indi,
I don't know what to say. In getting to know you, I am sure that you gave this a lot of thought. So I feel as though there is no advice to give. I respect your decision, but perhaps TGC can allow you to take a break for a few months and resume your MOD status when and if you decide. Not sure if that is anything you want, or if it's something that could even be considered.
[edited slightly]
Regardless of whether or not your user profile shows MOD or not, I have come to learn the type of person you are. No one here shoots straighter than indi. You have always been true to yourself and your commitment to this board and users. While there has been controversey over some of your decisions, I see now that your reasoning was in concert with TGC's AUP, and principles that benefitted the community as a whole. Understanding that all mods go through a process of finding their style, balancing their own personal feelings, and defining a window of flexiblity. Not everything in life is as clear cut as binary (1,0). In that regard I think your style was solid, equal "across the board", and impartial regardless of poster/status. That in itself is not easy to do, and can disturb the nest - so to speak. I feel that you maintained an openess to evaluate your decisions, but you were not solely influenced by popularity or fleeting oppinions of the day. Rather you stuck to what you felt was in the best interest of members here.
I have a lot of respect for you and will continue to have that respect. You have truly mentored me! For myself, it's hard to not feel as though a giant is stepping down.
In the last month or so, I finally got to see a glimpse of what you are truly about. And when it comes down to it, it's hard to believe that there is an actual person out there who is as pure, real, giving of time and heart and soul, and devoted as you. You are truly amazing, & talented, and yet have remained MODest. I can't thank you enough for the amount of help both in coding, and in life matters you have given me.
I can only hope that this decision will not come to mean that you will be around here less. While you are entitiled and have earned time for yourself, you have been the most active person (along with TDK) on the dbpro related boards. Every MOD puts in a lot of time, especially in their specialty areas (like batvink on the news letter) but YOU, Ianm, and TDK, are so dedicated to helping out anyone on any issue.
I will always consider you a leader around these parts. A person who as inspired me to be better, think clearer, and give more. You are a great MOD, Artist, person, & friend. You are a giant among men, and a man among boys (at times). Your work, honesty, values, leadership, integrity, dedication will never be forgotten. Thanks for all you have done here indi. I wouldn't be the person I am without having come across you in life.
Sincerely,
~ZENassem
