I am resigning as a Moderator of BE because I do not agree with certain decisions about various members/threads/posts of this website.
Perhaps certain Moderators have taken things too personally lately and posters have left BE as a result, which I feel is to the detriment of the forum.

While I appreciate and support the fact that some parts of this website are immigration based and need to be serious, I also feel there should be somewhere for us all to let off steam, and pulling the reins too tightly prevents that release. The original aim of the Barbie was to allow people to relax, and have an Aussie-based "Lounge" forum. Recently however I have seen the gap between the two forums get larger and larger, and I feel I can no longer support the way that the Australian forums, and the Barbie in particular, are "policed".

I have not yet taken a decision as to whether I will remain a member of BE.

... what have I missed?

close the door on the way out

Ok, this is not going to last long this thread but lots has gone onand its not just Polly who is having difficulties here. Lots of long term, nice, happy members are also not feeling good about it.

In fact I feel that Polly has been dragged into this when its really nothing to do with her. I was really hoping that it would blow over and she would stay because if anyone cared to go through her posting history - she is always positive, kind, non confrontational in her moderating. Go search on each mod and their messages and see what conclusions are drawn.

certain members and mods dont get on and I think that perhaps a few of us go off on a tangent and this gets up peoples noses. thing is - its the barbie - it doesnt happen anywhere else. I personally spend time making sure I try to be helpful. This has nothing to do with any mod/poster friendships and I think its really under handed trying to insinuate that it is.

I think Polly has been targeted in order to get under the skin of another member but its sad because she really loves this forum and I know also that Sue has tried really hard to be fair and is not behind this little hiccup. Its just silly got out of hand and the thing is that in order to accuse anyone of weilding power, you have to believe power is there to be weilded. I dont think it should be - its just about stopping racism, out of control filth etc isnt it? Not personal like or dislike of topic?

I would love to own a forum that has so many diverse and active members.

Its just not cool you know. I am really sad about this. Thanks polly for always making the effort to be helpful

I havent a clue what has gone on. dont really want to either.
all i will say is if polly does leave this forum it will be a huge loss.
im not saying that as one of her friends, i am saying it as a poster who has been around for a while.
polly has been one of the most honest and caring people on here and i for one would miss her posts.

if you can bring yourself to read this polly. if you do decide to stay as a poster, you will make this baldy bastard very happy!

I'm unaware of Poll having been targetted on anything. I am also unaware of any posters being targetted for anything. I think it's unfortunate when people think they know situations when many situations take place in private. It would appear that Poll has made this decision for her own reasons and if that's what she wants then we have to accept it. She knows I think she should stay because she's a damn good mod, poster and friend but as I said it's her decision.

Re what Polly said - totally agree

will be sorry to see you go Polly

Hello Polly - its a long time since ive been in the Ozzie bit tbh now as when they stopped the skills route that was our last chance of getting to Oz - but i do pop in from time to time for a nosey - you were most helpful to us when we had lots of questions about moving there and we will be forever grateful for you kind, supportive and honest answers.
Just to let you know - its not just here that there now seems to be a lot of back bitting - i now go on the Spain forum bit and OMG it is horrendous now on there - as here it used to be a lot of fun with lots of lovely people on - but now there seems to be a lot of members who just seem to like having a go at others including new members which is not on tbh

Well just to say - i for one am very grateful to you and this forum would be a worse place for losing someone like you Polly - take care chick and good luck with whatever you decide
Love Sam xxxxx

Well I certainly don't like Polly being so bloody upset to the extent that she has had to make that decision She's wonderful actually - really helps everyone out and always has a friendly outlook to everyone.. she bloody great as a mod and as a poster..

Not nice, not nice in anyway

Em x

I think its against the rules for me to question a mod, and so I won't.

Good for you. I think BE in general, but the barbie in particular, is over-policed.

Posters can sometimes get out of hand but so can moderators too.

May be this shouldn't be about Polly but about how we feel the barbie is being moderated? Yes, sometimes I feel the mods are a bit harsh but lets face it they have a big part of the forum to deal with.

May be giving some refreshed guidelines would be more appropriate?

nice point!