...as it concerns the future of this forum.

It has come to my attention that it may not be feasible for Biscuit to continue to support this site. I don't know all of the details, and I haven't been able to speak with him directly. All I know is that life has thrown him some curve balls, and that means he might have to make some difficult choices...

That being said, the other issue that has been bothering me lately is the lack of participation by a goodly number of our members. There are many reasons for this, some valid, and some not so valid. My point is that it seems kind of ridiculous to have Biscuit continue to put his hard earned money into something that only a handful of people use on a regular basis. Discussion works only if it is sustained over a period of time. I'm not condemning anyone over a lack of participation; I've always felt that it doesn't matter how often or how much an individual posts here, we're all equal. I understand time constraints, and how real world life takes precedence over online life...

The other issue that comes into play here is that the entire reason this place came about is really a far away memory to a lot of us, and a complete mystery to anyone who might be interested in joining. The whole Chelsea Parthenos ethos, with its' Kitty Militia and Jedi Squirrels, its' coffee and bran muffins, its' barn and racist pasture, all those things that made us laugh in a very unfunny place are now well over two years old, and the remnants of that thread aren't as pertinent as they once were. The same can be said of the other so-called "exclusionary" threads that The Mod Who Shall Not Be Named locked. Most of us have moved on past those things, and have developed friendships and relationships beyond them. This is a good thing; it's part of life...

Now, some of you are aware that I have spent a certain amount of time trying to retrieve the original Chelsea thread from the Lithium dungeon. It is still accessible by Solstice, however, there seems to some reticence about allowing it to be copied to a disk and sent to me. I don't understand this reticence, but I will continue to try to lay hands on it and preserve it to the blog I have for just said purpose. But that's just my little obsession...

My point (and question) is this. Do we continue to participate here, or is it time to let it go, and become a fond memory? I don't have the authority to end the forum, only Biscuit can do that. And I don't feel that I'm some kind of leader here, either. I'm probably better described as an instigator, LOL. I don't want to lose touch or stop having meaningful (or not so meaningful) discussions with any of you; you're all good folks that I enjoy being around, in an Internet sort of way. But I do think that we should all make our feelings known about this, so that we can make a responsible decision concerning the future of this forum...

You can post your feelings here, or you can PM me if you want...

Peace,

Rocx

Hi Rocx, I do look in almost every day, guess I should log in & say something, but seems like no one is reading.
I am sorry if I did stir the pot too much.

You have nothing to apologize for, mico. No one does. No one has done anything wrong...

All I'm saying is that it might be in Biscuit's best interest if we free him of the financial responsibility that comes with this place, on top of the day to day responsibility of running of it.
I've never been a site administrator or moderator, but I have worked closely with one at a social network I belonged to, and from what I learned from her, it can be a very time-consuming task...

Now, let me reiterate. I have NOT spoken to Biscuit directly. I have sent him a PM, and I'm satisfied to wait on his answer. I just wanted to get everybody's (or as many as I can) thoughts and feelings about this. I am more than willing to continue participating here as much as I can, as long as Biscuit is willing and able to keep the place open...

Now, I'll be out of town Monday night. I'll be checking in at stupid o'clock tomorrow morning, and then won't be back on until Tuesday afternoon. I hope to see some input here from the rest of you...

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and thank you in advance for your replies...

the dog,

I guess you could say I'm torn about letting this place go but more for my wife's sake. She's gotten closer (internet style) to others here than I have since I can't spend the time here she has, so I'm not as emotionally attached to it. I'd like to see it survive for her sake and if circumstances allowed it now I'd even offer to help foot the bill to keep it going...the current economy and budgeting simply doesn't allow it at the moment unfortunately.

But I will miss it should it expire because I have always enjoyed the members who gathered here, including those I never agreed with on current issues. I hope it can survive but can certainly understand based on Rocx's OP if it doesn't.

I also wish Biscuit the best (should he see this) in knocking the curve ball out of the park. Hang in there my friend.

As I have said before, I'm not much of a poster, but I do enjoy reading all the responses that are posted here. I see a lot of friendships that have formed, some from here, and some that have carried over from other forums, and slowly I am getting getting to know some of you. I see a lot of very nice people who enjoy discussing serious and not so serious daily happenings. To keep it going, it will take a lot of effort from all involved, is it worth it? Myself, I think it is!

I know it's a lot of work for Biscuit. He put his heart and soul into this for a long time. Some days he'd be laughing over some of the craziness, and other days he was ready to pull his hair out, but I do know he enjoyed it.

Hopefully soon he'll manage to make his way back online and voice his opinion on what he would like to see done.

I think biscuit needs to do what is best for biscuit. I just don't want to lose touch with him and the others here.
Chelsea will NEVER die in my mind. I mean, it's more of an attitude than a place, even so I have wandered the pasture in my mind often. Most of all, it is the people I don't want to lose.

Wow. This is all unexpected. But since we're on the subject.....


As to chelseaforever.net..... it is my intention to leave the site up and running. I recently renewed our Domain registar ( it had expired, thus the redirect when people tried to come here.) Our DN is valid for one more year. So, no worries there. As for the other " bells and whistles " here, I will not be purchasing advanced hosting or other " fancy " things in the foreseeable future.

Work has been much slower than expected this summer so I feel those monies would be more wisely spent elsewhere. As for the longevity of this place I guess its up to us. There are still some close acquaintances between folks here so chelseaforever will not be disappearing anytime soon. ( At least I don't think it will )

If this place is ever going to be anything more than its current state, well, I guess its up to you guys. I've spent too much time here and in doing so have neglected more pressing issues. So if you want to keep it moving and up to date someone is going to have to post new articles, start new discussion, etc. I won't be involved at the level I once was in the immediate future.

Thanks to all of you for the well wishes and concerns. Biscuit is fine. I hope you all are as well.

See ya on the boards!


Cheers.....

HI! Buiscuit honey, the wife,

So glad to hear you are well and that is without question the most important thing!

Hugs and a big slobbery kiss on the cheek

Well, shoot. I don't know where to start.

First, I'm glad biscuit chimed in here. Glad you are doing ok. I understand the fiscal situation you are in...it has hit us too, you know because we've discussed it. I pray for you, my friend, and I miss you around here.

As for the site itself.... I know I'm no dumbass, but most of you are so much smarter than I am. Sometimes I open a thread, read, learn, and back out. I go back and read again, and again. I just don't feel like I can keep up with you guys when it comes to history or politics. I love reading it....but I just can't chime in for fear you guys would think me an idiot (if you don't already, and are too nice to say so). This is the only place in my life, here in Chelsea, where I have an inferiority complex. There...I said it.

Anyhow...I love it here. I adore you guys. I miss the Chelseaisms. I miss PING and slow and a handful of others. I visit often, and I miss being able to chat because it seems noone is ever here. I think everything turns in cycles...and this is just a slow turn.

I do have a FB, and e-mail I'm willing to share with all of you. If anything ever happens to Chelsea...promise me we can keep in touch. Until then...I'm here. Reading, laughing, and learning.

Hi Mav, the wife,

Obviously I can't speak for the others but I'm guessing they feel the same way I do...I don't think your input is any less valuable than that of others, will never consider you a dumbass, and I look forward to reading those posts you do make. Speak your mind gurl and eff 'em if they don't like.

Hugs and be well honey.