Mod5, I must respectfully disagree. I once was new to H20. It was the first place I saw on the net regarding Jehovah's Witnesses. I was a faithful JW at the time, and what I read got my curiosity up, I must admit. I didn't like the fighting atmosphere, but Farkel DEFINITELY got my attention with the things he had to say. He certainly didn't "run me off".
And I don't believe that MY post would have turned people away, either. I was giving a truthful comment about what I felt regarding Rick's begging post. Putting the blame on everyone else is going to get him nowhere. I didn't post to the old H20 very often, because quite frankly, I didn't like the war zone atmosphere that existed there most of the time, but, that obviously was the cup of tea alot of people preferred as there were alot of posters there. That is their right, and I didn't begrudge them that. There's room for all of us on the net. [8>]
Now, they have found Simon's forum to be more to their liking, quite frankly, because Simon is a good-hearted bloke with a level head, and he knows how to deal with people in a kind, fair manner. Rick obviously has some hefty work to do in that area, so he's lost posters, doh!
What I would do if I were in his shoes, is stop whinging over spilled milk (lost members) and try to improve his attitude. Perhaps, maybe, (long shot, but he can always hope) he might win some NEW posters there who haven't had to deal with his erratic behavior before. Time will tell. But I wouldn't take it to the bank at this point in time.
RCat