Which is a way of emphasizing that there's a tremendous amount of effort required to result in the smooth operation of TalkingScot.
Firstly, there's the TS group of moderators, - currently -
AnneM
CatherineM
CatrionaL
HeatherK
Joette
marilyn morning
LesleyB
Scozzie
and TraceyD
Many members will not realise just how many hours of hard work they put in, because most of it is out-of-sight, not least in the beginning to learn how the phpBB software for this site works in terms of moving posts, splitting threads, quarantining posts where necessary, bringing various unacceptable posts to the notice of the Admin Group, spending several hours of their time at the most inconvenient time of the day every now and then attending the regular Moderators' meetings, continuing to come up with excellent suggestions for how to improve TS further, etc., etc. So, a long round of applause, please =D> =D> =D>
Then there's our "team" of regular posters who invest considerable amounts of their time in very patiently advising others on how to take their research forward, and using their extremely well-honed skills to have a look at IGI/FamilySearch.org, the 1881 census CDs, and other resources. I used to regard myself as an expert in terms of how best to use the 1881 census CDs, but having regularly seen what others can achieve with these CDs, now recognize that I still have a lot to learn!
My first thought was that it could verge on the invidious to name names, but then I thought, what the heck
, given the seminal input that this group make to the success of TS, they deserve recognition, so, at the risk of embarrassing some of these contributors, another long round of applause please for -Jack
nelmit
Andy
StewL
Jean Jeanie
WilmaM
sporran
moonwatcher
Dennis
Malcolm
and AnnetteR =D> =D> =D>
My apologies for not mentioning others who have made fewer posts than the above list, - I arbitrarily set the limit at 250 posts, - both from the point of view of such as those who have a particular area of speciality, for example Hugh Stevely, - shipping records, - so don't post that often, but still make seminal contributions to the continuing success of TS; never mind the relative newbies whom it is so pleasing to see graduating from their first tentative posts to making posts to assist subsequent newbies, and developing their own areas of speciality.
So, at the risk of boring you all, another round of applause, please !!
=D> =D> =D>
From much experience of genealogical discussion groups, and bulletin boards (am I showing my age
) I don't know of another genealogical DG that can make the proud boast that hardly a post on TS goes unanswered. In my experience, the proportion of unanswered posts on other similar DGs is significant, even RootsChat.comThose of you with experience of soc.gen.britain and similar bulletin boards will also recognize the significant difference on TS, - not a trace of flaming and other similar, unacceptable activities. It's always been part of the ethos of TS that moderation will be with a "light hand", but it's very pleasing to note the very small number of posts which result in the need for an edit or a very occasional "out-of-sight" PM. I'd like to think that this is due not least to the pleasant atmosphere which new members see on joining, and realise that activities which are often the norm elsewhere are a complete "no-no" on TS.
So, yet another round of applause, please, to every last TS member for contributing to this situation =D> =D> =D>
Way back whenever, it seems so much longer ago that it actually is
, there was a real concern among the TS founders that moderation might have to more than just a "light hand" and that there could be many more disruptive members than has turned out to be the case (for anyone doubting that statement, just subscribe to soc.gen.britain, - but stand back to avoid the flames and frequent vituperative posts )The very pleasant reality has turned out to be the case that it's only been necessary to ban 3 (three) members, and issue warnings to only an additional handful over the approaching 18 months of the existence of TalkingScot, for which thanks to all members.
Orraverybest
David
posting as an individual TS member, but I'd like to think that other members of the TS Admin Group would join me in the above sentiments.
I heartily agree with all that has been said and thank all of you for being there.
=D>
=D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> TS is a great goup to work with.... and play with.... and most of all to simply call 'friends'!