Farewell...

[Scrotnig]

Rob isn't closing the forum because of us, he's closing it because of people outside of the forum.

Let's not just brush it off as completely that.   Whilst it is a key factor we all need to look at our own behaviour too and how we can ensure those running sites can enjoy them as members too, rather than just constantly having to be in moderation mode.  I know I've given Rob headaches at times over the last 18 months and I know those who've repeatedly reported posts everytime they see something they disagree with or view as "political" will have done so too.  

It's also very clear that although it came from a good place and was with the best intentions the pages of discussions yesterday about people taking over the forum, buying it off Rob, why isn't he just getting the mods to run it etc. was somewhat disrespectful to the decision Rob had clearly communicated too considering he had never put that option on the table and people were essentially running with it for pages without considering Rob's views at all.  For it to come up again after Rob had clearly reiterated his position wasn't great too, and it's incredibly sad Rob doesn't feel able to be a part of the community he has provided so much for in it's final few days.


A bit worried though Rob has said he is going to raise a glass "to each and everyone of us" on Moday considering that's over 1500 members.   That's a hefty bar bill (that Donate button below will help with that) so it's a good job his radio show isn't until Saturday!  

I think...I *hope*...I haven't given Rob any problems. Other than perhaps my posts being deathly boring! For which I'd like to apologise.

I have always been supportive of his great efforts here.

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I also feel compelled to add - since I have a good idea of how Rob must be feeling right now, given my own experiences running forums over the years - that I hope Rob realises that the people that have pushed him to this action, are not the measure of him. I hope Rob realises that his efforts in providing this forum for the time it's been up are appreciated by most for what they are...first class.

Never think these toxic types have the measure of you, (this applies to anyone and any situation in life), they do not. The people that matter have the measure of you.

Another thing to bear in mind - well-run forums will *always* end up with a "gang" of toxic people hanging around the periphery, simply because a well run site sometimes has to make difficult decisions and these decisions will upset some and trigger the toxic behaviour. It is THEY that have the problem, not the site, its owner or its staff. Anyone hoping to be a "spiritual successor" to this site needs to be aware of this.

I have seen this play out too many times for it not to make me deeply, deeply angry because it is ALWAYS good, caring people - usually providing their services for free - who have their life turned upside down and their health wrecked by these types. I will see them in Hell (or other suitable purgatory destination of your choice) for the way they carry on.

Sorry to ramble and bang on about it, but it is absolutely completely out of order. Actually, on second thoughts I'm not sorry at all.