I've never really felt comfortable responding to these threads, because I don't know all of your pain, confusion, upset, and so much more. I was never a member of BT. I know it's been so difficult on so many. That I DO know.

If I can speak as an observer, I'd like to...

I've seen alot of the pain, upset and confusion. To be honest, I've shed a few tears over the upset that I've seen...something I don't do often...and I want to assure everyone that we care for the members here and continue to offer a place to "set up house" online.

Because I want you to feel at ease, comfortable and welcome, I want to assure everyone that I'm approachable...very. I'm human...very. I've made mistakes and will continue to. Tell me about it. Tell me that I'm not getting it. It's OK! Please do so in PM. It doesn't mean that I'll agree or that I don't still have to act per the guidelines and for the whole, but you certainly have voice here. The guidelines are just that...guide for posting and behavior. They're not set in stone rules, (well, some of them are in that we can't tolerate attack, flaming, etc.)

I'm open to suggestion, comment, disagreement, most anything. I realize there are at least two sides to online relationships and interactions and often like to share my "side" or views as well. If you don't understand an action and it upsets you, PM me and tell me why. I'll explain my side and thinking per the guidelines and we'll do our best to move forward from there. If we still disagree, it's generally OK because most actions just follow with a PM....not points being racked up, not suspension, etc.

That's my view and I wish that it was known to all administrators everywhere that sites such as these aren't "just websites". They're literally communities for many who actually place their online homes (and almost everything they would at real life home) into their existences there. I wish this was realized and practiced everywhere. The "websites" are more than programs and "work"...they're more than just "rules" or status. They're communities of "online homes".

They are places where there are real people with care, love, work and massive investments placed. There are real people with stories to tell, information to give, experience to share, and support needed if just ONE person could relate to them that they're not alone...someone somewhere understands...someone somewhere CARES to understand and show that they do.

Yes, these "sites" are so much more and I wish that was known to ALL administration in these special communities and treated as such.

With respect to all no matter where your "online home" is...as well as care and concern that you find/have what you need,

KD