JeffP

Doran,

First of all - I have never, ever been known to be a violent person. I would like to know who you've talked to who knows me, since I've been open about everything in this publicly, you also should show the respect that I've given both sides of this situation and tell everyone here who says this. I would hazard a guess that you are pulling this out of thin air to try and slander me. Also, if I was tending toward violent - why did the police officer simply talk to me, then go to talk to you and then come out to me again and talk to me as a normal person? If I was violent or aggressive, do you not think that he would have taken more measures such as detainment? Would a violent or aggressive person actually call the police back - and have them come to the store? I don't think so.

Also - claiming your daughter was frightened? How then do you explain the fact that while we were waiting outside the store for the police to show up, your daughter walked up to the glass door on at least two occasions to look at us. As well as wave to us? That doesn't sound like some little girl who was traumatized.

I've been very open about this whole transaction and have let people know what has gone on. You on the other hand are still alluding to things that have not happened, going as far as claiming you know people who know me (I know one person in Vancouver) and they also claim I am violent and aggressive. This is not the case, and it's beyond silly. People who know me know that I go out of my way to help people when they need it, and would describe me as anything but aggressive.

To address the picking up of the tank issue - as you are well aware I do not have the means to move the tank and that was told to you on Friday when you were yelling at me through your door. I am arranging to get a vehicle to pick up the tank, but just as was told by you to me and through the police officer. I have one week from Monday to pick it up, and I will make it up there when I have the means to pick up the tank.

The police officer said to me when he came out side that he didn't know what things were because a very simple reason. He is not involved in the hobby. He doesn't know a ballast from an overflow, a clown fish from a frog fish.

I don't get it.

 

Why not just give back the $200 to the people who bought tickets. Then either give you back your equipment, or cash.

 

Pretty simple if you ask me.

And what of my damaged tank stand and potentially damaged electronics? Should he not be held accountable for the damages sustained while the tank was in his possession? Again, no notice was sent to me that it was getting damaged.

My problem all along was the lack of communication - or when communication was made by him it was an attempt at either a) concealing details (see the "it's going good" message) or b) him claiming I didn't send questions, then when I resent them - they were completely dodged.

If someone was holding tank of yours and wasn't returning communication of any sort what would you have done? I gave him many, many, many chances to open up discussion about how things were moving - and none of them produced any communication from him. When someone clams up like that - that implies something is wrong which is why I went the demanding route - because that seemed the only way to get a response from him.

And now that my tank stand and possibly some of the equipment is ruined, how should that be fixed? I didn't intend on him to damage the thing, and I am sure he didn't either. But again - no effort was made to keep this dry as evidenced by the massive amount of condensation on the bulbs and the black fungus growing in the wood. Nor was any effort made by him to say "Hey Jeff, just wanted to let you know I am storing the tank in a really humid area and some tank damage has occurred." I had to see that in person, and when I asked him about it - he kicked me out of his store.

Yeah, thanks to everyone who did buy tickets. In talking to Doran yesterday I feel he has a fair solution for all of you.

Now the question is when is Doran going to get refunds back to people who bought tickets? Jeff' date=' possibly another store would be willing to take on the raffle?[/quote']

 

Yes, he is offering them their money back.

Since Doran decided that he'd like to make a pre-emptive strike against others who may post feedback on their experience with The Fish Tank People I decided to lay it all out and let everyone decide for themselves. The following has been my experience with him and unfortunately, it hasn't been the best.

Doran picked up the tank from me on January 5th and the plan was for him to sell it for me for a commission. After the tank was in his possession, he listed it for sale on his site as well as advertised it on Craigslist to spur interest. Time passed and I lost my job - and in an effort to speed up the process, Doran suggested a raffle for the tank which I thought was a great idea.

Before the raffle started - I had checked with Doran on interest in the tank. I sent him an email on Jan 20th

from Jeff Paramchuk

to Doran Figart

date Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 5:39 PM

subject tank

mailed-by gmail.com

Hey Doran,

 

Just wanted to see how the tank was doing... any interest? Are you putting it on craigslist or anything?

 

Jeff

No response. So I sent him another email on Jan 30 notice, i sent to two email addresses.

from Jeff Paramchuk

to Doran Figart ,

Doran Figart

date Fri, Jan 30, 2009 at 3:29 PM

subject tank

mailed-by gmail.com

 

Hey Doran,

 

Just wanted to check in on the tank - any movement/interest in it? Are you putting it up on craigslist or anything like that to help spur movement?

 

Jeff

He responded to this email.

March rolled around and on March 7th Doran and I discussed the tank and decided on the raffle idea. I asked some questions about ensuring the sale of tickets. Hell - I'll just let you read it. Notice it took him over 2 weeks to reply to any of my questions.

From: Jeff Paramchuk

To: Doran Figart

- Hide quoted text -

Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 3:19 PM

Subject: Re: Turnkey Tank

 

Hey Doran,

 

I know you're busy getting the shop up and running, but can you reply to these questions for me?

 

Jeff

 

On Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 10:56 AM, Jeff Paramchuk wrote:

 

When were you planning on running the raffle?

 

On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 2:20 PM, Jeff Paramchuk wrote:

 

Hmm, a raffle sounds like it could be a good option. As long as all 50 tickets were gone then I could consider giving that shot - would you ensure that was the case? And would you still be taking 20%?

 

I understand it's likely been slow because of the economy, and I've unfortunately been hit by that too :( Lost my job effective Apr 13 - so any additional cash is good cash for me these days :(

 

On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 1:14 PM, Doran Figart wrote:

 

Jeff,

 

I was just thinking about this. I do need to put it back on CL. It hasn't been in this past week.

 

Would you be interested in raffling it off? We could sell a limited number of tickets, say 50 for $20 each. Just a thought.

On March 30th - I inquired about ticket sales, Doran responded with

Doran Figart

to Jeff Paramchuk

date Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 5:28 PM

subject Re: Turnkey Tank

 

Follow up message

Going good. Have sold tickets from as far north as Kelso, to as far south as Salem.

 

Can you be present to draw the winning ticket?

 

Doran

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Jeff Paramchuk

To: Doran Figart

- Hide quoted text -

Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 2:18 PM

Subject: Re: Turnkey Tank

 

How's the raffle going thus far?

Based on that, I felt that things were going well and there should be no problem selling tickets.

I sent him another email on April 22 inquiring on things as I hadn't heard anything from him. He replied with a PM which said:

Jeff,

 

I have your tank. Its safe in the shop. I posted the address in my forum. Under the "Shop Info".

 

Not all the tickets are sold. Only about 10 are sold. Im would consider waiving my fee and sell only 40 tickets, or only take whats sold over 40. But I think tickets will sell after the shop opens.

 

Sorry for taking so long to get ahold of you. Ive put in 12-15 hour days this weekend and today.

 

Yes this delayed getting ahold of me thing has been a pattern, I appoligize.

 

Doran

I'm not sure in which world selling 10 tickets out of 50 is "going good" but that's what Doran thought.

Throughout this process as evidenced in the FTP forum (which it looks like Doran deleted the thread about the raffle - but fear not, I have a backup of it) various people and members of this forum inquired about the status of the tank - Doran either did not respond in the thread, or not at all.

Another email to Doran on Apr 26 asking about the raffle sales, zero response. I sent a followup on May 17. Zero response. On May 18th, I sent the following very frustrated PM due to lack of communication

Doran,

 

The lack of communication is extremely frustrating for me. Especially when you're holding on to thousands worth of my material and equipment. I sent you a message when you were online yesterday - and you didn't respond - nor did you respond to emails I sent.

 

I am getting close to wanting to post something publicly about how poor the communication has been with you - but I don't want to because that could hurt your business which I am not wanting to do.

 

I want this raffle business starting to wrap up - if that means you have to buy the tank from me outright before raffling it off, then so be it. You've been evasive with questions, not forthcoming with real information when you've finally given it, and have kept me completely out of the loop - not to mention, when people ask on your sponsor forum - you don't respond.

 

Jeff

On May 23rd Doran responded - but only in as far as to say that he didn't get any emails from me - and would answer questions when he saw them. I sent them again immediately - this was the last time I heard from Doran.

Each day thereafter, I sent Doran a PM hoping for a response of some sort. Anything really. I called on the telephone to talk to him in person, but he didn't answer. I sent a text message, no response. I then decided that I had had enough and gave Doran the following PM on May 29th at 8:39pm

Three days between PMs to you, and no response. Longer even when you said you would answer a question in your only recent reply to me.

 

Doran - I want my money for the tank by June 5. The promised $1000 for the tickets you are selling is what I require. Based on the fact that you haven't done any service for me - and have proven to me you don't reply to messages of any sort I don't feel you earned any of your commission on this transaction.

 

I will take certified check, cash or paypal + fees. Please let me know how you will get my funds to me by June 2.

 

Jeff

No response.

I went to the store today with the intention of getting my money - because a no comment means that someone agrees with the terms. I went to the store and Doran immediately went on the defensive. Rather than address my concerns about the lack of communication all he said was "I was bad at communication." When I asked further questions for clarification on his communication, he said in a very beligerant manner "I already answered that."

I then saw my tank in the shop and wanted to go take a look at it. Much to my surprise the tank had sustained much unintentional damage as a result of the high humidity of his shop. The wood had started to turn black in spots where the varnish was absent (the cracked varnish was a known problem before the tank went with Doran). Other spots of darkened and damaged wood appeared. I then lifted the lid to look at my lighting system - there was so much humidity in the room that the lights, sockets, and equipment under the hood was covered in water droplets. This was witnessed by myself and my future brother in law. Doran then called the police claiming I refused to leave his store - as I was inspecting my goods. I complied and also wanted to speak with the police - so I waited outside for them. Doran then cancelled the police call - and I wanted to get inside to take photos of the tank. I did not attempt to enter the store after leaving it - so I recalled the police and had them come to run things by them. They came, went inside and Doran still refused to grant me access to MY OWN EQUIPMENT to document the damages to it. Thankfully, the police officer took down my email address and will be sending us both photos.

I've been very forthcoming about the transaction in this post as you all can see. And to further demonstrate - Please take a look at the following PM i received from Doran. Notice that he's now giving me not only an ultimatum for removing MY equipment that was damaged while in HIS possession, but also implied blackmail if I was to share my experiences with people on this forum. I should note that when I was at his store today, he told us 1 week from Monday, which was also confirmed with me by the police officer - now he's changed that again.

Jeff,

 

As per our discussion today you have until close of business (7pm) on Monday, June 8th to get your tank. At that point it will be considered abandoned property.

 

You are not to contact me except for letting me know when you are picking up your tank.

 

Further you should refrain from any defaming or inflamatory comments reguarding this or anyother transaction between us. I will pursue the appropriate measures should any be said, written, or otherwise deseminated.

 

Doran Figart

Owner, The Fish Tank People

I'll let you all take a look at this and make your own decisions about how things went. Everything I posted in here is fact - including actual emails and PMs between Doran and I. I'll answer any, and all questions you have. But as it sits now, I'm left still unemployed but now with a damaged tank thanks to the owner of The Fish Tank People. I guess I'll find out exactly how much damage has been sustained once I get it back to my home, let the electronics dry out and hopefully fire up without shorting/starting a fire.

Thanks for nothing Fish Tank People.

Wow Doran - this is pretty bold. I'll start a thread and outline the details that went on since you picked up the tank in the winter. And we can let other people decide on what they'd like to think.

I'm glad I used some garage sale money to buy an air conditioner for the house It was over 80 in here earlier and now it's down to 78 Sooooo refreshing.

I thought I read once about rubbing a screwdriver or something over a fungia, then as it healed it shot out 10s of baby fungias, rather than frags. Have you tried that method?

I just got this copy from the publisher to review it - and yeah, it's actually quite good Even as a non-fan of the sport I think the game is top notch.

looks like you could be able to catch it with a turkey baster, then put it in a dish for a photo.

i still have my 150.

spoiler#2! So when someone gets pushed into a fire pit, do they actually burst into flames? That guy must have been doused with alcohol or something....

 

spoiler#3 We have actually met Jacob before!

 

No, this was the first time we saw Jacob.

 

im glad we got to see the whole statue. that was awesome. now we just have to figure out how it ties to.....spoiler.....ancient egyptians. SOBEK!

 

 

what are you ideas on the two dudes on the beach at the beginning. jacob and....that other guy. i imagine jacob represents good and the other guy bad. hopefully they will explain why the black rock ended up midisland. i know a long time ago i thought that perhaps the boat didnt crash into the island, perhaps the island crashed into the ship....

Why does it have to be good vs evil? In a religious structure where multiple gods exists, they always have their own little battles and use humans as pawns. That's exactly what this is. And the opening dialog explained it all I think - as Jacob stared at the boat he said "It always happens the same way" or something like that, implying hte battle between Jacob and his counterpart (Horus/Set) has been ongoing for a very, very long time.

add it to your compost pile, that should help diffuse the salt content and will spread it out more. Plus, that would help give things time to break down even further I'd imagine.

any official email from Paypal, or any bank for that matter - will address you by name. Not some generic term for what it's worth.

guess i should read the whole thread before posting next time

This is a 24", not a 20, or a 36. If you really want one of those, then please don't bother lowballing me and using the size as an excuse when you don't get what you want.

Model is 1061.

14000k HQI - 150w

Traded for used - I never used it except to test it. The previous owner said he used it less than a month, FWIW. I'd like $225 - OBO takes it. I'm around pretty much all the time now (sad) - so daytime pickups are good with me. Will consider delivering if you need for a full price purchase (Portland Metro only).

Has feet, & box.

I get mine from whole foods fwiw

Laid off and Whole Foods don't match up so well

hanger steak is the best' date=' but mark probably doesn't even know what that is lol[/quote']

 

Hmm, I haven't seen those around - but I've been loving the chuck eye steak lately. Cheaper, and better than a rib eye in my opinion. (drooler) Now I need to look for a hanger steak, time to hit the Russian butcher up the street.

Anyone else have Traegers or big grills? How about some Meet & Greet BBQs this Summer?!!(rock2)(hungry)

I've got the Big Pink Pig Traeger. Also, I make the best ribs in town

PM sent....

what gives?

Wish I had known this yesterday.

Same here...

test kits are in the picture... since the thread was edited, it didn't go back up.

Test Kits are back on the market....

Also the Sunpod is a 24", comes with legs and all stuff that's normally in the box when you buy it new

Just thought i would crosspost some craigslist stuff. You never know!

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/fuo/1107066418.html

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/fuo/1107063388.html