Hi Heath (can I call you that?), I'm Stefanie, although Nolu works just fine. Welcome aboard.
We don't know you, and we don't know what kind of change to expect from you, and any changes you make will affect us as whole. As members, we don't have any say in that decision except what input you accept from us and take into consideration. As long-standing members of the community, that scares us. There are certain things about chaz we have grown to love: the freedom - the freedom to be
individuals, and to say what we feel without (much) censorship, the friendships we have attained through chaz - we are FAMILY and are closer with our friends here than our own families. If negative changes occur, ones that start driving people away, it will break up our family. (Don't read me wrong - I'm
not accusing you of a single-handed attempt to destroy the forum or anything like that. All I am trying to do is open up and tell you our fears a bit more thoroughly, without accusations.) When Chazhound was the administrator of the forum, we knew what to expect, and now we don't. It would help if you could provide specifics about what sorts of changes you intend to implement, and perhaps take our comments/concerns about the ideas into consideration.
We want you to be involved. Be a part of the community. Jump in. Don't take some of the reactions here too personally - some of us can be prickly about change, me included (I believe Renee has made unsavory comparisons of me before about my attitude on change
). We aren't saying this to tell you that we aren't giving you a chance - but this is a
big change, with potential to be bigger. You have to show us who you are - we aren't going to throw ourselves at your feet; but we aren't going to immediately turn you away, either. We need to give you a chance to show us you can be a part of the family, too.
What you guys don't realize is that Chaz and Lynn truly didn't understand how we all feel about them. They are quiet, modest people and it never occurred to either of them that the members here have such a passionate attachment and loyalty to THEM, not just the site.
Oh dear... I had no idea they didn't know that. (((((HUGS)))) to you both - even though you two are mostly in the background of chaz, we'll miss you both.
This post was composed by skittledoo (Amber) and Stef, over the phone - I read the thread to her, and she was moved by Sizzle and Dekka's posts. (And the bit about friendships earlier on in the post? I don't know how much time you've spent reading the boards, but ours is a great example - Amber and I met on chaz, live near eachother, and arranged a meetup last February. Since we've spent loads of time with each other and our dogs, shopping, hiking, photoshoots, doggie playdates, etc. We have a close, lasting friendship, and chaz brought us together. These are the kinds of friendships people make here, and this is just one of MANY examples.)
