Saiid,
I posted the poll because I am tired, quite frankly, of the complaints - and the mods being the only ones receiving them.
To all - I am tired of the "Why are we doing this, why aren't you doing that"... my hope was two fold: a, that people would air what actually bothers them about the two events and 2, that people would come out and tell us what they want. John and people here on the oRg have discussed a clique of decision makers, and they only way out of that line of thinking would be to expand the discussion. The problem is that people are assuming that this poll has restarted a discussion - the reality is that the discussion has never stopped. And in typical historic fashion, the discussions about the Bash flare up about a month out... anyway, many people, including me have complained about the Bash and what it was becoming. It is a meet and greet for me, pure and simple. But at times it was too big and too crazy. At times it was too small and too cozy. It is sad that friendships have been damaged by this whole thing... but it has been stated that the it is the Mods who have refused to change and that we somehow had stolen control of the Bash... and I am tired of that. So, my apologies to all for trying to give a voice when none had been asked for. My apologies for my initial efforts for trying to hold the two events together instead of splintering the groups. Well, the reality is that trying to be a peacekeeper is exhausting - and at this point, on this issue, I give up. I have friends who will be going to both events. I hope they are safe. I hope both events are successful.
The real issue here is pride, both real and perceived. When someone is convinced that they can do it better, or have a better plan, there is no changing their mind. When someone is convinced that the proposed change isn't for the better, then there likely isn't any changing of minds... hence the rift.
Something John said resounds with me... it is amazing how many people have an opinion who aren't attending either event.
I wish it was just about riding... but people on both sides assume subterfuge and sinister intentions... and as long as the motives are questioned, the events will be tainted.
