The Worst Post Ever.

tom in salem said:
Just saw this. I'm an old time poster who goes back before the day this site launched. He contacted Otis and I from a Big East thread he saw that we all contributed to. The time, energy and cost he put into this site was unreal, and he refused any help. That's how Paul was. Once launched, it was nuts. Paul could navigate a computer like no one I've ever met. He somehow found a thousand guys like you in the blink of an eye. No idea how he accomplished it but he was ecstatic. This was his baby. I've yet to meet a bigger fan. Posters talked about making some tweeks, inviting guests, having get togethers. Paul's only focus was this site. I was lucky enough to meet him. St. John's had gotten in contact with him to thank him and let him know how impressed they were. Not many Big East schools had their own sites back then. St. John's asked him if there was anything they could do for him. He was living in Maine at the time and asked if they would provide him with BC (yes, they were still in the Big EAST) tickets, as that was the closest game to his home. He asked to have them leave 4 tickets at the will call window. I was living in Connecticut at the time and we spoke daily. He was aware I was surrounded by yukon fans and needed a voice of reason to listen. He mentioned the tickets to me and said he requested 4 hoping my wife and I could join. That was easy, as my wife was as big a fan as I, and I found out so was his. So we met outside a totally emyty on campus gym, introduced ourselves and went along our way, talking St. John's hoops the entire time. He gets the tickets, hands me 2, and we sit down directly behind the St. John's bench. Alex Evans comes over and says HI, and asks if we need anything else. Still my favorite St. John's game ever because I got to meet Paul. Everything people have said about him on here is true. He was "THAT GUY". He loved all you guys. You made his site what it was/is.
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Thank you TIS for providing a little history and your kind words about Paul.
I certainly have my own personal story but am in no position to properly express myself.
This last week has been very difficult to say the least.
 
Jack Williams said:
Such sad news, Paul is and will always be a St. John’s legend in my eyes. May he rest in peace

As I’ve said countless times, I grew up a St. John’s fan due to my dad being an alum, but also grew up hours away from NY, this site was my gateway to being able to find other people who cared about the team and school the way I did.

Paul did this for countless people, many who we know and love, but also many who probably never even made an account or posted, but were just able to read and connect with others regarding the state of SJU hoops. we will always be indebted to him for that.

Last thing I’ll share - The last time I messaged with Paul directly was after the change from redmen.com to red.fans. Something got crossed in the change, and I couldn’t access this account, it wasn’t taking my password, and I couldn’t reset it cause the email I used to sign up was LONG gone. This kept me from posting for awhile because I didn’t want to restart under a new screen name.

Eventually I decided to email Paul and see if he could help me out somehow.

He got back to me in less than an hour. Somehow he seamlessly hooked up my old account (this account) to the email I messaged him from. Sent me a link to reset my password, and just like that I was back.

And he told me he prioritized getting it done because he always appreciated my contributions to the site. Hearing that from the creator of the site itself always stuck with me. He didn’t have to go above and beyond for us, just creating this site (and keeping it free) would’ve been more than enough. But it wasn’t enough for Paul, he always actively cared about the community and loved all of us just like he loved St. John’s.

RIP to an all time great, we’ll miss you but your legacy will undoubtedly live on
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Thank you Jack.
As many have told you, you are wise beyond your years and your posts are greatly appreciated.
Another lovely story about a poster's interaction with Paul.
 
I'm probably one of the least qualified people on the site to comment in regards to Paul and his impact, as I have largely been a lurker, but hearing of the suffering that he and his family endured, juxtaposed with all of the wonderful comments from the members of this site, I felt compelled to post.

I lurked and read posts on this board for over 20 years, and lived through the highs and lows (mostly lows) of St. John's fandom. I have enjoyed reading the contributions of many on this site, and felt more informed as a result of it. None of that would have been possible without the passion and love for St. John's basketball that Paul had. This site is a wonderful spot to gather, listen and interact, and I, as a relative outsider, am very thankful for what Paul has provided to this community.

Cancer sucks - it's a horrible scourge that has affected and hurt far too many people and families. I am very sad and very sorry for the suffering that Paul and his family experienced. If there is any good that can come from losing a person who many care for and say nice things about, hopefully people can help support research to defeat this disease, but also take time to show concern and compassion for our fellow man. The beauty of communities like this is the camaraderie that can be created, even with people having differing opinions. Paul created a paradise for us to interact in, and for that I am grateful and thankful.

He and his family remain in my prayers. What a horrible thing to have to have endured. But, he's no longer in pain, and I hope that his family and friends are comforted in their memories of a loved one, and we can use this platform as a memorial for all that Paul contributed to and loved.

RIP, Paul. And my deepest condolences to your loving family.
 
It's not the time yet, but at some point in the near future we should do something to honor Paul's legacy. Maybe there's a way to incorporate his name in to the name of the site? Open to ideas.
 
I had two short interactions with Paul over the years, and to say he was helpful is putting it mildly. I was impressed that he took so much time to resolve my issues. Only then did I come to know that this was his baby.

What he has created for all of us is plain unbelievable.

Me and my family's deepest sympathies to Paul and his family. RIP Paul.
 
tom in salem said:
Just saw this. I'm an old time poster who goes back before the day this site launched. He contacted Otis and I from a Big East thread he saw that we all contributed to. The time, energy and cost he put into this site was unreal, and he refused any help. That's how Paul was. Once launched, it was nuts. Paul could navigate a computer like no one I've ever met. He somehow found a thousand guys like you in the blink of an eye. No idea how he accomplished it but he was ecstatic. This was his baby. I've yet to meet a bigger fan. Posters talked about making some tweeks, inviting guests, having get togethers. Paul's only focus was this site. I was lucky enough to meet him. St. John's had gotten in contact with him to thank him and let him know how impressed they were. Not many Big East schools had their own sites back then. St. John's asked him if there was anything they could do for him. He was living in Maine at the time and asked if they would provide him with BC (yes, they were still in the Big EAST) tickets, as that was the closest game to his home. He asked to have them leave 4 tickets at the will call window. I was living in Connecticut at the time and we spoke daily. He was aware I was surrounded by yukon fans and needed a voice of reason to listen. He mentioned the tickets to me and said he requested 4 hoping my wife and I could join. That was easy, as my wife was as big a fan as I, and I found out so was his. So we met outside a totally emyty on campus gym, introduced ourselves and went along our way, talking St. John's hoops the entire time. He gets the tickets, hands me 2, and we sit down directly behind the St. John's bench. Alex Evans comes over and says HI, and asks if we need anything else. Still my favorite St. John's game ever because I got to meet Paul. Everything people have said about him on here is true. He was "THAT GUY". He loved all you guys. You made his site what it was/is.
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Tom, meet you at a BC game. Haven’t post much in years. Was regular back in the day. I never met Paul but back then I felt like I knew him from his posts and helping with any issues. I have spent many hours reading this site and the information and enjoyment is all because of Paul. Rest In peace.
Tom I hope you are well.
 
tom in salem said:
Just saw this. I'm an old time poster who goes back before the day this site launched. He contacted Otis and I from a Big East thread he saw that we all contributed to. The time, energy and cost he put into this site was unreal, and he refused any help. That's how Paul was. Once launched, it was nuts. Paul could navigate a computer like no one I've ever met. He somehow found a thousand guys like you in the blink of an eye. No idea how he accomplished it but he was ecstatic. This was his baby. I've yet to meet a bigger fan. Posters talked about making some tweeks, inviting guests, having get togethers. Paul's only focus was this site. I was lucky enough to meet him. St. John's had gotten in contact with him to thank him and let him know how impressed they were. Not many Big East schools had their own sites back then. St. John's asked him if there was anything they could do for him. He was living in Maine at the time and asked if they would provide him with BC (yes, they were still in the Big EAST) tickets, as that was the closest game to his home. He asked to have them leave 4 tickets at the will call window. I was living in Connecticut at the time and we spoke daily. He was aware I was surrounded by yukon fans and needed a voice of reason to listen. He mentioned the tickets to me and said he requested 4 hoping my wife and I could join. That was easy, as my wife was as big a fan as I, and I found out so was his. So we met outside a totally emyty on campus gym, introduced ourselves and went along our way, talking St. John's hoops the entire time. He gets the tickets, hands me 2, and we sit down directly behind the St. John's bench. Alex Evans comes over and says HI, and asks if we need anything else. Still my favorite St. John's game ever because I got to meet Paul. Everything people have said about him on here is true. He was "THAT GUY". He loved all you guys. You made his site what it was/is.
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Hey Tom
Please consider becoming a regular poster on this site again.
Your opinions and thoughts are missed.
I hope the years have been good to you and your family.
Best regards
otis.
 
Eric said:
Great post Tom in Salem. I remember meeting you at one of the novita meet ups. Don’t be a stranger. Keep posting and go to the next meet up too!!
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redmannorth said:
Thank you TIS for providing a little history and your kind words about Paul.
I certainly have my own personal story but am in no position to properly express myself.
This last week has been very difficult to say the least.
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He really thought the world of you.
 
HobokenTom said:
Tom, meet you at a BC game. Haven’t post much in years. Was regular back in the day. I never met Paul but back then I felt like I knew him from his posts and helping with any issues. I have spent many hours reading this site and the information and enjoyment is all because of Paul. Rest In peace.
Tom I hope you are well.
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You too Tom.
 
otis said:
Hey Tom
Please consider becoming a regular poster on this site again.
Your opinions and thoughts are missed.
I hope the years have been good to you and your family.
Best regards
otis.
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I'm well BOB, thanks.
I've been on a twitter thread for years that's multi dimensional, but mainly St. John's.
 
redmannorth said:
I am sick to have to let you all know that the family just advised that Paul passed 30 minutes ago.
May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted in their sorrow.
Should I or Mjmaherjr receive further information about funeral, wake or anything else pertinent rest assured we will post same.
Rest in peace my dear friend Paul your horrible suffering has ended.
You will never be forgotten and will always be cherished.
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May he rest in peace!🙏🙏🙏🙏
 
I think I had already moved to the Bay Area by the time I started posting so I've only met a few past/present posters here, but thanks to the community Paul built I feel like I know about 100 of you. I'll always be grateful to him for that, especially since reading the site helped get me through some dark days a decade ago. My sincere condolences to both his family and everyone who had the pleasure of befriending him through this site.
 
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