Hello Destee, Queen and Blue,

I was just emailed this link a few hours ago, and I was outraged by what I read. I tried to trace the person who emailed the link to me but their address was fake and I could not confront them about. I really would you for you three to respond this thread and publicly. Please no private emails or messages. Based from what I read from this link this has made me seriously question the credibility and integrity of operations at this website and I would just like some answers. I know I am not a memeber, who pays big bucks, but I do pay a little chump change and I just want to know if this information is true or what. The reason why I decided to use this open method of response was to give you a fair and open opportunity to respond. On this link is some very compelling and damaging evidence that needs to be addressed by you three publicly, sitting around and doing nothing aint helping. We need our leaders to address this publicly so our community can move on, it is not in the best interest of our community to just let this issue ride.

Thank you for reading,

Manasiac


http://www.*****************/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1603

This is the link that was emailed to me anoymously at about 6 or 7 pm.

Hello Destee, Queen and Blue,

I was just emailed this link a few hours ago, and I was outraged by what I read. I tried to trace the person who emailed the link to me but their address was fake and I could not confront them about. I really would you for you three to respond this thread and publicly. Please no private emails or messages. Based from what I read from this link this has made me seriously question the credibility and integrity of operations at this website and I would just like some answers. I know I am not a memeber, who pays big bucks, but I do pay a little chump change and I just want to know if this information is true or what. The reason why I decided to use this open method of response was to give you a fair and open opportunity to respond. On this link is some very compelling and damaging evidence that needs to be addressed by you three publicly, sitting around and doing nothing aint helping. We need our leaders to address this publicly so our community can move on, it is not in the best interest of our community to just let this issue ride.

Thank you for reading,

Manasiac


http://www.*****************/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1603

This is the link that was emailed to me anoymously at about 6 or 7 pm.

Brother MANASIAC ... we, and many others in the community, are already aware of the information found in this link. You know that i am more than willing to address any questions or concerns you, or any Member may have. I have always made myself available to everyone here, that will and has not changed. This "drama" has been going on for a long time, more than a year. What you're witnessing now is the manifestation of it all, desperate attempts by this Brother to destroy our community, since he could not take it from us. We have absolutely nothing to hide.

I wrote the following poem, which has been my first and only public response to all the hatred shown me and this community, over the past year. For the most part, it says everything i could possibly say regarding this situation. If after reading it, you have specific questions regarding it, or any of the content found on that site, please post them and i'll respond.

he said, "I'm Your Brother"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
darts and arrows aimed at my soul
when you once provided love and console
though the pain of friendship lost is sad
many say it's a friendship i never had

we worked together for unity and peace
now i'm shown nothing but hate and deceit
issues of trust obscured at the start
kept me blind to what was inside your heart

so willing to trust with all that i had
never once thinking the decision was bad
you've taken that trust and mixed it with lies
a great price to pay for me to be wise

such a valuable lesson that i have learned
a dear friend, a Brother, now on me has turned
a hard pill to swallow but i'm not the first
many before me have been hurt even worse

by Brothers and Sisters wearing a smile
pretending to care when they wish to beguile
my trust in you could do nothing but perish
for the love in our home you did not cherish

if this is what's needed for you to have peace
then do what you must to gain your increase
as you continue to talk of our people and unity
while showing us otherwise with each opportunity

Dear Family, i'm sorry, please forgive if you can
for my trusting a Brother that was not quite a man
but how do we know, before they show us their hand
how do we unite, if at the same time we disband

as old as i am, i thought i'd perfected this task
could tell who was real, and who was wearing a mask
but life has shown me that i know no such thing
for the very one i embraced appeared as a King

offering his help with such nobility
made it an honor to share our community
never have i opened up so much with another
and of course when i did, it was with this Brother

some ask how could you so easily trust him
but as grim as things look it wasn't done on a whim
we shared many years, families and dreams
challenges of life, we were on the same team

an experience like this, one could almost lose hope
a Black King going down such a slippery slope
grabbing all whom he can so he doesn't go it alone
i suppose this is one way of building a throne

many lessons i've learned as a result of this error
the Brothers i hurt while blind to this terror
Bishop, $$RICH$$, and Monetary, my deepest apology
i ignored your concerns of our shifting cosmology

you stayed with me when all we had was each other
from beginning till end you remained my true Brothers
waiting patiently for my own eyes to be shown ...
please forgive me for making you want to leave home

what can i say, i put our hard work in harm's way
trusting the one that wants to lead us astray
we've been here striving together for many a year
now he comes to tell you that i'm your worst fear

if i'd known then what i do now, we'd not be at this place
no way he'd have access to our most sensitve space
i thought he'd handle it all in a professional manner
instead he reads like a "jerry springer show" banner

Family, thank you all that are willing to stand by me
in the midst of the ugliness that you may see
it was never my intention to let our home know such hate
but he said, "I'm Your Brother," and in that lied my fate

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I posted this poem in the Poetry Forum ... at this link (http://destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26152).

Again, if you have specific questions, please ask them.

Much Love and Peace.

:heart:

Destee

Destee, a question : Ddi you read the member's Private Messages?

Destee, a question : Ddi you read the member's Private Messages?

No Sister SwtT ... I assure you all, i could care less what you talk about in PM. I don't even read all of mine in a timely fashion. I get more email than i can respond to. I have more issues on the forum than i have time to address. I am not that way. Besides, what does it profit me to gain anything, including information, in the ugliest of manners. This is not me, but i did allow Brother XXPANTHAXX access to the database, which holds every element of this community in it. That is what i'm guilty of, and for that i apologize

For those of you who don't know, any owner, of any site ... that you take part in, has access to all that is held there. It's all held in a database and is accessible to anyone that knows, or has access, to that information. Virtually, there is nothing "private" on the Internet.

Having said that, when i brought Brother XXPANTHAXX to this Team, giving him full access, putting him above all other Moderators ... making him an administrator, just like me ... it gave him access to everything, just like me. I trusted him. We didn't just start working together when he and i started working together in this community. He had been a client of mine for years, a friend, a Brother ... i believed the things he said in regard to wanting to move the community forward ... so his warrior-like ways ... conspiracy theorist kinda thinking ... guard standing at the door always on post ... seemed to be a good thing. I trusted him. I trusted that his having the same access as myself, would not be used against a Member or this community, that it would be held in the highest regard. I thought that he could handle the elevated levels of trust bestowed upon him ... and in doing that, i violated all of us.

Because he had access to this information, like i have had for many years, he can say i did these things, when it was obviously him who was doing these things.

Please keep in mind Family, we have been here for many years, and before that many of us shared together in another community that i was responsible for. Never, ever, has there been an issue of violations of trust or privacy, not until i gave this access to Brother XXPANTHAXX. Since he could not take control of the community from me, he is now trying to destroy it. While destroying us was not his first choice, he'll no doubt benefit from it, since his community is in its infancy. Folk will have to go somewhere, if we are not here.

:heart:

Destee

let me just address this issue surely i learn it was not the sistah but the brutha
who did all this dirt and dismay destructional crap and your private stuff is safe
now that correction and peepin tom is gone , sure our goal and love is to respect
everyone rights here at destee.com the value in this game he playing is over rated
understand family we have to embrace the storms before us all and weather through
it and surely sunshine will come i speak on this from true facts ......I had to speak
the truth ............

It generally takes a long time to build trust, and only a minute to trash it. And so, now it will take a while to build the trust again for some, perhaps for many, who knows. Time will tell. Thanks Manasiac for asking directly.

Sister Destee I appreciate your response and brother Rich's, however, their are still issues within the posting at assata that were not addressed, it would be nice if all of the information could be addressed just provide closure.

Thank you.

Sister Destee I appreciate your response and brother Rich's, however, their are still issues within the posting at assata that were not addressed, it would be nice if all of the information could be addressed just provide closure.

Thank you.

Brother MANASIAC ... After dealing with this Brother's attempts to malign me and this community, for more than a year, i am not about to respond "word for word" regarding all of his ravings. I understand that it's all new to you, but it is not all new to me. Everything he's doing and saying regarding destee.com is counterproductive, negative, and has malicious intent. While your patience with this drama is brand new, mine is so very worn ... so please ... if you have a specific question(s) regarding anything over there, ask it and i will respond.

Brother MANASIAC and Family ... i'm editing this post to add this additional part, because i want it on this first page for everyone to see.

Brother XXPANTHAXX and i have been going through this a very long time. In spite of this, you and many in the Family are just learning of it. That did not happen by accident. The Moderators and myself have worked very hard to maintain the peace in this community, as we do always. Brother XXPANTHAXX, and no one else, has ever been allowed to bring their drama up in here. Brother XXPANTHAXX resigned as an Administrator in November, 2003 and all ties between us were severed December, 2003. He was here for less than a year. From December, 2003 into May, 2004, he has continuously tried to undermine our efforts. Those posts / threads have been deleted, he's been warned many times, and reluctantly in May, 2004 banned. It is now June, 2004. It has been his intention from the beginning, to have this "war" on our most sacred ground, and i will not have it. During none of this time have any of you (besides Moderators) heard me speak negatively of this Brother. As a matter of fact, you will not find where i have attempted to tear down any Brother or Sister. I do not intend to start now, with him.

While i am willing to answer your questions, out of respect for each of you, this will not be a long drawn out situation. I have said most of what i think needs saying from me. (Please note, i'm certainly not answering questions from anyone who happens to join us today, making their first post to this thread.) Brother MANASIAC, while your email was from "anonymous," they are hardly anonymous.

Sister Foxi said below, "And no one can say that pantha did all the dirt either." That's not true, i can say whether he did it or not. I was there. Brother XXPANTHAXX and myself know the truth, every minute of it. Ultimately, this will come down to which of us you believe. I have been here from the beginning, giving all of myself to this community. It would be my hope that my reputation speaks for itself, if it does not, nothing i say (that hasn't already been said) can help.

I hope you understand.

If you have a question, ask it now.

:heart:

Destee

my brutha true facts are laid above , whatever raddle you please ask
but it's clear we respect our community and Family here and not all this
myth stuff laid out aganist our true love and grace but everyone hold their
own fate !
what is it that our sistah Destee hasn't addressed already!

Well, that is a whole bunch of stuff. Maybe you need to tell her what you what to be addressed. If she addressed all that junk it probably would take days to read it and respond to it. And no one can say that pantha did all the dirt either. Sure, we can take sides but there was no trail and we haven't heard both sides. We just saw edvidence and stuff. (no offense destee :kiss: I love you) but I would like to hear both sides. This is a one sided story. We just know one side. Well, at least one person is welling to talk about it openly with everyone. If you ask me that thread at the top of the page was just to get views at his website. That was down and dirty. But like I said, you don't know his full story so we can't just down the brotha like that. And don't think I'm a trader because I said this because I'm not. I'm just speaking my mind. And to be frank with all of you, I really don't give a d@mn what you all think about me. I can say and think what I want. You can think I'm a trader if you want to I don't care. Only I know, what I do and what I believe unless it is said or shown from my mouth.

I'll be glad when this is all said and done with. I think we really should have a town meeting with the family so that everyone will know and this stuff can pass.

Sister foxi,
Yes there are 2 side to every story. Everyone has seen his side and how he feels he has been treated. Manasiac, if you have any questions please post them and be direct. Folks don't have time to read minds and address every word XPanther has said separatly. I have personally seen Destee answer questions she has answered 50 leven times already. She cares and is doing everything to get this community past this thing. XPanther has devoted his space over there to make Destee look like a crook. If you really look at what he says about this place, it would seem as if he would never want to step foot in here again. I personally have seen him snooping around several times since this has happened(the banning) the most recent was about a week or so ago in this place that did him so wrong where he no longer wants to be tied too. I myself never believed the reading of the pm's. He had the same power as Destee, and just like XPanther posted that stuff from Destee's, Blue's, and NN personal forum, I believe he would have taken advantage of reading their pm's to further hurt this place and her but he didn't because I believe he couldn't, just like I don't think she can although I know the info can be accessed by Evoice.
As for you speakig your mind sister foxi, I don't have a problem with that. I do however have a problem in the way you address ADULTS because YOU are still a child no matter how grown you want to be. You can't curse any adult up in here because I wont stand for it. You can NOT address folks anyway. This is a place of respect and you need not forget it. I heard you say you are fasting, but fasting is a time of cleansing ones body and soul and this includes your mouth sister.

Nita
Well, that is a whole bunch of stuff. Maybe you need to tell her what you what to be addressed. If she addressed all that junk it probably would take days to read it and respond to it. And no one can say that pantha did all the dirt either. Sure, we can take sides but there was no trail and we haven't heard both sides. We just saw edvidence and stuff. (no offense destee :kiss: I love you) but I would like to hear both sides. This is a one sided story. We just know one side. Well, at least one person is welling to talk about it openly with everyone. If you ask me that thread at the top of the page was just to get views at his website. That was down and dirty. But like I said, you don't know his full story so we can't just down the brotha like that. And don't think I'm a trader because I said this because I'm not. I'm just speaking my mind. And to be frank with all of you, I really don't give a d@mn what you all think about me. I can say and think what I want. You can think I'm a trader if you want to I don't care. Only I know, what I do and what I believe unless it is said or shown from my mouth.

Do I sense a chump off? (Sarcasm)

You know what Nita, I really respect you and I have told you that ova and ova. (Hugz and kisses to you) I respect you like a mama sistah type thing and I'm sorry if I offended you or anybody else here. Please except my deepest apologizes. But I will not stopping saying what I want to say for anyone. If you didn't like the way I said it then that's you. I apologized if it offended you but that is how I wanted to express myself. I made no mistakes in what I said. And I will not make this whole thread about me because of what I said. Let's stick to this issue. If you have more to say please go PM. I'm getting tired of getting off the subject to address something I have said. (Like I said, I still love you like my mama or older sistah so please respect my wishes to go PM if you have anythign else to say)

No need to go pm sister. I stand by what I said. I'm 27 years old and I staill aint worked the nerve to curse in front of my elders. Speak your say, just be respectful that's all I ask.
Peace

Brother Manasiac:

Using logic will reveal the motivation behind what Jacuma (XXPanthaXX) posted on his website. Jacuma was a former moderator/administrator on this website. During his time as a moderator, XXPanthaXX made many friends, as he promoted "brotherhood" & the upliftment of black people. However, towards the end of his stay as a moderator he started to cause division between the family through questioning the motives of the moderating team & Destee in particular. After XXPanthaXX resigned as a moderator/administrator, he left this website to form his own: www.*****************. The majority of Assatashakur's members are former moderator's who followed XXPanthaXX after his departure. Indeed almost all of his members came from this website, and Assatashakur would directly benefit if Destee.com did not continue. The design of his website, is an exact copy of this one. Although both websites profess the same goals: The unity & education of black people. In reality they are in competition, a competition that XXPanthaXX is promoting.

If someone can benefit from the demise of another, then their motives have to be questioned. XXPanthaXX remained a member of this website for months after he formed his own website. He posted & started several threads during this time (many promoting his website). If all XXPanthaXX said was true.....then why did he wait so long to say it? Furthermore how can you profess brotherhood & unity about the black race, then publically dog a black woman (particularly when she hasn't done the same). That in itself would turn me off, because it is hypocritical. However I can also say brother Manasiac, that I was also a moderator for most of the time Jacuma was (I did take a leave about 2 months before he resigned). I know 1st hand that many of his accusations are false. I'm sure Destee has the ability to read member's private messages, she owns & maintains this website. Obviously so did XXPanthaXX, and it is clear who has abused the priviledge, because XXPanthaXX unethically posted private information publically....some of which contained person information about members families which had nothing to do with the website. That is/was nasty & uncalled for, and it again shows the character of Destee's accuser. There are over 4,000 members of this website (although all might not be active), it isn't logical that Destee would be reading everyone's PM's....XXPanthaXX's motives were even questioned by a member of his own website!! To summarize....the man is a liar!

As far as I'm concerned, Destee has responded to Brother Manasiac's question of what happened. Also, in addressing Sister Foxi's opinion that "we" only know one side of the story, I respectfully disagree. First of all, who is "we", because the moderators who were on staff at the time, which includes you, were present when all of this happened and we discussed it thoroughly.

As you are aware, Brother Jacuma announced his departure back in the beginning of the year and informed us that he was starting his own website, which he did. It was all very sudden and shocking news to me because not once during his time here as a moderator did he mention he was doing this in an open way. In his resignation announcement, he simply stated that it was time for him to move on. When he left, he took ******** and chat with him and invited us to come to his place to listen and chat. When left he also recruited some of our members including moderators and took them with him. This was done without as much as a word and these were people who we had no idea they felt the way they did because they never revealed themselves in an honest way to us. The way we found out was rude, disrespectful and hurtful, in my opinion.

Most of us, if not all the moderators that remained knew that our community could suffer greatly by what was gradually becoming a divisiveness among us, so those of us who are committed to Destee.com did what we could to protect our members from witnessing and being sprayed with the drama. So knowing that people like some mods were leaving because they didn't like it here, Destee made the decision to save our community from any further confusion by severing all ties with Brother Jacuma's new website. And this is the very reason why. Brother Jacuma continued to visit us here and often challenged each decision or action that Destee and the moderators attempted to make to save the community. We purchased our own chat software to maintain what we were able to start when Brother Jacuma was a member of our team.

The questions our members are now raising are taken seriously by us. We will respond to them the best we know how which is always being honest. People will believe with they want to believe regardless of what we say, but we are not and never was at war with Brother Jacuma. We have a stable and committed group of members at Destee.com and we value the fact that they enjoy coming here to learn and to share what we offer them. The community is thriving because of the way we treat our members and this community--with respect. We realize how this may be upsetting to those just finding out. It was to us too when we went through it. But we don't intend to engage in an endless "back and forth" discussion of this topic. And please keep in mind--because the moderators, which includes the owner, Destee, believe that nothing on our part was ever done to disrespect our members, including their confidentiality, we will not, under any circumstance, tolerate any disrespect within this community.

Peace,
Queenie :spinstar:

Hmnn. I didn't even know most or any of the folks... all this cloak and dagger stuff? I don't understand what is going on?

Do Black Folk have anywhere safe to go? Is it that even when We think that We have a home--It is just a mirage?

Okay, I'm through, whatever is the truth will come out-somewhere and somehow.

This is discerning. But I do hope that the air will clear soon.

I've been here at Destee's for a while now. I LOVE IT HERE! It's just that simple. I been treated with respect and I give respect. People have come here with malicious attempts to disrupt and harm the interity of many. This community has never allowed anyone to bring harm here, not even it's on moderator's. There is something very warm here that embraces the heart and mind. The internet never has been a private place and it cost money to maintain. My point is, Drama is drama! Although some accusations have been made and many may questioned it, It truly is your own personal experience and feelings that will guide you to your final analogy. Nothing brother XXpanthaxx has said makes me feel any different than the first time I came here. Knowledge flows through here continuously. People are overall respectful here! XXPanthaXX has been here for many years soakin in the knowledge as well. I question his intent if anybodys. Why would anyone, who has spent so much time here, all of a sudden decide that the intentions of it's owner be questioned. The only thing that has changed here is his authority to run as co-ownership. Destee's is still a community of love and support. It's still a place where you can come and share your thoughts. It's still a community for our people. The essence here is still a vibrant one. When I support this communty, I support the quality and morality that this community stands for! It is Black owned and it is strong! It's wealth should be measured by the standards it imposes. Inspite of the accusations that have been made, Did the quality of this community change? I think not! Destee, Sister, I'm here for the long haul! I support you in your effort and time you have spent here building, and I know you will continue to spend your time doing all you can to bring our people together in love and respect.
I love what you created here Sista! And that is what I'll continue to focus on!
Thank you for such a warm place to grow and learn in!

Let’s establish some things first:

1. The Purpose of this thread was not lacerate Destee, NNQueen, or Blue or Destee.com as whole, or this community..

2. The purpose of this thread was to create a fair an open method to respond. I personally think that silence should not be an option. If they shoes were on my foot, I would at least defend myself. I would not sit back idly, even the strong need Damage Control.


With that said. This is not a pro-Jacuma thread; it is a thread which merely asks questions about a community that I really enjoy. I am neutral to the entire situation and of course my heart is set at Destee.com. I have met some great people here and I enjoy everything the site has to offer; however, I still want some answers.

Since you wanted direct questions, I will give them, I want direct answers; I do not want juxtaposes of character (as outlined in your poem). I want clear answers. I would prefer that Destee, NNQueen, Blue, Rich and others who have a clear understanding of this situation respond to this posting. If you do not have your own voice, please click the X Button in the upper right hand corner of your screen. Your input is not wanted, if you do not have a direct answer; your reply will be ignored. I am not trying to be disrespectful, but I would prefer the aforementioned mentioned people and others who share a different view. Their needs not be a plethora of emulated voices.

The requests for direct questions are frivolous and pusillanimous in nature. As stated in previous answers by Sister Destee and others, you all are fully aware of the content of the thread. For the sake of not being convoluted I will go ahead and post my questions as they relate to the thread, and I am sure you are well of these:

1. Can you please explain the letter posted at ***************** which alludes to concocting a membership strategy before the open letter to the community? If the letter posted at assastahshakur.org is valid and true, it suggests some impropriety on behalf Destee.com let me explain:

For someone to write a letter requesting assistance in a beseeching manner and then to have a coordinated and clandestine plot for assistance beforehand can be interpreted as chicanery.


2. Privacy Issues. Are our PM’s being read? If so does it state anywhere in the terms of use policy that you agree to this once you sign up.

3. Is it all possible to receive some sort of operations report about where are memberships payments are going? Major companies like AOL, IBM and others provide these reports. Who is destee.com? A Loan shark discloses with you the terms of the loan agreement, and even when I used to con people in my former life, I used to tell them where they thought their money was going. It would be nice too know.


4. Will the community as a whole be involved with anything regarding the premium membership? I understand that this was a moderator only issue, but no mod represents my interests or my opinions. I would prefer that I have an open say in something that I am paying for.



As I stated above I would like some answers, and others who are afraid to voice their opinions would like some too.

There is nothing wrong with defending yourself from an onslaught, Silence is concession.

Thank you for reading.

" I had hoped that the financial challenge would simply go away, but it did not. As the community grew, it required more and more of my time and money. "

There is no blood in the water. No feeding frenzy to be had and no issue that hasn't been rode over by the owner. I joined the site in July of 2003, and came in as these changes and concerns were being discussed and debated.
I spent many nights with Bro. XXPANTHAXX, when he left I spent the nights holding up chat best I could. Since then Destee has put together a great group and Moderating team. I'm a member on the other forum.. I have only posted three times. I could get more radical and militant over there. I like that. I don't blame the reluctance I met at first but I can say, Destee and the forum has opened up to racier topics since I joined.

I believe in me. I believe in what I like and do. I like this site, and I believe I am not wrong in saying this site has done and will do great things. You won't catch me wavering my support because of any one member, past member. Only Destee can convince me that I am no longer welcome here and that she has no place for me. I hope this makes us stronger, and more close knitted .. see the potential of us and the site.

Destee this from me to you. " I will never do anything to purposely cause you to ask me to leave the site, I will always try and keep my membership and respect of the other members on a level and degree that you have determined would bring some control, authority, growth and fulfillment of your dream. "

The above quote I found on the other site. I suppose those are Destee's words. They are the truth. In and within any endeavor. It takes a lot of time and money. To build a business and do a web site like this one. So what is the problem, family?

She openly expressed the need to consider a paid membership.

I supported it the first week I came aboard. It was honest, and an open concideration that had to be. ( She has left the door open for new members to view, just a few times and I'm glad she took that suggestion to heart. )
You can't read several news articles unless you become members. Old articles don't give me the avenue I find here and the growth I see in everyone here. So I don't join nor pay. This is the second African American Site I joined since I came to the web. I wish them both the growth they deserve.

She has worked and responded to many attacks I have witnessed without attacking in like kind. Always being the lady, showing grace and command of what she knows and believes.

Never tried to attack the attackers, ( Oh there were many.. no names please ) in the manner she got attacked. What ever she discussed with her moderating team is and has always been in a professional context of building the site from where she found herself after each attack. ( NO SECRETS.. NO SECRET ATTACKS or PLAN OF ATTACK ) open forum, to those who chose to leave, she even linked sites for a while. I don't know about now, but more support has come from this forum to the members over there and to the owner of that site than anyone who chose to attack or criticize have offered in return.

I can't think of anywhere on this WWW I can find my comments and post what has been a part of me since I was three. POETRY. Cataloged. Waiting for me to publish and recall. Be recalled by all of you. Enjoyed by many, shared with many, not commented by all, but the views mean read by many!
I'll take that as making a mark!

:star: I LOVE THE SITE DESTEE. :star: ( This year one of my poems is going to CD Destee. With thirty two other poets. All I have to say. I have published in books since 1982 I leave for the world and my children. )

This isn't directed to anyone. I want to say this.

In life you have been attacked. While you were looking when you turned your back. If you stop to long to rest. You find you fall behind like all the rest.

Destee this is your site. I'm sorry to see the issues haven't settled yet.

MANASIAC .. an anonymous post. Is suspect. WHY? Because they have a motive? Your a strong brother, anyone reading your post can see that. I'm a strong Brother too. It has been tried on me. One lion can spot another in the pride he needs to get at (with ) . You have the right to ask because it was a surprise to see there may have been some issues. But be honest. EVERYONE aren't there always issue somewhere. Everywhere.

BLACK threads.. make up the fabric of our lives. Somedays we weave GOLD ones. Don't judge the quilt. God hasn't finished with us yet.

Don't Judge!

When we come here, there is a plan.
Rolled up tight, in the creators hand.
As he opens, we start our way. The
threads are black, and are gold some
days. Let him finish opening his hand.
Don't go around judging any man!
Look at the work if you care,
view our ways if you dare.
The hand will close, and life is gone.
Don't spend it caring... about
what went wrong.
Remember it's part of the master plan.
Rolled up tight in the creators hand!

Hoteph My Dear Beloved Sisters And Brothers:

You know dear beloved it hurt my Soul when I see sisters being attacked, by
her male difference, more so. forget about the alleged cause of the attack,
it is the act itself by the male of the half of that sacred union that is so
disturbing to me.

What does it profit to add fuel to a fire that is already burning.

The wise thing to do if the heat from the fire is becoming to unbearable is
to distance yourself from the heat and not become added fuel to already
burning fire.

What does it profit us to become the emulator and imitator of a Johnny
Cochran in this seeming one way dispute with my dear sister Destee.

If what is being alleged has any basic of Truth, then Time will become our
Dear Sister worst enemy but should it be just a hoax then Time will continue
to embrace my dear sister Destee and Justice will remain her protector.

Please do not fan this flame by reacting to every little flicker it portray.

I am only acquainted with only one player in this seeming drama and one seem
not to want to be a main participant and my love and respect remain firm
with my dear sister Destee and I have yet to see anything to approach me
that will give me cause to say good bye.

If my messages are allowed to come into Destee without Censor, as potent as
they are against Evil, then I must show confident in my dear sister Destee
for allowing controversy to be a part of her sight.

May she weather this small rain storm as we all who love and trust her,
serve as her umbrella.

I will not ask my dear sister Destee to defend that which I know not, nor am
aware of nor have been able to raise interest in this saga.

You know my dear beloved, the Black Woman and Man is brought up on charges
every waking moment of our life by the oppressors of our people and the
evidence brought with those charges are planted evidence without just cause
but injustice convict anyway,

Be wise my beloved in all that you think and do.

You are what you think,be it a lie or the Truth.

It Is Time To Condemn The Lie And Elevate The Truth.

I find this thread to be most intresting...only because I'm a thinker. Therefore I want to state my position...since I do have one. My position is as it was before I ever met anyone here or at Jacuma's site, and that's the education of our people. When it comes to that, I leave emotion out. Regardless of what has or has not happened in the past...my position concerning those I must reach, teach, inspire, or awaken does not change.

Unlike many who are taking sides, I don't have to do that....because if I find another site whereby I can deliver to our people what I must, then I will be there also. In that respect, I must thank Destee for allowing me the forum and opportunity to do what I have no choice but to do. I do trust that there have been lessons learned on both sides of the fence, for surely life is about growth no matter how painful it may be to do so.

Everyone we meet are meant to be in your lives...some for a day, some for a season, and some for a lifetime. The point is that we understand the difference, the reason for the meeting and the lessons learned...for if nothing is learned, the lesson will be repeated.

This issue reminds me of something I once taught a brother while I was locked down. I can remember times while in prison that I was happy and found myself laughing till I cried. It was then that it dawned on me that: "there's nothing worse than happiness in the midst of sorrow". It's time to move on in our lives, thoughts and actions...because the ultimate reality is this: "Regardless of what's going on or has gone on, there's a more powerful and death dealing reality that affects every last one of us...and we better put our differences aside long enough to concentrate and deal with that, because unlike the temporary changes both sides of the camp are expressing,
this one is going to take a lifetime of commitment to conquer."

Your Brother Always
Keita Otiba Kenyatta Ph.D

Brother Manasiac wrote:

Can you please explain the letter posted at ***************** which alludes to concocting a membership strategy before the open letter to the community? If the letter posted at assastahshakur.org is valid and true, it suggests some impropriety on behalf Destee.com. For someone to write a letter requesting assistance in a beseeching manner and then to have a coordinated and clandestine plot for assistance beforehand can be interpreted as chicanery.

My response:

You used strong words to present your questions so I will do the same in my reply. As far as I've been involved and aware, there have been no concoctions of strategies nor clandestine plots made on behalf of moderators to solicit paid memberships from anyone who joins or was already a member of this community. What has taken place were many lenghthy and painful discussions of different ways this website could be saved so that it could continue to exist and be made available to our members. And just so that you know, the discussion was never unbalanced. Because we were left with little choice but to ask members to pay a small fee to participate here, we also discussed the many different features and rewards we could offer to our members as a show of our appreciation for their contributions.

Brother Manasiac wrote:

Privacy Issues. Are our PM’s being read? If so does it state anywhere in the terms of use policy that you agree to this once you sign up.

My response:

I have never read anyone's PM except those that were sent directly to me. I don't have and never have had the capability of reading anyone's private messages other than my own. I'm not aware of any moderator, past or present that has done this. I'm not in a position to respond to the "terms of use policy" that you mention but sense you have raised it, I wouldn't see why this would be a problem to include a statment of some sort if it's not there already and hopefully, this wouldn't be an issue ever again.

Brother Manasiac wrote:

Is it all possible to receive some sort of operations report about where are memberships payments are going? Major companies like AOL, IBM and others provide these reports. Who is destee.com? A Loan shark discloses with you the terms of the loan agreement, and even when I used to con people in my former life, I used to tell them where they thought their money was going. It would be nice too know.

My response:

I'm not sure why you used "loan shark" in your explanation but if it's a report that you would like to have, I'm sure Destee will be happy to let you know what she's able to provide.

Brother Manasiac wrote:

Will the community as a whole be involved with anything regarding the premium membership? I understand that this was a moderator only issue, but no mod represents my interests or my opinions. I would prefer that I have an open say in something that I am paying for.

My response:

Again, I'm not sure I understand what you mean when you wrote that premium membership is only a moderator issue or why you would think that way but, speaking for myself, premium memberships were NEVER just a moderator's issue. If Destee couldn't afford to continue to maintain this site, we ALL stood to lose. So financial survival became the issue and the priority for the community and it took all of the moderators to figure out what they thought was the best way in which to address the issue at the time. But even then, we were always hoping that it would be a temporary thing as we continued to work on other ways in which to generate financial resources to meet the costs and take away the burden from our members. That's why we have a fundraising committee and it's their role to do the research. Please understand, this is not something that just started with Jacuma's departure. These conversations were taking place, including Jacuma, when I became a moderator over a year ago. Let me also suggest that, if you know of ways we can become financially solvent such that we can do away with membership contributions and taking the burden off of one person alone, then, as a premium member, please feel free to offer your suggestions and assistance.

Brother Manasiac wrote:

As I stated above I would like some answers, and others who are afraid to voice their opinions would like some too.

There is nothing wrong with defending yourself from an onslaught, Silence is concession.

Thank you for reading

My response:

I appreciate the fact that you feel compelled to speak up and on behalf of those you think are afraid to. I agree, there's nothing wrong with defending one's self but what exactly do you mean by an onslaught? In any event, I don't feel as though we have anything to defend ourselves against because we've done nothing wrong. This is not a life and death situation but we are taking everyone's opinion seriously. Believe it or not, this situation was the result of one person trusting another and it backfired--badly. Everyone knows that things like this happen in real life and it's unfortunate that it happened here too. But whatever happens as a result of this open discussion, was meant to happen because I believe in the power of the universe. Hopefully we can resolve this issue satisfactorily and bring peace once again into the community.

Queenie :spinstar:

I don't think that Destee has to disclose what every penny is used for on this site. We are paying for a service. She is the one who ultimately has to provide the service. If the service is bad; then We only have to stop support and go elsewhere -that is simple. However, the issue of reading private messages between members is something else.

After reading All of Jacuma's (?) "evidence" it seems to me that it was he, not she being vindictive. And to call her out of her name shows what Lacks inside of him and not her; plus, he posted for the public to see, private messages and the ins and outs of "meetings" between the "moderators." That is a big red light, and again, shows what he "lacks."

I, too, expressed how inane I thought the rule against placing information that is out in the public domain and for public consumption, on these boards. I still think that the rule is inane. I to have read posts by "moderators" who have done just the opposite...there are a few that still do. I decided two things; 1. That is the rule. It does not make sense, and if it makes this site operate smoothly; then so be it. Pasting a link to the info. is easier anyway.
2.I thought that the moderator jobs were given to people, just like many or most jobs--- to friends or family;to people someone likes or who thinks like them; or doing the same kinds of things that they do; in other words, "cliquish"; it is not the way I would do it, but it is understandable and human. And I think too that this is a great lesson in just that. I have first hand knowledge of the moderators banding together against some of us, but that is what Cliques do. Cliques fight and every so often they tell tales on each other--whether the tales are true or false---that is a matter of personal opinion.

The matter of using profanity or what is commonly seen as profane, well that is a toss up. I have no qualms with using or reading what is called profane language. In some cases, those words are the only ones that fit. But, too, I find it challenging to not do so...there are so many words out there... and many of the stronger voices in here know how to turn a phrase to get their meaning out there... I do however, find it stupid and unnecessary to call anyone out of their name (even if it fits). As long as this doesn't get like Big Brother (yeap, the same one monitoring this site, our homes and our communities); it is fine with me. When someone starts playing holier-than-thou and prophetising about how they found God and don't do this and don't do that---that is when it will become unbearable. Don't preach to me about what you are doing now, after all you have done---please. Again, this is a rule. Again, this rules does not take away from the premise and purpose of the site; and this is another personal call that has to be made by the individual utilizing the service.

Is this site a Pan-Africanist site? Sometimes it feels as if We are inundated to feel some connection with the Diaspora. I do not. At this time I don't think I will ever; that may one day change--but I ain't looking for it. I wouldn't call it a Pan-Africanist site; and if I ever feel that it becomes such, then I can leave. Even the most staunch Pan-Africanist on this site has views on Our community; and their Pan-Africanist views does not disturb the flow of information or taint it in my estimation; it is just another way of seeing things. I have not seen or felt a burden because I am not Pan-Africanist...and have not felt disrespected for my views. Plus, I am more suspicious of those who come in to disrupt and try to cause trouble and make mess. Although, before I let someone get me in their mess, I'll just leave.

The Overriding plus on this site is that racist and trolls (Black, White and Other); are shown the door. We have a place where We are not inundated with trash and the garbage they bring with them. Even though sometimes, I can smell them when they knock at the door; it seems that it doesn't take too long before they are gone. At first that used to bother me; and sometime it still does...I am thinking, am I the only one who understands what this dog is saying, why are they here? But, I have learned to be patient and watch, and as stated, usually it is taken care of. I estimate that about 98% of the African-American websites let in the Trash; and as I and many others have noted, nothing on those sites are ever done--All discussions centered around upholding White Supremist thought... and not having a clue about how to uplift self and community. There are only a very minute collection of African-American sites that does what Destee.com does; very very few. Most of other sites; White, Asian, Hispanic, and Other Black sites do this; and that is smart. They feel that they have a right to discuss and plan with each other to help each other.

I'm not interested in Destee explaining away everything that was posted against her and the moderators here. But, that is me, and I think that I have the capacity to take in what is given and decide for myself, what is truth and what is not. Then I can decide how I want to deal with the situation. As it is , and sits within my gut, the truth of the matter is somewhere inbetween, and I can live with that. To me there is nothing wrong with Us bearing some of the responsibility of keeping the site; nor do I see anything wrong with Destee turning a profit on it. So, what? Doesn't she have a right to eat? We, in the African-American Community have had too many matyrs.
People who have just given, given, given; without ever receiving. We, still do have too many out there. I suggest that Destee and the others do not allow themselves to become such. You have had your say; and so far you have not let your emotions take over the discussions...so move on.
If you have to make some changes, it is up to you to do so. If you want this site to survive then you have to know what it needs, what it doesn't and do it.

I think that in such a situation of He Said, She Said; We cannot allow ourselves to take sides. Let Us hope that Destee move forward with progress and let Us get back to doing what We have been doing and need to continue doing. Talking and Discussing.

My brutha Manasiac and family

to help give you a better understanding of a community such as ours
and answer
1. the letter to the family was openly done to support the community
and the cost to keep every forum and chat in place as this for years
had been done from one pocket and with the growth continuing to grow
it became much more so we felt it would help to get the community involved
and support the community, it was never a plot or any such but to maintane
what we have worked hard to get with all kinds of new tools & features to use
for members which is costly

2. The Privacy of every member has also been one of our top goals to let
everyone know what they post and say is protected our policy is to respect
the privacy of our members as you know in any site , community the administration
has the ability to everything done in that community , at that time Destee & our
Brutha XXPanthaXX teamed up to join hands which fully gave him the power as destee
which i for one and a fact know it was used by him in a one on one thing we had
sometime back not even i knew he had these powers and wonder how he knew
what i was saying or doing ! and surely destee stressed her deepest heart felt
apology due to fully trusting in the partnership and was underminded and not seeing
the acts that was being done answer it in short (NO PM'S being read ) surely i feel
destee has nothing to gain for it anyway .

3. Destee.com is a online community bringing our people together in unity to
express and share the growth of depression and our struggle as black people
bringing the truth and how we as people can resolve some of our problems
it also is a piece of the base of Destee web design and hosting which been running
for years , now the facts of part of your question is administration only
what job have you worked in that post all the pros & cons of how they run their
place IN NO WAY AND NEVER such of what you call a long shark again membership
helps take care of the community forums & chat the use of tools and features
helps handle the growth of the community the cost is highly administration use
which i'm sure you understand that point

4. understand your point of view in that manner and regaurds
sure we do add the community in a whole for somethings we have
to offer within the community but even as moderator we also have
a limit to what we have the say on every voice in this community
even none premium members are value highly and respected fully
this why we have a moderating team to be voices of members or
we don't need a team surely if you had a concern we place a forum
so members can voice and bring it out as be discussed
we build our home on the foundation of love & respect to all who visit
stay, join in anyway , so things you ask is for administration use only
and that can be respected .......hope this can give you some light on
how we became what we are and our loyality to the community and
home to serve the people

To the Family we love & respect each and everyone of you and all your
opinions, concerns and like to express our full pledge loyality to everyone
what we are doing to bring us closer to unite in unity as a whole and reach
goals to support each other and keep what we have built where we can share
express and fine hope , peace and truth in a community we try hard to bring
these things for everyone who enter the doors of destee.com
sure the guards was let down and we got slaped around some but we learned
and became stronger as a whole community to rise above the hate, the acts
of misguided use of infomation so in that we offer to each and everyone of you
our deepest apology and we are working hard to see it never happen again
surely every town , hood , city , community has had a power failure but the
lights do come back on so we can see our way so know that we love and will
continue to bring new and delightful fully things for you and know that every
membership payment is put into the growth and the enhancement of the
community to keep the lights on in every room our voice chat / video chat
and keep our members from what would have been a limited space to roam
but give the full place to venture in and see , meet and find value info tools
to enjoy and use from the humble heart of the Destee team and staff.

I too, have visited the site and saw what Jacuma(excure me if spelled wrong) was doing. At first I had only read the first page and then simply posed a question to get an answer. And now that I have read what he has to say, to me it's funny...Not funny ha ha, but funny sad. How can a grown man, sit up and write pages of lies and STILL be questioned from it from his own memebers??? And too think Destee, you once trusted a man like that. I feel that it's like a hate group going on over there. You have Baba Ahmed as one of the site aminsistrators. And they try to call themselves big and bad....for what purpose??? It's like "Learn to leave it alone. You know you were in the wrong". It's crazy what people will do. He spends all that money on a site to "prove" something. To denounce you??? But how is he profiting from it really? Sure, he may have a few members but when it call comes down to it, what stuggle are you fighting for?

Happy 69 made a point when he said:

.I thought that the moderator jobs were given to people, just like many or most jobs--- to friends or family;to people someone likes or who thinks like them; or doing the same kinds of things that they do; in other words, "cliquish"; it is not the way I would do it, but it is understandable and human. And I think too that this is a great lesson in just that. I have first hand knowledge of the moderators banding together against some of us, but that is what Cliques do. Cliques fight and every so often they tell tales on each other--whether the tales are true or false---that is a matter of personal opinion.


^ I can understand that and totally agree with him.

Destee, NN Queen, and Rich, and all of the other moderators onhand, bare with me. I am torn, and I'm not torn. I didn't even have the slightest clue about what was happening here (I guess becuase I'm just coming back after a few weeks or a month 's absence) until now when Manasiac posted this. I am glad he did...


Destee, if Manasiac hadn't posted this, would you have told the members, I mean the older members, like myself what was happening in our community?

IT IS VERY CLEAR WHAT THE BROTHER IS TRYING TO DO. (1)HE HAS A FORUM.
(2)DESTEE FAMILY IS A LARGE COMM.
(3)J HAS VERY LITTLE
IT TAKES ALOT OF NERVE TO ATTACK SOME ONE JUST TO WIN OVER MEMBERS. BRO HAS ANGER ISSUES!!! THE ISSUE IS NOT WHAT MONEY WE NEED TO KEEP THE FAM GOING, IT IS OLD ISSUES THAT IS PERSONAL, AND FOR A BROTHER THAT IS SO SUPPOSED TO BE INTO UNITY, THIS ONLY SHOWS HIS TRUE SELF AND WITH THAT HIS COMMENTS NEED TO BE OUT OF MIND AND SIGHT!!! THIS IS NOTHING BUT THE DEVIL TRYING TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING GOOD. GET BEHIND US DEVIL!!!!! DESTEE FAMILY WILL MOVE ON!!! PLEASE FAM, I BEG YOU ALL, LETS LEAVE THE CHILD OVER THERE IN HIS PLAY PEN AND LET HIM THROW A TEMPER ALL HE WANT. HE WILL BE JUST FINE, OK!!! THIS FAMILY IS NOW HUGE AND TAKES TIME AND MONEY TO KEEP IT UP AND RUNNING. I LOVE DESTEE.COM AND WILL ALWAYS FEEL THAT WAY. I SUPPORT DESTEE AND KNOW WHAT SHE SAY IS THE TRUTH. BROTHER MANASIA, JUST LOOK BETWEEN THE LINES BECAUSE THE TRUTH IS THERE. THIS BACK AND FORTH CRAP IS JUST PETTY. BRO J NEEDS TO GROW UP. IF HE WAS A MAN ABOUT THE WHOLE THING HE WOULD BE OUT AND DO HIS THING INSTEAD OF BEING, WELL, YOU KNOW THE REST. (GOD FORGIVE ME FOR THE THOUGHT) DON'T STOOP TO HIS LEVEL AND BE PETTY. WE ARE STRONG MEN AND WOMEN. DON'T LET THIS SO CALLED PRO BLACK PETTY BROTHER PULL THAT AWAY FROM YOU. HUH, PRO BLACK BUT TRYING TO UNDER MIND YOUR BLACK SISTA. 2+2=4 YALL. HIS COMMENTS ARE INVALID, AND HE IS OUT OF ORDER !!!!! OK EVERY ONE WE ARE MOVING FORWARD, I LOVE YOU MY DESTEE FAMILY!!!!!!








:coffee:

I’ve been with Destee for a while. My 1 year anniversary is coming up and
I still love it here today the same as when I came through the door the very first time.
I love it here Point blank!!!! And I am a supporter of the community.
As far as this stuff with xxpanthaxx and Destee goes—that’s between them.


This is what I see…….
In my opinion, greed and jealousy is in this whole thing
First off he tried to take over destee.com and he couldn’t
so he went and got his own place--a duplicate of destee.com
From format to classes just a different color……..

As Far as what I have read on his site and the comments by members, he allows
ppl to call folks out their name and that hatin is allowed over there too
Well he is a brother of what????? Go figure
All them or most of them have been banned from here…. and he helped in the banning
He was co-administration here…so that speaks for itself….

Second….Aol, MSN, etc. any provider can read your emails
Blackplanet can read your pms so I mean people come on
you don’t write to their administration about folks reading your stuff--nothing is private on the net….
Besides ummm who posting ppls personal messages? Read between the lines

Third…what job have you worked at that the administration gave you closure
That is only for administration? You don’t know your bosses biggest plans
Or what happens behind closed doors. So things are discussed behind the scenes
That you will never know about….until both or all agree

Fourth…the paid membership
You pay to use the internet, Some sites let you in for a peep and then you have to sign up for a paid membership.
Destee.com has been open and free
as she struggled to keep it this way for us. But she can’t do it no longer as this community grows. It cost money to do anything.
You’ re paying for a service….

And to happy69
As far as picking mods that are friends and family,
I disagree Destee didn’t know me from a-z…..so that is wrong.

And to swt…what is it to tell….
he have been gone since Dec by his own will….
it is now June…All that he have said
wouldn’t it have been just as important in Dec as ppl think it is now
Read between the lines…..kinda funny to me

Bottom line Destee is owner of this place/community.
She built it for us and did what she thought was best.
I don’t question it…b/c we are still standing and still growing…..
And she aint throwing fire to a heated flame..thas a Queen of Pride
B/c she could but she aint stepping to his level…..notice who trippin

Actually, in my opinion, he’s wasting time where he could be building his own community
Instead of trying to bring another one down.
It’s like he’s reaching…..to hurt destee.com for his own gain….

Peace
Angel

People all I will say is this..........

"I stand by my sister Destee 100%"

Do you need more? If so chek my poem (http://www.destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26279) on it! :bazooka:
.
.
.

AGAIN TO THE FAMILY WE AS A TEAM TRYED TO KEEP LESS CONFUSSION
AND HATE FROM OUR COMMUNITY SURELY WE WOULD HAVE SPOKEN ON
THIS MESS AND ALERT THE COMMUNITY OF WHAT WAS GOING ON TRYING TO
KILL THE DREAMS WE HAVE UNDERMINDING OUR WHOLE BEINGS AS A COMMUNITY

WE LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU ALL AND SURELY HOPE TO CONTINUE
OUR GROWTH SURELY WE , NONE OF US EVEN EVERY MEMBER WOULD HAVE
KNOWN THIS WOULD COME TO THIS AND BETRAYAL POSTED TO HURT A SISTAH
TO STEAL MEMBERS TO LIE AND BRING DISMAY AND SEEK THE WEAKEST OF MIND
TO SPILL DRAMA BUT AS THE FIRE BURN THE WATER OF A GREAT FLOOD IS NEAR
AND THE SMOKE WILL CLEAR SO WE MAY CONTINUE UPLIFTING AND BONDING AS
PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE

EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW THERE MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ALL WE HAVE HERE
TO OFFER LIKE VOICE CHAT// VIDEO CHAT// WAVE FILES AND FORUMS
THE TOOLS TO USE TO ENJOY A GREAT AND WELL KNOWN RESPECTED ONLINE
COMMUNITY AS THIS ONE, WE WORK HARD TO PROTECT AND RESPECT EACH OF
YOU ALL AND EMBRACE YOU WITH LOVE AND PEACE

DESTEE.COM AND DESTEE HAS GIVEN US A PLACE TO COME TOGETHER
SHARE WISDOM , TEACH AND LEARN GROW AND UNITE AS PEOPLE
WITHOUT BEING HIT , SLAP, CALLED NAMES AND FOOLISHNESS SHE WORKED
HARD TO OPEN NEW AND WONDERFUL THINGS HERE FROM THE FIRST DAY
WHEN IT WAS SO FEW BUT OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE GREW AND BONDED
AND THE COST HAS GREW IN SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY IS ONLY KEEPING
WHAT YOU ENJOYED AND WHAT WE ALL HAVE HERE

ONCE AGAIN WE AS STAFF OF DESTEE.COM SEND OUR DEEPEST APOLOGY
FOR THE MISUNDERSTANDING, AND FOR TRUSTING IN A PERSON WHO HAD
SIGHT TO TAKE OVER AND KILL DREAMS OF A FUN WONDERFUL COMMUNITY
TO GET THEIR OWN TO RISE BY SPREADING DIRT AND GREED UPON HEARTS
BUT GOD IS GOOD AND LOVE US ALL THAT IT WAS SAVED IN TIME BEFORE
REAL DESTRUCTION SO AS WE MEND THE LOST HOPE WE LEARN A LESSION
AND VERY SORRY FOR THE WILD NOTIONS YOU ALL HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TOO

BE FREE TO ASK
SURELY DESTEE WILL BE HAPPY TO ADDRESS ANY CONCERNS

OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY FROM THE MYTH OF LIES AND HOW
THE WORK OF DEVILMENT HATE HAS ENTER OUR HOME OUR
COMMUNITY BUT THE POWER OF GOD AND THE FAITH IN HEARTS
WILL SHINE OVER DARKNESS AND GREED

FAMILY WE RISE , WE RISE ABOVE ALL STONES CAST UPON US
AND GO FORTH IN THE PATH WITH GUIDING LIGHT AND TRUTH
WE LEARN AS WE LIVE AND LIVE TO LEARN WE LOVE Y'ALL
AND ANYONE KNOW ADMINISTRATION MATTERS ALWAYS KEPT
SAFELY TUCKED AWAY BUT THE MAIN THING IS WE ARE WORKING
BEING A VOICE FOR WHATEVER CONCERN OR QUESTION YOU HAVE
OUR GOAL IS TO BRING A COMMON PLACE TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH
THE BEST TOOLS FOR THE COMMUNITY EVERYONE HAS A VOICE A
ROLE IN THIS GROWTH
DON'T LET THE SPRAY OF HATE & GREED DEM WHAT YOU ENJOY
MOST COZ DESTEE IS ONE OF THE MOST LOVING , WARM HEARTED
PERSON TO KNOW SHE WILL WALK THROUGH FIRE TO GIVE I KNOW
THINGS SHE HAS DONE I THINK CAN'T BE TOUCHED THIS A SISTAH
WHO HAS TOOK NOTHING AND GAVE US ALL SOMETHING SHE HAVE
OPEN HER POCKET AND PAID WAY FOR YEARS OUT OF LOVE & HEART
FOR US ALL AND TO CONTINUE OUR SUPRISING GROWTH SHE KEEP
SEEKING WAYS TO BRING NEW STUFF AND GIVE US MORE TO ENJOY
WE LOVE YOU DESTEE..... AND KEEP YA HEAD UP FOR THE RAIN WILL
END WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW EVER AND THANK YOU FOR
ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN OVER THE YEARS
ANYONE CAN BE FOOLED INTO STUFF BY THE SOFT SWEET TALK AND
YEARS OF SMILES HANDSHAKES IF IT WAS ME I WOULD HAVE BEEN FOOLED
AS WELL AND SURELY I FEEL ANYONE ELSE TOO WE NEVER KNOW TIL
IT THUNDER BEFORE A STORM GOD IS GOOD TO US AND BLESS US ALL
FAMILY .......................................WE CARE AND REMEMBER THAT AS WELL
THANK U .

[QUOTE=happy69]2.I thought that the moderator jobs were given to people, just like many or most jobs--- to friends or family;to people someone likes or who thinks like them; or doing the same kinds of things that they do; in other words, "cliquish"; it is not the way I would do it, but it is understandable and human. And I think too that this is a great lesson in just that. I have first hand knowledge of the moderators banding together against some of us, but that is what Cliques do. Cliques fight and every so often they tell tales on each other--whether the tales are true or false---that is a matter of personal opinion.[QUOTE=happy69]

o.k.
People hire people they know ..friend, family member or whatever. If the person being hired is not a friend or related to the one hiring they still know enough about someones background like schools they have attended,training, criminal record or whatever, so of course you will hire someone you know of or something about. I don't know anyone stupid enough to hire a total stranger they know nothing about to run their business I mean come on. It has nothing to do with cliques, to me it's common sense. If you ever get a business 69 I'd like to see who you hire and how it turns out. I'm guessing it wouldn't last too long.


[QUOTE=happy69]When someone starts playing holier-than-thou and prophetising about how they found God and don't do this and don't do that---that is when it will become unbearable. Don't preach to me about what you are doing now, after all you have done---please. Again, this is a rule. Again, this rules does not take away from the premise and purpose of the site; and this is another personal call that has to be made by the individual utilizing the service.[QUOTE=happy69]


I have not seen anyone claiming to be holier than thou, but I often speak of how good God has been to me and the personal struggles he has brought me through. One reason I do speak of His goodness is because of how dirty I use to be. Despite all that He continued to bless and keep me. Why you feel a person sharing their story is somehow holier than you I don't know.Not pointing fingers but some people are often threatened by those who speak of God because it reminds them of their own short comings. Short comings they are comfortable living with, but a testment of encouragement seems to throw off that groove and they don't like it. Some people see this as judging a person. No one here is trying to judge anyone. No one here can judge anyone because God is the one and only TRUE judge. I myself still fall short sometimes, but the stories people share here encourage me and I don't feel preached @ at all. Besides we as a people should want to help our fellow brother or sister especiall if we have been down that road of destruction ourselves...smh


We have to wake up people ......and see things for what they truly are and remember the devil is always busy this whoel deal is an example of just that.

Hello Family,

Thank you all for the love. I intend on responding in full to all that's been said and asked more fully, but i just wanted to step in here and encourage us not to begin a fight with each other, as a result of all this foolishness.

In regard to how Moderators are chosen, i will talk about that as well.

Sister Nita Mae BonQuisha 40oz Hamhock I Am That I Am Johnson ... Sister Happy said, "When someone starts ..." ... she didn't say we'd started yet ... lol

Much Love and Peace.

:heart:

Destee

What I do?...Did I mis quote 69 :eeek: Oh goodness...let me go back and lQQk again ..Where's the white out...Lawd help me...I'm so sorry if I did...smh
This whoel deal is wreckin my brain.



Hello Family,

Thank you all for the love. I intend on responding in full to all that's been said and asked more fully, but i just wanted to step in here and encourage us not to begin a fight with each other, as a result of all this foolishness.

In regard to how Moderators are chosen, i will talk about that as well.

Sister Nita Mae BonQuisha 40oz Hamhock I Am That I Am Johnson ... Sister Happy said, "When someone starts ..." ... she didn't say we'd started yet ... lol

Much Love and Peace.

:heart:

Destee

By MsBlkAngel


And to swt…what is it to tell….
he have been gone since Dec by his own will….
it is now June…All that he have said
wouldn’t it have been just as important in Dec as ppl think it is now
Read between the lines…..kinda funny to me

^ To be competely honest, I didn't really notice that he was gone. Me being not-so-interwined with the family at times, I didn't notice anything significant. What lines? Some of it seems real, some of it seems fake,.


Tell me MsBlk, if you were looking from the inside on the outside, what would you think????

Sister SwtT ... what are you on the outside of ... knowing the truth because you witnessed it? ... nothing anyone can say, can put you on the inside of that. Only Brother XXPANTHAXX and myself saw it all. If this is the outside you speak of, you are in good company, because that's where most everyone is. All you have is what you think, and as with all things, try to do it wisely.

I'll respond more fully to all ... i just don't want us getting bogged down with a back and forth between Members, about this.

:heart:

Destee

Hello Family,

Thank you all for the love and support you have given, i am honored. It is healing, soothing, encouraging, and appreciated.

This is my full and final response. After much consideration, i believe all significant questions have been answered. I will not be responding to this topic or thread again. However, if any of you would like to continue the discussion, please feel free.

All i ask is that you do not speak negatively of our Brother here. Thank You.

Much Love and Peace.

:heart:

Destee

[QUOTE=happy69]2.I thought that the moderator jobs were given to people, just like many or most jobs--- to friends or family;to people someone likes or who thinks like them; or doing the same kinds of things that they do; in other words, "cliquish"; it is not the way I would do it, but it is understandable and human. And I think too that this is a great lesson in just that. I have first hand knowledge of the moderators banding together against some of us, but that is what Cliques do. Cliques fight and every so often they tell tales on each other--whether the tales are true or false---that is a matter of personal opinion.[QUOTE=happy69]

o.k.
People hire people they know ..friend, family member or whatever. If the person being hired is not a friend or related to the one hiring they still know enough about someones background like schools they have attended,training, criminal record or whatever, so of course you will hire someone you know of or something about. I don't know anyone stupid enough to hire a total stranger they know nothing about to run their business I mean come on. It has nothing to do with cliques, to me it's common sense. If you ever get a business 69 I'd like to see who you hire and how it turns out. I'm guessing it wouldn't last too long.


Nepotism and who you know are the name of the game in All Business. The Hiring of friends, family and whomever you know; rather it be persons who think the way you do, about whatever---Is the Name of the Game...and to Pretend that it is not--Is Stupid. I do not care who you know. Any Business 101 manual tells you that it is not what you know, but who you know. That is why it is so imperative when going for a job, you not only research the job, but you research who is doing the hiring. Everything that We do is cliquish...everything. And that is not just my opinion--those are FACTS. If it was not so, Then THERE WOULD NOT BE SO MANY BLACKS WALKING AROUND WITH PHDS WITHOUT A JOB; OR DOING THINGS LIKE DRIVING BUSES. If this was not so, then there would not be people in MANY Jobs without College Degrees or training. That is the way it is done; and I don't care if you don't like it being said--it is the ******* TRUTH. You can disagree with my assessment; I couldn't care less; but don't spread your nonsense on me. When I hire, I look for who can help me; or teach me. I never said that that kind of hiring does not yield the results you want...I stated it as the fact it is... I said that I would not do it that way. Everything I said is played out day to day in the REAL world; a great example is Martha Stewart.


[QUOTE=happy69]When someone starts playing holier-than-thou and prophetising about how they found God and don't do this and don't do that---that is when it will become unbearable. Don't preach to me about what you are doing now, after all you have done---please. Again, this is a rule. Again, this rules does not take away from the premise and purpose of the site; and this is another personal call that has to be made by the individual utilizing the service.[QUOTE=happy69]


I have not seen anyone claiming to be holier than thou, but I often speak of how good God has been to me and the personal struggles he has brought me through. One reason I do speak of His goodness is because of how dirty I use to be. Despite all that He continued to bless and keep me. Why you feel a person sharing their story is somehow holier than you I don't know.Not pointing fingers but some people are often threatened by those who speak of God because it reminds them of their own short comings. Short comings they are comfortable living with, but a testment of encouragement seems to throw off that groove and they don't like it. Some people see this as judging a person. No one here is trying to judge anyone. No one here can judge anyone because God is the one and only TRUE judge. I myself still fall short sometimes, but the stories people share here encourage me and I don't feel preached @ at all. Besides we as a people should want to help our fellow brother or sister especiall if we have been down that road of destruction ourselves...smh


I did not say that anyone did play holier than thou; and if you did that is your **** business! And if I had seen such, and that was my report; and YOU DIDN'T; what in the hell does your feelings have to do with my assessment, or yours? NOTHING. You took it out of context, You chose to take my words as some kind of attack against you---I don't even know you!

We have to wake up people ......and see things for what they truly are and remember the devil is always busy this whoel deal is an example of just that.


It seems to me, the only Devil that is working is in You. You understood nothing, and then tried to caste it off as something personally about you. Whatever is going on inside you is your **** business...you deal with that; don't give me any b.s. about what you think and feel-when you have absolutely nothing to do with it.

All of my comments were in relation to what Jacuma wrote on his site...his comments about what this site is from his perspective.

let's keep it to the point and factor
we all had no clue to any of this tale that's unfolding
but surely we respect and honor everyone rights
and it's great to voice how you feel but let me say
we learn from this bad tail spin and can asure you this will never happen again
we have become more wiser and more alert PLEASE KNOW we CARE and hope
each and everyone understand the full detales of what an how it really happen

in no way are moderators family we all are friends and was hand pick by
the love and support and great quotes made through the months & years
or how someone fit in from their heart and not as a buddy type thing
i've been one of Destee's Moderators for a long time and one of the original
choosen and i don't play any role in how they are picked only Destee hand pick
whom she feel can help the community we have here

Let's not get over the facts of loving and peace family
please no bashing each other or anyone at no point we are not about that
but love and supporting each other in many different ways
we still have a guide line we follow and respect at DESTEE.COM
again hope i can reach the minds of the few who feel hurt or torn
we send our deepest apology and humble love to you all and working
hard that this never take place again in our community we love ya !

Let me start by saying that Rich, you are truly dedicated to this site. If you apply this type of dedication to all aspects of your life, whoa, I'm scurred of you. Quite a force to be reckoned with, and something to marvel at.
Waiting for the other shoe to drop? LOL...
Well, whenever a group of people get together, there are some group dynamics that will follow, what with us all being human. No, we are not all going to love each other, we are not even all going to like each other, and yes I am including the moderators here too. Groups do tend to have cliques also, that is almost a given. But we all should try to have some level of respect.
No sense in trying to portray this like we are members of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. If we feel as if we have been abused, or hurt in any way, the tendency is to strike back. When the wound is still raw, which I think is the case here for many, we may say or do things that aren't really in our best interests as a group, or even personally for that matter.
Sure, I think that as a whole we are a beautiful gifted group of nubian people. I am amazed at the talents of the poets, the extent of knowledge that some hold here, in the forums, is unequaled. And Destee, I do appreciate there being a place for us to all get together and share, agree, respectfully disagree, laugh, cry, yeah, all of that. We're not going to just automatically join hands and sing Kumbuya. Most don't know me, but I am one of the most forgiving and understanding people that you will ever find, really, but even I have my limits. And in some ways, I have been pushed beyond even my own limits. I think what most are looking for here is, as I already mentioned, respect, which I thought is what we had here when I joined. It felt like such a blessing too, as Black people, bonding and feeling those earthy vibes and all. If us "regular" members have even an inkling that the moderators don't represent this respect, then what are we to think, and how are we supposed to react? As for me, I will deal with it for a while, and then I will fly away, in a heartbeat. That is what drew me here, the respect and integrity that I felt, especially from the moderators.
All injuries take time to heal. And that is what we need, time. And I love this place so much, that I am willing to give it just that, time. But I'm not going to give it forever, and if time runs out for me, then I will pack up and get out of Dodge. It's not like I'm a mod or anything, so no harm, no foul. Sorry, this ended up being 3 cents instead of 2, but, this is what it is. Hopefully, no one will bash, but if you do, so will I. And what will that accomplish, really? That we don't respect each other? I truly hope not.

Where there is no friction there is no connection. If we did not care about one another then any problems any of us have here can easily be resolved by hitting the back button. That we stick around shows that we do care. We can share our thoughts and feelings without saying things that linger and scar.

I WAS HO[PING THIS POST WOULD ANSWER IT SELF, BUT I AM NOT SEEING THAT IT HAS NOT. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THE FAMILY LETTER. WAS THIS A SINCERE LETTER? I BECAME A PREMIUM MEMBER AFTER READING THIS, I HOPE I WAS NOT MANIPULATED.

IN THE LETTER I GOT THE MESSAGE THAT DESTEE.COM WAS IN SOME KIND OF FINANCIAL BIND. WAS THIS TRUE? I LIKE THIS WEB SITE BUT I WOULD LIKE AN HONEST ANSWER TO THOSE QUESTIONS. RAISED BY BROTHA MANASIAC...THESE ARE SERIOUS CHARGES....

sometimes words dont always justify actions...and actions dont always reflect our thoughts...

there is no real truth.....

sometimes u jus need to follow ur heart (and faith)!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, the letter has been the cause of many people suspecting subrosa dealings in this matter. The letter gave the impression that the Premium Membership was a plea to us as a family to pull together as a community. It was very personal and pulled at our heart strings. However when questions arose concerning the actual need for this we were told that no this is not a donation this is a fee for services rendered. This is where a lot of people feel confused and manipulated. How do we reconcile the pupose of the letter to the business side of running a website such as this one?

THE FINAL CHAPTER

Dear Family,

On behalf of Destee and the moderators at Destee.com, I want to thank each of you who have asked questions and shared opinions in this thread. This has not been an easy time for many of us as we’ve gone through this ordeal but someone once said, it does not matter if you fall down as long as you pick up something from the floor when you get up. Out of this discussion, moderators have come away with a valuable lesson—the importance of effective communication. For more than a year, we faced a serious issue and needed your financial support to resolve it. We now recognize that we didn’t communicate that to you very effectively and as a result, we caused confusion and a sense of suspicion among you and we apologize for that.

The information that we are about to share in this letter is a complete description of events and circumstances as we know them. These events are what have led us to this discussion. Please understand that it was never our intent to mislead you in any way or cover up any information. The following chronology will testify to that fact. As our problems grew, our situation got worse and we did what we thought was best for us at the time. At no time was it a scam to get money needlessly. What we did and continue to do is always because of our belief in the community and a desire to give you the best place possible to come to on the internet.

It is also important for you to understand, unlike a great many websites funded through paid advertising, from the beginning in 1999 through 2003, Destee.com has always been funded solely by its founder without sponsorship. Because of that, we’ve been able to do a great many positive things that most other similar sites won’t or can’t do. Destee made this choice so that members didn’t have to be bombarded with a host of unsolicited advertisements or be controlled by entities that didn’t really care about you, but only the money they could make.

In the early years after launching this website, Destee was fortunate to be able to afford the cost to maintain it alone. However, after September 11, 2001, her other business ventures were hit hard like so many others on the internet and as business slowed down, and costs continued to rise, Destee was faced with some tough decisions. She had to either close the site down or find another way to afford to maintain it. Ultimately, she made the personal decision to sacrifice what she had, to keep us open and together. No one knew this but Destee—not the moderators, not the community at-large, not even her family. She was blessed to have met people who offered their financial assistance when new features were added to the site. But in the end, the writing on the wall became clear that more was needed if we were going to survive.

The solution wasn’t a simple one because it forced Destee to think about doing something that she didn’t really want to do but knew she had to—start charging members to participate in the community and this is why.

In January, 2003 our original chat provider (since 1999) went out of business, giving us two (2) weeks before they shut it down. We scrambled to get an alternative solution in place, but for the same money, it did not compare to what we had and we received many complaints from Members.

In February, 2003, Brother Hypnotize was the first to ever mention that perhaps the entire Family could help with the cost of maintaining the community. He did so in this thread, "A Chat Solution ??? ( hear me out yo ) (http://www.destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12746)". You will also see in this thread, where Destee first makes mention of a possible "fee" associated with Membership here.

In March, 2003, we upgraded our "temporary" text chat solution with voice and video chat, which cost more money than we'd been paying but allowed us to have the leading edge technology. Few sites our size have their own voice and video chat solutions. At this time we polled the Family regarding a "Premium Membership," to get a feel for how many might be willing to help support our growing (and well established) community. That thread can be found here, "Are You Willing To Purchase a PREMIUM Membership to Help Support The Forum (http://www.destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13309)?"

In April, 2003, XXPANTHAXX joined our Moderating Team around the same time that I did. Discussions were beginning among the moderating team to explore different ways in which we could convert from a free member service to a paid membership site. Destee has always been reluctant to changing this but eventually had little choice but to consider suggestions that were being made. Thus began a contribution drive in the fall of 2003.

In August, 2003, we began to experience a lot of technical difficulties with our server (for the forum). Basically, we had outgrown it (more than 2 years old), and we were beginning to see all kinds of errors when accessing the features. Alone, Destee couldn't afford the server upgrades needed and was torn between launching a "Premium Membership," which might lock some Members out if they did not pay, and asking for contributions (a voluntary participation, so those who couldn't pay, would not be locked out). Even though the first official mention of "finances" had been months prior, implementing this was not an easy thing to do. Ultimately, she chose the latter, in hopes that no Member would be "locked out," and "Destee's Request For Contributions (http://www.destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26677)" was officially launched.

In the meantime, as the community continued to grow, moderators worked hard among themselves to make everyone feel welcomed while trying to ensure a sense of peace within the community at the same time. We were growing so fast and needed more moderators to share in the responsibility. It was obvious to us that we were doing something right because so many people were attracted to coming to us. That required that we become better organized as a team and we worked hard and diligently behind the scenes to establish and implement operating procedures to make us more efficient so that we could be more effective in serving the community. This was all new to everyone but we were pleased with the results we were seeing.

In October, 2003, as a result of the (one-time) contributions received, we were able to move to our new server as well as make several other much needed upgrades. This corrected all of the "Technical Difficulties We've Experienced Recently (http://www.destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19854)." All contributions received were used to facilitate these improvements. Here is the thread announcing the successful move and thanking those who had contributed, which made these upgrades possible ... "Welcome Home Family !!! We're On Our New Server !!! (http://www.destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20003)"

Moderators underwent some growing pains here and there but for the most part, we were pleased with the results we were seeing. It was a steep hill to climb but we knew that our mutual collaboration as a team was important. Many of the long-term members probably haven’t noticed but over the past year, there has been a high turnover rate among moderators for various reasons.

In November, 2003, XXPANTHAXX resigned as an Administrator, to start his own community but he continued to visit ours.

In April 4, 2004, while the cost of transitioning to the new server was covered by the contributions received in the prior year, the (increased) monthly costs were not. Again, Destee alone is paying all costs associated with maintaining the community. These costs were taking a heavy financial toll on her and her family and the community was / is in jeopardy of closing. Once Destee brought this situation to my attention, I immediately got with the other Moderators. We held emergency Moderator meetings in an attempt to find both immediate and long term solutions to meet the ongoing (and growing) costs. After much discussion, Destee posted the "Destee's Letter To The Family (http://www.destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24564)," which gave the Family much insight into the critical financial situation we are facing, as well as a heads-up regarding what we were proposing to implement to save the community, a monthly Membership fee.

In April 11, 2004, "Premium Membership (http://www.destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24790)" was officially launched. Since this "Premium Membership" was launched so soon after the "Contributions," (within 8 months of each other) Destee wanted to be sure to give "Premium Membership Credit" to all those Members who had given during the "Contribution" period held last year. This caused the two efforts to be merged together, so those who gave last year would not feel as though they have been required to give more than those who may just start giving now. This was all outlined in the above threads.

As a result of the Premium Membership campaign, we began to field questions from members who were genuinely interested in knowing more about it. XXPANTHAXX posted comments that we felt were employed to create confusion and suspicion around our effort. We knew that he had access to inside information because he had fully participated in our discussions prior to his departure. So we were shocked and disappointed in the types of questions he raised in public. Nevertheless, we responded as best we could but he continued to challenge our responses and we began to suspect that his reason was to create suspicion among our members. This we refused to tolerate and instead of engaging in a battle in public, in May, 2004, XXPANTHAXX was banned from this community. In June, 2004, XXPANTHAXX posted lies, personal, private, and confidential information regarding this community, and its Members, to his web site and that brings us where we are today.

We genuinely hope that this divergence from our usual routine didn’t disrupt your concentration or make your visit here unpleasant. We have the utmost respect for you and would never do anything intentionally to hurt the community. This is why we know you’ll understand that in order to curtail any further disruption we think it’s time to bring this issue to closure so that members are no longer exposed to its negative energy.

It’s time for us to valiantly move on and forward with our mission and that is to embrace and uplift our people. Therefore, this will be the final post made to this thread but we don’t want you to interpret that as us being opposed to receiving any of your questions because that’s never the case. We will provide answers as best as we know how to questions that you ask, but this matter must be laid to rest.

In closing, we appreciate your understanding and thank you for giving us the opportunity to respond to your questions and to present our side of this story. Now that you have a better understanding of our financial dilemma and know why we shifted from free site to small membership fee, we hope you are sufficiently motivated to become a Premium Member (http://destee.com/forums/memberlist.php) of our community. Please go to www.destee.com/membership and sign up today, so that you can have full access to all of the wonderful features we offer, while helping our community survive. We thank you for being a part of our family and look forward to seeing you around.

Sincerely,

NNQueen on behalf of Destee and Moderators at Destee.com