To Bill and Kerry concerning the Mods and Threads/Posts Deletion

[Bill Ryan]

Originally Posted by NewParadigmGuy

I couldn't agree more.

This forum was supposedly formed to facilitate networking among the "ground crew". Given that the "ground crew" concept originated in The Handbook for the New Paradigm, I cannot imagine what could possibly be more "on topic" than discussions of this book and its sequels.

Yet, several requests for a sub-forum to discuss various aspects of these books have apparently fallen upon deaf ears.

And now, the main thread where these books were being discussed has been deleted in its entirety. One very dedicated member has put an awful lot of time into very detailed posts on that thread. I can only imagine how disgusted he must be.

Another thread asks the question, "Are people losing interest?". As far as the New Paradigm Project goes: No. As far as this forum goes: Yes

Dear Friend:

Many thanks for your message. We're just looking into what happened here with that thread. Simon deleted it when he resigned as a moderator. As the originator of the thread, he's technically able to do that.

Unfortunately, he took away other people's replies as well.

It is crystal clear to me that this is unethical and irresponsible. Simon threw a tantrum. His action was immature. We do NOT know what specifically triggered this.

One does NOT delete other people's words and thoughts and feelings just because one has a personal issue in a different area (as Simon did, because he disagreed with the style of moderation that Kerry and I wanted to see: less thoughtless policing and more intelligent dialog with members, even if that was a hassle and took more time).

But while that was the general issue troubling him, Simon was suddenly greatly angered by someone or something and we do not know what it is. He is not telling.

We sympathize with anyone under stress, and who is upset, but we all have our responsibility and he will not be returning here to this forum as a moderator.

I am very sorry that this has happened. I personally apologize to all members. I do not know if the threads can be restored.

There is no malice here... just dumb human weakness. None of us are immune. The test of all of us is to respond with dignity, intelligence and responsibility even when irritated and angered (as I am now).

I ask all members to do that when they post. It's sometimes easy to be spiteful. It's sometimes hard to be honest. (And honesty begins with what's going on with each of us personally... not the other guy.)

Having said all this, I support Kate's comments above. The Original Poster made a range of general accusations which are unhelpful in the assumptions that were made. A PM would have been more appropriate. Spreading drama is not helpful. It is (by definition) off-topic.

To summarize: none of the moderators are bad people. Some of them have been under a lot of pressure. They have been working incredibly hard. I am extremely grateful for the work they have all done. It's very easy to criticize when one is not doing their work. But all of us, myself included, always need to reach inside us to find our best, especially in these times.

Very best wishes, Bill

[TranceAm]

Originally Posted by Bill Ryan

Dear Friend:

Many thanks for your message. We're just looking into what happened here with that thread. Simon deleted it when he resigned as a moderator. As the originator of the thread, he's technically able to do that.

Unfortunately, he took away other people's replies as well.

It is crystal clear to me that this is unethical and irresponsible. Simon threw a tantrum. His action was immature. We do NOT know what specifically triggered this.

One does NOT delete other people's words and thoughts and feelings just because one has a personal issue in a different area (as Simon did, because he disagreed with the style of moderation that Kerry and I wanted to see: less thoughtless policing and more intelligent dialog with members, even if that was a hassle and took more time).

But while that was the general issue troubling him, Simon was suddenly greatly angered by someone or something and we do not know what it is. He is not telling.

We sympathize with anyone under stress, and who is upset, but we all have our responsibility and he will not be returning here to this forum as a moderator.

I am very sorry that this has happened. I personally apologize to all members. I do not know if the threads can be restored.

8< -.-.->8

Very best wishes, Bill

Thanks for this reply.. We (As in all members that don't run on <blind>faith because of past experiences.) needed it (An reason for the several "Why's"..)
I am sorry for being a persistent moderator itch in the other thread, but felt as having no other choice.. My motivation is posted there.

[raulduke]

Originally Posted by Bill Ryan

We're just looking into what happened here with that thread. Simon deleted it when he resigned as a moderator. As the originator of the thread, he's technically able to do that.

Hi Bill,

Thanks for helping to clear all this Simon business up. Yours has been the most clear, informative, and satisfactory (imo) post from any mod yet. No slag to any other mod, I realise that you all must have had personal ties w/ Simon to varying degrees, that may have inhibited your ability to respond objectively.

I have a suggestion as this sort of rogue behavior still sounds possible currently. I've never been a mod anywhere and this is the first forum I've ever been a member of, so I'm not sure about the logistics of this suggestion.

I suggest that in order for any mod to be able to delete an entire thread, they should have to check w/ at least one other mod (it seems like there are always a few mods on at any moment anyway). I realise this could be tedious, but as we have seen much fervor in the wake of Simon's departure, it may have prevented some of the controversy.

Just my 2 cents anyway.

Oh and welcome (back?) Mr. Deacon. Great post. I especially liked the last bit.

Originally Posted by Henry Deacon

A well trained mind is the best survival tool we can have.

Enjoy the flowers and the creatures.

Enjoy the mountains and the valleys and the meadows.

Agreed. The key to solving any problem (imo) is first having a clear mind and thus, a more accurate perception of the problem.

I just enjoyed some flowers, creatures, and even a valley today.

Mountains and meadows to follow soon enough.