I can't thank you enough... really.

So, there's this guy who does a decent amount of volunteer work for me. More than some and less than others. He thinks of himself as a photographer and prides himself on his proficiency with digital imaging technology. Nearly every time I see this guy, I thank him for everything he does. I tell him he's the best. I thank him via email, I thanked him in the bulletin. I tell other people to thank him when they see him. I know I have a tendancey to use hyperbole when I write here, but in this case you can all take me at my word. Everything here is 100% true. I thank this guy a lot.

So I come in the other day and two people tell me that he was in here complaining that he's not getting thanked enough. He's feeling unappreciated and he wants some kind of written thank you note or something as acknowledgement of everything he's done.

W
T
F
?

So now I'm going to write him a letter. I'm going to send him a thank you note. I'm going to get all the kids to sign it for him. But, like I said, he is more helpful than some, and less helpful than others. At some point, I am going to get sick of dealing with this guy, as nice and as generous as he is. Basically, as far as I can tell, he has a hobby - digital photography - and he sees me as a way to enjoy his hobby and "help out" the kids.

Like I said. Thanks, but no thanks. Part of me just wants to walk up to him and ask him, "How much credit do you want for doing something I could ask any parent to do and they'd do just as well?" Get over yourself, dude. You are only helpful until you become a pain in my [SELF-CENSORED]. High maintenance volunteers do more harm than good. Thanks for your help this year. Next year? Don't bother.