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An Important Message From Lactodorum And Eckington


Lactodorum

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I am honesty sad to see this as well (I don't care if you doubt my sincerity or not).

 

I do hope that if one day the whole truth does come out that the same people that are quick to dish out criticism will be there to offer an apology as well.

 

This is truly a sad time. :rolleyes:

Well come on mtn-man, this isn't the only forum where you have half-threatened to spill the beans. It easy to stand and say "ah well, if only you knew the truth".

 

"You want the truth? - You can't handle the truth"

 

Lets hear it. I'll risk it.

 

-

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Echo what has been said already a very sad day indeed. You both did a great job and sorry it all had to come to this. Having met you both in the past I appreciate the work you have done and respect your decision. When we meet again the vitual pint will turn ito a real one.

I avoided posting anything on the recent events to concentrate on what it all about and that is going out geocaching which you both will have more time to enjoy now.

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I must start by adding my unqualified thanks for everything you have done. I really don't know how you found the time and patience.

 

As others have said I'm not at all surprised, but extremely saddened, at your decisions and wish that there was some way to urge you to reconsider. However, in my experience, the decision to resign is harder to take than the decision to volunteer, so I know it would take a massive effort to get this to to happen.

 

SO all I really hope for is that you will continue to enjoy your new-found freedom and get out on the find.

 

You are the only mods that I have experienced in geocaching, but I have been involved in electronic communities for 15 years including tutoring people to moderate forums and moderating them myself. Without doubt you are a model of how the job should be done.

 

I have no idea how things will progress. It will be a hard act to follow. I have to echo comments here. We must continue. We have fun in our chosen sport/game whatever, and should not be prevented from continuing to do so.

 

The forums are only a small part of the experience, and as other s have pointed out, there are alternatives available if we need them. But to fragment the sport and have caches listed at a number of locations strikes me as crazy.

 

My preferred option is that we stick together, continue doing things our way and prove that we can sort this out.

 

Somehow - re-reading this before I send it, this seems very poorly expressed. I can't think of a better way of expressing it, so I hope you all know what I am trying to say.

 

As someone else almost said, 'So long and thanks for all the caches'.

 

However that all sounds so final, and I only mean it to refer to one area of your persona. May your caching life flourish to new heights.

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I am gutted guys, you both have done a great job, :DB):D:D:D and i, as did Davy Boy will email my thoughts to the powers that be, as perhaps we all should!! :rolleyes::ph34r::)

I am sorry that you are throwing in the towell but fully understand your reasons for doing so.

Best wishes guys, i am sure that this is'nt the end of the matter!!

Wadders

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Aah!! The truth,mtn man from where I sit is that somebody came jumping into these forums and laid about everybody with a big stick and no, I am not talking about caches as you must be well aware.This has lost geocaching much respect as well as 2 superb moderators. If the truth is so different and can explain the actions taken I am big enough man to apologise and unreservedly use the "sorry" word .I AM STILL :D:D:rolleyes::ph34r::):D

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Aah!! The truth,mtn man from where I sit is that somebody came jumping into these forums and laid about everybody with a big stick and no, I am not talking about caches as you must be well aware.This has lost geocaching much respect as well as 2 superb moderators. If the truth is so different and can explain the actions taken I am big enough man to apologise and unreservedly use the "sorry" word .I AM STILL :D:D:rolleyes::ph34r::):D

In my experience, when people talk of the devastating truth that they would love to reveal but can't, it's not really that shocking when it does come out.

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Just thought I would check the forums after work and I find this terrible news. I echo all the sentiments already made - a very sad day for UK geocaching.

Hopefully now you will both have lots more time for caching though, and maybe I get you a real pint in the future. (There has to be a silver lining somewhere)

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I am troubled by these events just as you are. I realize the tremendous value these two provide to not only Groundspeak, but to the volunteer team, the caching community, and to the sport of geocaching.

 

At this time they feel that stepping away from their volunteer position is best. Although saddened by this decision, I have much faith in both Peter and Dave and will reluctantly accept their offer of help on finding appropriate replacements. The UK caching community had a strong voice through the actions of Peter and Dave, and with their help I believe that will be passed on to the next UK volunteers.

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Very sad news. Although not knowing the full background, I hope you're somehow persuaded to reconsider (although I suspect that it's a vain hope).

 

I'd like to echo the posts which try to distance (at least some of) the UK geocachers from the "us v. them" arguments and politicking which has tainted the forums of late. Like many others, I was determined to keep out of this debate altogether, despite having strong opinions, as I could see the damage it was causing to geocaching, and the awkward position our moderators were being put in.

 

I'm sure that it wasn't just this that led to the resignations, but I do feel that they didn't let us down, it was vice versa. I hope we can get this whole issue back into perspective as soon as possible, and allow Peter and Dave (and the rest of us) to enjoy geocaching as a little harmless escape from the stresses and troubles that the "real" world insists on throwing at us when we're in muggle mode.

 

HH

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*Breaking forum absence for 2nd time*

 

I dare say that I predicted this to happen in conversation with Alibags last week.

 

Once again, looking at this from a business management point of view, the symptoms point at severe organisational and managerial issues within Groundspeak and Geocaching.com

 

I'm really sorry that it had to come to this, and will echo the overwhelming majority of Irish cachers in saying that we thought you did a great job.

 

I think it's now in everybody's interest to move on, however it raises some interesting questions in the long term:

 

-Who will the new reviewers/moderators/admins be?

-Who will appoint them?

-Will the UK/Ireland community support them?

 

And in the short term:

 

-What will happen in the interim period?

-Will both caches and forums be moderated by US-Based Reviewers?

-Will the community be satisfied with this?

 

I think it's certain that the coming weeks will be interesting, to say the least.

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I have much faith in both Peter and Dave and will reluctantly accept their offer of help on finding appropriate replacements.

You might want to rephrase that a little Hydee :ph34r:

I am only reluctant because I would rather not replace them. :rolleyes:

Sorry to ask, but can we know who Hydee is? not real name and number, but this looks to come from someone in 'authority' and I for one have only just discovered who 'Jeremy' is and have no idea who's who in the upper echelcons.

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-Who will the new reviewers/moderators/admins be?

At this time that is undetermined

 

-Who will appoint them?

Groundspeak with the help of the volunteer team and Dave and Peter.

 

-Will the UK/Ireland community support them?

That can only be decided by the UK/Ireland community. With the help of Peter and Dave I believe we can find good replacements.

 

And in the short term:

 

-What will happen in the interim period?

That is undecided.

 

-Will both caches and forums be moderated by US-Based Reviewers?

If Peter or Dave choose to stay on to help through the transition time that would be welcomed, but that is a personal choice that they must make. If they choose not to, then yes things will be taken care of by the existing reviewer team until the replacements are in place.

 

-Will the community be satisfied with this?

Again only the community can decide how they want to approach this time of change.

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:D:D:rolleyes::ph34r::) We are both truly sorry for the both of you, you have been nothing but fair and just in your outlook to all of us cachers, and I think we are right in saying you have both done a splendid job and will be very sorely missed! Your boots will be very difficult to fill by whoever gets the job!

Thanks for all your help in the past and maybe the future, if this situation gets resolved. Thanks again, Andy&Kerriexxxxxxxxx

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I have much faith in both Peter and Dave and will reluctantly accept their offer of help on finding appropriate replacements.

You might want to rephrase that a little Hydee :rolleyes:

I am only reluctant because I would rather not replace them. :)

Sorry to ask, but can we know who Hydee is? not real name and number, but this looks to come from someone in 'authority' and I for one have only just discovered who 'Jeremy' is and have no idea who's who in the upper echelcons.

I work for Groundspeak, I am not a volunteer. My main job title is "community relations", whatever the heck that means. :ph34r: Basically I manage the volunteer team and the community.

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Whilst we are sad to see that recent circumstances have made you take the decision to resign your posts as moderators, we support you both with your decision and wish to thank you for the assistance that you have both given us and the hobby in general.

We wish you both a "happy retirement" and we can only remember too well the time that we submitted a series of caches for Lactodorum to approve almost instantly! Thats service for you!

This is a sad day for Geocaching and we wish you well,

You have been caching Icons for us since we started in 2003 and can't imagine anything else. :rolleyes:

Anyway Good luck you Guys,

What more can we say, only you will be sorely missed,

Keith, Nat, Eryn & Kyle xxxx

Edited by The Ollies
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Yet again the side of human behaviour manifests itself in a past time that should be just that, an enjoyable politics free, easy going way of spending time in the outdoors pursuing a hobby that some may find strange, but is both harmless and habbit forming.

 

Being fairly new but hooked to this hobby, it is clear both of you have overwhelming support and say thank you for your time and effort given to support, and keep the hobby going enabling me to have fun weekends.

 

Thank you.

 

Ian.

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I work for Groundspeak, I am not a volunteer. My main job title is "community relations", whatever the heck that means. :rolleyes: Basically I manage the volunteer team and the community.

Many thanks. I sort of guessed that, but in these times I thought it would be helpful to all if an 'unfamiliar' name enters the discussion.

 

I sincerely wish you all the best in encouraging a suitable replacement to step up to the mark, or better still, finding a way to make it possible for the dynamic duo :ph34r: to reconsider.

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Many thanks. I sort of guessed that, but in these times I thought it would be helpful to all if an 'unfamiliar' name enters the discussion.

Well at least Hydee entered the discussion rather than.....

 

OK, I won't go there.

 

I suppose an explanation's out of the question?

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Many thanks.  I sort of guessed that, but in these times I thought it would be helpful to all if an 'unfamiliar' name enters the discussion.

Well at least Hydee entered the discussion rather than.....

 

OK, I won't go there.

 

I suppose an explanation's out of the question?

I do not believe in 'airing dirty laundry' I will not point blame to anyone.

 

I will say that there have been a series of mistakes made in this situation, many of them out of a quest for doing what is right. At no point did anyone, myself or one of the volunteers, act in a way to intentionally cause harm to the sport or the geocaching community.

 

As I stated in another thread earlier today, the volunteer team is asked to do this job to the best of their abilities, and they are trusted to do what they feel is right in each and every situation. They make the decisions based off what they feel is best for the site, the team, the community and the sport. They are not asked to become inhuman, so being human we all make mistakes at times. Considering the number of decisions they are faced with on a daily basis they all do an incredible job as forum moderators and cache reviewers.

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Sorry but it does look like a Tim and June situation all over again. When the going gets tough run away.

Stick it out for goodness sake. You represent us. So what have we got now nothing?

I’m sorry but I think you are right you have let us down by quitting.

Ok - it was purely a selfish action on our part. I apologise if that's how it seems but there is no going back now. Seeing the previous situation from the outside and this one from the inside I can assure you that there are fundamental differences.

 

Just another minor correction in your assumptions - Voluteer moderators and reviewers represent Groundspeak, not UK geocachers or any other local group. Dave and I just did our best to reconcile those two sometimes competing positions.

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Many thanks.  I sort of guessed that, but in these times I thought it would be helpful to all if an 'unfamiliar' name enters the discussion.

Well at least Hydee entered the discussion rather than.....

 

OK, I won't go there.

 

I suppose an explanation's out of the question?

I do not believe in 'airing dirty laundry' I will not point blame to anyone.

 

I will say that there have been a series of mistakes made in this situation, many of them out of a quest for doing what is right. At no point did anyone, myself or one of the volunteers, act in a way to intentionally cause harm to the sport or the geocaching community.

 

As I stated in another thread earlier today, the volunteer team is asked to do this job to the best of their abilities, and they are trusted to do what they feel is right in each and every situation. They make the decisions based off what they feel is best for the site, the team, the community and the sport. They are not asked to become inhuman, so being human we all make mistakes at times. Considering the number of decisions they are faced with on a daily basis they all do an incredible job as forum moderators and cache reviewers.

Hydee,

 

I think your comments would have gone a long way to cooling the situation days ago.

 

No balme attached to anyone just an admission that mistakes where made.

 

It is a terrible shame that it has come to this.

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I’m sorry but I think you are right you have let us down by quitting.

I think you are in the minority of those who have spoken out in these forums, but you should be congratulated for your honesty in speaking your mind.

 

I'm not overly concerned with who replaces Lactod and Ecky, whether they be British, American or any other nationality they would be welcome, at least by me anyway. It might be the case that cache approval takes a while longer, but that's no skin off my nose. There are still 3800 caches already approved that I am yet to find in the UK.

 

Whoever does replace them, both in any temporary capacity or as a permanent volunteer gets my full support.

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Guys,

 

I support your decision, I'm sure the choice wasn't easy but be assured that your influence has been for the good and far reaching during your time in post.

Sorry to see you go

 

I'm sad. :lol:

Sad because this group has lost 2 stalwarts of the community.

Sad because that loss is due to actions outwith that community.

Sad to see Hydee involved again (I know you don't bring trouble, but you do follow it around :huh: )

- last time was when we suffered an internal hiatus

- In the intervening time, the steady hands of Ecky and Lacto have produced a thriving community

- that stands to their credit

- I trust that Hydee's Community relations skills were brought to bear on the reviewer/moderator community prior to their use here.

 

Good luck to whoever takes it on, and they have my support - they will deserve it.

 

Sig line should just read "It's dark..."

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I expect I'm a person you thought may never return after my run in with a certain person.

However, I did leave the UK site well alone because of unsavory going ons. I expect some thought it was a laugh to see what was ahppening, I do know several people knew the truth.

 

I am sorry to see anyone change a job because of others making thier lifes miserable.

Congratulations on your retirement, and also

Good luck for whoever takes over.

 

Vivien (Roving Rangies) UK.

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Well, I think that's a huge shame and a great loss to the UK community.

 

How many other approvers would use their IT magic to suggest alternative locations when caches don't quite fit the new virtual rules? I really appreciate that kind of commitment and attention to detail when, to be frank, I would reject it out of hand.

 

Then again, if that's your decision, I respect that. I won't join the legions trying to tempt you back as I think you must have been quite mad to take on the job in the first place, especially after the last moderator debacle.

 

If you both stay it would be great, but if you won't reconsider, I hope it doesn't put either of you off visiting caches 'up north'.

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I too am saddened to see two of my colleagues depart under these conditions. Seems that everyone on that side of the pond respects and trusts ya as we do over here. I sure do wish y'all would reconsider.

 

How about this, take the rest of the day off and start again in the morning?

 

Take care and don't go far,

 

Glenn

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Oooh, this makes me so angry! :lol::huh::lol::lol::lol:

 

Dave and Peter have the full support of the UK community and are doing a sterling job. Caches get approved at lightning speed and this is (was!) a happier place to be than I can ever remember it. They are masters both of the arts of diplomacy, and of herding cats! And, from what I gather, they also have the support of the team at Groundspeak.

 

So, are we to understand that they are being hounded out by a group of foreign cache approvers who (should) have nothing to do with approving UK caches and who (should) have nothing to do with moderating the UK forum?

 

That really does leave a sour taste in my mouth.

 

I do hope that TPTB at Groundspeak will quietly bang some heads together behind the scenes and will hold the post of UK moderator vacant until they have again regained control of their volunteer staff's behaviour and can persuade both Peter and Dave to take their rightful jobs back.

Edited by Teasel
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Dave and Peter have the full support of the UK community and are doing a sterling job. Caches get approved at lightning speed and this is (was!) a happier place to be than I can ever remember it. They are masters both of the arts of diplomacy, and of herding cats! And, from what I gather, they also have the support of the team at Groundspeak.

This is what I am having trouble reconciling.

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Sorry but it does look like a Tim and June situation all over again. When the going gets tough run away.

Sorry I can't agree with this - the situation is quite different but there is not point in going over old ground again.

I too wish Hydee had come into the discussion sooner and maybe could have defused the situation. But as she said, mistakes have been made and the result is that the UK Geocaching Community have lost the support of two people who were respected and trusted by the great majority on this forum.

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Oooh, this makes me so angry! :huh::lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

Dave and Peter have the full support of the UK community and are doing a sterling job. Caches get approved at lightning speed and this is (was!) a happier place to be than I can ever remember it. They are masters both of the arts of diplomacy, and of herding cats! And, from what I gather, they also have the support of the team at Groundspeak.

 

So, are we to understand that they are being hounded out by a group of foreign cache approvers who (should) have nothing to do with approving UK caches and who (should) have nothing to do with moderating the UK forum?

 

That really does leave a sour taste in my mouth.

 

I do hope that TPTB at Groundspeak will quietly bang some heads together behind the scenes and will hold the post of UK moderator vacant until they have again regained control of their volunteer staff's behaviour and can persuade both Peter and Dave to take their rightful jobs back.

Here, here! Well said Ian.

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I do hope that TPTB at Groundspeak will quietly bang some heads together behind the scenes and will hold the post of UK moderator vacant until they have again regained control of their volunteer staff's behaviour and can persuade both Peter and Dave to take their rightful jobs back.

I agree 100% - Well said Teasel.

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So, are we to understand that they are being hounded out by a group of foreign cache approvers who (should have) nothing to do with approving UK caches and who (should have) nothing to do with moderating the UK forum?

That's what I read too, between the lines. Or... it could have been the kind of "support" that soccer managers get from their Chairman, just before The Press Conference.

 

Not that ANY of this makes the slightest difference.

 

Why would anyone - involved in an onerous and time-consuming (and unpaid) job - put up with personal hassle and dissing, no matter what the origin?

 

I wouldn't...

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