Clean Slate

sidshovel

The last six months on this site have been notable, not because of anything worthy, but rather the opposite.

There has been a progressive slide into what can only be politely described as a less than desirable environment.

I place myself up there as one of the main contributors to this situation. Not because that was ever my intention to disrupt

or forment this situation, but conversely, to protect what I thought was under threat of being changed for the worse.

Others, thought differently and sought to exert their influence to change the site to better suit their needs.

Over a short period, the membership has become polarised over a range of issues and subjects resulting in each camp adopting an isolationist position.

Tension was, and still is heightened by actions that sought to personalise those positions resulting in unfounded accusations of some members integrity and honesty, together with abusing the feedback system.

I joined this forum a year ago, after testing a number of others. I chose this one because it was different from the rest. Here there was a sense of decency and cooperation, with a common view to help each other.

Sadly, this has been eroded, not by the sites design or layout but rather by the actions of some members, (myself, one of those at the forefront) not adhering to the principles of its founder.

In an effort to change this unwelcome dynamic, I for one, intend to stop engaging in any action that conflicts with the founders intentions.

I will not be posting any contentious lyrics/songs, defending positions I believe in on this site, or ignoring anyone who thinks/acts differently to my position. In short, I will only interact with others in the spirit for which this site was established, a clean slate if you wish. I will always comment or reply, but will avoid any issues that may provoke or disrupt, in this case, your understanding would be appreciated.

I hope others consider to do the same. Reset their positions, whilst on this site, to a more live and let live one.

Lastly, I would like to thank Owen for his patience and lattitude during this demanding period and apologise to him for any actions on my part that may have contributed to his sleepless nights.

Thank you,

Sid

RainyDayMan

I thank you for doing this Sid - it's big of you.

I think a general reset across the board would be a good thing.

Nobody needs to change their opinions or beliefs. Nor do we need to change anyone else's. Just turn down the dial on negativity and antagonism. We don't need to snarl at each other or makes jibes.

Mike founded this site as a place for Songwriters to help other Songwriters. And he worked to instil a set of values into it: Decency, Kindness, Friendship - and a bit of Patience and Tolerance to boot!

I've seen this site at its best - a place where people go out of their way to help each other. There was such a storehouse of goodwill that it made me smile just thinking about it. I couldn't wait to log on each day to see what people had to say!

And we can have that again. The only thing we need is the right frame of mind.

bhengen

I will still post what I post, if somebody responds with anything other than a comment about my lyrics or music, then I don't have to reply. if you don't scratch somebody's itch, then eventually they will stop.

RainyDayMan

Thanks Bill, that will help too!