This is in response to an article that Zion wrote. He was hoping to draw me out but it proved rather unsuccessful. Please note that I have copied and pasted Zion’s remarks in italics with my reply following. This is in case there could be a dispute from Zion that he did or did not write something.
The weathering stone
15 August 2012, 08:20
Some months ago an unidentified person entered a shop and requested a member of the staff to peruse a script of a piece he/she had written. – Do you think that I am such a chop that I would ask someone who worked in a bookstore to peruse a piece. If I wanted to publish anything I would definitely send it to a publishing house.
The script took up 3 pages and was filled with technicalities relating to a mine accident. Later the script was handed to myself and I read it several times to get an understanding of the author rather than the straightforward script. – In my position I have signed a confidentiality agreement. There is no way that I will throw away my career for the sake of a three page script. Other than that, the possible legal consequences are not worth the trouble.
The author mentioned his Surname/ Country of origin. – Nice try but still no cigar.
This person identified me, in the article, as to my movements in the mall in Welkom. – Hence the reason for my article.
I later received a photograph of this person and his attire matched descriptions I received from others. – Unless you know someone from the cops there is no way you could have received a photograph of me. The people who know me would also not have given you much information about me either.
Today while leaving the mall I passed this person and the look I received was rather one of animosity. And if that is so then so be it. This encounter lasted a split second. I did not enjoy it. – You wrote this article on the 15th. The 13th, 14th and 15th August I was not in Welkom. What you do not realise is that I do not reside in Welkom at all. Pity you did not go and introduce yourself, remember Jim Reeves “A stranger is just a friend you do not know”.
The 3 page script was well written and shows the author has some insight in what he was writing about. – The author has some insight; you have stated that you have 36 years mining experience in practically all the mines in the country. I have 39 years so I do believe that I have quite some insight into the goings on in the mining industry.
Throughout my association with NEWS24 I have been open and honest as to who and what I am, never even considering taking up an anonymous identity. – Just busted this myth I would venture. I will stay Irish Mike as much as you have written that to each his own. More than half the comments that you receive are anonymous.
Toby.phatboy: wat gat hier aan Zion? Has Irish Mike threatened to publish some of your perverse prose in book form...claiming it is his own. – This was one of the comments that you received for this article. You never once corrected Toby as his assumption is the same as mine and correct.
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