... has come (and gone .... again). I hope that over the long run, I've done more harm than good. I mean ... more good than harm. It has been almost three years (with one break) of moderating for me. I've run out of steam and I'm holding up progress more than I'm helping it. I seem to spend most of my time online discussing the moderating issues of the day. I'd like to be able to spend more time reading posts and posting a few myself. I'd also like to redirect some of my energies to some other things in my "other" life, which has a few "issues" of its own (like divorce, for example).

I'd also like to make some room at the moderating table for some fresh meat. I hope I'm not talking out of turn when I say that the moderators need help. I hope that some people with fires in their bellies, who would like to take a shot at improving the boards, will volunteer to moderate. If you have ever found yourself wondering "why are they doing it that way? Wouldn't it be a lot better to do it this way?" please volunteer. Let the moderators know that you are willing to help them out by posting on the boards or by writing to the moderators and healingmoderators@hotmail.com or at openmoderators@hotmail.com. Don't take it personally if you don't get a response the first time around. Just keep writing.

To my fellow moderators - Mags, Sidney, Jbean, GT, Helen, and Tom - thanks for the memories. You may not have ol' Bartholerator to kick around any more , but you may take some comfort in knowing that it's been fun. Moderating has been an enriching experience for me. It can be a difficult job at times but hang in there and keep on keepin' on. I wish you the best of luck.

Bart

Bart, you were a great moderator! At least we're not losing you totally. These boards would not be the same without you. I love your deep-thinking wisdom and your humor. You are awesome!

Teri

Well that's a shame, Bart.

The world needs more decent folk like you. I'm tired of all these indecent people running around! LOL

Seriously though, you got it goin on, and I hope a lot of lifes' gifts find there way into your life, including a special woman.

MM

Congratulations on your retirement.

Do you at least get a gold watch?



Chris.

ps. I've missed the "immoderate-r" Bart. Welcome back.

Your words of wisdom as a moderator and as friend are always healing, humorous, and loving. You are a much valued member Bart, and it is with great pleasure that I look forward to your byline what ever the topic.

much love,
El

 

I want to thank you for all that you've done. I have constantly been impressed with your ability to find the essential kernel required for fair and unbiased judgements. The boards have gone through some difficult trials recently and I am very thankful that you were willing to offer your time and energy to working through them. Good moderators don’t grow on trees. You have been a very good one.

Thanks for the kind words Teri, MM, Chris, El, Tom. If only I had a nickel for every time someone gave me a gold rolex, but thanks, WR - this is the first one with the word "ROLEX" in capitals.

Chris wrote >>Congratulations on your retirement .... I've missed the "immoderate-r"<<

Would you believe that in some ways it feels like coming out of retirement?

Hey Bart, good luck. Moderating is a very difficult job, much harder then many suspect, and you've handled it very well indeed.

BTW, there's no money for a gold watch... and most retiring moderators opt out of the golden shower, which there is plenty of money for.

Moderating requires an awful lot of objectivity and... well, moderation. It's not something I could do and I admire you for doing it.

Will

>>I admire you for doing it<<

There's the man I've been looking for. You're the one who got me to take on that gig again. Don't think for a minute that flattery will help me forget it.

"Don't think for a minute that flattery will help me forget it"

Yes, and it wasn't even that hard a trap to set . But at least give me some credit for furthering your education... even if it didn't quite take you in the direction you wanted to go.

But I am serious in that I never doubted you would do a good job.

>>at least give me some credit for furthering your education<<

And now he wants gratitude? Oh vey.

The tuition fees might have been just this side of exhorbitant but never let it be said that I don't give credit where it is due - I feel older and yes (he said begrudgingly) a little bit wiser.

"I feel older and yes (he said begrudgingly) a little bit wiser."

Good enough for me... although, I'm now looking over my shoulder for some kind of devine retribution to right the scales.

I will look forward to your future posts. It hasn't been the same without them.

>>I'm now looking over my shoulder for some kind of devine retribution<<

... and that would be me - Bartholomew "DR" Quisenberry. Be sure to periodically check the frequency, intensity, and duration of that feeling or you might begin to wonder if it'll ever go away. Think of me as your very own psychic bunion.

Hi Bart.

My response to you is on the moderators board and Know that I will miss your influence here, but hope you do not become a stranger.
jbean

jbean,

But Bart isn't a moderator any longer.

 

 

You've got mail.

Chris.