yourself be taken seriously. You can be the change. Things don't have to stay this way. This has bloodied the nose of pokemon up here but doesn't have to rip the heart out. Hopefully none of the player base will be lost due to some poor lack of judgement on behalf of certain players/judges and PTO. It would be a shame.
Sure, it's easy being an armchair critic. However, from someone who's been there, I think I have a pretty unique and valid opinion, even if SOME don't agree with me.