Hey Folks,
I have been reading a fair bit of content on here these past few days about people’s thoughts on the Forum so thought that I would respond.
Edited to add: for those who don’t know me, I joined Myswag in 2011 when I met my now Husband Brett (the guy who started the Forum).
Regarding the COVID-19/Coronavirus threads, I disagree that they should be taken down as it (COVID/Corona) is something that is playing on most people's minds at the moment and I feel that if people want to discuss it, they should be able to. The social distancing rules in place are most likely a contributor to the large number of Members being on and posting these past few weeks. What I ABSOLUTELY disagree with though are the disrespectful, immature and downright rude content of some of these posts. It's not called for, it's not necessary and it's not tolerated.
As for the call for more Moderators, we are damned if we do and damned if we don't Swaggers! One minute everyone is loving that Myswag is a relaxed environment where there are no power-struck Mods deleting posts that haven't been put in the exact correct section etc, the next minute you want a Mod to jump on every little thing! As Snow said "I have in the past edited/deleted/locked posts and threads and copped an earful for my troubles." How about everyone just has a red hot go at being respectful? Respecting other people's opinions? Having intelligent debates rather than resorting to name calling? Thinking before they type? Behaving like an adult? There's a novel idea hey! And if someone does post something that you think doesn't align with Myswag's normal tone, instead of coming down to the level of the offending poster, hit the report to Moderator button! That way a Mod can be alerted to the issue and deal with it (if it needs to be) sooner rather than later (these reports are sent through to most of our emails).
To hear comments like "The place has had its day, unfortunately... and will never recover...." is extremely hurtful for me. When I think back to all of the National Meets and local meets that I have attended over the past nearly 9 years, I KNOW that Myswag hasn't "had it's day", that the "final nail" hasn't gone in the coffin. So many friendships have been formed on here. So many "strangers" have helped each other out whether it be via offering a Swagmail or posting a part that is no longer needed to someone who needs it. So much information has been shared. And all of these things WILL continue to happen!!!
It isn't just up to the Mods to "set the tone" of the Forum, it is also up to it's Members. Instead of posting up something that you know is definitely going to offend, text it to your Mate who you know will have a chuckle. Instead, post up a Mod you have done to your CT. Tell us your wish list for your new tug. Reply to someone who is asking for recommendations for camping spots in a certain area.
I am currently sitting in our garage (which also has our office in it) and to my left is a shelf filled with Myswag Merchandise. I look at it and smile. Smile because I know how much of kick I get out of seeing everyone in their Myswag gear when we go to a meet. Smile because I love to read the "spotted" thread and see our stickers out and about.
When "Rona" has gone, I vote we have some trips semi planned and ready to be put into action. I will post some more regarding this in the Trips section later. In the meantime, I need to jump off and go and purchase some carrots for the Easter Bunny as I forgot to get them in my grocery shopping earlier this week.
We are in the midst of an unprecedented event that is taking it's emotional, physical and financial toll on people. Take care of yourselves and those your hold dear.
