Hi, Gio!
Hmmmm. Well, me being a creature of habit, my inclination would be to say not to change a thing. SC.net has an atmosphere, and that atmosphere has made it a different forum, and in my opinion much more welcoming forum than most others out there.
But lately I see that atmosphere changing, and I don't like it.
Now, before anyone gets their collective panties in a bunch and jumps to the conclusion that I'm directing these comments to specific individuals, stop. Those of you who know me know that I don't play like that. I shoot from the hip - honestly and bluntly. If I have something to say, I say it - straight up. Those of you who don't know me - well, you know it now. So if you’re offended already, put it away for a few minutes.
I think it’s safe to say that the SC.net population has changed lately into what appears to be two “camps”: those who were around before/during Tourzilla, and those who weren’t. Knowing that, two things can be expected. 1) those who were around “before”, feel (whether subconsciously or otherwise) a certain amount of possessiveness about the forum. After all, we all went through an amazing, life-changing, and intense experience. We formed bonds that have lasted. That’s not going to go away. 2) those who have joined the forum “later”, feel (whether subconsciously or otherwise) a certain amount of disdain/contempt/jealousy towards the people who were around before. The “new” group feels that the “old” group won’t shut up about the past and doesn’t give them the respect they deserve, and the “old” group feels that the “new” group doesn’t acknowledge their experience and give them the respect they deserve. What’s important to remember is that both of these feelings are valid and appropriate. And neither group should be attacked by the other for feeling this way.
Now, I do take issue specifically with many of the things that have been said here lately. I think that the “feelings” I allude to above have crossed the line into direct and personal attacks quite often, and on both sides. That is contrary to what SC.net has been about. If Newbies feel that Oldies are unwelcoming, that’s not true. If Oldies feel that Newbies have nothing to contribute, that’s not true either. In my opinion because of these recent happenings, change can be a good thing – and I think the timing is right.
I support the idea of having “sub-rooms”. I don’t think that it will fragment the site – I believe it’ll make it easier to pick through the information one wants, while leaving it in the forefront and not “burying” topics that people want information about. Leave the Krypton Forum room for Stewart “business” – have another room for Stewart personal dreaminess or whatever (e.g. Orangina fantasies) - have an OT room for non-Stewart related stuff, etc. I agree with Sockii to not fragment TOO much – but I think we can create at least a little order from the chaos, and it will be beneficial.
Having said that, I will get on my soapbox a little. And I’ll do it publicly, because we have no private message function, and because of that whole “shoot from the hip” speech I gave above. I think that some of the comments posted by you, Jemma, have been offensive. I think that you are defensive towards certain individuals, and that causes you to go on the attack. I think it would be beneficial for you (and others as well) to take a step back and think of where the other individual is coming from before assuming they are trying to insult you. SC.net is a worldwide forum, and not only are we at the disadvantage of being in cyberland where we don’t have the benefit of body language, etc., we are also dealing with language barriers (even those of us who speak the same language!). I applaud your enthusiasm, but I think you should understand that maybe some don’t have the same enthusiasm in the same way…and maybe they don’t want to read about it every waking minute. This is not personal towards you – it’s just their preference. Have sub-forums will I think help alleviate this problem. Other than that, the only real issue I have is your “throwing about” of the fact that Stewart addressed you personally. I think it’s very cool that he did so, and it’s part of the reason we love him so much – he’s accessible to and personal with his fans. But – many, many here have personal experiences with Stewart (in writing or in person), and to throw your experience back in the face of others in order to try and defend your behavior is not cool in my book. Please know that I am saying this respectfully – I want you to stick around and enjoy this forum experience as much as all of the rest of us do – but you are holding yourself back from that with some of the things you are choosing to do and say. Respect is a two-way street; give it, and you’ll get it.
Believe it or not, that’s all I have to say. I’m open to response and discussion. Love to all.
Bye, Gio!
Letting my raven tresses wave with nameless grace.
