Anthony, let me preface this post by saying that your comments here are among the most candid public words about CC and yourself that I can ever remember coming from you. That is in and of itself a little bit of progress. I'm just curious why Justin seems to avoid at all cost having similar open discussions with members or with staff in the mod forum (at least in the short time I was a mod). It's not like he never posts. He just never engages in any meaningful or substantial discussions on really crucial issues. Surely Justin must have some of his own personal concerns, visions, and ideas for this site. What are they? What does HE want this site to become? What does HE hope to accomplish with this thread? What does HE see as CC's strengths and weaknesses? How does HE think the Club and Civic components should interface, complement one another, and be balanced? Sharing these visions (at least in the mod forum) would go a long way toward guiding and shaping this site in a more effective way. Or does Justin's silence indicate that he prefers not to think about these issues because he's lost interest in CC?
Another point worth making is that this thread will primarily draw responses from only long time members. This leaves out a large pool of voices who mostly will never respond in this thread -- new members (=future) who have the potential to become long term OG members. I would think Justin is highly interested in this silent group. Yet this group is actually speaking to you if you care to read their posts -----> they want Civic tech.
I became a staff member on this site when arguing was the norm..... EVERY thread would end in complete and total chaos.. and MOST of the staff was involved.. so I left... I only came back after LENGTHY discussions with Justin.. and I came back as an Smod.... the reason that I transitioned to Admin is simple.. Justin is just not around all the time.. and he knows that for the most part.. we agree.. so if he is not around and something has to happen.. he is comfortable that I will make the same decision that he would make...
You have reiterated what is already well known. Justin has chosen you to be in charge, and that's what you have done. But when things are not going well, who should take the heat? Face it Anthony, you make ALL the key decisions for this site. You might politely entertain some staff chatter in the mod forum, but in the end you do whatever you like. There's nobody to stop you. If the goal of a company is to improve, you fire the CEO and find a replacement who has new visions and ways of doing things. Therein lies my opinion that you should be replaced. You shouldn't take my comments personally. It just seems like the obvious next step to me. With that said, I really don't know who could possibly replace you and do better. Joey is on the way to grad school, and I think he underestimates the time commitment required there. This is where Justin not being active on the boards has crippled himself. He's not familiar with the pool of potentially talented and committed members. The high turnover of mods and the inexperience of the current ones (except Joey) don't give Justin a lot of options.
In regards to Ron..... and what he said.. what he said IS partially true.. but only partially true... If I want to make huge sweeping changes or not is irrelevant... because my position is one to balance the wishes of ALL those involved.. staff.. sponsors.. the owner.. and of course the members (which encompasses both OG chatty "club" members.. and newer more automotive oriented "civic" members...
I mostly disagree. Of course there are many interests to consider, but YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON in a position to make sweeping changes because you can do almost whatever you want, as long as you or Justin can implement the changes within the boundaries of the software.
Ron you pointed out a ton of weakness in the staff structure and made many recommendations to make changes.... you also pointed out other issues... but when they were not immediately embraced or handled you seemed to lose interest... you seemed to view my position as one of absolute authority... you have also not taken into account the politics...
When my attempts to fix things that were obviously broken became futile, I moved on and redirected my efforts where I could have the greatest impact. I continue to be happy about this decision. Many mods were/are clearly content with the status quo of non-progress that was the norm in the mod forum. I was/am not. You are the site leader, so I naturally fault you with accepting and supporting the crippling resistance to make necessary and important change.
you will notice in recent weeks the staff has been adjusted..
As mentioned, the constant turnover of mods should be another reason for great concern. Ask yourself the introspective question of why this is likely happening.
as far as my unusual lack of activity over the last couple months... I lost my job.. I am probably moving... and I got engaged.. so my life has just been hectic...
I'm sorry to hear that. In my opinion, your reduced activity in the public forum is not of any great concern. A small number of high impact posts should be enough. In my view, your greater responsibility is to stimulate site activity through creative discussions with the staff and members and by acting promptly on feasible ideas. But to do this effectively, you or Justin must articulate a clear vision for the site to the staff and possibly the membership.
