Admin
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I am very sorry that immediately prior to and during my recent week-long enforced absence from the forum there have been some "heated exchanges". I also accept my own responsibility for contributing in my personal capacity to some of that "heat".
This forum has a relatively small membership. The percentage of that membership which contributes through posts is obviously very much smaller. We depend on those contributions, whether regular or occasional, for the survival of the forum. Otherwise, to put it bluntly, it will die.
The duties of Administration have largely devolved on one person over the last few months. Latvian has not been able to visit the forum at all over the past month- for entirely understandable personal reasons relating to his worklife!
It is becoming very evident to me that trying to maintain a dual role here as both an "impartial moderator" and as a member with his own views and perspectives is increasingly difficult.
However, I am willing to continue to do what I can to assist in sustaining a forum which I value, appreciate and enjoy.
It would be helpful if we all-and I DO include myself in this-attempt to remember that calm, good manners, an appreciation of the feelings of other members should underpin our discourse. If members, and again I include myself, make remarks about others which are, or are perceived to be, rude or offensive then the outcomes are inevitable. I am asked to ban members. Members simply stop posting at all. Members voluntarily leave.
I could adopt a draconian attitude and start throwing members out. I have tried to avoid this unless absolutely necessary (the number is less than the fingers of one hand!). I do NOT want to become such an administrator. Indeed I would not be such an administrator.
Can I therefore plead for a greater measure of calm and for a recognition by all of the need for views to be expressed with moderation, tact and good humour?
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