Subject:
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Re: Another resignation: I'm stepping down.
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.admin.general
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Date:
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Mon, 18 Apr 2005 17:15:22 GMT
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In lugnet.admin.general, Leonard Hoffman wrote:
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Dear Lugnet,
Following the recent events concerning Administrator responsibility to
the community, I have decided to resign my position. Several users have
publically called my motives into question - have accused me of using my
Admin powers for a personal vendetta, have compared me to a dictatorial
tyrant, and made other less than positive remarks. While I do not
believe they are true, I none-the-less feel that it has compromised any
future effectiveness I may have. If such significant members of the
community feel that I am not qualified for this position, then I should
not disagree with them.
I am saddened by the inability of key members of the community to work
together. I felt the LPRV Committee was an important step for the growth and
maturity of Lugnet. However, it is clear that it has failed, and I’m not
sure how long until it is believed that Lugnet has failed. It is my opinion
that Lugnet is being hurt by its own members – members who feel it is better
to complain and accuse that to explain and help. Lugnet may have a chance,
but it isn’t something the Administration can do – it is something the
membership needs to do.
I will continue projects I have begun for the community, but not in an
Administrative position. My apologies to Todd Lehman, Tim Courtney, Matthew
Miller, Larry Pieniazek, Frank Filz and Kelly McKiernan for abandoning
this project. In my opinion, these men have worked constantly to try to be
as fair as possible. They have taken on an impossible job. They’ve made
some mistakes – but not as many as your average person would make. I believe
that they are the finest that the AFOL community has to offer, and then best
men for the job of administrating Lugnet.
I will continue as curator of .space and .org.scibrick.
My apologies to the community for abandoning the transition project. Lugnet
needs a lot of help. Everytime this drama happens, I am less motivated to do
the work needed to help Lugnet move forward. I want to enjoy Lugnet.
If you have an questions regarding this, please email me at
Lenny.Hoffman@gmail.com
-Lenny Hoffman
Member #1168
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I am saddened to see someone of your caliber having to make a choice such as
this. I remember you coming on board LUGNET as a newbie and have watched you
grow both in your building abilities and your contributions to the community. It
is always refreshing to see the torch passed on to someone who has the
enthusiasm and will to make the community a better place.
At the same time I find it disheartening to watch an individual give to the
community of their own free will without an expectation of compensation, only to
be promoted to godlike status by the community in general because of these
donations and then later be reduced to rubble because they are found to be
human. I have been here long enough to have seen this happen multiple times and
it is demoralizing to the community every time it happens.
While I do not care to debate the specifics of your decision or the catalyst for
it (I do not feel that it will add any value to the discussion at this time), I
do feel compelled to point out that this is indicative of a larger problem that
must be addressed. Call it a soapbox if you will...
When LUGNET was in it’s infancy the number of compartments, members and topics
were much fewer than what is seen today. It was also a much more LEGO focused
forum. As LUGNET has continued to grow so to have the number of compartments,
members and topics. Apply that growth across the global landscape that the
internet encompasses and you end up with an incredible cross-section of culture
and belief. This doorway to the world has opened my understanding of the culture
around me and broadened my learning more than what LEGO alone could ever have.
For this I am thankful.
However, I feel that this site (almost in its entirety) has wandered away from
its roots. It was intended as a focal point for the LEGO community. A gathering
place for personal web sites showcasing the latest in creations, building
techniques, items for sale, legacy set data, and of course discussion of all of
the above. As is required with all organisms, there are a certain number of
maintainence tasks required to keep it running at peak performance. More
infrastructure (compartments) was needed to handle the added weight and variety
of topics as LUGNET grew. This was done as necessary. In doing so, what was once
a small town with dirt streets has turned into a large city with wide paved
boulevards.
As a small town, the old timers would sit outside their homes waving to and
welcoming new-comers regardless of their origin and without expectation. Things
moved slowly and the town prospered. Everyone was relatively civil. Sure, there
was the occasional tiff, but nothing too serious. Everyone seemed to know
everyone.
As more people moved to this utopian LEGO society, more infrastructure was
necessary to support them - wider roads, new subdivisions, more regulations and
of course law enforcement (the sheriff can’t cover all of the expanded territory
by himself now, can he?). A large city becomes fragmented. People move to the
suburbs where they find the conveniences particular to their needs without
having to resort to trips to the inner city. The sense of community felt in the
small town is lost. The suburbs become their own individual communities with
only occasional contact or trade between them other than within the inner city.
LUGNET is not the same small town that it used to be. It is no longer the
community that it used to be (good, bad, right or wrong). It appears to be
suffering from an identity crisis. Is LUGNET a LEGO community site intended for
the discussion, marketing, and showcasing of LEGO bricks, sets and creations or
a gateway site pointing to separate LEGO communities where that discussion,
marketing and showcasing is more acceptable to the populations?
In my opinion (and it is ONLY my opinion) LUGNET has become the latter. It has
become a gateway to other smaller communities where oldtimers wave to and
welcome newcomers. Where the spirit of the law (whether crystal clear or not) is
respected. Where only focused LEGO and theme related conversation is allowed.
Where vigilanteism is not tolerated. And where the contributions of individuals
to the community are recognized and appreciated even to the point of
acknowledging their human imperfections.
As one human to another - thanks for your efforts Lenny.
-Duane
Lugnet Member #776
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: Another resignation: I'm stepping down.
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| (...) This is often claimed, but I'm not sure if there's evidence to support it... it seems to me that there are less posts and posters than there were two years ago. Perhaps one of the Admins could provide some statistics to support the alleged (...) (20 years ago, 19-Apr-05, to lugnet.admin.general, FTX)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Another resignation: I'm stepping down.
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| Dear Lugnet, Following the recent events concerning Administrator responsibility to the community, I have decided to resign my position. Several users have publically called my motives into question - have accused me of using my Admin powers for a (...) (20 years ago, 18-Apr-05, to lugnet.admin.general, FTX) !!
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