Just a few clarification and follow up wonderings:

1. Several people thought my criticism belittles Agiel and they jumped to his defense. I do not question his skills, knowledge, wisdom or good will. I was highlighting his absence, the fact that in the period since I was around he didnt apply any of the good qualities you old-timers refer to. If I had reason to think he isnt suitable for the job, I should be happy he isnt around, why would I want him to contribute more?

I have no idea what sgt2005's job is. Even in this thread which is obviousely relevant to him, he
doesnt contribute. He serves no purpose that I can detect.

2. I may be wrong, but while coordinators are volunteers, 'moderator' is a paid job. I'm absolutely sure it is not a big amount, and not at all the reason moderators do it. But it is a commitment. Of course 'real life' comes first. But if a moderator, for whatever reason, cannot perform his duties, he should make it clear. As mentioned above, find a replacement for the problematic period. Discuss it with the powers that be  and redefine the job/duties and announce it to the community. Even leave the community to fend for itself for awhile, but make it clear there is no one at the helm.
   (Samtherapy, a moderator at the poser forum, did just that -put up a stickie  that he cant do any moderating due to external problems. My respect to him)
   And to return to the specific reason I started the thread, if you are not involved in the life of the community you will make serious mistakes like in the nominations for AOM. None of us can tell you how to prioritize  you life. But its only fair to admit when you cant do the job.

3. Agiel - you said
   "I already had a private conversation on the subject with Rutra actually. No need to step on a soapbox and bring it up.
   I explained what happened, listened to his suggestions and hopefully, we will correct the way we are doing things for the better."
   Well, if you and Rutra came to an amicable agreement - that's great for both of you. Even so, it is a public matter that hit Rutra this time, others another time.(In fact as Rutra mentioned in his post, there are worthy others too that were ignored).
   And how are things going to be corrected  for the better? Is that not a matter for public discussion either?
   So if you dont mind, I'll keep and continue to use my faithful soap-box. Serves me well.

4. "Why does it matter that challenges are late" "who cares about AOM":
   Why does anythig matter?
   If they are there they should be treated with respect. If you advocate getting rid of them  - I may even agree with you. So have it done. Ignoring the rules is disrespetful to those who take them seriousely.

5. My appologies to those who have been nominated - it hope its clear I did not intend to imply faults with their inclusion, just with the exclution of other worthy candidates.

6. Thank you to those who bothered to express an opinion, even its oposing mine.
   I cannot understand why you are such a small minority. Dont other viewers (approx 200 so far) have an opinion? why not share them with the community?

Thank you all for your attention.

"I paint that which comes from the imagination or from dreams, or from an unconscious drive. I photograph the things that I do not wish to paint, the things which already have an existence."
Man Ray, modernist painter
http://artpearl.redbubble.com/