[QUOTE=wil687,Oct 11 2006, 10:46 AM] As per your replacement, my vote goes for Ralper! (Rob) He seems to have a good handle on organization plus he

 

I feel that Jim would make a fine CO. His dedication to this forum is proven by his actions. I also want to thank Bill and Lainey for doing an unbelievable job of keeping us all together. Jim will have some big shoes to fill.

 

[QUOTE=wil687,Oct 11 2006, 09:46 AM] Bill, as you probably noticed in some of my threads I

 

I think Jim would be a good choice as well.

 

You guys have more experience than I so if Jim is the right candidate I just switched my vote. Jim, you

 

Wow, folks. I just got home yesterday from two long days driving from PA, so my head is still vibrating to the tune of 5,000 rpm. I have a high schooler and a middle schooler who missed my being here last week and were looking for a little bit of make up attention. Then I jumped on to post some pictures of the Gettysburg meet, not aware of the discussion that was going on here. I glanced at Bill's and Lainey's PMs, thinking I had a bit more time. Now I see that this discussion, including what to do with the political subforum has been going on already into a second day.

Let me first say that I did agree with Bill to consider doing Vintage CO for a stint. I was very clear that I would stand as a possible replacement, knowing that there could well be other members who might also be willing to step in right now, and who would be great COs. Several came to mind; even some of you that I personally have not met yet. I also know that Bill is going to be a hard CO for any of us to follow. For almost three years I have enjoyed being a Vintage member who could sit back and lurk or post at will, letting other folks do the bulk of the work of running the forum and keeping Vintage to be the wonderful site that it is. But there comes a time for any of us to be willing to take our place in one of those roles. I can assume that taking the role of CO probably requires a redefined sense of fairness, neutrality, and tactfulness as over against the role of Vintage citizen at large.

I'll get to my views of the Politics subforum. But before that I need to echo some of the important features of Vintage that we all continue to enjoy. One feature is openness. The membership continues to grow. New people join in and some people lose interest. Recent threads have underscored the interests of vintage Vintagers in making sure that new members feel welcome and included, even though some of us or those that have been around longer and who know each other well from the forum posts and Vintage meets appear to form an inner core that in fact might at times seem unintentionally intimidating or excluding. We are a family, so we like to jive and tease and make fun of each other, but that does not leave anyone out. And we have encouraged everyone to join in and be a part of the community. I mention this, because I think the new CO will need to help see that this aspect of the forum continues.

We seem to have enjoyed a good number of varied thread topics initiated by COs and members. That will continue. I myself think the Politics subforum is a good thing to keep on the Vintage site. First, when the rules of respect and politeness are observed -- except for levity -- it enables those members that are interested to post opinions on serious topics about current affairs that affect us all and that seem important to discuss in a mature way. I think Bill has done a great job in overseeing Politics, and despite its sometimes predictability, it provides a needed feature of a forum for people who are adults and who like to express opinions about important things. Another positive thing about having the Politics outlet is that Lainey has a place to banish your posts to, if they get too political for the average Vintager. That leaves an important option to deleting 'offensive' posts.

Well I could go on here, but that's a start. I would be happy to do it and would try to do a good job. Still I hope other people who are interested will also speak up and let the members know.

 

One other thing. Our previous COs have all been outstanding. They deserve our thanks! And I have noticed that all of the former Vintage COs have continued to contribute actively to the forum. I think a survey would show that a considerably large number of the new threads that get started here are posted by our former COs.

 

to Jim for that very eloquent post.

I think he covered all the bases, and I know we will work well together.

 

Wait a minute, I want a recount

 

Jim. Now are you going to plan that Colorado meet?