A personal announcement from Jamie (please read)

[Panache]

Ladies and Gentlemen of XMTS

I joined XMTS in February of 2006 and in that time it has been my great pleasure to watch this community develop. We are not only bigger than we were back in the old days, we are also better. It amazes me the ownership all of you have taken in this forum. The level of civility and goodwill here is unmatched by any other group I have encountered on the Internet. For all their fearsome reputation the Moderating staff of XMTS seldom need to intervene anymore with the discussions that take place here. This is all because of you, the wonderful Ladies and Gentlemen of XMTS, who call this place their online home.

But we are a lot more than an online community.

A lot more.

Because of xmarksthescot.com I now have friendships that span the globe and I treasure those friendships. I truly feel that this group is my clan, and the beautiful XMTS tartan are my colors. As a member here I have learned a lot about highland attire, heritage, history, craftsmanship, athletics, whisky (no “e” eh Robertson ) , dance, music, and much more.

I have been a member of the Mod Squad since March of 2007. I have helped set our rules and policies as well as enforce them. I have led the Mod Squad both officially and unofficially. In all of these tasks I have always tried my very best to approach them with truthfullness, courtesy, politeness, and have always tried to clearly explain my actions. It has been a rewarding experience. In this position I have seen so many of our members nobly rise to the occasion to help and support their fellow members here on the forum. At the same time I have also taken the point against those trolls that would have disrupted our online home for no other reason than they couldn’t stand the idea that we were Ladies and Gentlemen with our own rules and standards of good conduct. That particular job was pretty difficult and very tiring. It is a little strange the first time you find out that your name is reviled or mocked elsewhere. Though Todd (cajunscot) once gave me a great quote by Winston Churchill about this.

“You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

Ever since I have been part of the staff here I have tried to stand up for xmarksthescot.com.

I write to all now because effective January 1st I will be stepping down as both Forum Manager and a Moderator. For the majority of my time on our staff I have been the “voice” of the Moderators and XMTS.

I think it is time for other voices to be heard

Our new owner Steve Ashton has some great ideas about how XMTS is going to continue to grow and develop. He envisions even less moderation for XMTS and more standardized communications from the Moderators in the course of their duties. In my opinion XMTS, the Moderators, and our owner don’t really need a 2nd in command anymore. I am also finding that with my many commitments to my children’s school (where I volunteer my time in something like 7-9 different positions each week ) I am finding myself both pressed for time and very tired. So I feel that this is the right time for me to step down .

Steve has asked, and the Forum Moderators have agreed that I remain as a non voting advisor to the Staff. to offer what help, advice, and experience I can to the team. I have also agreed to remain as Steve's steward for XMTS and will temporarily take charge of the forum should something happen to Steve.

XMTS will continue to grow and develop and I for one am delighted about this and look forward to continuing here as a member. In my service here I’m sure that I have made mistakes and I am sure that someone else could have done a better job. My apologies for whatever failings I have committed here, but you can be sure that I have always tried my best.

To Hank and Steve, two fine gentlemen and friends, I thank you for the faith you had in me.

To Nelson, David, Todd, Colin, Mike, Bradley, Glen, Bill, Mike, and Brian I thank you all for the camaraderie and friendship.

To the Ladies and Gentlemen of xmarksthescot.com I thank you for being such a fine group. I would never have worked so hard at this if you hadn't been such splendid bunch.

I hope that in my time as a member of the staff here I have been able to make a small contribution to this wonderful community.

I lift my glass and doff my plumed hat to all of you

Cheers

Jamie

ith: :blimp: :ootd:

[Colin]

Thank you Jamie for your time and tireless work and promotion of Xmarks the Scot. I understand more than many your point of view and your reasoning. I wish you luck in the future and look forward to your continued contributions to Xmarks as a valued member.

[bricelythgoe]

Thank you!

[Beertigger]

Thanks for your endeavors in the thankless task of herding an online community.

[unaspenser]

Wow, Jamie. I don't know if I have ever read a forum post that brought tears to my eyes before, but this one certainly did. I am so glad to have gotten to know you, and during your time as a member of the staff, you have done an exemplary job of showing just what we at XMTS embody. Thank you for all you have done to help make this community what it is. Best of luck with your other tasks, and don't be a stranger!

[HarborSpringsPiper]

Thank you for all you have done. Hope to see your continued participation here at XMTS!

[Zardoz]

Well Jamie, I think I speak for many X-Markers in saying I'm going to miss your evenhanded moderation and 'voice of reason' on the forums. But we all know that people's commitments change, and family must come first. I think that you are leaving a well developed community in good hands, and it will continue to grow and improve.

[Cynthia]

Best wishes to you and thank you so much for all of your hard work!

[Kilt_Em_All]

Thank you, Jamie, for all your hard work and dedication that you've given to this forum/clan. Know that each one of us appreciates what you do.



-Elliott

[Smayniac]

Jamie,
I feel privileged to have met you and had a friend on the Mod Squad. It seemed to make me feel a member of the group from early on. Thank you for your efforts and good luck in what lies ahead.
Bob