To me the most important point, and the one that I most want to emphasize, is that your contributions matter, and that you’re an integral part of the place. It’s all so insubstantial, constructed out of people, really (cue the Soylent Green jokes) and you could be visualized as helping to hold up the roof. You’re a load-bearing member, dude.

I’m sorry you’re experiencing “UI fatigue”, yet another piece of software to use. I guess my best mea culpa is that I’m trying to return the basic design to its hallowed roots, like you describe; while doing so with modern tech and adding new features I hope will support the mission of conversation.

Which sounds good, but I know that living inside software under development can be like watching sausage being made from inside the slaughterhouse.

FWIW, development of this software is still my fulltime job, and I’m actively working on the things that are pissing you (and others) off the most. All that confusion over what you can and can’t do because of your “rank” (ugly concept I inherited from the base software) will go away in the next major revision, which will include a new access control system made for a forum.

You’ve hung in here an amazingling long time, Rob, and I can’t help but feel that it would be sadly ironic for you to give up this close to what I feel like might be, if not the “finish line”, at least the rim of the hole we’re dug into. I’m hoping for daylight soon. Please stick around!

Also? First rule of internet lit I learned from my blog – Just because noone responds doesn’t men it isn’t being read. Often, they may respond on other sites. Granted, it’s annoying sometimes, but are comments the reason you post your threads? Or is it because you want your voice to be heard? You decide.

I’m not sure which “original” zone you’re talking about – from what I’ve heard, the Zone has gone through several different formats. I HOPE you’re not talking about DamnTikiWiki….

In the long run, I strongly advocate against leaving the site. IF you want to, then I can’t stop you, but your threads DO resonate within my mind.

You leave an imprint here. Don’t leave.

Now if you really want go generate discussion, just poke TB.

We have to try and re-think the caste system and the various powers each level has.

I think part of it is that you’re a reasonable, moderate person. It’s hard to argue with reasonable, moderate opinions. They’re just so damn…reasonable. And moderate.

I read all your posts and expect most everyone here does the same. Most of the time my reply would be “That’s interesting, didn’t know that. Thanks!” which might get a little old after 50 or 60 posts.

We all know this place ebbs and flows. There’s bound to be times when one resonates (great word for it) more powerfully than at others. Personally, when I’ve taken breaks in the past it’s most often because I’ve become alarmed at the kinds of things I’ve found myself saying.

I’d be really sad to see you leave, unless it’s just a temporary hiatus, in which case we’ll keep your chair open.

I’m assuming you’re registered like most of the rest of us are. If not, you should have been.