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Post by thundertail on Jan 2, 2012 16:09:18 GMT -5
MONASTARY OF THE CARNOSAURS:
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(01/02/12)
Hail, all Dinotopians!
Long has it been since these hallowed halls have been used for such a grim purpose, for not since Lee Crabb were we assigned as jailors; and our beloved Monastery used as a common prison, but it is a duty we will honor as our brethren of the past have done so. When young Joshua Hartzler arrived at our door, forlorn and escorted by saurian guards; we did not know what to make of him, but as the scroll that came with him clearly states he must remain with us for a very long time indeed! Clearly we were curious, and asked him many questions as we introduced him to his new home; and though his story claimed he was falsely accused, even though the deposition he carried from those he offended was long and irrefutable. So thus we had no choice but to comply with the edicts of your illustrious court, for he is here now and here he will stay; and I dare say that he will be made most comfortable here during this stay, for our accommodations are so grand that I was a visitor here myself as a lad and stayed here nearly all my life! (Ho,ho!)
This thread will be set aside to allow all of you to see the progress that Joshua is making over time, and make sure you really see that he is indeed changing and really wishes to improve himself and will increasingly do so as time goes by; and since I am a member of the Official Dinotopia Message Board in good standing with an impeccable reputation, you will know that his progress will be genuine. I will endeavor to give you progress reports regularly (But not necesarilly every day!), but at far longer intervals; like every fortnight, full moon or when I deem he has surpassed certain milestones worthy of appraising you of. Of course I would enjoy any constructive suggestions you may have in the training of him, and hear any other positive comments which are most welcome; but please be reminded that I would brook no slander nor any negative responses against him, myself nor the Monastery as these halls are hallowed and the service I am doing for you is a noble one – and Joshua has promised to try his best and needs no discouragement. May all your days be filled with happiness, all your years be filled with fruitfulness and all your loved ones remain well and good; and I hope that everyone everywhere enjoy the sweet edicts of Dinotopia, for within them true serenity can be found!
The following few posts are recollections of last year, and the progress I have made with Joshua thus far. I hope they clarify what has transpired between myself, Joshua and the Board; and show all of you that my charge is doing all he says he is doing to improve himself. All during this thread I will keep him seperate from you, and you seperate from him; and go on to be his mediator and go-between as it were, for if all of us want to grow beyond this problem, there are times when it is best for opposing sides to stand apart and reflect on a problem before a viable solution can be made. I do not write this thread to bring up any bad tidings, nor am I doing it to be compulsive on Joshua's behalf; but to offer everyone the truth about the lad, free from any biased outcries and rhetoric that may ensue. I for one do not hold any ill will toward Joshua nor any of you for this incident, and neither blame nor applaud the actions that took place over the past few years of this case; but I will not sit idle while all parties refuse to hear out the truth I have discovered, and will present it reguardless of any negative opinion... So, for all those that care to listen, please sit back and hear my story; for I have quite a tale to tell, my friends!...
Sencerely,
Thundertail
Leader, Monastary of the Carnosaurs.
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Post by thundertail on Jan 3, 2012 20:58:43 GMT -5
Let's go back a bit in time, shall we?...
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(05/15/11 - 10/21/11)
I must say to you all that all during my involvement with Joshua Hartzler and the OMB, I have been keeping him well informed about what was going on concerning his fate; from what I said to defend him to all of your comments and negative outcries, and he was saddened that all my efforts had come to naught. We talked about what went wrong and what he did to change himself before the banning process started, and how all of you would never believe that he had indeed changed; and even though what I saw and heard of him indeed proved to me that this was so, all of you were too jaded by him ever to listen no matter what I did. This did not degrade what he felt for all of you, for he still considered all of you friends; and wished nothing but the best for you and the board despite all this, and learned to accept his permanent banishment even though he was distraught for a while. I asked him how he felt about all this, and he told me that he did something really bad and there was no way to fix the damage, so I told him not to give up hope and there was always possibilities out there. I said there were other Dinotopia message boards out there to try, and chances might be that his reputation did not proceed him there; so I got busy researching the ones currently in use, and even though he was reluctant to try them for fear of the rest of you finding him out I suggested he use a different name and URL. To get to know him even better, I befriended him on Facebook and set up a Twitter account in case he used that too (Much against my principals, for I think those social networks are hokey!); and from there I learned a lot more about him than he ever let on to me before, for he has a wonderful life despite being in a remote part of the U.S.A.
Before this whole business started and I was just getting acquainted with Joshua, his parents found out about me emailing him and got a little protective (He must have told them, or they monitored his emails and overreacted a bit. I knew they were the parents as they had a way different email than the ones Joshua uses, and anyone who has parents know the way they convey themselves to protect their children!); they saying that he has Autism and they had to watch for dangerous people online and all that because he was so vulnerable, so they said that I could not email him until they checked me out! They must have done so and I seemed to meet their criteria, and I was allowed to email Joshua once again; me explaining to them that I knew a few Autistic people in person, and knew well their ways and knew how to act with them. So onward I did, and found that one of the reasons why he did what he did was of his questions and the answers you gave him (Some of those answers were misinformed or totally shrugged off as you did not have sufficient answers, and this did not satisfy him; which is why he kept on pestering everyone for the sufficient answers, and it was this pestering was one of the things that bothered you.), and when he tried to give his take on the answers or express his opinions of things; these things were shrugged off or taken offense of as these things were not what you believed in, and it was of these things he took offense in! You keep on saying that he did not respect your space and your sensibilities, and maybe this was true; but you should see that you did the same thing to him, and in his Autistic mind he had to react the way he did.
So now that I understood the real reason why he did this, I worked with him and discussed many of the things he did on the board and sought out solutions for these aspects of the whole incident; first starting with these things and going through his detailed background, and I am beginning to see why he thinks the way he does. And of course he tells me about quite a few details of his life, which is where his attitude comes from; memories of how he had been treated in RL and the way his peers and family was hard pressed to deal with his Autism. They are from a simple Christian community in a town with a small population, and little is known there about the syndrome; so he was always secretly classified as the town dummy, a badge of shame he had to deal with ever since he was old enough for it to be known to him. He spent many emails telling me how ashamed he was about it, and how it caused guilt and shyness at the sidelong glances from the people in his own town; and this harmed everything in his life, from his friendships to the prospects of seeking out girlfriends. His only goal being on the board was to find a place to fit in, but I guess even here people don't understand him; but it's a good thing that at least one of us does, and he cares enough to help him through his difficulties...
Sencerely,
Thundertail
Leader, Monastary of the Carnosaurs.
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Post by thundertail on Jan 4, 2012 20:51:27 GMT -5
Let's go back a bit in time, shall we?...
(10/31/11 – 11/30/11)
Since the holidays were fast approaching, I decided not to start up this thread until the beginning of the year; both so I knew that Joshua was improving and to let the subject settle a bit on the Board before reminding everyone of it all over again, just so everyone on the board has happy holidays (Ho, ho, ho!). But seriously, Joshua is improving quite a bit; and is divulging to me many more issues that are not related to the board, but might have had a hand in the way he acted here. He said that he could not understand many of the ways of Dinotopia, and wondered why the mindsets of the outside world would not work there; saying that if the outside world knew about it, they should invade Dinotopia and show them their ways. He said that he talked to Mr. Gurney about writing a story like that, but I told him that if such a thing were true; then the whole Dinotopian culture would be forever destroyed in short order, and such a near perfect society would never come about again. He said that he wondered why the Dolphinbacks there did not instill their ways there, for he reasoned that the ways of the outside world were more beneficial than that of Dinotopia; and I told him that Dinotopia was a more civilized society then ours, run by wisdom rather than power like ours is. I said that it was hard for someone to fathom such a society, especially when everyone is being constantly assailed by the turmoil and strife so common here; and that people of the outside world have no moral anchor to recon the Dinotopian way by, and this was the reason why Dinotopian ethics were so unheard of these days. I also told him that Dinotopia was kind of like a religion of sorts, an institution that teaches moral ways; and even though it has dinosaurs to make things more interesting, it is simply another way to say that we should all be good and act wisely.
He seemed a bit miffed about my reasoning, and I asked him if people that have different points of view bothered him or made him mad; and days later (I guess he needed time to calm down and think clear enough to give me an answer!) he told me that this was true, because to him he is right and he does not see a reason for others to differ with him. I told him that other people have different points of view, and different opinions about things as well; and one shouldn't fault others for disagreeing with him, for in their minds they are right too. I told him that there is no reason for getting mad at them or so miffed that he doesn't speak to them, or worse insult them because of it; for they have the right to think the way they want to, and it is best to at least acknowledge their opinions instead of getting mad. He asked about the ones who deride a person for having their own opinions, and thinking that their opinions are the only right ones; so I told him that they, like him, has the same misgivings about another person's opinions; but these people tend to have a greater vocabulary about it, and let other people know about what they think in abundance. He said those people are opinionated and egotistical (I was surprised that he knew what those terms meant!), and he hated encountering them; and when I asked him why he said that their constant arguing with him really confuses him, so I suggested he try to avoid those people at all costs! I also told him that he also acts like this on the board, and others might get angry with him about this; and though he was a little upset about me saying this, he gradually agreed that this was one of his faults. I asked him what he thought he should do about this, and he eventually told me that he had to learn to appreciate the thoughts of others; and not hold his own opinions over others, and try to curb his anger when someone contradicts him (It's a thing that people with Autism has: not being able to control their impulses. I read that in an Autism book once!). Of course over time I will have to work with him on it, but I'm off to a pretty good start with him never the less!
As I spoke to him on Facebook, I also befriended some of his friends; and they also had things to say about him, but for decorum's sake I will omit their names. (And by the way, even though this has nothing to do with Joshua; I have found many of my own friends on Facebook that I hadn't seen in years, and they are becoming friends with Joshua as well as his friends.) Some told me that Joshua was sometimes short with them, but knew it was part of his Autism and found ways to deal with it; for they would simply explain to him what they meant all over again, and after Joshua finally understood them nothing bad would come about it. Others said that he is quite demanding when gets fixated on a certain subject, and would ask help or comment to no end; and ask all or any of them for what help they could give, and get annoyed when the help he gets is insufficient for him. They simply ask him to be a little less insensitive to them, and that they were trying their best; and ask if he liked being treated thus, of which he would just say no and begin to treat them normally once again. They asked me what kind of problems he was having on the OMB, and I told them it was pretty much the same thing as they were experiencing (Saying how much you didn't appreciate it!); and that your solution was to have him banned from the board, a thing they said was up to you as it was your board – but commented that this was no real way to handle Joshua. They said it takes infinite patience and understanding (And a little psychology!) to learn to deal with him, and banning him was for those who didn't wish to deal with him; but they said that everyone has their way of dealing with problems, and who were they to judge what was right and wrong in this case. They told me that they didn't know what I could do to help Joshua, me being so far away from him like I am; but they said they lived closer, and would be able to do a better job because of this. They also told me that it was a good thing that I was trying to be his friend and help him out with his problems, and it showed them that I truly care about my fellow men; and since most of them are Christian or highly religious in any case, they blessed my work with him as well as all of you.
I have been giving him other help besides in his people skills, for as he wants to write that book I have been giving him pointers and other modes of help; like finding websites that host self-published writers and showing him where he could promote his books, yet another thing he greatly appreciates me for. I think he has a fine and creative mind underneath all his problems and Autism (Usually Autistic people have a certain area of genius, like in math or in other skills; even though the rest of their personas are stunted at best.), and I think all he needs is encouragement to make something out of his life; that and a little fine tuning with his social skills, and treating him like he's just a regular person and like he doesn't have Autism may be one of the best ways of all. In many ways I think this is working, for he doesn't seem to be so demanding lately, and he is beginning to open up and confide in me more about what bothers him. The thing that he says that bothers him the most is when he is treated like an outcast, shunned and put aside by people that do not understand him; for he is angered by people that won't take the time to really get to know him for who he is, and saddened by those that take one look at him and think him crazy or strange and just walk away. With me he has no worries like that. For I won't let him down; and if he minds himself and learns to be a regular person, he can stay my friend forever if that's what he wants...
Sencerely,
Thundertail
Leader, Monastary of the Carnosaurs.
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Post by thundertail on Jan 5, 2012 19:40:11 GMT -5
Here is more of the past:...
(12/01/11 – 12/31/11)
Joshua is growing in the ways he handles his friends, for they say on Facebook that his interactions are less sporadic and moody; and he is learning to take what other people tells him at face value, seeming to be satisfied with their answers and acting less offended or annoyed at what is said. Even with me he is becoming more docile and complacent when talking to me, for he treats me with respect and patience as I do him; and he is telling me that I shouldn't be too mad at all of you for banning me (I am really not, but he thinks so.), for he is seeing that what he did to you is wrong and he shouldn't have been so poignant in his reactions to you. I really think he is growing in this aspect of his life, and would probably dare to have him meet (Through email and such.) my brothers and immediate family; for if he learns how to behave among people this way and keeps to it, he would be considered just like any other person to them. I heard through his mother's emails that his visits with his Psychologist (People with Autism sometimes sees a shrink!) have been going really well, and that he is opening up to her in ways that never before was; and she thinks that it is because of all my help and that of which with his online friends that is turning the trick, for what he is saying to his doctor is taking a 180 degree turn from what he has been saying before. It is unknown whether or not these changes will become permanent, nor if his moods will relapse back to the way he was before; but the mutual consensus from us all is that if our efforts with him is doing this well so far, then it would be wise if we all continue to help Joshua Hartzler in these ways.
The holidays always seemed special to Joshua, or so he says; and he told me that he was a scarecrow this year at the Halloween party, and that he was the champion at bobbing for apples besides! He said that he loves Christmas and Thanksgiving too, holidays where he can get stuffed and get all sorts of goodies (Saying it with the enthusiasm of a child.), and told me he usually tries to do something for his friends that he met during the year. He really wants to send me a gift or something and wanted my address and other info, but I told him that no gift was necessary; and that if he gets better in dealing with people enough to be seen as the good person he really is, then that would be a present enough for me (Yes, I was aware that he could use my contact information for other reasons; and that was why I refused to give it to him just yet, but I had to refuse in a kind way and one where he wouldn't be offended by.). He said it was all right then, and told me that he knew where some of his other friends lived as they live near by; but through all that he didn't seem offended nor seemed to have malicious intent in what he was planning, for maybe his intentions were to merely give gifts for the holidays – and nothing more. I emailed his mother about this, and she told me that Joshua was really the generous type around the holidays; and wanted to show his appreciation of what I was doing for him, for the holidays really brings out the 'St. Nick' in him! I told her that I thought it was really too soon for me to be that committed to him just yet, and she could understand my point of view; for she said that all good friendships have their limitations, and it was good to observe a certain degree of boundaries in relationships. I told her that this was one of the major reasons why Joshua was banned from the OMB, for he was notorious for going beyond where the others wished him to go; but she simply said that at least he is beginning to understand why it's bad to do this, and I could not disagree with her!
I recently observed his activities on Facebook, and one incident occurred when he recently friended a person (Someone with quite a bit of fame, if his bio proved correct.); and Joshua got so excited at meeting him that he contacted him profusely and excitedly, so much that this person blocked him from being his friend. Even though Joshua asked forgiveness in notes sent to the communal bulletin board there, the person would not respond at all; and I commented on this by saying that this was the exact reason why he was banned from the OMB (Among other things – I know!), and he responded by saying that he was learning with the help of his other friends there whom told him pretty much the same thing. I told him of the secret to keeping friends on Facebook: to talk to people, but when they break the conversation; never be mad or talk bad to them about it, just say bye and end the conversation then and there. I said that this way you remain friends and can talk to them later if they like, and think of the things you can talk about when you talk to them next!... He said that this may be the best course of action to take, and not ramble on like he does with them; and he said that perhaps that was what he should have been doing at the OMB, a thing I could not have agreed to more! Joshua recently had another dilemma on Facebook recently, for there is an application there called '21 questions'; where other members would answer questions about certain people, and the people would get email responses on who said what. Joshua recently got a response that someone said that he was a freak, and was confused on just what that person meant; but I told him that 21 questions was set up purely in fun, and not to take what is said seriousely (Telling him about all the answers that came back for me from that application, and how bad I'd be if any of that were true!). Perhaps another aspect of his Autism is that he takes things too seriousely and literally, and thinks people actually mean what they say; right or wrong, and whether it is said in fun or in ernest. (I think I will have to work on him in these aspects as well, for sometimes he has no clue on what is what in those matters.) But as his counsellor suggests, it is better that his friends help him through all these things; for through this support he can learn and grow, and I can't wait until he finally succeeds!...
Sencerely,
Thundertail
Leader, Monastary of the Carnosaurs.
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Post by thundertail on Jan 7, 2012 5:42:01 GMT -5
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...And now we are up to date!
(01/01/12 – Present.)
As I explore what Joshua has been up to elswhere on the web, I have seen he has been attending many other forms of media about Dinotopia; and there is several sections pertaining to it on Facebook and Twitter, ones where I see many of the OMB members are present. He is getting along very well with the people there, and his discussions about Dinotopia is extensive and well thought out; and the thing I find most interesting there is how the others there do not shun or ignore his questions, but try to answer them in the best way they can. There Joshua is not too pushy, nor does he cause personal trouble (That I can see.) with the other members; but then again I see that not all members of the OMB are there, and certainly not the ones that would normally take offense at him! I guess for him it is a matter of the people he chooses to interact with that makes all the difference in how he is received by them, and as he is learning to be more (What's the word?...) diplomatic with them; he is beginning to gain a better rapport with them, and thusly they are not hard pressed to dislike him. Even James Gurney, who is friends with himn on Facebook; does not seem offended by his character, and discusses matters with him very frequently. I have read places where Joshua tells him of what went on in the OMB, and Mr. Gurney tries to explain your reasons for banning him; saying that Azonthas and Vorcha are in charge of the board, and they did what they had to do to keep the peace. Still Mr. Gurney thinks Joshua is a well meaning kid, and that somehow he had gotten a bad rap on the board; but he says that he isn't in charge of it, and it all is for the best anyway. Joshua seems to be taking this opinion in stride, saying that at least there are other Dinotopian outlets out there that he can express himself in; and so what if he can't go to the places he most wants to be, but I am gladdened that he finally seems to be getting over it!
Joshua Hartzler is in his mid twenties and it would seem that he has quite a lot of problems, and the predominant problem he has is the fact that he has Autism; a malady that stunts his social skills, but does not take away the fact that he has other talents – not does it defray from the fact that he is a really good person. He has told me that he sometimes fidjits where he sits as his mind tries to figure out what his body is to do, and sometimes he talks out loud to himself; saying things out of the blue, like quoting phrases from books he has read and movies he has seen. He says that he is extremely sensitive around mean people, people that are insensitive or rude or gross and stubborn and self-centered; and he often can not tell whether or not someone is joking, nor even get the joke even when he knows it is a joke (In my friendship with him I have told him many jokes and kidded around with him a bit, but this stuff just went right over his head - so I had to stop doing it!). He hates when others around him are having an argument, for in his mind he thinks that they are arguing about him; and he hates when people yell and shout for much the same reason, and this gets him really angry and he has a hard time controlling that. He says that it takes all of his willpower to control these impulses, but with the help of true friends he says it makes things a whole lot better; and with other things he does it helps to calm his mind, and helps him to think a whole lot clearer. He often asks me if what he says to me offends me in any way, but I tell him that nothing short of a punch in the nose will ever oiffend me as far as he is concerned; for I know that Joshua has all these psychological problems, and I take this into account any time I visit him on the internet.
Joshua has an undying love of animals, both domesticated and those in the wild; and as he lives on a farm, he treats the animals there more like pets than regular livestock. He loves to take nature walks to hopefully capture glimpses of other animals native to his home, but simply to be among Mother Nature and see the things God has created with His own hand fills his heart with joy; and calms his mind to focus on the things he needs to do every day, including his other hobbies. He enjoys watching movies and still watches cartoons, and likes to do artwork and draw illustrations; but his most favorite thing he likes is writing (He is currently working on a new Dinotopia book he will publish with James Gurney's permission, and I am giving him slight suggestions and comments on his work.), for he has a budding talent at it and a colorful imagination perfect for depicting Dinotopia in his own unique way. Joshua is also interested in the sciences of Palentology, Zoology, and Cryptozoology; and likes to get involved in artwork and acting; and he enjoys all sorts of entertainment, like drama and action, comedy and adventure, fantasy and a little bit of horror – but not a lot of horror! The one thing that I am proud of him for is the fact that he actually seems to be trying to socialize the correct way with his other friends, for they say that he doesn't seem to be as annoying or overbearing when he replies to them; and Joshua tells me that it is my input as well as theirs that is putting him straight, a thing that is a welcome relief to all involved.
As it can probably be determined, Joshua Hartzler is highly religious; and even though many of you have differing opinions on the subject, what he believes in has some positive effect on his behavior. I have been talking to him repeatedly on this subject, and even though I am merely moderately religious at best myself; and we generally have quite lengthy chats about the subject, even though he can quote many verses of the Bible and I can not! I remember that one time Joshua told me he was visited by Jesus Christ in a dream about six years ago, a thing that changed him dramatically back then; and he said that He was trying to give him some kind of message, but he said that the message he was given was unclear to him. He asked me what I thought it could mean, and my interpetation of the vision I said that things like that are generally meant as an intervention in one's life; and it was meant to tell him that change was on it's way, for any time I have strange dreams (Though I have never had dreams like that!) something drastically different happens in my life not long afterwards. He asked me whast kind of change he could expect, and I said that it has probably already happened a while ago (Not necesarilly what happened to him in the OMB, but other changes in his life that he hasn't told me about yet.); and because of that change, his life is the way it is today. I told him that nothing good or bad in life happens without a reason, and it is one's duty to see what it is and adapt to the change; For just like the dinosaurs NOT on Dinotopia, they could not adapt fast enough – and they became extinct! After digesting that bit of wisdom, Joshua told me that this was just what he had to do; for if he wanted other people to like him for what he was, he would have to change himsrelf into a person that other people can easily like...
Sencerely,
Thundertail
Leader, Monastary of the Carnosaurs.
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Post by thundertail on Jan 10, 2012 21:24:33 GMT -5
(01/10/12)
From the Monastery of the Carnosaurs:
Hail all Dinotopians!
'Tis truly an honor to address you once again, for I have grand news of the one Joshua Hartzler whom you left in our charge; a fine lad, but with strange habits! Our accommodations proved to be too unsettling to him one day, and he has had us procure the strangest of sleeping arrangements; for who can find comfort in a sleeping nest that is so flat and level to the ground, and who needs coverlets like that to take off the evening chill? (Ho, ho!) But be that as it may, the lad is still young! At least his repast habits prove quite entertaining for the rest of us, the way he cuts up his food with those little knives; and the dainty little forks he uses to lift the food to his mouth looks really funny! (Ho, ho, ho!) All levity aside, Joshua is really beginning to get used to being here, and is growing to know all of us well; and with that he is growing to know the weight of the crimes he has committed with all of you, and is beginning to know how badly he has treated you. Even though at first he did not realize he was doing this, we explained to him that what he was doing was bad; and convinced him of the fact in the process of treating him just the way he had treated you, and only after he confronted us on the matter did we reveal that this was just what he was doing to you. This gave him sullen thoughts, and he grew silent with them for the longest time before he came around and began performing the more mundane duties around the monastery; and even began giving valid advice to the less learned of our group...
And look who is here now!... Hello, Joshua. Guess who I am writing to. (He shook his head no.) It's your friends back at the Official Dinotopia Message Board! Would you like to say anything to them? (Shakes his head yes!). Go ahead then, my lad!
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Hello everyone,
“After all that has happened, it is very difficult to find the words to say to you; because I know I have done all of you wrong and I am very sorry, even though it is way too early for you to accept my apology or even acknowledge it. This experience has shown me many things, and one of those things is that the feelings of other people matter just as much as my own; and the same goes for their opinions and comments, and I have all of you to thank for stressing the fact and showing me this lesson. You have also shown me another thing, and this is the fact that I should choose the people I want to have for friends more carefully; ones that care and understand and are willing to help when the need arises, and not ones that let you down when things get really bad. I suppose it will be years and years and years before any of you will even consider letting me back on the board or even speak to me, but that is all right as now I know the real reasons why; but there is the possibility that by that time I would have outgrown Dinotopia all together, and not have the desire to return even if invited – but I hope that day never arrives as Dinotopia is still strong in my heart. In the mean time I will stay with the only true friend I have found among you, and between Tim and myself we will discover the true meaning of Dinotopia together. I hope all of you have happy and healthy lives from now on, and live them the best way you see fit...”
“Breathe deep, seek peace.”
Joshua Hartzler
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A fine speech, my lad!... And no spelling errors! (Ho, ho!)... Now off you go! You must prepare for study after Eveningmeal... (*Eyes Joshua like a meal*...)... But now on to more serious matters. As you know I took on this matter of my own accord, and will not say anything about it anywhere else on the message board but here; and as I know this is a sore subject to most of you, it should come as somewhat of a relief that I will begin these letters after your glorious holidays (And I wish you all Happy Holidays! Ho, ho, ho!). I suppose I will post other things in other threads using my usual persona, but in those threads the contents of this thread will never be mentioned – treated like a dead subject; there I will ignore any mention of this matter or any comment relating to it, for in the board life will go on as it usually does if I have anything to say of it. Once again I wish peace, joy and happiness to all who explore the Official Dinotopia Message Board; and my respect and encouragement goes with each and every one of you...
Sincerely,
Thundertail
Leader, The Monastery of the Carnosaurs.
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Post by thundertail on Jan 29, 2012 9:14:59 GMT -5
From the Monastery of the Carnosaurs:
Hail all Dinotopians!
Here is another update on the milestones and progress of our ward, Joshua Hartzler. It would seem that, through messages from his family and other such correspondence from them; Joshua is growing well missed by them, for their words say that they love him and wish he would come home soon. He advances quite a bit here, and soon their wishes may yet come true before long; and even though he has done wrong in the past, things inside him are changing so much for the better that I feel that his release will be soon iminent! How his heart revels in the tomes of Dinotopia, and his wisdom expands in the practices of the ways of good! His journey through his mind, though it be one frought with strife and challenges; is reflected in the way he does good around the monastary, which is a far cry from the state he was in the day he was brought into our care! His rapport with the staff has turned from one of expected demands and little return into selfless service to one and all, for his chores never waver and his studies never halt; and though this situation has shown him that retribution for his actions is an inevitable thing, he is growing glad to serve and mete out his punishment like an adult and not like some kind of criminal.
Over all, and if you could witness this progress for yourselves, my dear friends; you would see that before long Joshua Hartzler is growing into a fine and upstanding young man, a person of the highest caliber and not the trollish monster you make him out to be! Though it is your decision to never ascociate with him again, and I respect your decisions; I implore any who has a heart to bear witness to his monumental progress, for ignorance of the fact is not only an unwise gesture on your part – but it is a crime to all social behavior! We of the monastary bid you a fond farewell, and may all your days treat you in the way you most want them to!...
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(01/29/12)
Over the course of the holidays and beyond, Joshua Hartzler has been increasing his rapport with his family and RL friends; he saying how much of a good time he has had with them recently, and making new friends in towns neighboring his own. He has since joined many online writing groups, mostly for support and an outlet to post his works; and on many of them they post certain kinds of writing jobs people would hire a writer for. He is so excited about this because he says he knows how to write scripts too, a thing that seems to be in high demand these days (My own personal note on this subject is to check these groups out for myself, as I write too, and am looking for my own opportunities...)! It seems that the more he learns how to interact with other people the right way, the better his chances to gain opportunity in life; and when he told me he drew this conclusion, I told him that this was one of the benefits of treating friends with respect – along with making those friends good friends! He could not agree more, and told me that maybe he should have practiced this a couple of years ago on the OMB; and of that sentiment, I could not have agreed to more!
Besides the afforementioned things going on in his life, Joshua is now pursuing the prospects of finding personal friends of the female persuasion; and though his exploits on Facebook may seem like a good vehicle to expedite this endeavor, he is seeing that this may not be such a good way to go about this matter after all. He tells me that the girls he finds there are either too far away to make any personal encounters possible, are there to try and take advantage of him or they are too afraid of people who harm other people on the internet to really respond in that sort of way. I keep on telling him that it is always best to find dates locally, and not rely on such means to find a significant other; and tell him that the reason is not only for those he has already found out, but because one should find friends that are easier to get ahold of! Of course I do not coach him on what to do if he actually has a date (Nobody really knows until they are actually there anyway, and besides; no two relationships are the same, I tell him.), for I think it's best if he finds out on his own; and besides, he has his other friends to give him advice in that area if they so choose...
Sincerely,
Thundertail
Leader, The Monastery of the Carnosaurs.
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Post by thundertail on Feb 14, 2012 18:30:52 GMT -5
From the Monastery of the Carnosaurs:
Hail all Dinotopians!
Here is yet another report on the progress of our mutual little friend, Joshua Hartzler. In trying to grasp the challenges that always seem to plague him, he seems to be learning to rise to the occasion and meet these troubles head on; for there are things he seems to be preparing for in his life that, in the process of reaching these goals, he is doing things I would never think he would ever do. More often than not I have seen him take charge around the Monastary and lead the others in tasks that need to be done; and even though he orchastrates these tasks in unorthodox ways, the end result is met with suprisingly successful results. I have noted that he does things the correct way according to all concerned, and speaks in ways that are not offensive and rather agreeable to those he speaks to; and these things he thinks is especially important to those he wishes to be around, and he often laments about how he acted in the past on these matters. He has told me that he compares himself to what he was in the past, and says that the people on the Official Message board was right; that he was indeed a troll, and it served him right for being banned from there. I often need to console him by telling him hoiw far along he has gone since then, and explain to him that the person he used to be is dead; and the new person before me is reborn and new, and as ke knows what he knows now, I am assured that nothing like that would ever happen again...
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(2/14/12)
Through his family he seems to be growing up, expanding his horizons in ways it seems difficult for him; for one of his challenges is he is trying to take up boxing and other arena sports like that, all as a way to get into physical shape so he may be ready for the rigors of life in the choices he has made. It seems that Joshua is preparing for the changes soon to come in his life, and his writing ambition is beginning to open up many opportunities that he tells me he is so excited about; for these opportunities are showing him that living in the Midwest is no place to be if one wants to be a successful writer, and to this end he is following one avenue of opportunity to the West Coast. He will soon join one of his cousins in California to live with him, and out there it is tough just to get by; but he says that the change would do him good, and it would be interesting to see how people from other parts of the country live – especially when he is out there among them! From my experiences of the place, he will need a lot of adjustment, and get used to a totally different way of living; for like a babe from the woods, the rigors of California will surely test his Autistic sensibilities! One of the great things about Joshua Hartzler I have seen is his courage to face the changes going on in his life, ones that seem too complicated or too financially difficult for most of us; and it would do many of us good if we take his courage to heart, and maybe things would not be so difficult for us either...
Sincerely,
Thundertail
Leader, The Monastery of the Carnosaurs.
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Post by thundertail on Apr 23, 2012 19:41:39 GMT -5
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From the Monastery of the Carnosaurs:
Hail all Dinotopians!
I apologise for this belated report on Hoshua Hartzler, for the fault was not his own for the delay; but of mine as RL events prevented it, and I am truly sorry. I would say that the lad is growing into a decisive one, as his determination in schooling shows a dramatic change in his interests; such as in literature and the performing arts, and how he reacts with his peers in those pursuits. Often times he bests our instructors in verbal and written excercises, and writes about as well as acts out his desires to see the rest of the island once again; perhaps he is ever wishful, but we inform him that he is here to stay for as long as you deem necessary; and this invariably brings him back to the reason why he is here in the first place, and this brings about moods as sullen as those he came here with. Perhaps you are too hard on him, he says; but we remind him that he was just as hard on you in his own way, and this brings about an air of grim determination as he strives to do better, ever wishing to prove to everyone his will to change. I know I have been rambling aimlessly about his goings on in this message, but things are moving at great velocity at the Monastary these days; and everyone is at want to get things done quickly, an endeavor that our edicts profess always leads to chaos! (Ho, ho!) But things will not slow down while I write you this message, for I must do my part as well; which is to orchestrate the chaos into a symphony of lesser chaos, or at least make it look the part!...
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(4/23/12):
I'm really glad to say that Joshua Hartzler is capable of experiencing the things in life just like any other type of person, for just like everybody else his life has hit a level of routine in his every day life; a thing that sometimes takes patience to make it through, for not really too much is happening with him right now. His hopes and dreams, he is finding out, seems to be taking much longer than he first hoped; and I tell him that nothing worth happening seldom happens right away, and that one must be patient and perservering in order to bring about what you want. He was telling me that he was thinking of moving to California and live with one of his cousins there, but he realized the financial burdens he would have there and decided to delay it for a while; but this shows he has a mind for financial wisdom, as California is a pretty expensive state to live in – so he said he would move out there when he can afford it, maybe by the end of the summer. He is improving in his hobby of boxing, nearly winning junior bantam weight; but suffering a TKO from the reigning bantam weight of his gym, forcing him to practice more and spar with the lesser boxers.
He is taking college courses online, and shares his non-ackedemic interests on Facebook; like the artwork and other productions of others and himself, showing many of his own writings on that website as well as those of others – and the people on that website seem to enjoy him being there. He was telling me of his Dinotopia book, and how he had James Gurney's permission to do so; but I suggested he get a punlishing agent, and that person would handle promoting and printing up the book. He said he would have to discuss it with his parents, and said later that they were very expensive and demanding; a thing that I knew about, but wanted him to find out on his own as publishing in the writing business is as cut-throat as any other type of business. Joshua Hartzler continues to gradually improve himself, and even though it seems to be a continuation of the improvements he has done in the past; he seems to be trying as hard as he always seems to do, progress is a thing that comes in little steps.
Sincerely,
Thundertail
Leader, The Monastery of the Carnosaurs.
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Post by thundertail on May 1, 2012 4:54:20 GMT -5
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From the Monastery of the Carnosaurs:
Hail all Dinotopians!
What a time we had around here! As you know, Spring Cleaning time was at hand; and everyone had to pitch in to tidy up the dust and debris and the odd bone lying around the place, just in order to keep things neat for the gueses we usually get when the snow leaves our lands. Joshua, ever the one to be helpful, pitched in as well; and served to organize many areas of the cleaning operation all by himself. I suppose you could say that he is becoming more responsible with things around here, and you might consider him a person who is trying to reform himself; but that is a moot point as you are not here to see his progress, and far be it for me that I should insist you take my word for it! (Ho, ho!) But the joy of his presence is not without any personal victories on his part; for he is showing us some of the fighting skills he has had in the outside world – puny by comparason to out greater size and strength, for he can not even defeat our hatchlings! He has also organized clubs among us, disgussion groups and councilling sessions that enlighten and entertain us. I dare to say that it was you that are at a great disadvantage when you banished Joshua Hartzler to our place, for his contributions to our monastary are those warranting the most devout of our group!...
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(05/01/12)
Things are really beginning to take shape in Joshua Hartzler's life in recent weeks, and I might wager that some of it had to do with my counselling and wisdom; for he divulges to me sometimes of things he doesn't usually post on Facebook or his other favorite websites. He talked to me about how to get his books published, and told him that it is usually wise to find a publishing agent; but agents are usually expensive, and sometimes do things with a person's work that is not necesarilly in their client's best interests. It seems that he weighed my advice as well as the advice of others, and with the help of his father finally found one that might fit his needs; and though he didn't tell me the exact name of the publishing agency or the agent, he said that the agency is out of Platte County in Kansas City, MO! I know that many know that he is Autistic, but many of you do not believe this; thinking instead that he is merely acting the part, all so he can manipulate others to his own ends. (I related the fact that many of you suspect he is not Autistic to him, but didn't say which ones believe what.) He has told me that he recently joined the National Autism Society, and would soon get his credentials saying so; and though I told him that many do not believe he is Autistic, now he can whip out his card and prove it! I am sure this was not the reason he did what I am going to tell you next, for he told me that to get special grants and tuition for schooling, this was a necessary step. As I said, Joshua is very interested in the arts; and this includes the sketching and drawing he does; and to that end he has taken steps to get some schooling for it. He has applied for getting into the Kansas City Art Institute, and waiting on word on whether or not he will be accepted; a thing he told me that he would be overjoyed if he were there, for there he can really hone his artistic abilities!
I must repeat that things are really beginning to take shape in Joshua Hartzler's life in recent weeks, and some of these things deals with how he relates to others; an endeavor that he seems to be improving greatly with, and one in which I have counselled him many times and on many seperate topics. As he talks to others, making conversation and inquirys about things that interest him; he is finally beginning to realize the right way to convey himself and ask his questions the way others would agree upon; making it sound more like a true question and less like a demand, and he is more able to follow the other's conversations, not just the ones perpetrated by him. He seems less insistant in the way he tells the things he wishes to tell, and seldom repeats his tale unless he forgets he has alrready told it to you (Which is a thing I sometimes do myself – purely accidental, I assure you!); and almost never gets angry or frustrated if you say that you have already heard oe answered what he had to say, and would eventually relent telling you after a few times trying – much less than he used to do! I think this is the reason why he is moving on like this in his life, for he is learning how to deal with people on their terms – not primarilly his; and I feel so proud to have a hand in his social accelleration, for people of his caliber deserve a far better shake from others than they all too often do!
Sincerely,
Thundertail
Leader, The Monastery of the Carnosaurs.
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