I am posting this here because over the past weekend another support site (non-pet related) that I've belonged to since 2001 went out of business permanently.

Why? Because what started out as being an initial misunderstanding caused a massive internal uproar. Tempers flared, PM's and emails were sent, moderators began fighting amongst themselves. The administrator of the site tried what she could to settle things down, but it grew progressively worse until she had to shut the site down. It's gone for good. Just like that. Nobody started out with the intent to hurt anyone, but in the end everyone was on edge and flew off the handle. I was just an observer to what happened there.

I am posting this here to get us ALL thinking in a more positive direction again. Many already have.

With best wishes to everyone.

Hi, Steph-

I'm sorry your other website is gone. I think we here at LS can use this example as a wake up call. We certainly do need to keep things moving in a positive direction.

Thanks for posting this.
Kathleen

Maybe this sounds trite, but how about following the rule that if you can't say something nice just keep quiet. If everyone does this we will not have any further problems. This site has been a lifeline to so many people, we have to do what we can to preserve it.

Margo,
I agree with that 100%. I think that's always a good rule. My mama told me that a long, long time ago.
Marcia
Steph,
It's good that you pointed out what happened, I think. This site is truly a life-saver, literally, I believe. Life can be so cruel. This place was meant to be a refuge from the hurtful things people sometimes say about the loss of a beloved animal companion, and I will pray tonight that we all remember how important LS has been and how much we have been helped by being able to come here. Feelings have been terribly hurt, but I really hope that in time people will feel safe here again. I speak only for myself, but I personally have some "trust issues" anyway, and we must remember that one of the reasons we are so close to our animal companions is that they can always be trusted, they always love us as we are. We have lost those most special ones now, and I don't know about ya'll, but all the angry words remind me that the world is not always a very nice place. It makes everything hurt so much all over again. Our "children" would not want this to be happening here.

I'm sorry to hear your other forum is gone. I've had the same thing happen, but not from arguing...from people just going their separate ways. Mine was a small forum that a group of us created when we met at a huge forum. Ten of us clicked and decided to make our own "home". That was 3 yrs ago this month. Now, we've all sorta drifted although I do email a few of them and consider them good friends. But I understand when your safe place isn't there anymore. *hugs*

ive been running forums like this for years, and issues come and go. if the issues at the board you mention were
not resolved, then the admin there lost control of the situation. speed is necessary to resolve.

Yes Steph, It is good when all the members can get along and sad when flare ups happen. I am sorry your other site went down because of things like that. I think things are going to be alright here with all of us coming together.
Love, Ann

After joining LS almost 5 months ago and feeling so completely grateful that I was lucky enough to have stumbled upon it, I came to "know" and appreciate all of the wonderful people here so very much. I just figured we'd all be here forever (or as long as each person felt the need to stay), helping each other.

Steph - your wake-up call, as Kathleen so aptly described the loss of your other support site, came at a perfect time, it seems. It would be tragic to have LS fall apart.

Lynn