Overreaction by Mr Millhone

[Lindus Edwards]

A few moments ago I received a message from Mr Alan Millhone which accused me of having "an axe to grind" as a consequence of posting two completely innocent messages. The first of which merely asked whether any photographs of the WQT were available. The second of which merely asked if bids would be forthcoming in respect of Jan Mortimer's world championship match with Amungal. For the life of me I cannot see how these two posts were in any way suggestive of having "an axe to grind" with Mr Millhone or any other person. I am at a loss to understand why Mr Millhone should send me the following message. My brief reply is copied also.

"subject: An axe to grind perhaps ?
Hello Mr. Edwards:

I can tell from your previous post on no photos nor a plaque that you are unhappy? I will let you post on the Women's GAYP Match since you brought it up You and Jan are good friends, but rather than looking ofr ways to stir up trouble, would not it be better to find positive ways t osupport Jan.

Tio be honest it eascaped my mind about Jan's upcoming match in GAYP. The women players are very important to me and I only wish we had more.

I was at the WQ simply as an observer and had literally nothing to do with organizing this event.

Sincerely:
Alan Millhone"


Dear Mr Millhone,
I was positively shocked by your private message as I have no axe to grind with you or anybody else. My initial message in the chain "WQT Photos" was perfectly innocent in asking if any photographs were available showing my friend Jan Mortimer displaying her trophy in the playing room in Las Vegas. As I am a collector of photographs of checker events (most players know this) I merely asked a simple, innocent question which has now been courteously answered by Dr Beckwith.
In respect of the matter of bids for Jan's match with Amungal I was merely attempting to obtain a clarification - nothing more, nothing less.
Yours sincerely,
Lindus Edwards.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

In Buncrana Hoja Durdyev told me privately that they will consider and review seriously an option to organize GAYP Woman World Title match Amangul vs Jan in Turkmenistan. However - nothing concrete yet at the moment on the table, and they are open for any other bids, including New Zealand, if such arise.

I think it is very open issue today and I wish that this match will not have such unfortunate future like my un-played match with Ron King this year

Alex

[Lindus Edwards]

Thank you sincerely Alex for that sensible reply. It appears that I somehow - goodness knows how - hit a raw nerve when I posted the two messages aforesaid. I am still scratching my head over it!

[Lindus Edwards]

I have now received a number of emails from players who are also scratching their heads.
Incidentally, I think Mr Alan Millhone does a great job and I respect him highly as such. It appears that he, as we say here in the UK, "got the wrong end of the stick" in some way so far as the above matter was concerned.

[Alan Millhone]

Hello Mr. Edwards:

I sent you a 'private' message from the ACF Forum and now see you have decided to make it public, your choice and right.

If I have offended you I publicly apologize.

Sincerely:
Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation

[Lindus Edwards]

Dear Mr Millhone,
Please know that I have no animosity within me so far as you are concerned. On the contrary, I have the highest respect for you. I am appreciative of the great and hard work you do on behalf of our great game.
If I inadvertently caused any degree of umbrage to you personally or the ACF by my posts, which I assure you were well-intentioned and completely innocent, then I am deeply sorry.
Yours most sincerely,
Lindus Edwards.

[Alan Millhone]

Hello Mr. Edwards:

We are fine I have been in business for myself most of my adult life and have become 'thick skinned' and reacted to quickly to your post. Also being ACF President has 'thickened' my skin even more .

Regards:
Alan Millhone

[Lindus Edwards]

Hi Mr Millhone,
I am so pleased that the misunderstanding between us has been resolved and hope that we can remain friends. My best wishes to you for all the great work you do for checkers.
Sincerely,
Lindus Edwards.