Where is the criticism, apart from the shutting down of the board for a few hours? If you are unhappy in your job, then moving on to something else is often the best way. That is all I am saying.

Anyway, I am smiling  . If I haven't posted much over the last week or so, it's simply because I've been particularly busy at work. I like this board and all the people on it. I'm going to the pub now  . I just hope it's not full of rowdy rugger types. 

Is this the same Byron who usually posts? I'm staggered to find that I find it a mature and sensible suggestion....bloomin 'eck, lad, 'as tha tekken a blow to tha 'ead?

I'd suggest that Martin seems to offer the best way forward, with more support for the present owner of the board, and a clearer deliniation of its boundaries; although the two sites overlap comprehensively at the moment, I think it's likely that the new one will develop its own momentum and grow organically in a different direction, in very much the same way as this took time to reach its stride and establish its own profile.

As with any parting, there will be temptations for blame and recrimination: but I'd strongly urge folk to resist them for now: what's said in the heat of the moment is often by definition inflammatory, and in no way helpful. The board will cheer up in time, but not through the rictus grin of smilies: people need to establish a new equilibrium and feel at ease again, and that doesn't just happen, nor can it be engineered; it's in the hands of Time, the healer.

 I've not felt like posting here for a week or so, simply because the atmosphere meant that there was nothing appearing to which I felt I could usefully add, but this thread is crucial to the board's survival, and needs to be considered seriously.

Michael,

I have to say I haven't agreed with the stance you have taken several times, but by far outweighing that is the fact that without you we wouldn't have had 8 months of some wonderous discussions, complete hilarity, waffle, and made some very good friendships.  A huge thank you.

There's a whole knot of problems arisen over the last few weeks, probably reknotting a load of old issues from the first unresolved issue.  One of them, which I may have alluded to before, is that we all probably have different ideas of what we want and expect from moderators.

It is very regrettable that you have been made to feel unrespected - no one on board should feel that way, moderator or poster.  Please accept my apologies for any hurt I have caused you.  Maybe you have some other reasons for stepping down too - everyone's circumstances change.

But before you make a final decision, please consider whether or not you would enjoy moderation if it were different.  What would it take (from you and from the community) for you to remain a moderator?  Maybe come up with a few scenarios.

I agree that this board has so much going for it that it will not just drop down dead, whatever you decide.  Please regard that as a huge feather in your cap.  It's all thanks to you.

Very best wishes

Tommo

I wasn't following developments closely either, BB, but as far as I can gather from talk surrounding events, a political discussion degenerated into personal attacks and some very strict moderation was necessary. The next day the board was closed completely, and unaccessible for several hours which seems to have given some of us the idea that it had closed permanently, so they set off to a new venue with Perfect Wagnerite playing Moses and setting up the new venue.

The new venue seems to have a slightly different scope than here, and at present is thriving pretty well, although some of the members seem to have disappeared into whatever part of the ether they prefer when things get hot.

Barebodkin and Kitty,

For a denouement, go to the Viewable Archives in the Admin Boards at the bottom of the homepage.

Chronologically you should probably start with the bottom thread, then the top, then the middle.

I don't think Michael should flounce off  but I think he's made his mind up.

Anyway, thanks for setting this place up and rescuing us, Michael.  I for one am very grateful indeed and hope it stays in place.  We have a lot of choice now.  Four boards.  We're a bit fragmented as a result but who cares?  Not me.
Take care.

Ho Milly.  I am sorry you found it necessary to use the word "flounce".  Flouncing is usually accompanied by a jerk of the body or a limb.  I cannot think tht Michael was involved in any such movements.
Cheers
S'wave