Forums » Off-Topic

A plea for help for an old friend

Jul 09, 2008 jexkerome link
Some of you might remember Erik Moldovan from his time playing VO; he was Erik C. Bluestreak, moldyman, MonkOfAkan, and others. Though the guy had his issues, mostly he was a good friend and a solid player. Those who got to know him a little closer know his father was his only family as they were both Romanian immigrants and the mother abandoned them when Erik was three years old.

Late last month, Erik's father was killed in circumstances that have yet to be completely unraveled:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/06/26/2008-06-26_federal_agent_grilled_in_pals_death.html

This tragedy has left Erik in a very precarious position: life in New York is very expensive, and his salary isn't enough to pay for his upkeep, much less take care of his father's remains or putting his affairs in order. In addition, his father's assets are frozen while the investigation into his death is ongoing; it's been a few weeks already and very few facts have come to light (about the only relevant one is that his father wasn't the one who pulled the trigger). Lastly, as an immigrant, he has no one else Stateside, and the few relatives he has back in Europe can render little help, though they are doing their best.

So on his behalf, we his friends are asking for whatever financial help you can spare; all he needs is enough to help him stay afloat until he can access his father's accounts, which should enable him to finish taking care of things and which shouldn't, hopefully, take more than a month. Should you be willing to help, email me for the pertinent info at jorcid@gmail.com.

Of course, assistance of any other kind is also most welcome, and we ask that at least you keep Erik on your thoughts or prayers as he goes through this difficult time.

Thank you.
Jul 09, 2008 break19 link
Well, help is good. unfortunately, by you posting account and routing info on a publicly available web site like this, means no, he not only will have to deal with the financial burdens brought on by the untimely death of his father, he will also now likely have to deal with the untold millions of unscrupulous characters who -will- take that information and use it for nefarious purposes.

While I am -now- an honest individual, my past, however, was not so well-meaning.. So this isn't just coming from a "security freak" but from someone who has "been there, done that" Not a smart move, you'd -better- edit that out asap, and tell him to contact his bank, and inform them that his account may have been compromised.
Jul 09, 2008 vIsitor link
This is a portent most grave. I've always been fond of Moldy, even though I was only in-game to be his subordinate for a very short while. This news is both disheartening, and disturbing. It is always unfortunate when tragedy strikes close to home.

I am currently incapable of helping out financially, and I certainly can not make so bold a claim as to know what he's going through. Nevertheless, I extend what condolences I can offer, such as they are.

Perhaps it is some small consolation that you, 'jex', are looking out for him in real life, as few of us are able. Its a strange thing, but our fraternal order of VO players seems very real for something as ephemeral as a common interest in a video game.

I wish Erik the best of luck; his loss can not be an easy burden to shoulder.
-Captain Hardrive
Jul 09, 2008 Professor Chaos link
I'd help if I had spare money, but right now all I can do is agree with break: get those numbers off this public forum, before you cause more harm with your good intentions than help.
Jul 09, 2008 Whistler link
He took care of it.
Jul 09, 2008 Touriaus link
This news is very disheartening, Perhaps we should come up with some sort of fundraiser for Erik, I'm not sure how, my only thought is to look in to local churches, while you or he or anyone doesn't have to believe in anything, but they should be willing to help if they met him. If they are good and honest, I only say this as a means of help that I know of. Erik will be in the heart of my prayers for as long as he needs them and then some.

And I have a request...to post something that some may attack me for or condone that it is insensitive to freedom of belief...But it does have a good message behind it. Please have compassion at this time and understand why it is relevant, and that people including myself will put religious pride behind.

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 

32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 

34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 

35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 

36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke Chapter 10:29 - 37
Jul 09, 2008 LeberMac link
Erik, I'm so sorry.

I will help however I can.
Jul 09, 2008 Professor Chaos link
It's very sad. I wish there was more that I could do than offer encouragement. Touriaus is right, local help is probably the best route. I'm confident all will go well, I hope it's all solved and the culprit gets what he deserves.

It is fortunate that events like this are the exception rather than the rule, but it is a tragedy every time it happens.
Jul 10, 2008 FreedomBird link
Wow... I'm lost for words, at one point I considered Erik to be one of my best ingame friends... I'll be sure to help, expect an email from me shortly. This came with strange timing, my pastor just gave a sermon on Sunday about reaching out to those in need.
Jul 10, 2008 enigmatic-boy link
This is very sad... I can't really give anything... but Erik will be in my prayers for as long as need be.
Jul 10, 2008 zamzx zik link
Erik, I'm so sorry.
Jul 10, 2008 moldyman link
Thanks guys.
Jul 11, 2008 Dr. Lecter link
I dropped you a line on Facebook, Erik. Please feel free to contact me should you need assistance (or if you just want to grab a beer or play some paintball to blow off steam).

-Dr. L
Jul 12, 2008 moldyman link
Profile #781054951 . I had another one from way back in time, almost two years ago now. Forgot the password and username long ago (and lost access to the university email, which was required then).
Jul 13, 2008 LeberMac link
erik I dropped a line in ta God in church trhis AM - dunno if he heard it but if you win the lottery it's partially due ta me K?
Jul 13, 2008 moldyman link
Sure! I'll split the winnings with a tequila brewery. Those agave plants need to be taken care of.
Aug 02, 2008 ryan reign link
Bluestreak helped me out when I was a new player...I'll see if I can sell some of my paintings or photos and try to send some currency his way...I know how hard it can be to be an immigrant.

Stay strong, you and your father are in my prayers, and I pray the coward who shot him faces judgement.
Aug 03, 2008 epadafunk link
this isn't really the place to be asking for handouts. we sympathize, but we will not help you.
Aug 03, 2008 moldyman link
Ooo, a troll. I love those.

I'd like to begin with who "we" is, since I see you are neither a mod nor a dev, nor have anyone else agreeing with you.

Furthermore, this was the easiest way to get in contact with some old friends. You may say that it should not be done on the forums, they are Guild's forums after all. But they are just a means of communication. So if I told my VO friends through IRC, or resubbing and telling them ingame, would it have been any different? Or are you putting forward the idea that using this game as a means of communicating with old friends is bad. Which, honestly, is preposterous. It's also funny since this is not against the EULA by any means, and thus allowed.

I'm sorry this thread offends your eyes, I should really consider how difficult the lives of another becomes when they are burdened by boiling malcontent when one sees this thread and proceeds to read through it all.

PS - Notice *I* did not post this topic. I did not ask J to either, he just did. And friends have been helping me because of it, which I will sit down and thank them for once my father is finally taken care of.