What is Cole talking about

TeamGreen
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4/16/2020 11:36am
Green Tea wrote:
Don't take it personal Cole. The bean counters make all the corporate financial decisions and you'll never win the battle against them. They don't give shit...
Don't take it personal Cole. The bean counters make all the corporate financial decisions and you'll never win the battle against them. They don't give shit who you are, they just care about the numbers.
And...sadly...they are far too interested in the automotive side of the company.
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TankSlapper
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4/16/2020 11:45am
I was always a fan of Seely as a racer. Definitely not a fan of his Supreme / Wheelie Boy shtick. Maybe some folks over at Honda corporate had similar feelings?
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Johnny Ringo
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4/16/2020 11:46am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2020 11:50am
So he was bitching about Honda? Bold, dude.

They should ask for that factory 250 motor back.
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TeamGreen
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4/16/2020 11:58am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2020 12:25pm
He's a young dude with a lot goin' on. Good for him!

The clip on the Katoom...all that free-riding was a "typical day in the hills" & I like his edit of the riding and terrain.
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The Shop

4/16/2020 12:10pm
Green Tea wrote:
Sick whips @ 9:42. I wish I could do that just once for a photo....just once..

BTW Cole, if you are planning to make a lot more videos and you want to step it up a notch get a gimbal for your GoPro or the buy an Osmo Pocket from DJI for all the handheld stuff. Makes a huge difference.
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tingo
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4/16/2020 12:12pm
Green Tea wrote:
Cliff notes: He thought his builds and "clout" were worth something. Honda didn't think so. He likes the race team, though.
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8tensolutions
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4/16/2020 12:13pm
Here is the video where he tells you everything about the reasoning. I do understand his points, but he comes across as whining that Honda didn't give him stuff....but neither is KTM, so it's basically his resentment towards Honda which is comical based on his views. I watch the videos and will continue to. Cole is definitely cool.....but horrendously entitled and left one Brand that supported him for years for another that is also not supporting him lol.

https://www.youtube.com/user/cseely200
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fox1nz
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4/16/2020 12:16pm
Mummies boy butt is hurt..
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FWYT
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4/16/2020 12:32pm
Weaksauce.
seth505
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4/16/2020 12:43pm
Here is the video where he tells you everything about the reasoning. I do understand his points, but he comes across as whining that Honda didn't...
Here is the video where he tells you everything about the reasoning. I do understand his points, but he comes across as whining that Honda didn't give him stuff....but neither is KTM, so it's basically his resentment towards Honda which is comical based on his views. I watch the videos and will continue to. Cole is definitely cool.....but horrendously entitled and left one Brand that supported him for years for another that is also not supporting him lol.

https://www.youtube.com/user/cseely200
He's a nice dude and I wish him the best but I agree with above. Taking apart new Hondas, anodizing parts and bolting on new exhaust and A kit suspension isn't worth a corporation investing in after you're retired from racing.
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LungButter
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4/16/2020 1:34pm
Here is the video where he tells you everything about the reasoning. I do understand his points, but he comes across as whining that Honda didn't...
Here is the video where he tells you everything about the reasoning. I do understand his points, but he comes across as whining that Honda didn't give him stuff....but neither is KTM, so it's basically his resentment towards Honda which is comical based on his views. I watch the videos and will continue to. Cole is definitely cool.....but horrendously entitled and left one Brand that supported him for years for another that is also not supporting him lol.

https://www.youtube.com/user/cseely200
All while the $10,000 motorcycle that Honda let him ride for free for the last year sits behind the KTM he just bought.

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FWYT
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4/16/2020 2:24pm
And to think, he could have just built the KTM and spun it into a way of "Seely Brands branching out!" type of thing. Without trash-talking anybody or anyting. But no, like I said on page one, online beefs are a cheap way to build likes and followers.

The days of Corporations not paying attention to social media are long since over. Yes, all those old folk can push a few buttons and pull up all the metrics anyone could ever want. They see what is happening. Seely doesn't have the selling clout he thinks he has, despite all of his social media followers swinging from his nuts. Shame, because he seemed like such a down-to-earth and humble guy. I guess that's what happens when the hypebeast vibe get hold of you.
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kiwifan
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4/16/2020 2:51pm
Here is the video where he tells you everything about the reasoning. I do understand his points, but he comes across as whining that Honda didn't...
Here is the video where he tells you everything about the reasoning. I do understand his points, but he comes across as whining that Honda didn't give him stuff....but neither is KTM, so it's basically his resentment towards Honda which is comical based on his views. I watch the videos and will continue to. Cole is definitely cool.....but horrendously entitled and left one Brand that supported him for years for another that is also not supporting him lol.

https://www.youtube.com/user/cseely200
Yeah the irony in the situation is laughable, I do not dislike Cole for his views but I think he is lacking a little bit of reflection
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gambin87
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4/16/2020 2:56pm
Honestly, I don’t blame Cole.

He rode for Honda his entire pro career, sure he only won 1 premier class main, but he was always a front runner represented himself and his brands well, was always good to the youth and fans! Guy lived and breathed racing and racing for Honda. After he retired he has bought every bike he has built. Purchased his 450L himself, his 110 himself and bought his straight rhythm 250 off craigslist, sure the race team got him that motor he used but he had to dial In himself. Corporate Honda lent him a 450r to ride for a little and then requested he purchase it at full price. If I was put in that position after 10 plus years with a brand that they simply couldn’t give you one used bike or at least give you a “deal” on it I’d be upset too.
With all that being said I don’t blame him for buying a KTM and seeing what all these other brands are about, why support a brand that doesnt want to support you anymore. I respect Cole for buying these bikes out of pocket building them and riding the hell out of them. Non of you keyboard warriors race supercross or could ever hold a candle stick to cole. Riding in the hills with your buddy’s, hitting the desert, ripping some single track and still motoring laps at the local track is what we all Like to do and that’s exactly what he’s doing with his retirement. Not looking to be a brand ambassador just looks like a guy that wants to build cool shit and ride fun stuff with some support from brand he raced his career for. In my mind this Cole is a hell of a lot more relatable and a lot mote fun to watch.
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seth505
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4/16/2020 3:08pm
gambin87 wrote:
Honestly, I don’t blame Cole. He rode for Honda his entire pro career, sure he only won 1 premier class main, but he was always a...
Honestly, I don’t blame Cole.

He rode for Honda his entire pro career, sure he only won 1 premier class main, but he was always a front runner represented himself and his brands well, was always good to the youth and fans! Guy lived and breathed racing and racing for Honda. After he retired he has bought every bike he has built. Purchased his 450L himself, his 110 himself and bought his straight rhythm 250 off craigslist, sure the race team got him that motor he used but he had to dial In himself. Corporate Honda lent him a 450r to ride for a little and then requested he purchase it at full price. If I was put in that position after 10 plus years with a brand that they simply couldn’t give you one used bike or at least give you a “deal” on it I’d be upset too.
With all that being said I don’t blame him for buying a KTM and seeing what all these other brands are about, why support a brand that doesnt want to support you anymore. I respect Cole for buying these bikes out of pocket building them and riding the hell out of them. Non of you keyboard warriors race supercross or could ever hold a candle stick to cole. Riding in the hills with your buddy’s, hitting the desert, ripping some single track and still motoring laps at the local track is what we all Like to do and that’s exactly what he’s doing with his retirement. Not looking to be a brand ambassador just looks like a guy that wants to build cool shit and ride fun stuff with some support from brand he raced his career for. In my mind this Cole is a hell of a lot more relatable and a lot mote fun to watch.
Good post Cole, you bring up valid points but should they support every ex racer who wants to continue riding/having fun?
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kiwifan
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4/16/2020 3:08pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2020 3:11pm
gambin87 wrote:
Honestly, I don’t blame Cole. He rode for Honda his entire pro career, sure he only won 1 premier class main, but he was always a...
Honestly, I don’t blame Cole.

He rode for Honda his entire pro career, sure he only won 1 premier class main, but he was always a front runner represented himself and his brands well, was always good to the youth and fans! Guy lived and breathed racing and racing for Honda. After he retired he has bought every bike he has built. Purchased his 450L himself, his 110 himself and bought his straight rhythm 250 off craigslist, sure the race team got him that motor he used but he had to dial In himself. Corporate Honda lent him a 450r to ride for a little and then requested he purchase it at full price. If I was put in that position after 10 plus years with a brand that they simply couldn’t give you one used bike or at least give you a “deal” on it I’d be upset too.
With all that being said I don’t blame him for buying a KTM and seeing what all these other brands are about, why support a brand that doesnt want to support you anymore. I respect Cole for buying these bikes out of pocket building them and riding the hell out of them. Non of you keyboard warriors race supercross or could ever hold a candle stick to cole. Riding in the hills with your buddy’s, hitting the desert, ripping some single track and still motoring laps at the local track is what we all Like to do and that’s exactly what he’s doing with his retirement. Not looking to be a brand ambassador just looks like a guy that wants to build cool shit and ride fun stuff with some support from brand he raced his career for. In my mind this Cole is a hell of a lot more relatable and a lot mote fun to watch.
First post huh?

So how is that different to any other rider in the past? You sure as heck do not see them complaining about not getting freebies or deals from the brands they rode.

Also. Can we put some perspective on this, every industry (including Honda) are or will be going through significant financial hardship due to COVID-19, therefore perhaps what a company might of given before may not give now. Is that unreasonable given the current situation? No. For all we know (and no one here knows, I am speculating as well), that is why Cole is not getting what he thinks he deserves (?) from Honda.
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mister2dt
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4/16/2020 3:09pm
I can see the Honda side of this as well. The majority of time he spent recovering from injuries, he was building his 240 and his social media was predominantly about drifting and his car build with some moto thrown in for good measure. His social media was one i was always dumbfounded by. Seemed he only promoted moto when he was healthy and when not, it was about his hobbies and the moto posts were more like someone called and bitched at him for ignoring who cuts his checks
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gambin87
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4/16/2020 3:22pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2020 3:23pm
gambin87 wrote:
Honestly, I don’t blame Cole. He rode for Honda his entire pro career, sure he only won 1 premier class main, but he was always a...
Honestly, I don’t blame Cole.

He rode for Honda his entire pro career, sure he only won 1 premier class main, but he was always a front runner represented himself and his brands well, was always good to the youth and fans! Guy lived and breathed racing and racing for Honda. After he retired he has bought every bike he has built. Purchased his 450L himself, his 110 himself and bought his straight rhythm 250 off craigslist, sure the race team got him that motor he used but he had to dial In himself. Corporate Honda lent him a 450r to ride for a little and then requested he purchase it at full price. If I was put in that position after 10 plus years with a brand that they simply couldn’t give you one used bike or at least give you a “deal” on it I’d be upset too.
With all that being said I don’t blame him for buying a KTM and seeing what all these other brands are about, why support a brand that doesnt want to support you anymore. I respect Cole for buying these bikes out of pocket building them and riding the hell out of them. Non of you keyboard warriors race supercross or could ever hold a candle stick to cole. Riding in the hills with your buddy’s, hitting the desert, ripping some single track and still motoring laps at the local track is what we all Like to do and that’s exactly what he’s doing with his retirement. Not looking to be a brand ambassador just looks like a guy that wants to build cool shit and ride fun stuff with some support from brand he raced his career for. In my mind this Cole is a hell of a lot more relatable and a lot mote fun to watch.
kiwifan wrote:
First post huh? So how is that different to any other rider in the past? You sure as heck do not see them complaining about not...
First post huh?

So how is that different to any other rider in the past? You sure as heck do not see them complaining about not getting freebies or deals from the brands they rode.

Also. Can we put some perspective on this, every industry (including Honda) are or will be going through significant financial hardship due to COVID-19, therefore perhaps what a company might of given before may not give now. Is that unreasonable given the current situation? No. For all we know (and no one here knows, I am speculating as well), that is why Cole is not getting what he thinks he deserves (?) from Honda.
Ya first post.
I’m a fan of Seelys have always respected him as a rider and had to make an account and reply because this entire thread was just one big Seely bash. All I’m saying is There’s 2 sides to every story and I get where he’s coming from, I personally would be frustrated too. Im not even saying everything he thinks in this situation is right, agreed parts could have been handled better. Just saying I get it, there’s amateur riders on 85s out here getting more support from other brands then he is from Honda during retirement. People saying what he does with his social media isn’t good advertisement are insane, guy advertises bikes to over 500,000 people every single day, I feel like that’s probably worth a bike or 2.
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4/16/2020 3:27pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2020 3:28pm
tingo wrote:
Cliff notes: He thought his builds and "clout" were worth something. Honda didn't think so. He likes the race team, though.
There are literally homeless people posting Honda video content that have 10x his subscriber count.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6UjQnubVJg
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Kbach
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4/16/2020 3:43pm
kiwifan wrote:
First post huh? So how is that different to any other rider in the past? You sure as heck do not see them complaining about not...
First post huh?

So how is that different to any other rider in the past? You sure as heck do not see them complaining about not getting freebies or deals from the brands they rode.

Also. Can we put some perspective on this, every industry (including Honda) are or will be going through significant financial hardship due to COVID-19, therefore perhaps what a company might of given before may not give now. Is that unreasonable given the current situation? No. For all we know (and no one here knows, I am speculating as well), that is why Cole is not getting what he thinks he deserves (?) from Honda.
Well said.

As an American Honda employee (for the last 21+ years) that just got furloughed I understand their decision to limit spending during these times. I'm hoping I still have a job and a paycheck when all this blows over...not worried about a free bike. I've worked with MC development, press, racing, etc. and understand how it works. Sure sometimes coverage warrants giving out product. Times are a little different right now.

I'm sure the other thousands of Honda employees that were furloughed as of today feel similar.
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4/16/2020 3:56pm
Kbach wrote:
Well said. As an American Honda employee (for the last 21+ years) that just got furloughed I understand their decision to limit spending during these times...
Well said.

As an American Honda employee (for the last 21+ years) that just got furloughed I understand their decision to limit spending during these times. I'm hoping I still have a job and a paycheck when all this blows over...not worried about a free bike. I've worked with MC development, press, racing, etc. and understand how it works. Sure sometimes coverage warrants giving out product. Times are a little different right now.

I'm sure the other thousands of Honda employees that were furloughed as of today feel similar.
Wishing you the best ,

This is the perfect example of why Cole is acting like a entitled little prick , his free bike is the bottom of the list in the problem American Honda has at the moments
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TeamGreen
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4/16/2020 4:08pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2020 4:28pm
If I’m not mistaken...when American Honda Motor Corp. sells a new/previously untitled model that’s currently available at dealerships, they -have to sell it at retail- per their own dealer agreement.
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gambin87
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4/16/2020 4:12pm
Kbach wrote:
Well said. As an American Honda employee (for the last 21+ years) that just got furloughed I understand their decision to limit spending during these times...
Well said.

As an American Honda employee (for the last 21+ years) that just got furloughed I understand their decision to limit spending during these times. I'm hoping I still have a job and a paycheck when all this blows over...not worried about a free bike. I've worked with MC development, press, racing, etc. and understand how it works. Sure sometimes coverage warrants giving out product. Times are a little different right now.

I'm sure the other thousands of Honda employees that were furloughed as of today feel similar.
scott_nz wrote:
Wishing you the best , This is the perfect example of why Cole is acting like a entitled little prick , his free bike is the...
Wishing you the best ,

This is the perfect example of why Cole is acting like a entitled little prick , his free bike is the bottom of the list in the problem American Honda has at the moments
Hope the best for you Kbach, that’s horrible to hear.

But honestly am I the only one that thinks this goes back prior to covid-19 considering all the bikes he’s talking about go back 6+ months???? He clearly stated hes purchased every bike post retirement out of pocket and the decision to purchase the KTM was strictly because he was able to purchase the KTM for cheaper then the Demo bike Honda want him to either purchase or give back?? I just don’t see what’s wrong with that. Seems like a pretty easy decision from a financial stand point, used Honda for more money or a new KTM for less....
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Xeno
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4/16/2020 4:16pm
Kbach wrote:
Well said. As an American Honda employee (for the last 21+ years) that just got furloughed I understand their decision to limit spending during these times...
Well said.

As an American Honda employee (for the last 21+ years) that just got furloughed I understand their decision to limit spending during these times. I'm hoping I still have a job and a paycheck when all this blows over...not worried about a free bike. I've worked with MC development, press, racing, etc. and understand how it works. Sure sometimes coverage warrants giving out product. Times are a little different right now.

I'm sure the other thousands of Honda employees that were furloughed as of today feel similar.
Sorry to hear about your furlough. Sounds like a lot of changes in Torrance this week...
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C.Worthy
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4/16/2020 4:19pm
Doesn’t chicken still get free bikes and he’s long retired and he’s got no social following.
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4/16/2020 4:22pm
gambin87 wrote:
Hope the best for you Kbach, that’s horrible to hear. But honestly am I the only one that thinks this goes back prior to covid-19 considering...
Hope the best for you Kbach, that’s horrible to hear.

But honestly am I the only one that thinks this goes back prior to covid-19 considering all the bikes he’s talking about go back 6+ months???? He clearly stated hes purchased every bike post retirement out of pocket and the decision to purchase the KTM was strictly because he was able to purchase the KTM for cheaper then the Demo bike Honda want him to either purchase or give back?? I just don’t see what’s wrong with that. Seems like a pretty easy decision from a financial stand point, used Honda for more money or a new KTM for less....
Yo Cole you can use your real account we all know its you
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gambin87
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4/16/2020 4:28pm
gambin87 wrote:
Hope the best for you Kbach, that’s horrible to hear. But honestly am I the only one that thinks this goes back prior to covid-19 considering...
Hope the best for you Kbach, that’s horrible to hear.

But honestly am I the only one that thinks this goes back prior to covid-19 considering all the bikes he’s talking about go back 6+ months???? He clearly stated hes purchased every bike post retirement out of pocket and the decision to purchase the KTM was strictly because he was able to purchase the KTM for cheaper then the Demo bike Honda want him to either purchase or give back?? I just don’t see what’s wrong with that. Seems like a pretty easy decision from a financial stand point, used Honda for more money or a new KTM for less....
Yo Cole you can use your real account we all know its you
Shit I wish, Im a broke ass construction worker that only gets to ride my 09 450x on the weekends. Believe me if I could afford to buy a new bike I wouldn’t be complaining about buying a new bike.
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4/16/2020 4:31pm
Hopefully Cole's new chick is encouraging him to get back out there and race again. He's still got a few years left in him.
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Kbach
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4/16/2020 4:32pm
Thanks for all the well wishes...I'm sure I'll be fine. I survived the economic crash in 2008 and will hopefully survive this. If not, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

As for sales of new/used units most OEMs have agreements like TeamGreen mentioned so they don't undercut their dealer network. Cole's bike would've most likely been considered used so a promotional sale usually at or under black book pricing so not sure how KTM is able to do a new bike for less. Not my job to know though....I'm not in sales Woohoo

At the end of the day it is what it is. I've always had good dealings with Cole the little bit that I worked with him. I was out of that area when he was on the 450 so didn't see him much then. If he's able to get product at free or discounted pricing from other brands, it makes financial sense so I'd probably do the same!
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hamncheeze
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4/16/2020 4:38pm
I think Seely has been a different guy since his injury at Tampa 2018. Gnarly amount of injuries, long recovery. He came back but seemed bitter about it, referencing how he was looked over as a race winner heading into 2019. Had an average SX season, then got hurt and retired. After that he was doing his builds, but then seemed to try to cross over into the bad guy/renegade Moto guy. At a parallel time, he and his long time GF split and by the looks of it he jumped right in to a new girl.

I’m not a psychologist but to me he seems like a guy struggling with his identity and maybe a bit depressed about how it all ended. I hope he stays healthy and doesn’t go down a shitty road.
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