Returning to the Ranks

**Mael Coluim** · 28th November 13, 10:08 PM

I've asked Steve to switch my title bar to Retired Moderator on St. Andrews Day. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as a moderator these last three years. I am very appreciative of the opportunity given me to have done so.

Having seen behind the curtain I am know the time and effort Steve gives this forum in being the great place it is for the kilted community. I know his passion for this online community of kilt wearers. It is huge. As a moderator, I have appreciated his guidance in sharing his thoughts and opinions without telling us what to do. Our decisions are always our own.

As for the moderators, I consider them my band of brothers and sisters. I thank each one of them both the current and former I have served with, for their individual support, dedication to the forum and their personal effort in getting the job done.

To the membership, I take this opportunity to let you know how much your support of us and assistance in maintaining our Policies and Rules is of great importance to the moderators. Without it, we could not be effective in our jobs and this forum would not be the great place it is.

To all of you, I say thank you.

**Downunder Kilt** · 28th November 13, 10:16 PM

Thank you Ern for your dedication to keeping this forum so enjoyable. Cheers

**Steve Ashton** · 28th November 13, 10:20 PM

Ern,

You have been my strength over the past three years. Your council has been wise and just. Although we have never met in person you are, and will continue to be, a true friend.

For those who do not know, Ern and I have had some late night Skype calls. Usually when I need to bounce an idea off of someone and he is the only one with a green light on.

I will miss you as a strong voice of moderation when things have gotten heated and at those times when I tend to fly off the handle.

Good luck, thank you, and enjoy the forum fellow X Marks member.

**Steve Ashton** · 28th November 13, 10:32 PM

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.

**cable scot** · 28th November 13, 10:34 PM

Thank you for your service in keeping this the best place on the internet.

**BCAC** · 29th November 13, 01:46 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

Steve, maybe you could post a word (or two) on how someone is selected to become a moderator and succintly, what the duties of a moderator are?

**Steve Ashton** · 29th November 13, 02:30 AM

I am preparing words to that effect now.

**Grizzly** · 29th November 13, 06:03 AM

I would like to echo the remarks made above and to thank you sincerely Ern for all the hard work and dedication you have given to this forum and for your contribution into making XMTS a truly international home for us kilties.

**Father Bill** · 29th November 13, 06:43 AM

Speaking as a colleague of a brief period of time, I will miss Ernie's steady mind, good humour and wise counsel. We have all been enriched by his contribution and he is one of those who has helped this to be the best spot on the entire Internet.

We look forward to Ernie's continued contributions in months and years to come.

**McClef** · 29th November 13, 09:43 AM

Ern, you have been a valued colleague who has gone the extra mile on many occasions and your opinions and counsel will indeed be missed.

Enjoy the extra time you will now have.