welcome to my world! As a former show chairman, writer of bylaws, long time amateur hobbyist, exhibitor and 'koi politician' I have dealt with this type of aggressive marketing behavior many many times before. Whether is a dealer attempting to gain control of a koi club ( it happens in both AKCA and ZNA clubs) or a dealer attempting to get close customers in as club officers or show chairman, it always is the same. The person doing it sees nothing wrong with it. Nor do those locals that support the dealer. This is not directed at particular individuals has these things happen ever day of every year and have since the early 1980s. It has been the track record of dealers and a common thread involving human nature, dealer ambition and misguided loyalities among customers and club members- and now message board members.
The reasons can be hidden in platitudes of 'learning' or 'fairness' but the motives are aways the same.
This poor guy just thought that he would try and get sime exposure. But we see it as trying to get free advertising by having a two way conversation with himself. I have seen worse. And I have seen way more creative and manipulative techniques!
Here's the thing. I have seen dealers pose as hobbyists to sneak into amatuer affairs on many an occassion. But I have never seen an amateur sneak into a professional organization. Why is that?
Here's the thing. If this guy had friends or customers in our mists, he would have been allowed to do his free ad. But because he is a true outsider, he is busted. But think about that. It happens all around the country actually--- if he is MY dealer then he is a good guy and to be trusted, because I like him and identify with him and therefore support him, regardless of his adgenda. BUT if he is an 'away' dealer, someone I don't personally know, he is a sneak pulling something. So looking the other way vs 'the hammer' is all a matter of personal experience. The mellow personality says " then let them all in and forget about the amateur hobby". That would be the beginning of the end.
Right is right and wrong is wrong. And just because we live near the 'lie' or are comfortable with a particular lie, does not make that lie anymore truthful than any other lie. IMHO. JR