I'm Resigning As Moderator

[bosco64]

This is truly sad, because I've never met a person who had as much passion for Rickenbacker basses or RIC as Joey did. The RRF will continue, but it won't be the same... Good luck my friend...

[ozover50]

On the one hand I'm very sorry to hear that you are stepping down, Joey but on the other I'm pleased because I know through our chats how tough it has been for you at times here and how much grief you have suffered carrying out your duties - magnificently so, may I say. Obviously this latest incident has brought it all to a head and it's sad that it ended this way.

As both a forum member and a mate I applaud you for your dedication to the RRF. I know how hard it has been for you to juggle health and other personal issues with your duties here and I hope that you can now relax a bit and enjoy the forum simply as a reader and contributor.

You have become a true friend to many of us and I for one feel blessed and am sincerely grateful for that friendship. Nothing that happens here will ever change that.

Stay safe and happy, Joey. Just as important, stay healthy and stay in touch!

Hopefully we'll be face to face again in 2013.

Cheers...... H

[bitzerguy]

It is sad and unfortunate that this happened to you Joey, but I'm glad you took action as you did. I hope you can retain some pleasure from the forum, despite the nastier elements. Your moderation made this a much better place on the web than most.

We have only met at the one MARF, you, Diane and I, but it was truly a memorable experience, and one I hope to have again soon. I echo Howard's perfectly expressed sentiments, that you have become a true friend to many of us and I for one am blessed and sincerely grateful for that. Nothing that happens here will ever change that. A more defining username has yet to be seen on the forum.

Peace Rickenbrother, hope to hear from you soon.

[ajish4]

Everything that has to be said, I have or will say to Joey personally.

Like him or not, agree with him or not, he's given it his all to the best of his ability.

Take some well deserved time off Joey. Enjoy the Holidays, go play your basses and enjoy your vacation.
We'll be here when you get back. I hope you will reconsider.

Thanks for all your time and effort, something you don't hear too often.

I'll talk to you soon!

[Ivan3000]

Sorry to hear this Joey (Technically I shouldn't be because you are happier! )
You were a great mod in my opinion, very fair and very nice. Good luck with the easier life.

[scotty]

I dont know i think there's something fishy going on here...maybe Joeys seen the light and is taking up guitar....

[gareth]

Well thank you for the work you did there Joey.

The point with moderating a forum anywhere on the interweb tubes is that as soon as you you take the job on, you're on borrowed time. If you try to please everyone, you simply can't, but if you attempt to over moderate, you're seen as heavy handed and inflexible. For the most part, the balance that a moderator strikes can be all the difference between making a forum something you want to spend time in, and one that you just can't be bothered to navigate. With that in mind, I think you did a fine job.

It's kind of like the spinning plates thing. You can get a few going, but the idiots who post will just keep adding more plates until you just can't keep up. Whilst we are all bound together here by the love of the RIC, let's never forget that we also have a lot of differences, and perhaps the only way we would ever interact would be through this sort of a medium. That difference in attitudes is going to reflect here, and it's beyond the reach of anyone, let alone a moderator, to fix. The best they can hope for is to ameliorate it until they are found late at night, wandering around in the dark feeding bread to imaginary ducks.

So, once again, thanks for all the unpaid thankless work you did

Having said all that, can I swear now ? I really want to swear. If I was a moderator, It would be compulsory.

[jimk]

To say I'm surprised is a bit of an understatement. Best wishes, Joey. It certainly was a great pleasure meeting you and Diane at SCARF last summer. I hope to be able to repeat the experience in '12. I do hope you'll stick around as a part of the general membership.
JimK

[ken_j]

All the best to you Joey. You have some big shoes to fill.

[jingle_jangle]

Joey, I wish it wasn't true. But, if it makes you happier, then why not?

Your inclination is to be selfless and a helpful soul. It was clear to me the very first time we met, and huge hearts like yours are few and far between in this life. Joey's Bass Notes and this was a labor of love, and kudos for giving so much of yourself. Must be the Eye-talian in you! (Being purebred and all... ). Anyway, it should be more pleasant and less stressful for you, and it's great to call you friend.

Hang in there and see you at NAMM!!!

[jps]

I am truly sorry to read this, that some folks just don't get it and have to cause such turmoil. You have done a superb job over these years moderating (it was really Diane who did it ) and hopefully, you will still continue on as a participant here. The RRF would not be the same without you (Diane).

[MaplegloMatt]

Even as a relatively new member of this forum, I've looked forward to your posts and have learned alot from your Bass Notes. Thank you for all your hard work as moderator.

[wmthor]

Joey, there's not much more I could say that hasn't already been said. Take care my friend.

[beatbyrd]

The number of well-wishers and supporters on this thread is considerably more than 'a few'. I don't post very much on this forum, but even still, I've had 5 or 6 posts deleted or censored heavily over the years. I don't believe that it was Joey in particular who wielded the scissors. Once I realized that this was a private forum, run by a small group of folks who made up the rules, it didn't really matter much *who* did it. It's their forum and they let me post here; subject to their rules. They don't care what I think about the rules and will probably not change them for me, no matter how strong or eloquent my arguments might be.

I think that Joey's contributions, both in terms of his knowledge of Ricks, and bass guitars in general, have been immeasurable. Being from the East coast, I've also gotten a kick when he 'goes all New York Italian' at times. (I KNOW others do, too.) He has graciously invited me into his home to try and whip my 4001 into playable shape. He did this at the height of his recent foot problems. He was in pain and uncomfortable at the time, but still soldiered on without complaint. He has always let me play his basses at various SoCal Rick jams and often given up the bass chores so that I could get some playing time. I get a hug and a kind word from Diane - every time I see her. Regardless of my personal views on board censorship, I consider both of them to be friends of mine. I have prayed (and continue to pray) daily for his full and permanent recovery; since the time I first knew about his affliction.

If chasing down the word offenders was distracting him from his primary love of Ricks/bass guitars, then maybe he's getting rid of a source of aggravation that he didn't really need. I'm sure he'll still be posting about the things that interest him. It's just too bad that this had to end up as a public discussion.
Best wishes to you and Diane, Joey.

On another note, I'm really stunned that the letter "F" gets cut, but not a picture of a fork. Go figure, John. Tom

[manta]

Hey Rickenbrother,

You've been great. Your posts and help have always been greatly appreciated here. Plus, Rickenbrother is such a cool handle.

Enjoy the peace.

Manta