[rshoffer]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

I am so sad. I am sad on several levels.

Six years ago, my wife and I built our dream home here in the Villages. Now, because of, in part, a medical condition (Amity has Multiple Sclerosis) we are attempting to sell our home and move even farther south to a warmer climate.

As many of you know, I’ve publicly discussed the fact that unbeknownst to us; we built in the near proximity of the CSX rail line. With the new “train horn rules” and the lower decibel output of the horns, it is much less of a complication than it would have been even two years ago. Our real estate agent assures us the house will sell.

When my partners and I put Talk of The Villages on line we knew it would be a wonderful community of people and we also knew that there would be a certain number of malcontents. Over the past two years, we have had to issue warnings to only a dozen or so of our 8,000 members and we have had to ban only about six people. Sadly the very same “train issue” is at the root of some of the banning.

A healthy discussion of the CSX rail line and its impact on the Villages is perfectly acceptable because it affects so many people. However, a handful of our former and current members have apparently undertaken a mission to use the train issue as a means of deliberately “derailing” or sabotaging the sale of my home. As recently as yesterday (Tuesday February 24th) one of these people posted a direct message on TOTV saying that nobody should buy my house. (The post was removed) This matter has led directly to the banning of at least two members who clearly wished to add continued hardship on me.

Now, a small group of present and former TOTV members has exercised their absolute right to start their own forum. However, they are using Talk of The Villages sponsored events and our membership roster to recruit new members of their choosing. Their stated purpose is to keep the “creepy people” out and “let our friends in.” Sadly, they are using the “train” issue as a running joke on this new forum in a misguided effort to further damage me and my home sale.

I can’t image hating somebody so much that I would deliberately attempt to cause economic damage to them and their family. I guess it kind of tells what you might expect on a forum that they operate.

I do want them to know that they can take comfort in the knowledge that their efforts to upset me have worked. I do have occasional sleepless nights, not because of the house sale, but wondering how humans can develop such a profound hatred. What upsets me even more is that it has caused my wife a great deal of anxiety, and she doesn’t deserve that kind of treatment. She’s not even a member of the Talk of The Villages.

So, when you are approached to join any other forum here in The Villages, be alert to what type of individuals you will be joining.

I fully understand that I initiated the original issue of the train noise and opened the door for further discussion. I didn't realize that it would be used to get even with my wife and me for trying to help run Talk of The Villages as a friendly place for everybody, not a select few.

One thing to consider... people with MS often do worse in heat/hotter climates. Good idea to discuss with your wifes neurologist.