JR WardHi! Just wanted to give you all an update on the board situation. For those of you who aren’t aware, my official BDB message board crashed a couple of weeks ago. As I’ve said before, I was heartbroken of course, but I’ve decided to look at this as an opportunity. I’ve become aware of some cultural changes that need to be made and after some thought, I’m changing the moderation and some of the rules.

My first focus as an author is my writing. With my publication schedule, I have very strict and tight deadlines and I go into hiding a lot of the time just so I can get my work done. This is great for my books- not so great as it takes me out of touch with the world at large. It’s very important to me that my message boards and Yahoo Group offer places where people can relax, talk about the Brothers, talk about other books, talk about writing, talk about personal stuff… I don’t want people to feel censured or as if they only can post if they like every single word in every single book and/or grocery list I’ve ever written.

So we’re going to start fresh with the new board. New look. New culture. I will insist that mutual respect is a paramount virtue among all posters- but that’s not the same as everyone having to agree with me or everyone else. We’re going to take a team approach with the moderation and use readers to keep an eye on things.

I’m very sorry if folks felt they were treated unfairly and we’re going to do our best to create a more welcoming place in the future. I hope that those who were alienated will return and give us another shot. The board’s membership is still going to be restricted to 18 years or older only and PG-13 language will be required- and there will be rules to ensure no flaming and no violations of copyright, etc. It’s my expectation, however, that while I will not be one of the moderators, the new team will work to create an inviting atmosphere to all comers- even those with dissenting voices.

Thank you again for your support and understanding- and I hope the new board will be up and rolling by January 1st.

MUUAH!
J.R.

(reposted with permission… I will make sure comments are forwarded. NOT certain if she will be able to check in and answer here.)