Author: Steven Schwartz
Date: 20:37:59 05/06/99
I witnessed what was happening here on CCC for the last few days, but I have been too busy to sit down and compose my thoughts until now, so here goes… It is safe to say that if I had any idea of the aggravation that creating the CCC would cause, I could have spent the 1000 man hours that have gone into this project doing something productive for my business. But it was my decision, and I have no one to blame but myself. Along the way, I have learned a few lessons: I have learned that when it comes to dealing with people in computer chess, there are more differing viewpoints than there are potential moves in chess. I have learned that if you throw an idea on the table, 50% will vehemently favor it and 50% will vehemently oppose it. I have learned that there is more politics in computer chess than there is in all of Washington, DC (and perhaps more screwing of people as well). I have learned that compromise is not a virtue in our field, but it is more important that one have the last say, no matter how long the argument has to last. I have learned that people who are not happy with what goes on in CCC feel it necessary to resign publicly instead of simply going away. I have learned that no matter what a moderator does or says, he will be criticized by SOMEONE and most likely in a public forum. I have learned that if a moderator is too strict, he will be accused of censorship. I have learned that if a moderator is too lenient, he will be accused of allowing the CCC to turn into a personal attack forum. I have learned that if a moderator is right in the middle, he will be accused of not being aggressive enough AND not being lenient enough. I have learned that no matter how hard moderators try to do the right thing, it is impossible to do the right thing. I have learned that people can post what they believe to be an on-topic post, and they can be deleted along with the rest of a thread that may not be in topic I have learned that just about every Founder of CCC has left - some because moderation was too strict and some because it was too lenient. I have learned that CCC can and does flourish without the "big" names, but it is nice to have them here. I have learned that there is not necessarily a correlation between people who sign up with pseudonyms and people who cause trouble. Karin's Dad is a fine example. I have learned that people who become moderators really do spend a good deal of time trying to do the best job they can. I have learned that I often disagree with moderator's decisions, but I respect the time and energy and thought that usually goes into making those decisions. I have learned that I should have deleted that first anti-Hyatt post (even though I was not authorized to do so) as soon as I saw it as opposed to trying to reach the moderators (as I was supposed to do) whom I did not know were not available. I have learned that few, if any, decisions made by moderators are politically based. I have learned that ICD can live without the CCC very nicely. I have learned that I no longer care, as I once did, if anyone leaves or threatens to leave CCC. I have learned that a CC (just plain Chess Club) message board might best serve the interests of ICD, but I am willing to continue to work on and support the CCC as long as interested people are willing to come here and discuss computer chess. That's pretty much it. I am one who believes in getting along and giving in when necessary. I like peace (must be something wrong with me). If you read the posts here in CCC in the last few days, you will be able to see others who share my views. This is, by no means, a hopeless situation. I take this opportunity to invite everyone who cares about peace and computer chess to come back to the board, and talk about computer chess. I am confident that moderators and members alike agree that is our goal. I challenge those who have left us recently or in the past to come back and help allow the CCC to reach its full potential. - Steve (ICD/Your Move)
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