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.
