I've been the primary Admin here for just shy of 15 years now (wow - has it really been that long?!). Over the years, I've made many observations, and I still believe that this community is one of the most unique and distinctive communities of any online forum or social media group (like it or not, forums are a form of social media).
I've noticed a definite ebb and flow of emotions and the times when we see a rise in negativity. Each year, without fail, there is such a rise that takes place in October and November. Perhaps it's the rapidly approaching holiday season that seems to come faster and faster each year. Maybe it's the change in seasons as many of us go from bright, warm, and sunny days to darker, colder, and dreary days.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for Sal, and I appreciate his wisdom and knowledge (yes, there is a difference). I am grateful for the trust that Sal has placed in me. The thought of "what would Sal do?" is paired with my own high standards and expectations for my own actions. I can't "be" Sal, and that's not what he expects of me. What I can do and what I hope each person here does is strive to be the best me that I can be.
The majority of people who frequent the Spyderco forum do so because they want to learn, and they want to contribute in a thoughtful and meaningful way. Very few people come here with the sole purpose of being a troll. Some do, and they usually aren't here for very long. Some who got off to a very rough start went on to become active members who made significant contributions to this community. One Sal-ism that I try very hard to keep in the back of my head is, "If they knew better, they'd do better." So, before I react to any post, I stop and think - do they know better?
We're not like other forums. We don't have a slew of moderators just for the sake of moderation. This forum is of great significance to us. It matters. Not for statistics, for web traffic, or marketing. This forum matters because each of you, matters to us. We believe that everyone here can contribute and can, for the most part, self-moderate.
I believe that each of you wants to be here. You want to contribute, and you want to see this community continue to thrive. I know that this [rough patch] shall pass. Let's all try to do our best to show compassion and patience. And for the sake of all things good, please, let us all remember that sometimes, we can scroll past something that we don't agree with, and the forum will be better for our ability to scroll.
Thanks much.
Kristi
's in 10 different steels
PLEASE? :D
