The very folks who have kept the trolls and whack-jobs at bay for the rest us, are gone. For a while at least.
I have always had fun with the trolls. But, I've been able to have fun and play not so nice, because I know that Snooze and Clancy and Nomad and Val and Arnold have my backside covered. Anyone gets too far out of hand they step up and stand at my shoulder...
And these kids pretty much cover all the angles between them.. gentle reprimand, logic, teasing, sarcasm, verbal smacks... they have always been there when one of us finds someone leaning into our face.
This time was different. This time the good guys didn't come in and save the day. It was the good guys under attack.
I don't have a hard time at all, choosing sides. These are my friends and comrades here in the garden. I like and respect all of them, even when I don't agree with their methods sometimes. If forced to choose, I pick them. Even if not forced to choose, I pick them... every time. And if I have an issue with something they say or do, and I don't think I can let them know my view in a teasing or calm manner, in open forum...I'll PM them.
We don't have moderators, in the traditional sense. What we have are real people, taking care of each other.
I just don't think we kept up our side of that friendship, this time. I think perhaps we let them down far worse then any troll could. I don't have to agree with my friends all the time. But I do need to say, when faced with the choice.. 'I choose you'.
I agree with you...and I really hope they come back, this place isn't the same without them.
