why is it that nobody can just have or do something that they can enjoy without somebody else mucking it up? I don't follow every little thing that goes on here at RR, because I do happen to have a life outside of this place. But when I do escape to RR for a break from the real world to a place that I have enjoyed escaping to for a couple of years I find that the same pettiness and crap that I was trying to escape from is now here also. I don't know the whole story behind several recent departures here at RR, but I guess that I have become delusional in my old age in thinking that I could or had found a place that was (even though there have been "disputes" here, it was still a) fun place to escape to. Have we PC'd ourselves into a corner and drowned ourselves in "politics" where we can no longer even enjoy our past times or hobbies without fear of treading on the wrong person"s toes? I understand that there must be some order kept to chaos, but at what cost? Those at the top of the food chain may censor me for my thoughts, but I thought RR was supossed to for fun and learning and sharing our creativity. Maybe George Orwell was much wiser than we gave him credit for. I will still check in to see what every body is up to, but sadly without the enthusiasm I had in the beginning. To those who have recently left us, and those who have curtailed their participation in protest, I salute you and wish you well.

i find RR to be a great place to be and have had few problems or upsets here; however, in light of Misha's & Cindy's resignations, well, i find that very upsetting. I don't want either of them to step down. I'm selfish. if Misha and Cindy are leaving to pursue other things, like more fun and free time, well then i'm happy for them. Misha has not said in here why he's stepping down. and we know why Cindy is. i agree with you jack...i think RR is supposed to be for fun, learning, sharing creativity as you said. and yep, George Orwell was verrrrrrry wise. there will be disputes though wherever you go. it's our nature as human beings. pity.... oh, and believe me, Big Brother IS listening!!!!!

I heard that Sheila! ...and I have My Eye on You! G'day Jack....Orwellian Societies hate the common Enemy that it cannot Control....and uncontrollable Laughter is one of it's pet peeves.....but....the Forum goes on...for it is the Common Man/Woman...like Sheila and Me....who have a Limited Photographic knowledge, that constantly pick the Members Brains....and in turn...the People still help...without a need for Political Correctness or Hierarchy...We....the Members have had a refuge in this Forum for many things...and can again...and...have fun with it, without PC or hurt to one another. I feel a Mission coming on! salute

Not sure I agree that the mighty THC has limited photographic knowledge, but thats my opinion. Although I recognise that there is a need to keep order, there is far too much Political Correctness, everywhere you go or everything you do must these days be backed up with IMO or a disclaimer. Everywhere you go youre not ALLOWED this and not allowed that. Not even allowed to photograph your kids on school sports day! To maintain order from chaos is hard to do, but all that has happed over the last few days is to create chaos from order! Rules rules rules, yes there has to be rules, but there needs to be a certain amount of free speech too. I think that is probably happening now as I dont see any input form official people. I hope that the voice of reason will return soon for everyones sake. Too much is lost already.

Dumb rules are ment to be broken!!! And noone should be forsed to give up freedom and belives. Love, peace & understanding!!! Puss & Kram :)

mmmmmm l rarely come into the main forum to make comments... only really discovered a couple of weeks ago.. sitting here amazed.. firstly jaqoggins so sorry youve experianced what youve quoted.. and also shocked at misha and cyn resignation.. but life is alway moving fast and on..thank you both for the all your hard work l,ve seen displayed in r.r over the past few months l,ve been a member... Jaqoggins all l can say is l,ve met some wonderful encouraging people, being a total novice in photography some have given me fantastic guidance ..l find R.R friendly.. but then if fair never truly get overly involved as life is so busy.. well hugs jac.. all l can say is sorry...

SOH, don't get me wrong, I'm very fond of all the folks on RR, especialy in this forum, I just hate to see our little refuge from the outside world suffer the same PC nonsense that leads us to seek refuge here. I hope that even though we have some, shall I say intense debates on some ideas and ideals, the main reason we come here is to enjoy each other's company and to share our passion for photography. And to try and leave as much of the un-necessary BS out in the real world. Jack