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Damage feeds running feud: MDIslander

Damage feeds running feud
by Oka Hutchins, Mount Desert Islander

Bar Harbor -- Police are investigating allegations of Web site
tampering made by one local running group, Eden Athletics, against
another, Crow Athletics, which hosts the annual Mount Desert Island
Marathon.

Christine Ganz, president of Eden Athletics, reported that the group's
Web site is temporarily down after someone hacked into the Eden
Athletics site and destroyed it on Feb. 18.

The allegations come amidst a longtime feud between the two groups.
"There is known bad blood between us," said Crow Athletics President
Gary Allen. "Eden Athletics is crying wolf."

Officer Shaun Farrar confirmed that Eden's Web site was accessed from
a computer at College of the Atlantic. "The Web site was accessed and
destroyed," he said.

"The allegations of hacking are completely untrue," said Mr. Allen.
"We have documented administrative access to the Eden Athletics Web
site."

That documentation has been given to the police, who confirm that the
Web site was not hacked, but was accessed.

A substantial amount of data was deleted from the Eden Athletics Web
site. "We lost countless hours of time and effort, photos of races
and event reports," said Ms. Ganz. As far as culpability goes, "the
police have identified a person and a particular computer. This
person and possibly another involved person will be charged," she
said.

Mary Ropp, a COA student who works with Crow Athletics, "feels really
bad about the allegations. She was just doing her job," said Mr.
Allen. "If Eden Athletics didn't want her accessing their site, they
should have revoked her access." Ms. Ropp manages six or seven Web
sites. "She had a right to add and remove content," said Mr. Allen.

Eden Athletics' Web site editor, Brian Hubbell, originally was a
member of Crow Athletics. Both organizations' web sites operate on a
multiple administrator system. According to Mr. Allen, when Mr.
Hubbell was a member of Crow Athletics, he deleted content and locked
out several of Crow Athletics' Web site administrators. "I can't
believe we are being accused of this; he's the one that deleted
information from our Web site without authorization," said Mr. Allen.
"Instead of apologizing, he left and started Eden Athletics. They
were formed from a bad seed."

Eden Athletics sees the issue from a different angle. When asked why
someone would vandalize Eden's Web site, Ms. Ganz said, "I don't know,
that's a question for them."

She said Mr. Hubbell "was online and noticed that the Web site was
being hacked. Fortunately, he was able to stop it." After he did his
best to control the damage, Mr. Hubbell contacted the police, she
said.

The organization's former domain name, edenathletics.com, has been
completely broken said Ms. Ganz. "But we remain alive and kicking."
Webmaster Peter Kenlan has relocated the Web site temporarily to
edenathletics.dreamhosters.com. "After about a half an hour after our
new Web site went up, we had six or seven posts," said Ms. Ganz. "Our
community is very cohesive." Eden Athletics will be operating from
its temporary Web address until further notice.

"I'm about running," said Mr. Allen. "I don't know why they are so
negative." He said he thinks Eden Athletics has a vendetta against
Crow Athletics, pointing to their temporary Web site's message board.
"You don't see negative comments on our Web site," he said.

A review of both Web sites on Wednesday morning turned up no negative
comments on either one.

Fear not

"The allegations of hacking are completely untrue," said Mr. Allen. "We have documented administrative access to the Eden Athletics Web site."

Ms. Ropp manages six or seven Web sites. "She had a right to add and remove content," said Mr. Allen.

I realize I rarely post here anymore since I moved to Portland, but I thought that seeing these lines in print might cause some alarm amongst regular readers. As a person who is authorized to change access levels, let me be most clear in assuring everyone that these two statements are categorically untrue. Neither of these two individuals has, or ever has had, any legitimate administrative access to this site. Period.

So breathe easy about that. The only people who have authorized access to this site are the people who are supposed to.

By Pedro at 21 February, 2007 - 20:13 | login or register to post comments

You mean....

....saying something over and over again really loudly doesn't make it true?

By Brian at 21 February, 2007 - 20:22 | login or register to post comments

Or...

does managing six or seven websites give you the right to destroy somebody else's website? Sounds like a mean thing to do.

By John M at 21 February, 2007 - 20:26 | login or register to post comments

No fear here

Thanks for the assurance Pedro. You noticed that the Islander didn't say it was true: they just quoted. They also quoted some mis-information about the root of the issue, the formation of Eden Athletics (which changed its name from Crow Athletics last fall), etc.

Anyway, I hope things are going well for you. You're doing us all a great service. Thank you.

By Lid at 21 February, 2007 - 20:33 | login or register to post comments

I read the story

Interesting.
I do not know Mr Allen nor do I want to. I don't want to sound negative. We were at 2 water stations for the MDI Marathon. We were at mile 4 which was the Eden station along with about 10 other Eden Members. After the last runner went past we cleaned up the area and went into the deeper miles I and about 5 other Eden members ended at mile 20 with the Coast Guard as there were only 4or5 people there. we stayed until the last person came by and cleaned up the area.
Mr Allen knew there were many people from the Eden Club and in the Letters to the Editor in the Islander sent in by MR Allen I did not see Eden Athletics acknowledged as volunteers although all other groups were listed. As a runner having over 25 marathons and I don't know how many races under my belt,I felt slighted by Mr Allen who claims to be a SPORTSMAN but does not exhibit sportsmanship.
Don Bell

By Donald Bell at 21 February, 2007 - 21:33 | login or register to post comments

Thanks for the article

I didn't know how to get this from afar. I think it's pretty clear in this article which version makes sense and which is a "bad seed". Anyone else chuckle at the irony of, "we have administrative access" after years of "give me back my access"?

By Rae at 22 February, 2007 - 08:58 | login or register to post comments

I'll kick his ass

Just buy me a ticket to Maine.

By Cake at 22 February, 2007 - 12:02 | login or register to post comments

He doesn't

See negativety on his website because he's about the only one posting.

By Cake at 22 February, 2007 - 12:12 | login or register to post comments

Does this

Count as a negative comment? I guess I'll just kick my own ass Saturday in my workout.

By Cake at 22 February, 2007 - 12:40 | login or register to post comments

Threats

Just heard from the Bar Harbor police that Gary filed a complaint with them on Saturday regarding some of the comments on this thread.

So, I'll take this opportunity to remind all of us (including myself) to keep any outrage in check. Lots of people who don't ordinarily view these pages or personally know the posters are checking in on them now. So please understand that any statement like "I'll kick his ass" may be taken quite literally.

I'm not going to alter or delete any comments -- because that's not the way we operate here. But, please, all, be prudent. This is a matter that, at this point, is moving out of our hands and into the law's own purview.

By Brian at 26 February, 2007 - 10:53 | login or register to post comments

Where do I send the airline ticket to...

Blowing Rock mental health center:)

By ginger at 22 February, 2007 - 14:48 | login or register to post comments

Brave

talking to coach like that. I sense endless hill repeats in your future.

By TimT at 22 February, 2007 - 15:01 | login or register to post comments

hoping for

that's what I'm hoping for. I'm not going to get to Boston doing these sissy, 12 pace flat runs;)

By ginger at 22 February, 2007 - 15:10 | login or register to post comments

new runners

not there's anything wrong with 12 pace:|:|:| Talk about putting my foot in my mouth. It wasn't too long ago I was running that pace.

By ginger at 22 February, 2007 - 15:12 | login or register to post comments

hey, you

we're going to BQ at Sugarloaf

(I get my training plan on Sunday! Excited. I mailed my training log to Kelley yesterday. I think there's more swimming in it than there is running. LOL.)

By Alyie at 22 February, 2007 - 15:16 | login or register to post comments

No

it's ok. I deserve it.

By Cake at 22 February, 2007 - 17:45 | login or register to post comments

9-miles

easy 9 with Evy.

By Cake at 22 February, 2007 - 12:03 | login or register to post comments

oh yeah

0 easy miles for me.

By ginger at 22 February, 2007 - 14:49 | login or register to post comments

deep breaths guys

karma, karma, karma.

Things will work out.

By Alyie at 22 February, 2007 - 15:05 | login or register to post comments

sorry to see this fued

still alive.Facts at least in article appear fairly cut and dried.Go Eden! Dave T.

By Dave T at 22 February, 2007 - 18:24 | login or register to post comments

Unfortunately the MDI Islander article ...

... perpetuates the myth that there is a "feud" between two running clubs. This notion is fueled by Gary Allen's outrageous statements littered throughout the article. Those of us who have been close to the situation know how ridiculous his statements are. The trouble is the public certainly doesn't know the statements are ludicrous and they will be taken in as fact. This is damaging to the club's reputation and cannot be countered no matter how much we play nice in the forum. Many potential members will think twice about joining a club that is feuding with another running club. I call on the club's Officers to send a letter to the Editor of the MDI Islander to set the record straight.

Kevin Johnson

PS - the club needs someone to take on the responsibility of public relations.

By Kev at 23 February, 2007 - 09:15 | login or register to post comments

And unfortunately....

...bullying works.

Anyone who has stuck their head up long enough to refute Gary on the facts directly finds themselves on the receiving end of his blunderbuss, with their in-boxes filled with bulk email flames and context-contorted quotes, their photo-shopped images spread across the worldwide web, their running ability and genitalia suddenly subject to comprehensive critical review.

Who in their right mind volunteers for more of that?

In such a situation, the only thing that works is when a whole community speaks up in objection.

By Brian at 23 February, 2007 - 10:22 | login or register to post comments

But

We shall prevail because we have an advantage. We are not insane.

By Cake at 23 February, 2007 - 12:13 | login or register to post comments

I'd take the job.

Even if I have to resign as an officer. I don't think playing nice is always the best path. In our world, Gary is insane, to many other people he is the one getting the press, perpetuating the lies, which no one perhaps sees as lies. We need to force the truth. My in-box is always open for any thoughts.

By Mike B at 23 February, 2007 - 17:16 | login or register to post comments

I think both clubs will take a hit

people have busy lives families,jobs,etc.Clubs should be entertainment period.Something fun to look forward to at the end of the day.Nobody is interested in negativity around any club of any kind regardless of who is right or wrong.From a legal standpoint I think facts will play out and Eden will easily prevail. Dave T.

By Dave T at 23 February, 2007 - 14:29 | login or register to post comments

We will respond to Oka Hutchin's piece..

and contest a number of the characterizations and allegations made in it. Your input is welcome, and the e-mail boxes of your officers are open.

"Playing nice" seems not to fairly reflect the request that people respect this (ongoing) investigation and the rights of those who may be charged as a result of it. Be careful with your comments and save the chest thumping for the Eliot Lounge.

I'm kind of conservative in these matters though. I would not have advised that Gary accuse Brian of "deleting web content without authorization" in an interview with a reporter, nor would I have published that accusation even as an attributed quote.

By Frank H at 23 February, 2007 - 19:16 | login or register to post comments

chest thumping

I like that term. Ok, got it.

By Cake at 23 February, 2007 - 19:39 | login or register to post comments

You should be chest thumping...

at the Eliot Lounge on Patriot's Day by 12:20! (12:30 if you take a shower)

By Frank H at 23 February, 2007 - 20:17 | login or register to post comments

Thanks

I'll send along some suggestions for a response via email. It's a lousy situation all around.

I also agree with Brian that some members will not speak out or even post on our forum for fear of becoming targets. Sad.

With those things said, I would be glad to add my name to whatever response the Officers draft.

By Kev at 23 February, 2007 - 19:45 | login or register to post comments

add mine

call me a ditto head if you want but add me to the list after all i am living here under the Canadian witness protection program under another name but i forgot what it was

By tom k at 24 February, 2007 - 08:35 | login or register to post comments

5 miles

At the Y, which looks like fork in the road.

By Mike B at 23 February, 2007 - 20:30 | login or register to post comments

they spellled

Brines' name rong

By Buff Manila at 24 February, 2007 - 14:42 | login or register to post comments

Ha ha ha!

:-)

By Nora at 24 February, 2007 - 17:21 | login or register to post comments

Buff Man lives and breathes!

I was getting worried.
Thank you Mike B for the offer, it is a heroic one, really!
Good to know there will be a response but I think it's good to let things play out legally. The potential consequences are huge!

By Rae at 24 February, 2007 - 15:19 | login or register to post comments

Hi, this is Ty

Just heard about the awful news. I am disappointed that Gary can not keep his anger to himself. I know he's really done a lot to us Edens and to his running club too. I just hope that everything will die down eventually. He is really getting me mad, but don't let Gary punish you for something you don't deserve. What im trying to say is that I don't want to see anyone from Eden get punished from Gary's actions. Everything will go back to normal in a while. But anyways, my body completely shut down in November, so I thought it would be a good idea to take a break. Unfortunately that break went a bit longer than expected, Lol. Gonna start back up running again, can't wait til the Bill Pinkham run. Hope to see you all out there running this year. Happy to be running again. Ty-Daniel Davis

By mama crow at 28 February, 2007 - 19:08 | login or register to post comments

Hi, this is Ty

Just heard about the awful news. I am disappointed that Gary can not keep his anger to himself. I know he's really done a lot to us Edens and to his running club too. I just hope that everything will die down eventually. He is really getting me frustrated, but don't let Gary punish you for something you don't deserve. What im trying to say is that I don't want to see anyone getting punished from Gary's actions. Everything will go back to normal in a while. But anyways, my body completely shut down in November, so I thought it would be a good idea to take a break. Unfortunately that break went a bit longer than expected, Lol. Gonna start back up running again, can't wait til the Bill Pinkham run. Hope to see you all out there running this year. Happy to be running again. Ty-Daniel Davis

By mama crow at 28 February, 2007 - 19:11 | login or register to post comments