Hi All,
After discussing with the moderation team we have decided from this point on to ban threads that are designed to be an "I'm Leaving APUG" announcement. These threads tend to be trolling for attention and serve no purpose other than disrupting the community for days, even weeks. If you want to leave then leave, we do not need an announcement. If you want to depart and feel obligated to provide feedback at the same time please use the 'contact us' link. If you want your friends to know you are leaving then PM or email them. There will be exceptions to the rule such as medical problems or temporary absence and these can be handled on a case-by-case basis.
I'm sure most are aware of the recent controversy in the forums and several people have left over it. APUG is constantly evolving and growing, so it's a given that some people will lose interest as APUG changes. I think a handful of people believe APUG has become less tolerant of others but I do not see it this way. With over 17,000 registered members we do what we can to maintain peace, order and tolerance in a large diverse community. At the end of the day I have become aware that it is increasingly counterproductive for us to shape the community around a very minute percentage of people and catering to their every complaint. After recent issues I'm convinced that small and highly vocal minorities can wreak havoc in a smooth running large community like this and frankly I'm tired of the majority having to suffer. It also seems some people are their own worst enemies and often these people become ignored by myself, and the moderation team. It's unfortunate that this happens but we feel these people bring pain upon themselves and it's out of our hands or our ability to manage it and remedy their participation. In other words if you repeatedly go down a certain path that is easily avoidable then you are on your own. We may send the odd PM or email to hopefully push people in the right direction but it's often ignored.
In closing I'll say that some leave APUG quietly, and some with a vengeance. There are two sides to every story and if something out there concerns you about how we are running APUG never hesitate to contact me and we can discuss it. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes I would hate for people to get the wrong impression.
Thanks,
Sean
After discussing with the moderation team we have decided from this point on to ban threads that are designed to be an "I'm Leaving APUG" announcement. These threads tend to be trolling for attention and serve no purpose other than disrupting the community for days, even weeks. If you want to leave then leave, we do not need an announcement. If you want to depart and feel obligated to provide feedback at the same time please use the 'contact us' link. If you want your friends to know you are leaving then PM or email them. There will be exceptions to the rule such as medical problems or temporary absence and these can be handled on a case-by-case basis.
I'm sure most are aware of the recent controversy in the forums and several people have left over it. APUG is constantly evolving and growing, so it's a given that some people will lose interest as APUG changes. I think a handful of people believe APUG has become less tolerant of others but I do not see it this way. With over 17,000 registered members we do what we can to maintain peace, order and tolerance in a large diverse community. At the end of the day I have become aware that it is increasingly counterproductive for us to shape the community around a very minute percentage of people and catering to their every complaint. After recent issues I'm convinced that small and highly vocal minorities can wreak havoc in a smooth running large community like this and frankly I'm tired of the majority having to suffer. It also seems some people are their own worst enemies and often these people become ignored by myself, and the moderation team. It's unfortunate that this happens but we feel these people bring pain upon themselves and it's out of our hands or our ability to manage it and remedy their participation. In other words if you repeatedly go down a certain path that is easily avoidable then you are on your own. We may send the odd PM or email to hopefully push people in the right direction but it's often ignored.
In closing I'll say that some leave APUG quietly, and some with a vengeance. There are two sides to every story and if something out there concerns you about how we are running APUG never hesitate to contact me and we can discuss it. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes I would hate for people to get the wrong impression.
Thanks,
Sean
