TexasCHLforum.com

I have been largely incommunicado for the last two or three days. I’m swamped at work, have a rash of deadlines staring me in the face, am negotiating a new office lease, and I’m coordinating the move to the new building. I felt quite comfortable being out-of-pocket for a short while, because everything runs so smoothly on TexasCHLforum. What happened!?

I logged on today to find I had numerous PM’s complaining about one of the “family.� Some of the emails posted a link to a thread and I have to admit I was not at all happy. I hope I’ve put this problem to rest, but if not, the “banned� button will. I don’t like saying this, much less doing it. As I have confessed before, I’ve only banned one person and I jumped the gun doing it. That person was reinstated with my apologies. Please don’t think that my candor in admitting a mistake is an indication that I will not remove someone if it becomes necessary for the good of the “family.�

As I have said many many times, TexasCHLforum isn’t my board, it’s our board. This is not my attempt to create a fiefdom and I don’t think anyone can accuse me of trying to rule with an iron fist. I’m sure it sounds strange coming from a trial attorney who makes a living fighting battles, but I hate unnecessary confrontations! I love the courtroom and I wish I could be in trial every week, but I detest a fight among friends. Let’s remember folks that we are a very unique group in the Internet world. I don’t mean we are any better or smarter than anyone else, but we have succeeded in creating an atmosphere that encourages open discussion by novice and expert alike, without fear of being attacked or ridiculed. When TexasCHLforum was launched in December, 2004 to create such a forum, a few folks told me it was a noble effort, but it would never work. Well you folks made it work and I will not let anyone destroy it, no matter how distasteful I may find it to ban someone.

I want to apologize to everyone for letting this get out of hand while I was away from the forum. I/we have openly promoted TexasCHLforum to people, especially women and young people, promising a unique experience on the Internet, one that is hospitable and helpful without the infighting found in so many boards. Based largely on those representations, TexasCHLforum has grown and I feel I have let you folks down. I will try never to let it happen again.

A few people have offered to serve as moderators and we may have to add more folks. I have the utmost faith in the people who have volunteered and I am seriously considering the proposal. In the meantime, let’s get back to being the great, cohesive group we really are by discussing issues and answering questions.

Regards,
Chas.