Thanks for your comments, Churak. Since you raised the topic of your time in The Jailhouse, I'll comment on that ... in a moment. But first I want you to know I agree that most problems should be handled "in house" (on the Board, by the COB and the Directors). There are times when management's intervention is appropriate, but those times should be the exception rather than the rule.
When you were in jail, Chu, the guideline for release was for the internee to acknowledge inappropriate actions and promise not to continue them, if released. I have no idea whether that was "written" anywhere, or not ... and I don't really care ... that was my guideline.
After you had been in jail for a while, I formed the judgment that you'd rot in hell before you'd acknowledge inappropriate actions OR promise to be a good citizen.
That was not, however, the only judgment I formed.
I also, through careful thought about the messages you wrote, formed the judgment that you were bright and quick-witted and that you wanted to be ... and would be ... an excellent member of the iHub community.
It was apparent (i.e., I formed the judgment) that we were at an impasse.
I broke that impasse by acting in accordance with my judgment ... and contrary to my guideline ... and asking Matt to release you.
You went on to become a star at iHub ... and, I don't mind telling you that I'm extremely proud of the judgment I made in your case.
You think there should be rules ... well, I'll tell you the effect of a couple of rules:
1) One is the rule that my grandson's school cited yesterday to prevent his mother from picking him up.
2) Another is the rule that the Immigration and Naturalization Service cited to prevent me from entering the Federal Building in Newark, New Jersey last June. (I had the good fortune to get an escort past the INS guards by a Federal Police Officer who became aware of the situation.)
Those who think rules improve behavior are blind to the debasement of my beloved country. They can't see that rules do nothing to correct the sicknesses of greed, corruption and the lust for power. All the rules do is lull the public into believing that they'll work. You can't outlaw the kind of nastiness that permeates the internet ... but you don't have to provide a home for it.
There is no substitute for judgment, Churak, and we are fortunate to have, in Matt, someone who is willing and able to apply his judgment in pursuit of an outstanding community. It would be a tragedy to shackle him with "rules".
Fred
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