Truth and Reconciliation

Reconciliation  should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice.  Corazon Aquino

The wounds of the past 18 months are too deep for many of us to ignore, but I wonder just how many members tried to deny the problems at susan-boyle.com and turned a blind eye because it was easier 'not to become involved'?  

Why are the administrators at the other site still manipulating facts?  Is there no-one on the Board capable of asking the questions that so obviously need truthful answers? 

A process must emerge to uncover the truth, if we are to build our future on a solid foundation.  This is not a witch hunt.  We already know that they did things.  The problem is, the cover-up is worse than the original actions.

For the good of the community as a whole, people should not be left in charge who do things like that.  Lessons have been learned and mistakes must never be repeated as we move forward.

The last Board report of November 14th, damning as it was to many of us, acted as a catalyst to reflect upon what we have done as a community, as we try to leave our painful past behind us and celebrate Susan Boyle at  Susan Boyle Fans Forum. 

The new site provides a historic bridge between the past of a deeply divided fandom characterized by conflict and injustice, and a future founded on a peaceful co-existence for all Susan Boyle fans. 

Unity and the well-being of all fans requires reconciliation between all factions of the community, but it can only be realised when it goes hand in hand with truth.

To further the cause of peace and reconciliation will require all of our collective effort.  If it is based on anything less than the truth, it will be a house built on sand, and I wonder how many of us can bear to see it fail yet again because of a few individuals?

Renaissance

For the first time since mid July I can write with a feeling of optimism. That feeling has been hard-won.

 

I put everything I had into trying to bring about reintegration of members at susan-boyle.com. After the Board report I did everything I could to illustrate the parody of democracy that I saw enacted there.  I could not 'go gently into that dark night' as Board members seemed able to do.

'Divide and Conquer' is a very effective tactic to maintain control of people.  It is one I have found is not only employed by cyber stalker trolls.  Truth is usually the first casualty, and secrecy and paranoia can make fools of us all.

This year has been gruelling; my personal annus horribilis. It  demanded so much energy, that once I could no longer see any resolution there, I took the decision to resign.  I can honestly say, I have not looked back since.

Not everything has been negative of course.  One wonderful thing that has happened since July is that people have shown their true colours and many have had the courage to nail those colours to the mast. Several members I had found myself head to head with in the past I am now honoured to call friend.  It became obvious as time passed, that the empathy we felt against injustice far outweighed other matters.  We got to know each other better...

If fans could not be reunited from across the Susan Boyle community via the forum at susan-boyle.com, could it happen somewhere else?  Could there be a Renaissance of our community as a whole? Some lateral thinking was called for.....

Lchris offered to help knudt and I set up a new forum where everyone was welcome. Somewhere where everyone is treated with the same courtesy and is subject to the same (few) rules, applied transparently.

It is with great pleasure (and a little trepidation) that I can tell you that a new forum has been put in place where each and every one of you is welcome.  All we ask is that you do not come 'in disguise' and treat each other and the forum kindly.

We extend a warm welcome to you all at Susan Boyle Fans and we look forward to seeing you there.

Long Walk to Freedom

We should put the spin-doctors in spin clinics, where they can meet other spin patients and be treated by spin consultants. The rest of us can get on with the proper democratic process.

Benn,Tony (Anthony Neil Wedgwood)
In The Independent,'Quote Unquote', 25 Oct.

It is said that a year is a long time in politics.

That being accepted, eighteen months in the Susan Boyle community can seem like a lifetime.

Since April 11th 2009, I think I can truly say I have experienced the full range of emotions several times over; from exhilaration, to the depths of despair.

When I first heard Susan sing, I experienced what everyone else on the forums describe.  Her audition tape still has the same effect.  Nothing has diminished.  I don't think it ever will.

I had never joined a forum before, let alone a fan forum, and in the beginning I felt awkward and quite shy.  I lurked for a number of weeks before summoning up the courage to join susan-boyle.com.  It took me almost as long to make my first post, and when I did I felt like a school kid sitting an examination.  I still remember the wave of relief when someone did actually reply to my post.

I soon made friendships, several of which I'm sure will endure. 'Virtual' friends became flesh and blood as we discovered the joy of Skype and could hear each other's voices.  We laughed, cried and celebrated Susan Boyle together and it was wonderful!

At times it seemed too good to last, and of course, it was.  

The community became splintered quite early in the history of the forum and it appears to me that some opportunists used that to forward their own agendas.

On numerous occasions I have had my words twisted around to mean something entirely different to what I intended.  Two individuals were particularly good at this.  One was the cyber bully; the other was Pickled Tink.  

A brazen example of this was illustrated in the Board report.  Not only did PT knowingly lie about my actions, but she manipulated my own words to make her lie seem more plausible.

When words are spun repeatedly, changing the characterisation and context of what was said, it may be clever, but it is not commendable.  It creates a pattern of deception.

I could have expected no better from the cyber troll, but I certainly expected better from Pickled Tink. I have only one message for her.  Nietzsche said it well,

“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you”

And that is why I can never go back to susan-boyle.com.  It truly has been a very long walk to freedom....

Lies, Damned Lies.....

"People do not believe lies because they have to, but because they want to."
Malcom Muggeridge

First of all I want to thank all those members of susan-boyle.com who posted supportively for me on the forum recently.  I appreciate it very much.

For the record, I feel I should make clear that I fought hard to find a way for all fans to move forward in peace and harmony on that forum. 

On July 11th I received a PM from the two administrators of the forum in which they made me an offer of the position of Appeals Committee Chairperson.  I accepted the offer the same day.  My intention was to make myself available when the necessity arose, or when a problem presented itself.

Up until I received the email from the Vice Chairman, it was still my intention to carry out those duties to the best of my ability. 

I knew from the outset that it would not be an easy role to fulfil, but the 'right' paths to take in this life rarely are. I would have put all my effort into it, but I am unable to do any of that, because I was fired.

This evening I heard that a moderator was assuring members that I had 'told the forum administrators recently and often in no uncertain terms' that I 'did not want the board position'.

This came as a complete and utter surprise to me!  Nothing could be further from the truth. I told the forum administrators no such thing.  I never once stated that I did not want the post. 

Quite simply, I was fired.  I hope that is clear.

And Another One Bites the dust.....

I too have received a letter from the Vice Chairman of the Board:

To Lynda,aka.Citroenlady.
Dear Linda.
I'm writing to inform you that The Board has decided to withdraw the offer for you to be Chair of The Appeals Committee.
The Board are dissappointed that you are not willing to accept apologies given by Administrators,Staff and The Board.In addition,your Blog,which you publicise on Twitter,quotes and criticises members of our site,which is meant to be private.These activities have made you unsuitable for a position which requires impartiality.
A Chair of The Appeals Committee has been appointed and will be announced to The Forum soon.
Your's Sincerely.
John V.
Vice Chair,SBFII.

 Que sera.