In the Name of Progress . . . . . . .

[chazertis]

ditto. theres NO easy or right answer

 

[Tonyscoots84]

fred you just seem to amaze me everytime you say something .....

i couldnt say it better myself... i guess if its good for the site then let it be, jim as you can see ur still loved by ohhhhh so many members... guys hes not leaving the site....

something that cant be denied is jims love for the site, all the love he has for the fellow members, and everything i have gotten from him is doing great... by the way jim the clam is doing awesome ..

 

[Dmitry]

I think the comments of support in this thread are the other side of the coin that is that other thread - with a few flip-flops. Either way, MR loses because of a very vocal minority. But in light of the overwhelmingly negative commentary, and a great deal of unsubstantiated and ultimately false innuendo, in that other thread - can anyone be really surprised at Jim's decision?

 

[DevIouS]

Kinda off-topic, but I had to say it (& if get's modded, I'm kicking someones ass)


You know....
I sat back & watched all the BS happen, while members vented on what they did not know. I myself do not know the true details..
I sit back & stay quiet when people group the mods as a unit & talk mess.
I've seen comments range from "know it alls, think you are god, kiss asses, etc." & have seen members go on a rampage if a decision is made.
I have learned from the other guys, not to feed into the BS & it will de-escalate.
And It's true.

I am out-spoken & always get myself in trouble, even got labeled the "mean mod".
I don't claim to know everything or have all the answers, nor do I have the most successful / most beautiful reef.
I will post my opinion with what I know or have experienced.
Me being a "kiss ass"......HA! Sorry...that's not part of my lifestyle.

I think the mods are a group of level-headed members with a decent head on our shoulders, who:

love the site
spend a fair amount of time on the site
who would like to see the site grow bigger than it is
try to contribute to the site as best as we can
& basically try to enforce the basic rules that this site has.

We are a group of moderators.....yes, but we do not all think as one. We all are individuals & have different opinions & suggestions. If you all really think we do not discuss or speak on issues behind the scene....you are sadly mistaken.
For the most part, MR does not have daily serious issues or topics that need constant moderation.

I am cool with everyone here.....everyone!
I take no sides & I have no problem calling it as I see it.

As Josh mentioned, Jim moderates certain forums (vendors is not one of them). Jim has forwarded situations to mods, instead of taking upon himself & we as a group think it out.
If I would have seen it as conflicting, I would have been the first to say it.
Not one member here knows what happens "behind the scenes."

I do highly agree that the forum, vendor rules & the site's format have to be upgraded & changed (which is in process).

Why are we always looking to focus on drama or waste energy always looking for the bad?
It's bound to happen when $$$ plays a part.
There is plenty of space in the ocean for more thank one reef.


With times changing & ever growing members, MR will NEVER be the same. It will never be that "family-nit" 200 member site it once was. It has grown & it is getting bigger. There will always be drama, disagreements & most will never agree with decisions we make as a group. You know what??? it's life.
I have more serious life issues to focus on a daily basis......to have a place where I come to relax & chill get to me.

I will continue to enjoy what MR has to offer & have fun at the same time.
MR will be what we make it.

Take this post & my opinions as you wish.
Whatever.
I'll still be on here tomorrow learning, contributing, looking out for deals & acting childish on the RG.


Jim:
I respect your decision.
Keep doing what you're doing.
The badge didn't make you, you made the badge.

 

[JHOV2324]

:shhh: I didnt even know you was a MOD..but good luck with your decision and from the other post it seems you are a stand up reefer...see you manana at Grand Central....:splitspin

 

[SlamaJama]

I think the comments of support in this thread are the other side of the coin that is that other thread - with a few flip-flops. Either way, MR loses because of a very vocal minority. But in light of the overwhelmingly negative commentary, and a great deal of unsubstantiated and ultimately false innuendo, in that other thread - can anyone be really surprised at Jim's decision?

this should have been months ago when this first came up...now that there is a open wound we jump to this inevitable decision, it was the smart play then, as it is now...but as fred put it...u made the badge, not the other way around. It has in no way diminished any and all the great contributions you have made to this site.

 

[michael stern]

"I respect your decision.
Keep doing what you're doing.
The badge didn't make you, you made the badge."


Very Very well put.

I can't pretend that I understand all the "drama" that brought this situation to a head. Who has the time to read between the lines and scour past threads searching for an explanation.

While I have personally had minimal dealings directly with Jim (bulk food GB comes to mind), I can't imagine anyone on this board having anything but respect for him as a vendor and as a member.

That being said, on its face, vendor and moderator is clearly a conflict of interest. From everything I have ever seen or heard, Jim has honorably avoided using this conflict to his advantage; but, the perception cannot be denied.

If being a moderator was a paid position, and Jim needed the money, I would understand why he would want to continue. Since it is not, I cannot see any other option. Why open yourself up to this inuendo?

Hopefully, Jim continues on as the exceptional vendor, member, source of information, and friend to many that he has always been.

Best of luck!

 

[TimberTDI]

Jim,

Stay put.

Steven

 

[nanoreefer22]

Jim,

Fred and Phil put it very well, being a mod didn't make you a huge part of the community, being a member did. Just because you step down it's not going to make you any less of an asset to the community. You can still chime in with advice, tips, and everything else.

But if stepping down as a moderator makes you feel like you can contribute less, we can't really help you there.

Just know that everyone values your opinion and not the fact that you're a moderator.

-Kris

 

[russianmd]

I can't help but comment on this...

The way the other thread was going, you could see this coming from a mile away - but count me among those who think that this is a HUGE loss for MR... :irked:

My biggest hope is that to mitigate the free time that he now has for not moderating, Jim will have more time to post uber-useful comments and for him and Russ to sell some kick-a$$ merchandise.

(and I am kinda hoping Josh will not accept Jim's resignation)

 

[scarf_ace1981]

wish you all the best jim

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I take no sides & I have no problem calling it as I see it.

Phil I see your point and it makes perfect sense. I know as well as you know that this all stems from the other thread. And my feeling is that your above statement may be correct for you and for others of us here, me included but others have chosen sides and are almost forcing others to take sides as well. Jim being a mod has nothing to do with the other BS. Jim is a target for unknown reasons. I have had conversations with him and he has nothing but nice things to say about almost everyone here. He has never ever said anything bad to me about any of the vendors and has suggested I go to other vendors on this site for products. Hmmmmmmmmm I guess that makes him the evil person he has been portrayed as. HOW DARE HE SPEAK NICELY ABOUT HIS COMPETITION? OH MY GOD!!!!!!

This is getting out of hand and turning into more BS than it should be. If you need a spanking get spanked and leave it at that. If you need a hug get your hug and be happy. You wanna try to make people choose sides......... GROW THE :bunnies: up!!

I for one have now chosen my side. Where it is I don't know but I have chosen. Hope that makes sense to the people who are drawing lines in the sand.

 

[Dace]

Here this thread is turning into BS again. What's the big deal about Jim stepping down? He still can be a big part of this site and no one is saying that he can't contribute and give advice. I can not say one bad thing about Jim as he has only help me in a bunch of ways. On the other hand i see a bunch of you making it seem like we are not only taking away his right to speak, as well as taking away his right to sell. Jim is a grown man who is liked by everyone and the only way i see it being a loss to MR is if he decide not to participate anymore do to this situation.. Lots of you are jumping to conclusion without even knowing what it is to be a vendor or have not even tried to be a vendor. There's alot of BS that comes with it, as well as fine lines and grey areas. I speak from experience and i know that it can cause conflicts with members that would affect my decision as a mod if i was one. Not to mention any names again, but i would fry someone on this board for being a snake bastard. this thread is about what's right and I'm not going to try and open up more cans of worms. So i say this, Jim you have been an incredible asset to this Mr community, as hard as it is for you to step down continue to be yourself, the helpful and caring person you are. NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM YOU.
And best of luck with your business.

David

 

[ellebelle]

I am sorry that it has come to this for you, Jim. I am sure that this was a very difficult decision for you to come to, and if the resignation stands I would echo the comments of others and say that I hope not to lose your helpful advice from the forum.

I have a slightly more general question/comment that comes to mind from the things that have been being said on both this thread and the other thread.

Granted, I am a new member so I have no conception of how MR "used" to be. But in most of the organizations I have ever been in, the ruling "body" of the organization is composed of the different types of people who make up the community. In this case, the community is made up of the majority "regular" member, and a smaller percentage of vendors. Why shouldn't a vendor be a mod? It seems to me that vendors deserve to have their voice heard in the governance of the site as a whole. I don't really think it's a conflict of interest at all. One vendor and 8-9 non vendors certainly makes a checks/balances system.

 

[KathyC]

Here this thread is turning into BS again. What's the big deal about Jim stepping down. He's still can be a big part of this site and no one is saying that he can't contribute and give advice. I can not say one bad thing about Jim as too he has only help me in a bunch of way's. On the other hand i see a bunch of you making seem like were not only taking away he's right to speak, but as well taking away his right to sell. Jim is a grown man who is liked by everyone and the only way i see it being a loss to MR is if he decide not to participate anymore do to this situation.. Lots of you are jumping to conclusion without even knowing what it is to be a vendor or have not even tried to be a vendor. There's alot of BS that comes with it,as well as fine lines and grey areas. I speak from experience and i know that it can cause conflicts with members that would affect my decision as a mod if i was one. Not to mention any names again, but i would fry someone on this board for being a snake bastard. this thread is about what's right and I'm not going to try and open up more cans of worms. So i say this, Jim you have been an incredible asset to this Mr community, as hard as it is for you to step down continue to be yourself, the helpful and caring person you are. NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM YOU.
And best of luck with your business.

David

I applaud your comments David and wholeheartedly agree.

Come on everyone..let's get back to reefing!

 

[Pseudo]

Well this thread has made it's point. There really is no reason to debate this anymore.

I know Jim appreciates all the sentiments and well wishers.

Thanks,

Kasei

 

[ShaunW]

Jim, the moderator job is a thankless one! I understand your choice.

 

[Josh]

I have known Jim for many years and this site is the work of his time, devotion and genius. Jim is a great hobbyist, businessman, leader and friend.

Jim has made a business out of his love for the hobby. He is gifted in developing communities and friends, we are lucky that of all the groups he chose us to hang with!

I know that Jim's interests are to the hobby, the community, to the site, and to his business. If I thought for a second that he would not remain as a leader in this group and help forge a direction forward, I would not accept him stepping down as a mod.

Unfortunately for the people in the know, there is an ongoing stigma as to whether or not there is a conflict of interest. People state that mods can't be vendors, vendors can't be mods. They assume that there must be something improper going on. That concept is a disrespect to this website, the ideas behind which it was founded, and Jim's success as a vendor. Instead of debating individual issues or problems, people are inclined to come back to the conflict of interest.

While many of us know that this is not true, it would be best to remove this as a talking point, and so we accept Jim's decision to step down. I know that it will benefit the site, our friends, and most importantly Jim's respect and stature in the reefing business.

I have the utmost faith that this will empower us as a group to move forward in many new positive directions.

-Josh

 

[Awibrandy]

You know....
I sat back & watched all the BS happen, while members vented on what they did not know. I myself do not know the true details..
I sit back & stay quiet I do the same
I am out-spoken & always get myself in trouble, even got labeled the "mean mod". Oh oh, I know I called you something, (I think it was The Evil One). I sincerely hope you understood I was messing with you. I some time try to make funnies :redface:, guess I'm not good at that. Here is my public appology for my offense to you.:redface:
I don't claim to know everything or have all the answers, nor do I have the most successful / most beautiful reef.
I will post my opinion with what I know or have experienced.


I think the mods are a group of level-headed members with a decent head on our shoulders, who:

love the site
spend a fair amount of time on the site
who would like to see the site grow bigger than it is
try to contribute to the site as best as we can
& basically try to enforce the basic rules that this site has.

We are a group of moderators.....yes, but we do not all think as one. We all are individuals & have different opinions & suggestions. If you all really think we do not discuss or speak on issues behind the scene....you are sadly mistaken.
For the most part, MR does not have daily serious issues or topics that need constant moderation.

I am cool with everyone here.....everyone!
I take no sides & I have no problem calling it as I see it.

As Josh mentioned, Jim moderates certain forums (vendors is not one of them). Jim has forwarded situations to mods, instead of taking upon himself & we as a group think it out.
If I would have seen it as conflicting, I would have been the first to say it.
Not one member here knows what happens "behind the scenes."

I do highly agree that the forum, vendor rules & the site's format have to be upgraded & changed (which is in process).

Why are we always looking to focus on drama or waste energy always looking for the bad?
It's bound to happen when $$$ plays a part.
There is plenty of space in the ocean for more thank one reef.


With times changing & ever growing members, MR will NEVER be the same. It will never be that "family-nit" 200 member site it once was. It has grown & it is getting bigger. There will always be drama, disagreements & most will never agree with decisions we make as a group. You know what??? it's life.
I have more serious life issues to focus on a daily basis......to have a place where I come to relax & chill get to me.

I will continue to enjoy what MR has to offer & have fun at the same time.
MR will be what we make it.

Take this post & my opinions as you wish.
Whatever.
I'll still be on here tomorrow learning, contributing, looking out for deals & acting childish on the RG.


Jim:
I respect your decision.
Keep doing what you're doing.
The badge didn't make you, you made the badge.

Jim, I have no idea if I should be offering my condolences, or what since I really do not know what is involved in being a moderator. And I don't like speaking on things I have no knowledge of.
What I will say is this: I sincerely hope you are staying with MR in whatever capacity. Your advice (as well as others here) is invaluable to many of us. Hopefully you're not as sensitive as I am. Had I been the one on the receiving end of all the stuff that is on that other thread I would have ran for the hills, never to be seen again.
I will say this which regardless of any situation can never be said enough.
Be blessed my friend in all your endeavors.

I wonder how many of those that posted there even knew what has happened? I certainly don't.

Phil, I am so much in agreement with what you had to say. Thank you for your post. And I also will be here tomorrow learning, contributing(very little as I don't know much), looking out for deals. But I will not be acting childish on the RG, not in my nature. LOL I think I will leave the joking to others for now on.

 

[jackson6745]

All,

I'd be lying if I said this was fine with me - it is not - but in the name of progress . . . . . . . .

However, I am rational, mature and have always had the advancement of the site and it's success at the forefront of everything I did here. I started the site as member #4 a long time ago and never envisioned it would come to this - voluntarily stepping down from being a moderator has me torn in ways I haven't felt in a long time - like I've lost a good friend. Once again, I am at a place where I have to let the cause be the driver and let this happen gracefully and in unwaivering support of the MR community -

That being said, I have spent alot of time and invested alot of emotional energy developing what we have today and am proud that I had the opportunity to build the community we know and love. I appreciate the confidence the MR administration had in me - I really enjoyed working on development and the future of MR and hope I can continue to provide content as a vendor and member where appropriate that enriches this community.

You have to know that I have enjoyed the friendships I have developed and plan to keep them close to me -

It has been a privldge (and I have always viewed it as such) and an honor to have worked with all of you on MR. I really enjoyed it even with the drama.

In friendship,

Jim :thrash:

I must say that this totally sucks.

Jim I remember when it was just a few posts per day on this site, mostly me, you, marrone, kasei, and a few others. I remember Growing a tort bought from NYAquaria for the first time. I remember seeing your 92gal tank and wondering why your SPS colors were darker than mine. I remember getting a call from you asking me if I wanted to be a mod. Most of all I remember the pure feeling of the hobby back then.
You were the first mod of Manhattan Reefs and you always had fair opinions and actions. Reading this post really saddens me because I remember the way things were (and still should be).