Sledger

[handrawn]

Thanks Bob - now you gone done an' made me increase the count by one and there was I hoping to retire, ah well, maybe at 10,000

Yes it's disturbing

What I find disturbing most is a level of naivety in certain quarters [not you of course my world weary friend ]

Ah well - enough said here from me.... lest I go way off topic, should there be any moderators around still....

[angelize]

This is a sad day for Talkgraphics. Steve, I wish it hadn't come to this but I'm glad you will be sticking around as a "regular guy"

I wish the announcement hadn't been deleted.

[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.

[handrawn]

Frank you put that so well you tempt me back

Xara's phrase is 'independent forums moderated by volunteers from the Xara community'

Steve then went on to talk about being truely independent from 'external control and constraint'

It was never this - and this is just not on in the real world

For newbies, 3 and a bit years ago our administrator was one AntonyF, and he of course was employed by... you guessed it, Xara

http://www.talkgraphics.com/showthread.php?t=25926

...

[angelize]

This is going to be my last post on TG for a few days. I've grown very tired of the politics and such that have crept up on here. We have now lost 3 moderators who gave freely of their time. And while they will still participate as regular members from time to time their resignations as moderators are still a loss.

When I return I hope that I'll find TG at peace.

To Steve, Bill, and Egg : Thank you for the time you gave as moderators here on TG.

[aridzone]

Very sad news indeed!
Thanks Bill, Egg, and Steve for your time and wisdom you have bestowed upon us. It was invaluable to us AND Xara. Glad to hear you will be still around.

[Karateed]

their resignations as moderators are still a loss.

I fully concur with this sentiment. Though you good folks are still with us, unfortunately for us, you will not be able to shape the direction the forum goes. That is a lost gift from very experienced professionals in my opinion (worth 2 cents as I'm told - thanks Bob).

I thank all of you for the gifts you've bestowed on us and the great job you did in directing traffic for us when needed. Many decisions would not have been very welcome by some but you kept order and atmosphere and deserve high commendation and praise from all.

A BIG THANK YOU!!!

[MEB]

Steve was a very dedicated moderator, knows the Xara products top bottom, was very, very quick to reply to any request and always willing to help.
He has done an amazing job here at Talkgraphics and will be hard to fill the gap.

It was his decision and i´m sure there´s a good reason behind it.
Thanks Steve for you hard work.

[wizard509]

Steve I just heard the sad news. I will miss you as a moderator but I'm glad you are sticking around as a member. Your help to me has been invaluable, you are so knowledgeable and talented in so many areas. Thank you.

[gwpriester]

No one has contributed more to this site, and this included all of the forums, than Steve Ledger (sledger). I don't think anybody can even begin to count the number of people (myself included) that Steve has helped over his time as head moderator. His knowledge of Xara products as well as of outside resources has always astounded me. I have used Xara since 1995 or 96 when it was first introduced at Rick Altman's Corel User Conference in Dallas by Corel's director of marketing. Those of us who saw the demonstration were blown away. I still do not understand nearly half the things that Steve has demonstrated Xara can do.

Steve had to make a hard decision which I am only now finding out about. I have made a pledge to try to spend more time away from the computer and have been out all day trying to have a life. I extend my deep felt thanks for all the help, support and friendship Steve has provided to this forum. He has left a vacuum that will be nearly impossible to fill.

Thanks, Steve for all you have done and for all the time you have selflessly given to this community.