Personally at this point, I feel like the decision of the moderators has been made, and we would do best to support it. We can voice our opinions, and we have, but if we argue, it's not going to help increase involvement.
I understand the decision made and why it was made. I may not agree with it, but I don't have to. It's not my decision to make. I signed up to the board's terms and agreed to them just like we all did.
The fact is, the forum is public-access but it's not a public forum. That is, it's not run by a random community, it is run by the Timber Framer's Guild and a small body of moderators they have appointed or otherwise given authority to. Those people make the decisions. Being an extension of the guild, that is exactly how it should be.
If the guild doesn't want something on their own board, which they pay for, they have the right to make that decision. As a member of the guild, I have the right to state my opinion, but it's still up to the board. I abide by their decision.
I'll stick up for Derek personally. He's got rough edges but when you get around them, he's an interesting guy, with good ideas and a lot of knowledge. Yes he's upset me a time or two, but we've gotten around that and he will stand up to his actions.
But I understand the decision has been made, and I also know Derek himself actually requested some of these things be removed. Keep that in mind. Derek told me personally, he doesn't want to be involved in the forums at this point. But he asked me if I would say a word or two on his behalf, so I have done that.
