Aww, dude. WEAK.
I'll write my "letter of reccomendation" by this evening. I'll PM you with the draft before I send it if you want. I sorta look to you as a pseudo-mentor; I see aspects of the Islands reflected in your work. I'm more than happy to help.

 

Done and done, Steven.....I'll bump this periodically throughout the night to make sure it gets it's due attention.

Thank you for all of your work, perspective, advice, and insights. I hope that we can bug them enough to allow you to continue your art for yourself and us in a comfortable setting (which happens to be your dorm room). I hope more people will pay attention to this thread!!! It would be to all of our benefit if you are allowed permission to contiue your work, unhindered, while you are at school for art.

 

Thank you Donald and Dewmazz. You guys have my undying gratitude. Mahalo.

To all others who write for me, my gratitude goes out to you as well.

 

I'll put in a good word. A properly setup aquarium should not smell if the tank is covered.

 

**Bump** (As promised)

 

One last time for tonight....I've gotta get to bed. Please read Steven's post at the beginning!!
**BUMP**

 

Steven,

I sent an email to both of those addresses as well as PMed a copy to you. I find it ridiculous, though I tried to word it very diplomatically, that your aquarium could be blamed for the the standard dorm stench. Even further, it annoys me that "ah, gez your like a few gallons over the limit we set" but I bet, having known several RA, floor managers, etc that they don't do a damn thing about all the drinking, partying and a$$enine behavior that goes on. The reason that aquariums are a "danger" is only due to the stupid things they allow to happen in the dorms.

Anyway, you read my PM. It was late so I hope I wrote a satisfactory plea on your behalf.

 

Dennis, that e-mail is amazing.

Donald, I can't believe how many times you bumped this thread.

Furballi, thanks for your support as well.

I just want to say again though that I don't want to cause trouble for the members at APC, I don't want you all to think that the smell accusations are the main issue (because really it's the size issue apparently), and last I don't want them to have to break the rules for me necessarily.

It'd be nice-- but I'm perfectly happy setting it up somewhere else on campus. If that's the best for everyone, than it's completely fine with me. I just want to make sure that they do find a place, and realize the importance to me (and hopefully to some others in our community)that they do.

Thanks everyone T-T I'm touched

 

I drafted this, Steven. Is it ok for you?

Hi,

I'm writing this e-mail to express how important I believe it is that Steven Chong is allowed to keep his aquarium in your college.

As you may be aware, Steven is a talented young man whose artistic flair in terms of aquascaping and photography is internationally respected at the highest level. Myself, a writer for the UK's best-selling fishkeeping magazine (Practical Fishkeeping) and moderator on four Internet forums assure you of this.

I believe that to prevent Steven from pursuing his passion through aquascaping will not only be detrimental to Steven's morale (and potentially his college work), but also to the international planted aquarium community.

I understand that there is a possibility of allowing Steven's aquarium to be located in a college building. This, in my opinion, is an excellent idea and should provide not only an attractive feature, but also a valuable educational tool, both artistically and scientifically.

Please consider allowing Steven to keep his aquarium in your college. It would be an asset, on many levels, to more people than you may realize.

Very best wishes,
George Farmer

 

Is it possible you could involve the school by starting an aquascaping club / planted aquarium club? Showing a willingness on your part to make an effort to help put together something like this might help to convey to the school the extent of your seriousness. Also, it looks good on your resume to be the President of a club in college anyhow.

I'm a system fighter deep inside, but as I get older I'm learning (sometimes the hard way) that you just have to work with the system sometimes.

 

10g limit? Since when?!? I'm a Pomona grad. (c/o '86).

I'm certain, that if you have to, you could relocate your tank to a joint sciences lab if need be. Personally, I'd just bring it back anyway as you're probably going to wind up in a different hall/dorm/suite next year and whoever complained won't be right there with you. You'll probably draw a much higher number, so you can work out a single or 2 room double or something.

If someone does complain, go emersed (leaving 8 gal of air at the top of the tank). If that doesn't work, then move it to a science lab.

Also be willing to divulge the approximate locations of a few of the (usually numerous) cats living in the dorms. When I went to Pomona (with 2 snakes, a parrot anda 20g tank and sometimes a cat), all the RAs ever worried about were cats.

Does CMC have any "off campus" housing like Pomona does (the themed houses - Kosher Kitchen etc. etc.). They would allow a tank...

SMBS. Don't compromise your personal liberties. If you have to, remind them that Pitzer has no such artistic restrictions in their (nice, spacious, carpeted) dorms...(my wife - Pitzer c/o '86).

 

lol people on this forum are much nicer than plantedtank.net
bump!
ground control to steven chong

 

Heh, the I'm impressed mods here have nice things to say, and are supportive.

 

George, I deeply appreciate the letter my friend. It is wonderful.

AaronT-- I would love to start a club! The trouble is in the members I think though . . . I can't help but think that if there were people in the 5Cs doing aquascaping, we'd probably have found each other . . . (I mean, they have to come to APC to keep up with the latest greates planted aquarium news right!?) Maybe I should at least look into it and offer though.

Squawkbert-- That's great! lol CMC doesn't have all the same wide housing options like Pomona . . . and we've already done room draw so I guess it's not avoidable. I'm too young to live in the apartments, and even if I weren't I doubt the rules would be different there. About Pitzer, the Director mentioned possibly finding housing for it somewhere over there too when we talked.

As for just setting it up, I guess I don't have the guts to flat-out defy the rules. ^^;

Felix/Ian-- Well, people are entitled to say and think what they want . . .

 

I have emailed to Jefferson, what is the point of emailing to fid? dude already said no, or absolutely not.

 

Are we kidding here?!!!?

I think its rediculous to ask people from a forum to write and institution on THEIR rules. Lets all grow up a little bit here. Rules are in place to be there, not to be broken. It does suck that you cant have your tank where you want it, but to ask for such a favor is in bad taste.

On the other hand, to ask for some advice on how to handle it is a great thread!! And, for the most part, i think everyone here and on PT has given some great advice on how to approach it. I suggest you follow these suggestions instead of starting a SPAM war, you will be respected much more with that approach.

I really am not trying to be harsh..... I really do feel for you steven, but you have to be realistic. It would be like me asking you all to send letters to my work because i cant have a tank at my desk, or asking you to send letters to the police dept cause i got a ticket driving home to fast from the LFS with livestock.

Best of luck....im sure you will figure something out.

jB

 

I think its rediculous to ask people from a forum to write and institution on THEIR rules. Lets all grow up a little bit here. Rules are in place to be there, not to be broken. It does suck that you cant have your tank where you want it, but to ask for such a favor is in bad taste.

LOL, you got to be kidding right? Laws are made to be broken. Why? because laws or rules could be wrong or no longer right. We as a nation have the congress to rewrite laws. Laws or rules are also subject to interpretation, we as a nation have the courts to do just that.

Do you always drive 65mph on highway? or just not old enough to drive?

 

jB, think about the real world. Rules are there until someone with enough clout, money, influence, power, whatever, has a justifiable (or unjustifiable in the case of money ) reason to request a change in the rules. If i were this kids RA, regardless of whether or not I was the aquarist that i am, i have serious doubts that i would nail him to a cross because his tank was 8 gallons over. How many laypeople can even tell the difference between a 10 gallon and an 18 gallon tank? Does that 8 gallons make more of a stink/mess than a 10 gallon? Doubtful is the answer to all of these questions. SC, I think that the emailing of them maybe was not super wise, but you're still young, you're allowed to make mistakes. Just be nice to them, raise some of the valid points brought up here about why the rules are a little silly, and that you're fastidious about keeping things clean. Show them pictures. I think you're argument is prett convincing.

 

jB, think about the real world. Rules are there until someone with enough clout, money, influence, power, whatever, has a justifiable (or unjustifiable in the case of money ) reason to request a change in the rules.

I'm pretty sure Steven has none of these...that is part of growing up and earning what you have. Steven, you will always gain more respect by achieving your goals within the rules rather then breaking them to get what you want.

Just my opinion.

Good luck

jB

 

I shouldve added drive to that. Steven has drive.

 

I agree with Jason to the point that it makes us all look like a bunch of nerds! But, if the letter writing helps you get what you want, and you can live with the consequences whatever they may be, then go for it. I have always lived my life going against the institution, whatever it may be. You just have to pick your battles sometimes.

 

Jason, I am sorry but I have to disagree with you.
This is a Democracy, and it is built on WE THE PEOPLE, not YOU THE RULERS.
Should we not write our congressman and politicians to tell them how we feel about unfair rules, or things that matter most to us personally, after all they are OUR representatives. The 10-gallon rule is probably in place because somebody at some time said; this is a good Cut-off size. If it is pointed out that that rule could be changed, or could be bent for Metric sized aquariums, then where is your cut-off size, why not make it a 60p. Unless there is enough IMFORMED PUBLIC to go PUBLIC, this CAN NOT HAPPEN.

Communication between the masses and the leaders is ALWAYS encouraged.

Granted we are talking about a small issue here, but it is in no way REDICULOUS

And Steven has stated that he will not BREAK the rule, which ever way it goes.

 

What you say is true and indeed part of our great country.

However, we are in no way involved and have no baring on what his school does or decides. To involve people not associated with the school or more specifically that dorm is ridiculous. If they were outlawing and prosecuting aquarist, then I could see a point. However, they are not. It would be like a man living in Mexico signing a petition for snow removal in NYC.

In this case, it is ridiculous. IMO

jB

 

.....we are in no way involved and have no baring on what his school does or decides.

Some of us are.

I am accutely aware of the need for rules and regulation, trust me on that. But when one believes in the cause, no matter how "ridiculous" it may be to others, then one must act with one's own integrity.

If I can help Steven here then I will do what I can to help. Rules can be bent. Sometimes they need to be. IMHO.

 

Well, we will have to see.

If it ends up working, then it was not rediculous.

IMO, it is still worth a try but I respect your opinion.

 

And of course....i respect yours

jB

 

Goalcreas, trust me, there are always consequences to every action, and there are always people who will take it upon themselves to try to inflict those consequences upon those they feel deserve it, whether it is any of their business or not. What will dorm life be like for Steven after this? You have to admit, it is a little wierd to have people, total strangers, not connected with the school to get involved in what some people would call a trivial issue. This is not a political issue. Thats why you need to pick your battles, but if this is the battle Steven wants to fight, then thats his business.

 

Thats why you need to pick your battles, but if this is the battle Steven wants to fight, then thats his business.

Exactly, so we need not be the ones to harras him for it.

And still, there is no reason that an argument for the 60p being the standard METRIC tank allowed in a dorm is not presented.

And who would be making his dorm life a problem who is not already at least trying.

I would think it weird if he went on a NASCAR fan forum, or an MLB fan forum and asked people to help him fight this battle, but he is here on a planted tank forum asking informed people to help enlighten the situation.

And I will add, that I did not send a letter on his behalf, because I don't see the plight in doing so.
But let him do as he wishes.

I do see that there might be better ways to go about it also.

 

Steven I wish you the best of luck with this situation. However, I am in agreement with Jason and Goalcreas. I believe sending spam email is an inappropriate action in this case, and may ultimately hurt your cause.

I believe you would be better served if you get letters of support from your fellow friends, dorm residents, and other members of importance who are affiliated with your college. Create a clean looking package/profolio that contains chapters of the following:

• Your Request for an Exception (describing educational benefits related to keeping planted aquariums, artistic merit, insurance of tank safety, and community benefits)
• Profolio of Aquascapes
• Letters of Support (friends, dorm residents, and Art/Science professors)

This package will demostrate your professionalism and commitment to the biological and artistic education showing that your aquarium is a benefit to the full college/dorm community, and an inspiration to learning. This effort will be more enticing to read through and take up for consideration. If your request gets denied, think about aquascaping a challenging smaller sized tank.

Best of luck,

-John N.

 

Ehh.... I still dont see the point. Its not like they are saying no to all tanks. Do a smaller one....like robert says, pick your battles. Put the tanks away for a year. Take up painting, wood carving, guitar....a practice in art is a practice in art. Use a 10 gallon for a year of experimenting with nutrients and light. That will certainly help his "career" in aquascaping.

IMO, this is just whining. Do you petition your work to wear shorts if you cant? NO!!!

HAHA

Interesnting thread that i think certainly shows a difference in age. Not a bad thing.....just interesting.

My opinion still stands. This is a rediculous request. There are still many ways to practice art. Steven has the inner skill to do that.....whining about 8 gallons is just as bad as cutting you off at 8 gallons.

Let it go

jB