Well, a lot of the time it's more a matter of "why would I go there if it's not fun anymore?". It's a loss of appeal rather than a single act.

Though, I feel safe in saying Jen K, who'd been here long and lovingly, left after a nasty exchange. True, her life had gotten very busy at that time-- but had this place been a haven rather than a burden we wouldn't have lost her.

Boards change. Just like societies change. Whether for good or bad depends on an individual's point of view. It's ridiculous to suggest that this board can remain static and still please everyone.

We'll lose good people due to other issues--real life issues, time-suck, etc.

And I don't see "denial" in any of these exchanges. I do, however, feel like I'm being McCarthied with a statement like this:

"Or perhaps it is because a few very prolific and increasingly agressive posters have succeeded in marginalizing some very long-term members..."

Especially without verification by the disaffected posters.

Honestly, I got the impression that if it had been taken to a vote, that there was enough popular support for deathmatch notices to continue in Press.

However, I'm glad it didn't go to a vote because I don't like micromanaging the board's functions.

Thanks for bringing that up, Beverly. I wasn't thrilled with the outcome of that conversation either.

</dead-horse beating.>

Plei added her support to Steph, and at that point the outcome became pretty much a foregone conclusion.

Things aren't a foregone conclusion just because I support them or want them, or else we'd still have a separate Due South thread. And probably still have Spoilers Lite. And all threads would talk about Batman all the time. And I'd still feel comfortable in Bitches, or still hang in the fic thread.

My reasons for wanting some change in how the DM posts were made were rooted in previous complaints WRT clutter in Press and Beep Me from people in the lifestyle known as dark grey, and Shawn stated the reasons far better than I ever could.

But I can't help what I feel.

Nor should you apologize for it, and I'm genuinely glad you spoke up.

Even though I was on the opposite side in the posting press announcements discussion, I'd much rather see a specific case where I was an (admittedly unnamed in your post, but certainly in the discussion) bad guy, than just "some people are bad, and I'm not going to name names, but I'm thinking of YOU", which is where this discussion has frankly been heading today. And *that* is a tone I really don't like.

Thanks, Beverly, for having the courage to post.

(And comments on the announcements posting really belong in a separate post. I'm not trying to dismiss the subject, ftr.)

It doesn't make tham amy less worthy members of the board, or their concerns any less valuable, just because they're not brawlers. I'm one of them. And I'm shaking all over and trying to decide whether or not to hit "post." I do not want to stir a shitstorm, and I don't want to alienate anyone. But I can't help what I feel.

Thank you so much Beverly. Yes, this is one of the instances I had in mind when posting my original perspective.

I got the impression that if it had been taken to a vote, that there was enough popular support for deathmatch notices to continue in Press.

I agree, and also agree that it would have felt like a really stoopid piece of minutia to vote on.

But I do wish the decision had felt more like a compromise and less like Elena throwing up her hands and making a change she didn't want to make.

amych speaks for me, but this:

Thanks, Beverly, for having the courage to post.

deserves to be repeated. Also, thank you to Megan and Lyra Jane and msbelle and Sue, and everyone else who has stated that they do not like arguing but would like to define their positions.

However, I'm glad it didn't go to a vote because I don't like micromanaging the board's functions.

Neither does Elena, which is why she didn't bother.

After the initial dust-up/concensus that it was fine she went on vacation for two weeks. When she came back she posted announcements again and there was another dust-up in spite of that concensus. So she gave up.