Let me tell you something of my shameful past… Some years ago I was very self-conscious, very low in self-esteem and very unconfident as a person. I was one of those people who seemed to find fault in most things other people did. I well remember criticising people over the smallest of things, often publicly, often unfairly. [I’m glad they didn’t have blogs around then or no doubt many of my shameful words would be preserved in a google cache somewhere.]
A few years later I started to grow up. Around that time I also discovered the VFP community and was amazed at how generous the people in it were. The smartest, highest achievers were the most caring and nurturing to others. All people were accepted and the ‘vibe’ was incredibly positive.
And importantly, the VFP community has always been one to sort out differences with the utmost respect to all involved (well, atleast from what I’ve seen).
I feel I’ve personally changed a great deal since then (hopefully for the better {g}!).
I tell you these things for two reasons: 1. To be the first to admit I’m far from perfect, and 2. to indicate how influential the VFP community has been on me.So it has saddened me to see the chatter on UT and some blogs concerning a recent decision by SednaX. A decision has been made that has divided some people. So far not a problem. There will always be disagreements, differences of opinion and ofcourse mistakes being made (not that I’m suggesting one has or has not been made in this case). But what we as a community need to uphold is the high respect for people that we always have. It is a great shame to see name calling, cheap shots, and such heated debate over what is in reality a small issue.
So, my appeal is simple. People, please realise every one of us represent the community. We must all stay focussed on the greater good of VFP and the community, even if personal opinions are challenged.
Close
I know this will sound like complete overkill, but my boss says we should always write (and speak) as if the person discussed dies in a tragic accident the next day. We must write today in a way that we never regret tomorrow.
