A reflection on past events.

[Eilonnwy]

I'm sure many of us are internet veterans and have seen many schisms like this in the past. I know I have, and they're never fun. What I'm always aghast at his how people's personal issues and misconceptions take the forefront and facts have little to do with the drama at hand. I guess that's the nature of these things. I think a lot of the drama on these forums was more about personal issues that pretended to be about the rule. Considering the members that did leave for another forum that also seems to disallow personal attacks only confirms that opinion for me.

It saddens me that things had to get so heated, that rational minds couldn't prevail. But ultimately, I don't cry over spilled milk. If people feel the need to leave for whatever reason, I wouldn't try to stop them. However, like Adrian I wouldn't say not to come back. My ultimate commitment is to the forums, and whatever personal drama is involved I do try to always separate my personal feelings from actions taken as an admin. I have been hurt by some of the things said about me either in these forums or through the grapevine. However, I know that whatever happens, I'm here as an admin for no other reason than the other admins and moderators wanted me to be here and value what I do and the commitment I have to the forums.

The vote was unfortunate. I knew it wasn't the right thing to do before we did it but the mods were getting nowhere, it seemed the only way to reach a consensus at the time after discussing it for a fair amount of time. Yet at the same time, in a way it was good for the forums because I think it showed why a no insult rule is necessary for a forum whose main goal is civil discussion.

In an event such as this, I always appreciate, most of all, the people who may be angry or in severe disagreement with what happened, but recognize that decisions made by the admins and moderators are not and can not always be about what the individual wants, but what we view as best for the community. I thank those people who voiced their concerns in a civil way without resorting to drastic measures.

Things are cooling down, as I knew they would. The birthday is around the corner and I'm looking forward to not only remembering how this thing got started, and how I was lucky to be here at the beginning as the only woman on this forum just finding her voice for debates and discussion, but also to look to the future and figure out a way to make this an even better community for atheists and theists to have meaningful discussions.