Sledger

[HayTay]

I'm sorry that you feel the need to step down as moderator, Steve. I think you've done a bang-up job of the task and everything else that keeps TalkGraphics running smoothly. I feel that Magix, Xara, and TalkGraphics will lose quite a bit because of their recent decisions/actions that have caused several of the long standing TG moderators to denounce their positions.

It's good to hear that you'll be sticking around, though. It'll be great to see you start posting some new drawings done using Xara Xtreme and/or Xara Designer 'Whatever It Is' again (maybe?). After all, you'll have a lot more time on your hands for drawing and photography.

You have my respect and thanks for all you've done,
Harry

[Black Panther]

Hi Steve,
I´m sorry and very sad to hear that you will stoping as moderator on TG, and i´m happy to know that you are still here too.
Just want to say many many thanks to you for all your help on TG.
Best Regards BP

[handrawn]

Steve your knowledge of Xara product and help on these forums is invaluable, whatever else happens many thanks from me for sharing this

In the past, when we had our differences, you said to me on more than one occasion that the forum is more important than any one individual member

That said the strength of the forum lies in its regular participants and their willingness to help and share, so its great that an expert like yourself stays on as a 'regular guy'

I'm only an ordinary member and I know not what goes on behind the scenes, but it would appear TG is in a state of flux at least in terms of Moderation. Obviously Moderation is needed and it is a big commitment, and a likely a burden, on boards such as these.

Independence is often one of the first things to go when something is successful, especially if funding comes from elsewhere [and if money is tight]

You done a good job; be proud

[Karateed]

Hi Steve,

There was no reference for this thread other than seeing you are now a 'Regular Guy'. That being the case I hope you're staying on to at least guide us with your tremendous wealth of knowledge.

Obviously only you and Xara/Magix know the inside scoop so whatever it is, I hope all is well with you.

I just want to add my 2 cents of thanking you so much for the tremendous amount of learning you have provided me and countless others on this forum and that you may have enough time now to do more of that without having to worry about moderating too.

Again, many thanks Mr. Ledger.

[spondoolix]

Steve,

Thank you for all the time and effort you have put into this forum and for the huge volume of useful information that you have imparted and all that helpful advice that you have so readily given.

I never could understand how you managed to find time for it all. What will you be doing now to fill the vacuum?

[zaphodeist]

The link in post #1 to Steve's announcement is now dead. Make of that what you will. In his post, for those who didn't see, Steve says the main reason for his stepping down is that Talkgraphics was an independent forum, though paid for by Xara/Magix. He will be participating as an ordinary member - if the word "ordinary" can be applied to the wealth and breadth of knowledge and insight he displays

[Karateed]

Well, it certainly didn't take long for that link to be killed. You're right about the depth and breadth of knowledge that Steve brings to the table and how accurately and unselfishly he supports all in his answers/replies.

I think Frances signature says it all quite accurately. I also wish that TalkGraphics was like it used to be.

Somebody obviously does not realize what they have here or these changes would not be forced upon people by having great moderators fall by the wayside the way they are, either by choice or by being told they are no longer welcome to guide people.

To me this smacks of top down (as in company) totalitarianism type government. That type of thinking will eventually kill this forum, no matter how much good users want it to stay alive....

That would be a shame and this direction should make those directing it feel ashamed of themselves in my not so humble opinion.

There is definitely a huge atmosphere change here at TG and it's not for the better.

Just my 2 cents worth...for whatever that's worth......

[handrawn]

I smell brinkmanship

you know there is a lot of leading by the nose going on here - I have seen disputes over editorial freedom and artistic expression come and go - it's only my gut feeling but this dispute seems to me just a bit precious on the part of some

[Big Frank]

Steve says the main reason for his stepping down is that Talkgraphics was an independent forum, though paid for by Xara/Magix.

Whether we are talking about the independence of members to post what they want to post or the independence of the moderators to moderate without interference from above, this has never been an independent forum, much as some people might believe in that Utopian ideal. As long as everything trickles along smoothly the forum will look independent, but if you step out of line you will suffer the consequences. And the bottom line around here belongs to Xara.

The thing is, that has never been a problem to me. I love Xara's products. That's not say they're perfect, but they are bloody good, and at a reasonable, competitive price, so I'm happy to sing Xara's praises all day long and have done so for over 10 years. That's why I come here, to talk about Xara's products, to exchange ideas about them, to learn from others and hopefully to impart a little of what I have learnt as well. Maybe that's why Steve's not leaving this forum, because I believe he's as hooked on Xara products as I am. For the benefit of Talkgraphics I'm glad he's not leaving the forum - I honestly don't think there's any non-Xara member who knows more about the products than he does.

Reply as you see fit. Whoosh... I'm moving on.