Helping one of the Forum Members...?

[G.I.Jim]

Well, I've stayed out of this thread after my initial pledge to send some money as I watched this all unfold. I just read something on Facebook that I think is wrong, and can't keep this to myself (sorry Everett). I know that he's going through tough times right now, but even now as people have sent him money from here, he states on FB that he's going to a music festival. WTF??? You're begging people for money, then brag about going to a festival today? That's pretty damn despicable Everett, and I'm highly disappointed in you.

If there's more to this than I know, I apologize for jumping the gun. You did say you don't have to pay for the seats, but you did say you had to pay to get into the festival. There are a lot of great people here on MR with big hearts, and I don't want to see them get taken advantage of.

Even if you have someone else buying your ticket to get in there, it's in pretty poor taste to beg for money (which is what you did on FB), then post about going to a festival. Not cool my friend...

To be fair to Everett, he didn't ask for anything. Bryan asked for it, to help him out.

He didn't ask for it in here. He asked people for money on Facebook.

[G.I.Jim]

I'm trying not to pass judgement here, but it's pretty hard under the circumstances...

[Don]

So, who's gonna give scarygirl her ten dollars back?

[Rick]

Well, I've stayed out of this thread after my initial pledge to send some money as I watched this all unfold. I just read something on Facebook that I think is wrong, and can't keep this to myself (sorry Everett). I know that he's going through tough times right now, but even now as people have sent him money from here, he states on FB that he's going to a music festival. WTF??? You're begging people for money, then brag about going to a festival today? That's pretty damn despicable Everett, and I'm highly disappointed in you.

If there's more to this than I know, I apologize for jumping the gun. You did say you don't have to pay for the seats, but you did say you had to pay to get into the festival. There are a lot of great people here on MR with big hearts, and I don't want to see them get taken advantage of.

Even if you have someone else buying your ticket to get in there, it's in pretty poor taste to beg for money (which is what you did on FB), then post about going to a festival. Not cool my friend...

To be fair to Everett, he didn't ask for anything. Bryan asked for it, to help him out.

He didn't ask for it in here. He asked people for money on Facebook.

Oh, ok.

[Rick]

So, who's gonna give scarygirl her ten dollars back?

Oooooookkkkkkk, what's your paypal account info, Sg?

[Memorex]

Interesting thread to read. It's definitely a composite of real life.

[brywool]

To be fair to Everett, he didn't ask for anything. Bryan asked for it, to help him out.

.... because he sounded desperate and I figured more of us could help him and it would have a bigger impact. I've said that from the beginning. I sent $100, as I said. Everything I did was because I was trying to help a friend from the forum here- as I would do for anybody here that I've had good exchanges with. I didn't think he'd ask me unless he really needed it. I DID see the post about the Styx show and something about how the tickets were free. I'm not going to begrudge him that, but in the interest of anybody that's donated I'm posting the following. I was trying to do the right thing here, and I certainly didn't do it to rip anybody off. I was trying to be a good person here...

Everett Hembrook
Hey bry. Listen man i'm really sorry to bug you with my problems but i have no where else to turn. The thing is i'm flat broke. The last three years i have been living off unemployment and that finally ended last month. I had so much stuff i wanted to this year but now i can't including see styx& reo with terrible ted. It has even come to the point that next week i could be staying at a salvation army shelter and i REALLY don't want to have to experience that. It's bad enough my mom and i have been living in a motel since we lost are apartment a couple years ago. I'm not asking for much just enough to get me by the next few months if possible till i find something. I have turned to friends and family but they can't or are unable to help. Again i am really sorry to bug you with this bry it's just i have no other choice. Either way please let me know. Thanks man sorry again.

9:21pm
Bryan
Man I am sorry to hear this. I am paying my kids school loans and working my bands and my day job to try and stay ahead here. I am afraid I don't have that kind of money on hand. How much r u talking here?


April 26 7:45am
Everett Hembrook
Maybe a few hundred bucks maybe. If your not able to i understand. Man looks like everyone is hurting these days.
Saturday

11:41am
Everett Hembrook
Hey man really sorry to bug ya but did you know if you were able to do anything? Either way please let me know thanks man.

11:46am
Bryan
Hi Everett, this is actually pretty tough for me. To be honest, I don't know you that well and just handing you money isn't the best solution. In a few days you'll be in the same boat. What I did do was I proposed to Andrew about having a posting on the board for you (not mentioning you) and taking up a collection from all of us to help you. Set up a Paypal thing where people can donate to help you out. I sent that proposal to Andrew right after we talked and I've been waiting to hear back from him before just posting it. So far, I've not heard back.

Helping him seemed the right thing to do...

[Rick]

To be fair to Everett, he didn't ask for anything. Bryan asked for it, to help him out.

.... because he sounded desperate. I sent $100, as I said.

That was good of you, Bryan. I couldn't send that much, but I did what I could.

[brywool]

well, now I'm going "waitaminute...."

[Don]

To be fair to Everett, he didn't ask for anything. Bryan asked for it, to help him out.

.... because he sounded desperate. I sent $100, as I said.

That was good of you, Bryan. I couldn't send that much, but I did what I could.

Enough for at least one beer at the Festival?

For the first time ever, I 'm gonna say sorry (I just couldn't resist though).

[Rick]

.... because he sounded desperate. I sent $100, as I said.

That was good of you, Bryan. I couldn't send that much, but I did what I could.

Enough for at least one beer at the Festival?

For the first time ever, I 'm gonna say sorry (I just couldn't resist though).

No kidding though. As expensive as those beers are. It wouldn't buy many.

[G.I.Jim]

well, now I'm going "waitaminute...."

Bryan, you do have a big heart and I applaud you for being so giving. You had the best of intentions (as some others here did as well). I was also going to contribute but am now glad that I didn't. Everett, I give you shit on here most times, but it's all in jest. I really like you and think you're a good kid. HOWEVER... when you beg publicly (and apparently in private) for money, then post about going to festivals.... Wow. It's uncool on many different levels.

I do hope your financial situation turns around, but there's only one person that can do that, and it's the same person you see when you look in the mirror every day. I don't know the dynamics of your mother's situation, but you two living off of her unemployment checks for 2 years and getting hand-outs from an aunt is not going to help you out in the long run. If you only work part-time, get a second job. If I had to do it to put food on the table, I'd work 3 jobs!

I'm not trying to lecture you here on how to live your life, but you need to seriously re-evaluate your life and do something to change it. You're the only one that can do that. I've had some extreme lows in my life years ago. At one point, I was jobless and had to go to a food bank a couple of times to get food for my family. I also donated blood a couple of times during that same time. I wasn't proud of it, but I did what I had to do. I now donate money to the same organizations that helped me and it feels good knowing that I'm helping others in their time of need.

I really hope things turn around for you, and if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. Just PLEASE use the money you've been given to do something positive and make the changes you need to get on the right track.

[scarygirl]

So, who's gonna give scarygirl her ten dollars back?

I don't want my money back. No worries.

[scarygirl]

So, who's gonna give scarygirl her ten dollars back?

Oooooookkkkkkk, what's your paypal account info, Sg?

I don't need my money back. I

[G.I.Jim]

So, who's gonna give scarygirl her ten dollars back?

I don't want my money back. No worries.

You're a good person Liz and a good Christian. I know that you gave unconditionally, and that was awesome of you.

[G.I.Jim]

So, who's gonna give scarygirl her ten dollars back?

I don't want my money back. No worries.

Can I have yours then, I just blew $30 at the casino and $25 at Bobby Flays Burger Place. I'm hurtin'.

I thought you're a Christian? What you doing gambling money away you heathen? And $25 at a burger joint? That's worse than gambling your money away you sinner! Lol!!

[G.I.Jim]

I thought you're a Christian? What you doing gambling money away you heathen? And $25 at a burger joint? That's worse than gambling your money away you sinner! Lol!!

It was Bobby Flays! He's a God isn't he?

And I was gonna give all of my gambling winnings to Everett, I swear, I just didn't have any. So see, I really gave Everett $30.

Bobby is bad ass, but no. This whole thing (no offense here Everett) reminds me of Christmas Vacation. When the Brother-In-Law says "I was gonna get you something nice for Christmas Clark, so get yourself something REAL NICE...." Lol!!

[scarygirl]

So, who's gonna give scarygirl her ten dollars back?

I don't want my money back. No worries.

Can I have yours then, I just blew $30 at the casino and $25 at Bobby Flays Burger Place. I'm hurtin'.

[scarygirl]

I like the first one myself.

Clark: Home made ketchup, Eddy?

brother in law: Nothing but the best

Wife: Now that the baby's coming, Eddy says I can quit one of my night jobs...

I thought you're a Christian? What you doing gambling money away you heathen? And $25 at a burger joint? That's worse than gambling your money away you sinner! Lol!!

It was Bobby Flays! He's a God isn't he?

And I was gonna give all of my gambling winnings to Everett, I swear, I just didn't have any. So see, I really gave Everett $30.

Bobby is bad ass, but no. This whole thing (no offense here Everett) reminds me of Christmas Vacation. When the Brother-In-Law says "I was gonna get you something nice for Christmas Clark, so get yourself something REAL NICE...." Lol!!

[Ehwmatt]

Maybe he's earning a buck as a stage hand at the music festival?

Those massive Marshall stacks don't move themselves.

[scarygirl]

Maybe he's earning a buck as a stage hand at the music festival?

Those massive Marshall stacks don't move themselves.

Well, I thought I was gonna win $10 grand at the casino too, we all dream.

My dreams these days are much simpler, winning a stuffed animal out of the "GRAB MACHINE."

[Everett]

Jim i wish you would've actually waited until i got back to your pm and not
have made this public. I just made a comment on how free tickets kick ass
(they do really). Believe me the last thing on my mind is going to see my favorite
band at a festival this year. I've seen them over a million times over the last decade
that i can wait a couple years to see them again until my situation improves.
Again i was desperate at the time so that's why i came to bryan in the first place. I really
appreciate his help and all the help from everyone else here. As soon as i'm able to give
back i will.

[scarygirl]

My dreams these days are much simpler, winning a stuffed animal out of the "GRAB MACHINE." [/quote]

Well don't spend your life savings on it. A dreadlocked banana doll won't buy shit.[/quote]

Yeah, especially since they are probably made in CHINA.

[scarygirl]

Jim i wish you would've actually waited until i got back to your pm and not
have made this public. I just made a comment on how free tickets kick ass
(they do really). Believe me the last thing on my mind is going to see my favorite
band at a festival this year. I've seen them over a million times over the last decade
that i can wait a couple years to see them again until my situation improves.
Again i was desperate at the time so that's why i came to bryan in the first place. I really
appreciate his help and all the help from everyone else here. As soon as i'm able to give
back i will.

Don't worry about it.

[yulog]

Looks like Fact finders practices weren't so bad after all

[G.I.Jim]

I did see where you said "Free tickets rule". But then I also read when you posted this...


Ok so my mom got some kind of bag from publisers clearing house that she claims she didn't order. She also got an $800 and some odd ammount check that may or not be real. WTF is she doing in the computer? Ugh. Anyway at least the good part of my day happened when i got the e mail from summerfest saying that the "blue circle" seats for styx go on sale next friday at noon. Free tickets rule.

Why would you be excited by tickets going on sale if you're getting them for free?


Then when I asked you about it, you said this...


Summerfest is a music festival with different stages on the grounds. They added a new stage last year with the first few rows blue seats. You need a ticket for those seats for the headliners they are free. However you can sit in those seats until the headliner goes on. You need a ticket for that seat afterwards. Headliners usually go on between 9-10:00 pm. The festival runs for 11 days every year. It's awesome. Of course you still need a ticket to enter the festival. Hope that answers your question jim.


I take it by reading this that you ARE going, and that while you aren't paying for a blue seat, you were (or are) planning to pay the festival ticket price to get in. Otherwise your entire post about them going on sale today makes no sense at all. If I'm wrong here, please let me know.

[yulog]

Well, I've stayed out of this thread after my initial pledge to send some money as I watched this all unfold. I just read something on Facebook that I think is wrong, and can't keep this to myself (sorry Everett). I know that he's going through tough times right now, but even now as people have sent him money from here, he states on FB that he's going to a music festival. WTF??? You're begging people for money, then brag about going to a festival today? That's pretty damn despicable Everett, and I'm highly disappointed in you.

If there's more to this than I know, I apologize for jumping the gun. You did say you don't have to pay for the seats, but you did say you had to pay to get into the festival. There are a lot of great people here on MR with big hearts, and I don't want to see them get taken advantage of.

Even if you have someone else buying your ticket to get in there, it's in pretty poor taste to beg for money (which is what you did on FB), then post about going to a festival. Not cool my friend...

When Brywool first posted, I started the countdown.

And boom goes the dynamite.

After Brywools first post I guessed it was Everett. Not surprised by what's unfolding here, this kind of stuff has already happened here at MR.Last time it ended in bad blood .

[Don]

Well, I've stayed out of this thread after my initial pledge to send some money as I watched this all unfold. I just read something on Facebook that I think is wrong, and can't keep this to myself (sorry Everett). I know that he's going through tough times right now, but even now as people have sent him money from here, he states on FB that he's going to a music festival. WTF??? You're begging people for money, then brag about going to a festival today? That's pretty damn despicable Everett, and I'm highly disappointed in you.

If there's more to this than I know, I apologize for jumping the gun. You did say you don't have to pay for the seats, but you did say you had to pay to get into the festival. There are a lot of great people here on MR with big hearts, and I don't want to see them get taken advantage of.

Even if you have someone else buying your ticket to get in there, it's in pretty poor taste to beg for money (which is what you did on FB), then post about going to a festival. Not cool my friend...

When Brywool first posted, I started the countdown.

And boom goes the dynamite.

After Brywools first post I guessed it was Everett. Not surprised by what's unfolding here, this kind of stuff has already happened here at MR.Last time it ended in bad blood .

I think everyone knew instantly who it was. Well, except for the naive ones.

[Ehwmatt]

Guys, the shock and awe here reveals either a stunning naiveté or... shit I don't know what else it could possibly reveal.

Even in the best of scenarios, assuming that Everett was both (a) really as bad off as he claimed to be and (b) really as motivated to "turn things around," did you guys really expect a couple hundred bucks to get this guy a new life and a new outlook on life? The guy's been around here for years candidly documenting his lack of a direction/job/career/life path/living with his mother and being overweight. This guy, from all his own indications in this very forum, ain't exactly a go-getter (sorry Everett).

Did you guys condition the money you gave him in any way? Did you ear mark it to be used only for food? Only for rent/hotel fees (whatever the case may be)? Only to be used to buy textbooks or pay tuition at the local community college? No? I understand there's an implied obligation on the beggar's part to use the money the "right way" (and frankly, it's not that malleable of a concept, so I get where you're coming from), but from all indications, there was absolutely ZERO precedent to expect this guy (or his mother) to use that money the "right way."

Giving money to someone you've never even met is a risky enterprise. Laudable? Sure. But risky. And it looks like you guys got burned. Hell, how many people have been burned lending or giving money to real life friends or even family members? I know plenty myself. It turns out FF had the right approach: have the guy support his plight with pictures and real facts (not just Facebook statuses) and have him make the effort to better himself before giving the hand outs (and document that as well). Do we even have any proof that the guy is truly living in a hotel room? It very well may be true, but to accept something like that at face value on here reeks of naiveté.

At bottom, this guy has given EVERY indication for years on here that he is irresponsible and unmotivated. So frankly, I think the "fault" (not really the right word here, but the closest I can think of) lies more with the people who thought a hundred or ten spot given unconditionally would suddenly have this guy waking up at 5 a.m. toiling away in the corn fields til dusk 7 days a week.

It was pretty clear where this story was headed before Everett was even revealed to be "the guy," let alone by the time he actually had money in hand. So live and learn. Or don't.

[brywool]

Wait a sec...
NOBODY thought "this will solve the dude's problems". Not once was that mentioned or thought of, so I don't know what the hell you're talking about- that's the second time someone's mentioned that. It was more like "Hey, I can help out someone I know... or spend the money on something I don't need." Big deal, it's $100.00, not that much, but it might help the guy out. I had the money. I'm not bitching about it. I'm not asking for it back. I'm also not asking for anyone's approval in this forum. I presented it to you guys as it was presented to me. If you didn't want to help him, that's fine. If you did, that's fine too. At the time he asked, he didn't have a place to go. That changed. That's Good. I've had decent conversations with Everett over the years, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt... as I would for most people here, except a few who clearly would never help anybody out if they were drowning.
Sometimes things work out the way you think they will, sometimes they don't. I'm not losing sleep over it. I'm more disappointed that people think this is some kind of justification to not help someone out. I hope you guys never need any kind of assistance.

Might be a good time to close the thread.