Returning to the Ranks

[Steve Ashton]

To the Forum,

I would like everyone to understand just how selfless this act by Ern is. I begged him to re-consider his decision to revert to forum member.

But Ern firmly believes that there should be a turn over of the staff on a regular basis. He knows that entrenchment of the staff is never good. That new blood, new ideas and new perspectives are needed for any community to grow and prosper.

As his final official act Ern has gotten me off my butt to institute a policy where every staff position is reviewed each year on the anniversary of their induction. I have already heard from some other members of the staff that they also wish to allow another to see just what goes on in the back rooms.

I don't want anyone to think, or even imagine, that this decision by Ern was in any way due to a problem among the staff. Ern is stepping down after a long and distinguished time on the staff to give another a chance.

I think it is a testament to this forum and to Ern himself that he made this decision out of selflessness and a true love for this community.