Well I have sent the password to LOTS of people, so I hope to see a lot of participation!!! I have spent hours today, and there are still a lot of requests in my box, but I am going to weed-eat right now... See you all later.

I may be asking later about some people I am not sure of who requested the password. At this point I am very leary of giving it out to people who have never posted... Plus some of the comments on other forums have not been all favorable, so I am trying not to let it bother me!!! Thanks to all for your support!!!

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), May 04, 2002

Answers

Don't let it bother you, Melissa. You're doing a great job! All of us here know you're doing the right thing, and we appreciate it.

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@rocketmail.com), May 04, 2002.

Melissa--the old saying is absolutely true . . . you really can't please everyone. I also follow Countryside and while there has been some discussion about what's been happening, I don't really think it's been unfavorable. I think some people are concerned about the general problems associated with "censorship," but I still get the feeling that folks are pretty happy with the way you've dealt with an extraordinarily difficult situation.

I moderate an email list, and I've always opted to be a hands-off moderator, allowing the general list membership to more or less self- moderate. However, sometimes things get out of hand and I have to step in. While I always worry about abuse of power, it seems that staying your hand can also be an abuse of power as well.

It seems to me that you've done what was necessary to protect the forum from a situation that was rapidly getting out of control. At first the repeated postings just seemed childish, but then it started to feel positively spooky and somehow dangerous.

So thanks for stepping up to the plate and handling things. As for those who may be less than enthusiastic about their support, my guess is it's less about this particular situation and more about the general principle of the thing.

-- Julie in NC (jwoessner@rtmx.net), May 04, 2002.

These last few days sure have been nutty. That "censorship" thing just drives me nuts! Why in the world do people think they can post anything they want at the forums? Why in the world do they think you would even have a moderator if it is going to be a "free-for-all" forum? The moderator is the one who sets the tone and the rules so why do people get so upset about it. If they don't like the rules, and can't play well with others then just find a new playground. And why can't they get it through thier heads that they really "could" post almost anything thier little hearts desire if they would only do so in a respectful, non-degrading, kind way? I think that both Chuck and Melissa are really the most fair, open minded moderators out there who work very hard at trying to keep the peace and the "family" happy and also try to better the forums. If folks would only focus on the good things about the forums...like when in need, a zillion people jump to help with advice, prayers and good wishes. Way to go Chuck and Melissa..your my heros!

And as I said at the other forum when they spoke of this forum becoming "sterile" and "where everyone is one big happy family where the sun shines everyday"... and the problem is???? I would rather enjoy a sterile walk in the sunshine with Melissa!

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), May 04, 2002.

Melissa, my mom is going to be writing you for the password. I was very good and didn't give it to her without your permission (grin). I just wanted to let you know because she never posted but read the forum every day so you wouldn't know her name. It is Momnanadaw. Thanks!

-- Deena in GA (dsmj55@aol.com), May 04, 2002.

I look at these forums like I would a visit to someone's house...you go by THEIR rules, like it or not, or go home. When Ken took over running CS, I didn't care for the way he ran things. Didn't object to the rules, just didn't like how the rules seemed only to apply to certain people. (That has no bearing on Ken personally, I think for the most part he's an ok guy - just didn't like how he did things.) So, I left. It really wasn't that big of a deal.

When I visit someone, we possibly might get into a good, strong debate on certain topics, but I wouldn't think of calling them names, ranting about their house rules, or doing damage to their property. If I don't like the way they operate, I'll go visit someone more compatible. I just can't understand these people who think they can waltz into someone else's "house" and behave like a moron, then scream about their "rights".

Don't let any comments about the way you run your house bother you.

-- Lenette (kigervixen@nospam.com), May 04, 2002.