*sigh*

I value the opinions and efforts of everyone who has contributed to the webzine, to this site, to the hobby in general.  We've had a difficult time sometimes agreeing on what is "Hard" sci-fi, what is "core" SF, or whatever.  It's quite true that I do a TON of work on the SFman... more than I take credit for (sometimes all I get from someone is a few sentences, and I turn it into a piece of equipment or an article or an archetype - I think many of you remember a time when you submitted something bare-bones and were surprised at the article it turned into - and I usually simply give your name in the byline and take no credit).  But the truth is, I couldn't have gone as far as I've gone with this webzine or this site without the support of everyone.  Not just one person, but everyone.

I once said to Corjay after a somewhat heated argument with Art Eaton over at starfrontiers.org that anyone worth working with usually has a big ego, and I've learned to deal with that and look past it because big egos usually result in big arguments.  I don't know if that's been helpful or baneful to this community - as I've allowed a lot of arguments and negative posts to slide by without doing a thing about it.  Maybe I was wrong in doing that, but this is such a small community that losing any one part of it damages it quite a bit.  I don't want to lose anyone.

The contributions of Corjay to the sfman have been bountiful.  Not everyone has agreed with some of his articles, but not everyone agrees with mine either.  That's the coolest thing about a fanzine - it's not official, it has a ton of this and that, and you sprinkle what you like into your campaigns.

I am asking now, for all to hear, plain and simple: self edit.  Look at your posts on this site, and decide if you really want to type what you type.  I'm not going to moderate posts and squash arguments because you're all adults.  Please use the common sense rule I tell my kids (and can be found in nearly any bible of nearly any faith): Treat others how you wish to be treated.

Corjay: Please be careful with your wordings... the only problems I've had on this site have been conflicts where you were one of the parties involved in that conflict.  Most of the time, I've been convinced that folks mistook what you were saying and have defended you - but to be honest I shouldn't have to do that all the time.  Please keep your discussions constructive.  I've been helped by your contributions to threads I've started, but I've also had moments where I just stared open-mouthed at your post, wondering why you felt the need to say what you've said in the manner you've said it.  It's not always what you say, it's more often how you say it.  There are times when I come off rude too - we're all human, and when someone calls me out on it I'm quick to apologize for how I treated them - publicly - and it's quite heartfelt, even if I fully believe I was right or that they misinterpreted me, I'm still honestly sorry that my wording came across the way it did.  When someone calls you out on the same thing, you either divert it away from you with excuses or get very condescending with them.  I've heard many complaints (I won't name you all here) by people... and I've always managed to keep the peace by showing them to be tolerant of your ways, because it's just your character, your personality, and you're not meaning the tone that's coming across.  I honestly believe that's the case.  But it doesn't come across that way.  I continue to value your input and your contributions - especially your art - and that last article for issue 8 was fantastic!  I even value the private conversations we've had and will continue to have.  What I don't want is for me to have to type anything like this again, as it's not in my character to do so.  Re-read every post you type and edit for tone.