Since there was a long post in support of him in the Vintage forum. I thought I would post his final message for the board here as well.

"It is wonderfully gratifying to see so many people show their kindness and support for me. But alas, no, I shall never again "log on" S2Ki.com. That was my statement in my last post and to come back would make my word meaningless.
I have stated fairly clearly in my "last" post the reasons why I left for good, but in case some haven't seen it, I will re-iterate and expand upon those themes.
As already said by some poster, it was no single thing that defined my decision to depart. It was a whole string of things that led to the "final straw". It had little to do with "noobs" asking the same questions over and over again. It has to do with how some people have molded "xviper" into something I had no control over, then became upset when I didn't act according to that image. Do you know why I gave up being a moderator? People said a "moderator" should not act a certain way, like I was supposed to go brain dead and have no opinion. Do you know why I later gave up being a Community Organizer? People said a "CO" should not act in a certain way, like I was supposed to go brain dead and have no opinion. Should I give up being "xviper" because I should go brain dead and have no opinion? I could no longer act as "xviper" really does on the forum. I was made into something I had no control over and had never asked for. Then someone tells me how I should not act. This has and always shall enrage me to no end. I would have let it go but for this.

In my profession, I involve myself with all manner of humanity. I see individuals who are of non-dynamic personalities, deficient of character and handicapped with social inadequacies every day. These people do all sorts of things that result in the pain and suffering of others and themselves, with motives that are self centered and dishonourable. I am paid to interact with them without prejudice and to the fullest of my training and ability. The character that is the thread that weaves the patchwork fabric of human society is diverse and varied. I realize that some of these "threads" are of lesser quality and they do exist in our midst. These same threads (no pun intended) reside on the internet. They have their own motivation and agenda. Many are somewhat dubious. Some say it's "just" the internet, yet we can't deny that the internet is today's most powerful instrument that is used for the world's humanity to inter-relate. I can't make commentary on those I serve in society. It is my job to tend to their needs. But when I see such individuals on the internet, I WILL make commentary and I WILL challenge them. How I react hence, depends on how they react. I have helped wherever and whenever there was a request. I have devoted much of my free time in the past 5 years on the board, with no expectations of payment or reward. However, I am no longer willing to take punishment in return for my efforts.
In a world where negative elements run rampant, it is sometimes necessary to challenge them and meet them head-on. This is witnessed by the many fine individuals who are now abroad in the armed forces hunting those who would harm our way of life. Sometimes, one must act with equal force to deal with such elements.
My departure from the forum was not meant as an act of "turning my back" on those who are my friends or to those who need my help. Unfortunately, that was the "fallout" of what I was compelled to do.
And no, the "other" forum is not my new home. I can still be contacted via several members on this forum who have my email. I'm sure they will be glad to forward messages. The CO's in Prairie Redliners for example.
HondaGal has been and will always be a shining beacon for me at this site. I will always consider her a friend. I think it is now timely to close this thread as she has suggested."

-Dave (xviper)

 

I'll close this thread and pin ot to the top for a while so folks can read it. We have all contributed to the x-viper thread and I would prefer to leave Dave's words "uncommented upon."