The topic over on PC is now locked - for good I guess. I guess the mods thought that everything that needed to be said has been said.
So I'm going to post my opinion here in this thread, because I know it won't be locked - and my opinion and the time I spent giving it won't be deleted.
At one time - there were dozens of companies in this country making buggy whips. One by one the demand for buggy whips slowly declined - until there was only one company left making buggy whips. Even though they were a monopoly - that last company also saw their business slowly deminish, because buggy whips were on their way out all together.
This is what is happining to PC. The latest resignation letter is a big one I think - and the thread about it turned into a cryfest of "bye now - thanks for all your help" and the secondary drama of this web site or PC and who gives the money to who and for what.
I think the BOD at PC has skillfully diverted the subject - they have not addressed why the main technical support volunteer quit! Usually - in a corporation - the crap hits the fan when somthing as big as this happens. Heads roll.
"They have shown they are willing to bring those fine qualities to the table in the hopes of making Pinecam a safe, enjoyable, cyber place where we can visit with neighbors"
Some people enjoy coming here for the "safety" of it. They feel comfortable in knowing they can post here & won't be bashed, baited, taunted & bullied.
They really don't enjoy created chaos, vicious lashings and other toxic behavior.
Some people thrive in it.
So be it- that's ok-
there's enough bandwidth for everyone.
The above quotes were taken from a BOD member in that locked thread - it is basically the stance that the PC BOD has taken all along. What they are not realizing, is that the policy and attitude stated above in those quotes has created much of the problems they face today.
In their efforts to over moderate PC "in the hopes of making Pinecam a safe, enjoyable, cyber place where we can visit with neighbors" - they have indeed PISSED OFF A WHOLE BUNCH OF PEOPLE!!
All the people who were BANNED, DELETED, CENSORED, EDITED and just flat out harassed - are leaving. If they want to continue down the same road, don't expect anything to change. It will continue to errode - as it has, and nothing will be any different. They are losing one member at a time, sick of the crap for one reason or another.
What I don't hear them say in that thread --- is that we hear you! We hear you and we hear your concerns. We will be changing policy to stop the bleeding. We can have a section of the web site for "safety" - but we also need a part of the site where the community can debate without being harassed by the moderators. We need to stop censoring content - because discussion like tax topics are too important to just delete from the community.
They have not heard the message. I see no change in policy. In a company where the BOD were accountable to shareholders - heads would roll, the PC BOD are accountable to no-one, if they can't see the concerns of their own members.
One thing that I attempted to change, and failed at, was limiting the terms of board members, including myself. I believe that while having continuity is good, it also makes policies and bad feelings linger that could quietly expire as situations changed. Term limits were called for by Pinecam's own founder, Wayne Harrison, and rebuffed by the Board repeatedly over time. I also called for the resignation of the two longest-term members of the board whom I feel have alienated a number of the community (though they are well regarded by others).
New blood helps an organization thrive. I failed in this endeavor. My vote of no confidence was that they needed to resign, or I would. Apparently, they felt they were more necessary to the future of Pinecam than I. In the past, I've talked people into joining the Pinecam Board, and talked them OUT of LEAVING the Board (some successfully, some not). Now it's my turn to leave.
I want to emphasize one sentence.....
" I believe that while having continuity is good, it also makes policies and bad feelings linger that could quietly expire as situations changed"
And there you have it folks! The policy and bad feelings just linger - because they will refuse to change. And as the "situation changes" for PC, as they bleed themselves dry - were just glad we have THIS web site - because it is what Pinecam could be - and should strive to be, open and willing to accept everyone's opinion - without locking, editing, deleting, censoring, or moderating it.
The mods have gone overboard - trying to create a "a safe, enjoyable, cyber place where we can visit with neighbors". Now you see the mess you have created in the name of "safe and enjoyable" - it's not safe or enjoyable. Like someone else has stated so well - competition is what makes the free market thrive.
I can't debate any topics over there anymore. The nannies will delete it - censor it, edit it, moderate it until the discussion is worthless. That's why I just stick to "safe" stuff!
Thanks to 285bound for providing what PC is missing - a community website where important debate and discussion can take place.
And if you keep the open policy - it'll be THIS web site - that becomes the most popular, because as PC loses one member at a time, 285bound.com will be gaining one member at a time.
