So long and thanks for all the fish... - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

So long and thanks for all the fish...

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
autumn_serene
May 15, 2008 22:31:42 Well, as many of you know, I lost my WizO-ship 2 weeks ago and as of today, I'm no longer the VCL for the area either.

The first is an easier pill to swallow, but the second came a pretty big shock.

I've spent more time building this community than anyone probably knows. The two reviews that CharOp members were able to be part of was directly my doing (yes, time to pat myself on the back). And come on, with all the crap I've put up with over contests on this board, I need a little ego stroking right now.

This is because I posted thisafter the ill-informed decision that all of the thinktanks would be deleted. I was emotional and it may have been out of line, but I still stand by it and don't think that 1 post in 7 years was worth my elimination from the VCL program. But I'll let you all decide that for yourselves. (But if you have any feelings, I would be eternally grateful for a show of support here.)

But, I just want to let everyone know. I'm really hopeful I can apply to be the Forum Lead for this board, but not sure if I'm allowed in or not.

Guess this means that after 7 years, I'm on the exact same plane as everyone else... I feel like I need a hazing of some sort

Time to really let my hair down!!
#2
logicninja
May 15, 2008 22:35:28 Now, I'm not saying that everyone who manages an internet community is a power-tripping asshat...

...but there's something about managing internet forums that seems to bring out the worst in people. I guess it's all of the power trip without any real power.
#3
archerpwr
May 15, 2008 22:36:16 WTH? Is there a petition or something we could post in to resecure your position?
#4
autumn_serene
May 15, 2008 22:42:02 It would probably be in poor form if I made my own petition, but I'd blush like a school girl in a football locker room if someone else made one on this board.
#5
archerpwr
May 15, 2008 22:47:41
It would probably be in poor form if I made my own petition, but I'd blush like a school girl in a football locker room if someone else made one on this board.

Blush away.
#6
22_Over_7
May 15, 2008 23:01:56 Let your anger flow through you...

EDIT: But seriously, WTF happened? This isn't just "That Meg always disagrees with me. I'm gonna can her ."
#7
autumn_serene
May 15, 2008 23:06:27

I owe you one archerpwr.
#8
piggyk
May 15, 2008 23:13:54 Wow. I have been consistently impressed with the way you have helped run this community, from when I was just a lurker, to when I was a semi-regular as Faithless the Wonder Boy, to my most recent returns to the boards. To find out that in the course of demonstrating yet again why you were an excellent VCL (by, among other things, actually representing the community you were responsible for), you were removed, makes me very upset.

It always frustrates me to see what amounts to silly politics alienating people who not only enjoy their (entirely volunteer!) job but are good at it, too. I'm sorry to read this.
#9
eldariel
May 15, 2008 23:35:39 I can't believe you'd get axed so lightly, especially when you have a point. I guess I'm just a voice lost in the crowd but I'll still do what I can to show my support for you on the matter.
#10
allarian
May 15, 2008 23:47:32 Heck, I'm a voice in the crowd, a lurker, and a relative n00b to this board; I still think it's insane to remove someone from a position for doing their job. I also happen to agree with the sentiment expressed in the post that so offended the high command. I am saddened when I see d20 Character Optimization or D&D Past Editions when I look at the boards. This ReOrg was poorly done IMO. If it was done without the input of those that are effected by it, well that (as one of the cattle being herded) seems unfair and insulting.
#11
kuroimaken
May 15, 2008 23:48:27 While I didn't really hang out here for very long, I do understand that Autumn seems to be very cherished in this community. As such, I'd like to show my support, even though I'm technically intruding (I hope no one's offended by this).

So... yeah. Count me in as another vote for Autumn sticking around.
#12
straw_man
May 15, 2008 23:53:21 As a mostly-lurker, you've always been one of the most effective community leaders I've ever seen, and I've always got the strong sense you represented us, the CO gurus and the newbs and everything in between.

And being axed for speaking your mind and doing your job?! Your welcome, but forget the fish, we'll be signing that petition.
#13
surreal
May 16, 2008 0:12:44 I'm pretty sure I posted on that thread (as did others) in the community business boards, then after a while I just gave up because they obviously didn't pay any attention to us.
#14
lord_karsus
May 16, 2008 0:20:28 -It took me about three days to figure out where the hell these optimization sections went to.

-Why does it feel like everything G0/CM does just simply sucks outloud? I don't know, is it me?

-That said, who wants to bet this thread gets "disappeared" at some point.

I'm pretty sure I posted on that thread (as did others) in the community business boards, then after a while I just gave up because they obviously didn't pay any attention to us.

-Yup. Same here.
#15
zax
May 16, 2008 0:23:43 what a bunch of asshats.

Agree with you autumn.
#16
detectivejabsco
May 16, 2008 0:34:43
-That said, who wants to bet this thread gets "disappeared" at some point.

Don't worry, i have been saving this thread and the petition one every update.
#17
magrus
May 16, 2008 0:54:19 Hrm, I don't really know you. I did notice you trying to get people to provide input on the changes, even if I didn't post in those however. I've done some very minor work as an administrator and mod on a very small, now defunct board. I have to say, that its not often those in charge of web forum type deals are given support. Generally, even if unjust, people in such positions aren't given due thanks or appreciation. To see someone be appreciated by the group they watched over is a rare thing.

The fact that this thread has gotten to response it has from the regulars here, I'd say this a very poor judgement call if this happens to be all of the facts involved.
#18
viktor_von_doom
May 16, 2008 1:04:22 Pretty much a new guy, don't know to much about this place despite how long I've been here but I have seen you doing one of the best jobs I've seen somone on a board do, its straight grimy what went down.
#19
phaxi
May 16, 2008 1:15:07 Maybe we all should move over to some other (non WoTC) board as a protest :D
#20
erhnamdj
May 16, 2008 1:18:34
Maybe we all should move over to some other (non WoTC) board as a protest :D

Yeah, let's fracture the board! That'll show 'em!
#21
22_Over_7
May 16, 2008 1:20:52
Maybe we all should move over to some other (non WoTC) board as a protest :D

Wonder where we could go...
#22
magrus
May 16, 2008 1:25:39
Maybe we all should move over to some other (non WoTC) board as a protest :D

This is probably what they want. Out with the old, in with the new type idea. Make the surroundings uncomfortable with those who don't move along with the pace, IE, transfer to 4.0.
#23
phaxi
May 16, 2008 1:31:02
Yeah, let's fracture the board! That'll show 'em!

People shouldn't be afraid of their government, governments should be afraid of their people.
#24
surreal
May 16, 2008 1:35:45
Blush away.

Locked already. They work fast over there.
#25
viktor_von_doom
May 16, 2008 1:40:38
This is probably what they want. Out with the old, in with the new type idea. Make the surroundings uncomfortable with those who don't move along with the pace, IE, transfer to 4.0.

Thats a bit well....paranoid.
#26
lord_karsus
May 16, 2008 1:49:20
Locked already. They work fast over there.

-Now, that's service, eh?
#27
tsuyoshikentsu
May 16, 2008 2:09:24 Autumn, I could be my typical, "acerbic" (;)) self and point out the irony inherent to this situation.

I am FAR too busy being upset to do that.

Apparently, WotC came packaged with a "Fragile" sign painted on its a** that no one noticed, because licking your superiors' a******s seems to be the priority here. Not being faithful to the rules -- the aptly-named Frank proved that. Not knowing the rules -- the CharOp reviews proved that. Not even nearly a DECADE of dedicated service to the company and community -- Autumn just proved that.

No, it's more important that the big-wigs feel well liked. Looks like WE were the ones smoking crack all along, guys -- turns out WotC really IS just a bunch of high-school losers who want to feel popular.
#28
manic_man
May 16, 2008 2:11:51 Hmm, sad to hear that. You'e been doing a great job so far.

From a business and maintainence point of view though i can understand their decision, though it could have been handled with a lot more tact
#29
bowensilverclaw1986
May 16, 2008 2:34:46 Wow, I really don't know what to say, besides "that SUCKS"...
I'm sorry things went the way they went Autumn, but don't let it get you down, you're still as valued a member of this community as allways as far as I'm concerned.

~Bowen
#30
squashmonster
May 16, 2008 2:37:10 Autumn_serene, I really don't know what exactly it is that you do. But this community is wonderful, and I assume that you're in some part responsible. Making this one of the best forums I've posted on while still remaining mostly invisible is an amazing feat. If I wore hats, I wouldn't be now, as mine would be off to you.

Locked already. They work fast over there.

They said to post in the concerns and criticism thread. Let's go fill it.
#31
gamer_zer0
May 16, 2008 2:38:04 If you want to post in the concerns and criticism thread, please follow the link given. Petitions are not allowed on our forums. And goodbye threads are off-topic for this forum. I am moving this thread to the community business forum.
#32
autumn_serene
May 16, 2008 8:36:42 Hmm... well the other goodbye thread was moved to this board which is apparently the right place for it, but also closed, which is confusing. I'm assuming it was mistakenly closed.

So here it is again, posted in the right spot (even though it was specifically targeted at the CharOp folks, but I love you all, so sure, let's open it up!)

*********
Well, as many of you know, I lost my WizO-ship 2 weeks ago and as of today, I'm no longer the VCL for the area either.

The first is an easier pill to swallow, but the second came a pretty big shock.

I've spent more time building this community than anyone probably knows. The two reviews that CharOp members were able to be part of was directly my doing (yes, time to pat myself on the back). And come on, with all the crap I've put up with over contests on this board, I need a little ego stroking right now.

This is because I posted this after the ill-informed decision that all of the thinktanks would be deleted. I was emotional and it may have been out of line, but I still stand by it and don't think that 1 post in 7 years was worth my elimination from the VCL program. But I'll let you all decide that for yourselves. (But if you have any feelings, I would be eternally grateful for a show of support here.)

But, I just want to let everyone know. I'm really hopeful I can apply to be the Forum Lead for this board, but not sure if I'm allowed in or not.

Guess this means that after 7 years, I'm on the exact same plane as everyone else... I feel like I need a hazing of some sort

Time to really let my hair down!!
#33
pfooti
May 16, 2008 9:51:57 Bleh. This is exactly the kind of random mismanagement that the boards do not need. Why should Autumn have to leave? Why should CharOpt get rolled in with other stuff? It's unnecessary and drama-inducing.

CharOpt in particular has a good and lively community in it, and I give credit to Autumn for building that community. I love the CO board, because she made it work right. CO without Autumn is difficult to imagine.

So.... here's hoping things improve, and if they don't, well, who can say?

Thank you Autumn, for building one of the best online communities I've ever been a part of (and the most long-lasting, I've been going to CO since 2004). I hope to see you around somewhere, and I hope that we'll all end up gravitating somewhere that's a good community again.
#34
tshern
May 16, 2008 10:29:49
Thank you Autumn, for building one of the best online communities I've ever been a part of (and the most long-lasting, I've been going to CO since 2004). I hope to see you around somewhere, and I hope that we'll all end up gravitating somewhere that's a good community again.

QFT. It's been a pleasure to be there, plenty of good laughs.
#35
lord_karsus
May 16, 2008 10:48:56
And goodbye threads are off-topic for this forum. I am moving this thread to the community business forum.

Hmm... well the other goodbye thread was moved to this board which is apparently the right place for it, but also closed, which is confusing. I'm assuming it was mistakenly closed.

So here it is again, posted in the right spot (even though it was specifically targeted at the CharOp folks, but I love you all, so sure, let's open it up!)

-Well, technically, no, it was not in the wrong place. Posts in Astrid's Parlor have set the precident that threads in a particular section that aren't necessarily "on topic" for that section indeed are, so long as they are asking the opinions/feedback/etc. of that specific community. As August was intending to inform the CharOp people, thus...

-...But, whatever, just sayin'...
#36
atomickitkat
May 16, 2008 10:49:25 Guess it doesn't mean much, but thanks for all you've done(even though I wasn't around for most of it, at least you were fairly rational and reasonable, not forgetting at least somewhat objective, from what I saw of you on the Mature boards). You have my (somewhat slackadaisical) salute.
#37
darkdrgon2136
May 16, 2008 12:29:59
Petitions are not allowed on our forums.

please tell me Im not the only one rubbed the wrong way by this. Beeing told I cant voice my opinions is something i cant stand, and a petition is just a group of people speaking the same opinion.
#38
radicaltaoist
May 16, 2008 17:08:39 To Autumn: As always you have my support. I wish I did not have to read those words.

To the superiors: call your lawyers and investigate.
I'm serious. If I wanted to sabotage WotC's ability to build a community and maintain effective dialogue with its customers, and get away with it, I would be hard pressed to come up with better actions than what G0 has pulled on you so far. It is beyond the pale to reorganize the forums in a way that shreds the existing communities, then toss devoted volunteers out of the way when they call that out, and then move all the complaints about this decision around the forums so that they evade the eyes that need them most. You may want to look carefully to see if you're being crippled from within.
#39
trappedslider
May 16, 2008 17:20:19 Autumn_serene you iqwll always be my favorite WizO,and I'll be cross posting a link to this thread along with the C&C thread in the D20 modern area.
#40
shigunaru
May 16, 2008 17:30:26 This thread is not meant to say goodbye to the community.

A virtual community is not a "real" place, the only real "things" there are in it are the persons who compose it.

This thread is really meant to say goodbye to this non-existant place, 'cause you won't get rid of that persons that easily ;)
#41
nemafow
May 16, 2008 23:09:40 We are going to miss you Autumn, its sad to see you punched in the face, after you tried to give a care about something we all don't want to see go and were ignored giving suggestions to.
#42
miss_bun
May 16, 2008 23:32:50 Anyone who says they will miss you is implying they will remain.
#43
cyrocloud
May 17, 2008 9:41:09 I don't know what to say except "So long and thanks for all the fish" was the 4th book in a trilogy of 5(the worst one too). So I'm still expecting that 5th book.
#44
prime32
May 17, 2008 9:44:47
Anyone who says they will miss you is implying they will remain.

Hey, I signed up at Brilliant Gameologists (which is becoming more and more interesting), but I'm still going to check around here.
#45
lord_karsus
May 17, 2008 12:06:05
I don't know what to say except "So long and thanks for all the fish" was the 4th book in a trilogy of 5(the worst one too). So I'm still expecting that 5th book.

-A trilogy of five?
#46
prime32
May 17, 2008 12:07:57
-A trilogy of five?

Pfft. No-one ever puts just three books in a trilogy any more. I just hope the reaction from above isn't "Mostly Harmless".
#47
lord_karsus
May 17, 2008 12:41:52
Pfft. No-one ever puts just three books in a trilogy any more. I just hope the reaction from above isn't "Mostly Harmless".

-Uh huh, I see.
#48
kids
May 18, 2008 4:59:42 Autumn_serene, I have to admit that I don't know you personally nor did I have much contact with you other than browsing a few threads in a few forums.
But I have read through everything relevant to this matter and so I plainly say that you have my support as well, what little it might mean. Also, at several points it was you who had every right to be offended and explode but you didn't, which is why I appreciate that even more. I've dealt with several cases of cyber-bullying in my past so I know how valuable it is that people don't explode at each other and fuel more conflicts.

In the end, I don't blame a specific mod or official or policy, but it is a shame that this came to be from something that could and should have been prevented by just a little more goodwill.

Best wishes.
#49
redeemer_of_ogar
May 18, 2008 21:49:24
Heck, I'm a voice in the crowd, a lurker, and a relative n00b to this board; I still think it's insane to remove someone from a position for doing their job. I also happen to agree with the sentiment expressed in the post that so offended the high command.

I just wanted to comment that I am in complete agreement with these sentiments (except for the n00b bit, I've been lurking and occasionally posting for some years now).
#50
skeeve
May 26, 2008 22:36:32 I wanted to send this as a PM, but it seems your mailbox is full. Not a huge surprise there. ^^:

I've been away from the Wizards boards for some time now, and I was very shocked to find out you'd been removed from any work on the boards.

You're one of the most even-handed, fair, and, to be blunt, flat out one of the best forum administrators I've ever seen in my time on the internet. I know it's not much, but I just felt the need to let you know that I think you're awesome, and I wish you luck with whatever life sends your way.
#51
Obsidianjaerc
May 27, 2008 2:34:11 Autumn,

It's been some time since we've directly interacted by posts, but I hope you know that I support your position even in this tremendously difficult time. I know I'll be seeing you around, helping once again the lost and angry posters as you always have.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 autumn_serene May 15, 2008 22:31:42	Well, as many of you know, I lost my WizO-ship 2 weeks ago and as of today, I'm no longer the VCL for the area either. The first is an easier pill to swallow, but the second came a pretty big shock. I've spent more time building this community than anyone probably knows. The two reviews that CharOp members were able to be part of was directly my doing (yes, time to pat myself on the back). And come on, with all the crap I've put up with over contests on this board, I need a little ego stroking right now. This is because I posted thisafter the ill-informed decision that all of the thinktanks would be deleted. I was emotional and it may have been out of line, but I still stand by it and don't think that 1 post in 7 years was worth my elimination from the VCL program. But I'll let you all decide that for yourselves. (But if you have any feelings, I would be eternally grateful for a show of support here.) But, I just want to let everyone know. I'm really hopeful I can apply to be the Forum Lead for this board, but not sure if I'm allowed in or not. Guess this means that after 7 years, I'm on the exact same plane as everyone else... I feel like I need a hazing of some sort Time to really let my hair down!!
#2 logicninja May 15, 2008 22:35:28	Now, I'm not saying that everyone who manages an internet community is a power-tripping asshat... ...but there's something about managing internet forums that seems to bring out the worst in people. I guess it's all of the power trip without any real power.
#3 archerpwr May 15, 2008 22:36:16	WTH? Is there a petition or something we could post in to resecure your position?
#4 autumn_serene May 15, 2008 22:42:02	It would probably be in poor form if I made my own petition, but I'd blush like a school girl in a football locker room if someone else made one on this board.
#5 archerpwr May 15, 2008 22:47:41	It would probably be in poor form if I made my own petition, but I'd blush like a school girl in a football locker room if someone else made one on this board. Blush away.
#6 22_Over_7 May 15, 2008 23:01:56	Let your anger flow through you... EDIT: But seriously, WTF happened? This isn't just "That Meg always disagrees with me. I'm gonna can her ."
#7 autumn_serene May 15, 2008 23:06:27	I owe you one archerpwr.
#8 piggyk May 15, 2008 23:13:54	Wow. I have been consistently impressed with the way you have helped run this community, from when I was just a lurker, to when I was a semi-regular as Faithless the Wonder Boy, to my most recent returns to the boards. To find out that in the course of demonstrating yet again why you were an excellent VCL (by, among other things, actually representing the community you were responsible for), you were removed, makes me very upset. It always frustrates me to see what amounts to silly politics alienating people who not only enjoy their (entirely volunteer!) job but are good at it, too. I'm sorry to read this.
#9 eldariel May 15, 2008 23:35:39	I can't believe you'd get axed so lightly, especially when you have a point. I guess I'm just a voice lost in the crowd but I'll still do what I can to show my support for you on the matter.
#10 allarian May 15, 2008 23:47:32	Heck, I'm a voice in the crowd, a lurker, and a relative n00b to this board; I still think it's insane to remove someone from a position for doing their job. I also happen to agree with the sentiment expressed in the post that so offended the high command. I am saddened when I see d20 Character Optimization or D&D Past Editions when I look at the boards. This ReOrg was poorly done IMO. If it was done without the input of those that are effected by it, well that (as one of the cattle being herded) seems unfair and insulting.
#11 kuroimaken May 15, 2008 23:48:27	While I didn't really hang out here for very long, I do understand that Autumn seems to be very cherished in this community. As such, I'd like to show my support, even though I'm technically intruding (I hope no one's offended by this). So... yeah. Count me in as another vote for Autumn sticking around.
#12 straw_man May 15, 2008 23:53:21	As a mostly-lurker, you've always been one of the most effective community leaders I've ever seen, and I've always got the strong sense you represented us, the CO gurus and the newbs and everything in between. And being axed for speaking your mind and doing your job?! Your welcome, but forget the fish, we'll be signing that petition.
#13 surreal May 16, 2008 0:12:44	I'm pretty sure I posted on that thread (as did others) in the community business boards, then after a while I just gave up because they obviously didn't pay any attention to us.
#14 lord_karsus May 16, 2008 0:20:28	-It took me about three days to figure out where the hell these optimization sections went to. -Why does it feel like everything G0/CM does just simply sucks outloud? I don't know, is it me? -That said, who wants to bet this thread gets "disappeared" at some point. I'm pretty sure I posted on that thread (as did others) in the community business boards, then after a while I just gave up because they obviously didn't pay any attention to us. -Yup. Same here.
#15 zax May 16, 2008 0:23:43	what a bunch of asshats. Agree with you autumn.
#16 detectivejabsco May 16, 2008 0:34:43	-That said, who wants to bet this thread gets "disappeared" at some point. Don't worry, i have been saving this thread and the petition one every update.
#17 magrus May 16, 2008 0:54:19	Hrm, I don't really know you. I did notice you trying to get people to provide input on the changes, even if I didn't post in those however. I've done some very minor work as an administrator and mod on a very small, now defunct board. I have to say, that its not often those in charge of web forum type deals are given support. Generally, even if unjust, people in such positions aren't given due thanks or appreciation. To see someone be appreciated by the group they watched over is a rare thing. The fact that this thread has gotten to response it has from the regulars here, I'd say this a very poor judgement call if this happens to be all of the facts involved.
#18 viktor_von_doom May 16, 2008 1:04:22	Pretty much a new guy, don't know to much about this place despite how long I've been here but I have seen you doing one of the best jobs I've seen somone on a board do, its straight grimy what went down.
#19 phaxi May 16, 2008 1:15:07	Maybe we all should move over to some other (non WoTC) board as a protest :D
#20 erhnamdj May 16, 2008 1:18:34	Maybe we all should move over to some other (non WoTC) board as a protest :D Yeah, let's fracture the board! That'll show 'em!
#21 22_Over_7 May 16, 2008 1:20:52	Maybe we all should move over to some other (non WoTC) board as a protest :D Wonder where we could go...
#22 magrus May 16, 2008 1:25:39	Maybe we all should move over to some other (non WoTC) board as a protest :D This is probably what they want. Out with the old, in with the new type idea. Make the surroundings uncomfortable with those who don't move along with the pace, IE, transfer to 4.0.
#23 phaxi May 16, 2008 1:31:02	Yeah, let's fracture the board! That'll show 'em! People shouldn't be afraid of their government, governments should be afraid of their people.
#24 surreal May 16, 2008 1:35:45	Blush away. Locked already. They work fast over there.
#25 viktor_von_doom May 16, 2008 1:40:38	This is probably what they want. Out with the old, in with the new type idea. Make the surroundings uncomfortable with those who don't move along with the pace, IE, transfer to 4.0. Thats a bit well....paranoid.
#26 lord_karsus May 16, 2008 1:49:20	Locked already. They work fast over there. -Now, that's service, eh?
#27 tsuyoshikentsu May 16, 2008 2:09:24	Autumn, I could be my typical, "acerbic" (;)) self and point out the irony inherent to this situation. I am FAR too busy being upset to do that. Apparently, WotC came packaged with a "Fragile" sign painted on its a that no one noticed, because licking your superiors' a****s seems to be the priority here. Not being faithful to the rules -- the aptly-named Frank proved that. Not knowing the rules -- the CharOp reviews proved that. Not even nearly a DECADE of dedicated service to the company and community -- Autumn just proved that. No, it's more important that the big-wigs feel well liked. Looks like WE were the ones smoking crack all along, guys -- turns out WotC really IS just a bunch of high-school losers who want to feel popular.
#28 manic_man May 16, 2008 2:11:51	Hmm, sad to hear that. You'e been doing a great job so far. From a business and maintainence point of view though i can understand their decision, though it could have been handled with a lot more tact
#29 bowensilverclaw1986 May 16, 2008 2:34:46	Wow, I really don't know what to say, besides "that SUCKS"... I'm sorry things went the way they went Autumn, but don't let it get you down, you're still as valued a member of this community as allways as far as I'm concerned. ~Bowen
#30 squashmonster May 16, 2008 2:37:10	Autumn_serene, I really don't know what exactly it is that you do. But this community is wonderful, and I assume that you're in some part responsible. Making this one of the best forums I've posted on while still remaining mostly invisible is an amazing feat. If I wore hats, I wouldn't be now, as mine would be off to you. Locked already. They work fast over there. They said to post in the concerns and criticism thread. Let's go fill it.
#31 gamer_zer0 May 16, 2008 2:38:04	If you want to post in the concerns and criticism thread, please follow the link given. Petitions are not allowed on our forums. And goodbye threads are off-topic for this forum. I am moving this thread to the community business forum.
#32 autumn_serene May 16, 2008 8:36:42	Hmm... well the other goodbye thread was moved to this board which is apparently the right place for it, but also closed, which is confusing. I'm assuming it was mistakenly closed. So here it is again, posted in the right spot (even though it was specifically targeted at the CharOp folks, but I love you all, so sure, let's open it up!) ********* Well, as many of you know, I lost my WizO-ship 2 weeks ago and as of today, I'm no longer the VCL for the area either. The first is an easier pill to swallow, but the second came a pretty big shock. I've spent more time building this community than anyone probably knows. The two reviews that CharOp members were able to be part of was directly my doing (yes, time to pat myself on the back). And come on, with all the crap I've put up with over contests on this board, I need a little ego stroking right now. This is because I posted this after the ill-informed decision that all of the thinktanks would be deleted. I was emotional and it may have been out of line, but I still stand by it and don't think that 1 post in 7 years was worth my elimination from the VCL program. But I'll let you all decide that for yourselves. (But if you have any feelings, I would be eternally grateful for a show of support here.) But, I just want to let everyone know. I'm really hopeful I can apply to be the Forum Lead for this board, but not sure if I'm allowed in or not. Guess this means that after 7 years, I'm on the exact same plane as everyone else... I feel like I need a hazing of some sort Time to really let my hair down!!
#33 pfooti May 16, 2008 9:51:57	Bleh. This is exactly the kind of random mismanagement that the boards do not need. Why should Autumn have to leave? Why should CharOpt get rolled in with other stuff? It's unnecessary and drama-inducing. CharOpt in particular has a good and lively community in it, and I give credit to Autumn for building that community. I love the CO board, because she made it work right. CO without Autumn is difficult to imagine. So.... here's hoping things improve, and if they don't, well, who can say? Thank you Autumn, for building one of the best online communities I've ever been a part of (and the most long-lasting, I've been going to CO since 2004). I hope to see you around somewhere, and I hope that we'll all end up gravitating somewhere that's a good community again.
#34 tshern May 16, 2008 10:29:49	Thank you Autumn, for building one of the best online communities I've ever been a part of (and the most long-lasting, I've been going to CO since 2004). I hope to see you around somewhere, and I hope that we'll all end up gravitating somewhere that's a good community again. QFT. It's been a pleasure to be there, plenty of good laughs.
#35 lord_karsus May 16, 2008 10:48:56	And goodbye threads are off-topic for this forum. I am moving this thread to the community business forum. Hmm... well the other goodbye thread was moved to this board which is apparently the right place for it, but also closed, which is confusing. I'm assuming it was mistakenly closed. So here it is again, posted in the right spot (even though it was specifically targeted at the CharOp folks, but I love you all, so sure, let's open it up!) -Well, technically, no, it was not in the wrong place. Posts in Astrid's Parlor have set the precident that threads in a particular section that aren't necessarily "on topic" for that section indeed are, so long as they are asking the opinions/feedback/etc. of that specific community. As August was intending to inform the CharOp people, thus... -...But, whatever, just sayin'...
#36 atomickitkat May 16, 2008 10:49:25	Guess it doesn't mean much, but thanks for all you've done(even though I wasn't around for most of it, at least you were fairly rational and reasonable, not forgetting at least somewhat objective, from what I saw of you on the Mature boards). You have my (somewhat slackadaisical) salute.
#37 darkdrgon2136 May 16, 2008 12:29:59	Petitions are not allowed on our forums. please tell me Im not the only one rubbed the wrong way by this. Beeing told I cant voice my opinions is something i cant stand, and a petition is just a group of people speaking the same opinion.
#38 radicaltaoist May 16, 2008 17:08:39	To Autumn: As always you have my support. I wish I did not have to read those words. To the superiors: call your lawyers and investigate. I'm serious. If I wanted to sabotage WotC's ability to build a community and maintain effective dialogue with its customers, and get away with it, I would be hard pressed to come up with better actions than what G0 has pulled on you so far. It is beyond the pale to reorganize the forums in a way that shreds the existing communities, then toss devoted volunteers out of the way when they call that out, and then move all the complaints about this decision around the forums so that they evade the eyes that need them most. You may want to look carefully to see if you're being crippled from within.
#39 trappedslider May 16, 2008 17:20:19	Autumn_serene you iqwll always be my favorite WizO,and I'll be cross posting a link to this thread along with the C&C thread in the D20 modern area.
#40 shigunaru May 16, 2008 17:30:26	This thread is not meant to say goodbye to the community. A virtual community is not a "real" place, the only real "things" there are in it are the persons who compose it. This thread is really meant to say goodbye to this non-existant place, 'cause you won't get rid of that persons that easily ;)
#41 nemafow May 16, 2008 23:09:40	We are going to miss you Autumn, its sad to see you punched in the face, after you tried to give a care about something we all don't want to see go and were ignored giving suggestions to.
#42 miss_bun May 16, 2008 23:32:50	Anyone who says they will miss you is implying they will remain.
#43 cyrocloud May 17, 2008 9:41:09	I don't know what to say except "So long and thanks for all the fish" was the 4th book in a trilogy of 5(the worst one too). So I'm still expecting that 5th book.
#44 prime32 May 17, 2008 9:44:47	Anyone who says they will miss you is implying they will remain. Hey, I signed up at Brilliant Gameologists (which is becoming more and more interesting), but I'm still going to check around here.
#45 lord_karsus May 17, 2008 12:06:05	I don't know what to say except "So long and thanks for all the fish" was the 4th book in a trilogy of 5(the worst one too). So I'm still expecting that 5th book. -A trilogy of five?
#46 prime32 May 17, 2008 12:07:57	-A trilogy of five? Pfft. No-one ever puts just three books in a trilogy any more. I just hope the reaction from above isn't "Mostly Harmless".
#47 lord_karsus May 17, 2008 12:41:52	Pfft. No-one ever puts just three books in a trilogy any more. I just hope the reaction from above isn't "Mostly Harmless". -Uh huh, I see.
#48 kids May 18, 2008 4:59:42	Autumn_serene, I have to admit that I don't know you personally nor did I have much contact with you other than browsing a few threads in a few forums. But I have read through everything relevant to this matter and so I plainly say that you have my support as well, what little it might mean. Also, at several points it was you who had every right to be offended and explode but you didn't, which is why I appreciate that even more. I've dealt with several cases of cyber-bullying in my past so I know how valuable it is that people don't explode at each other and fuel more conflicts. In the end, I don't blame a specific mod or official or policy, but it is a shame that this came to be from something that could and should have been prevented by just a little more goodwill. Best wishes.
#49 redeemer_of_ogar May 18, 2008 21:49:24	Heck, I'm a voice in the crowd, a lurker, and a relative n00b to this board; I still think it's insane to remove someone from a position for doing their job. I also happen to agree with the sentiment expressed in the post that so offended the high command. I just wanted to comment that I am in complete agreement with these sentiments (except for the n00b bit, I've been lurking and occasionally posting for some years now).
#50 skeeve May 26, 2008 22:36:32	I wanted to send this as a PM, but it seems your mailbox is full. Not a huge surprise there. ^^: I've been away from the Wizards boards for some time now, and I was very shocked to find out you'd been removed from any work on the boards. You're one of the most even-handed, fair, and, to be blunt, flat out one of the best forum administrators I've ever seen in my time on the internet. I know it's not much, but I just felt the need to let you know that I think you're awesome, and I wish you luck with whatever life sends your way.
#51 Obsidianjaerc May 27, 2008 2:34:11	Autumn, It's been some time since we've directly interacted by posts, but I hope you know that I support your position even in this tremendously difficult time. I know I'll be seeing you around, helping once again the lost and angry posters as you always have.