Good advice providing that decisions have not already been made and done without member input from the community. While I agree that things are not always as they appear the fact that they even appear that way could be erased simply by being open and honest about things. This latest is a prime example. This was done in such a way that membership did not know about it, still dont think it a good idea, it violated site rule 1.4, and was endorsed by Erwin because of some bad advice. The intent was well meaning but this has went on in the past and begs the question has this site really chjanged. Be open about what is going on at the time it is going on, notify members of votes, polls, WIKI's under disdcussion and you the staff can avoid many of these things.
"You the staff" -- that's going to take some time for me to get used to.
I totally understand having concerns and needing to express them. In fact, it was my involvement in that very discussion which led to me becoming staff here less than 24 hours ago. Voicing our questions and comments is very important, but the manner in which we approach it can make a big difference.
I say this not as Staff Speaking From On High -- I'm a newbie at this -- but as a conservative Christian who shares the values and principles which have been threatened recently, and which you and other members are ready to stand up for as needed. I've never made a secret of my convictions, and I don't intend to do so now that I'm on staff.
If I might make a rather frivolous example, let's say that a mod from another team posted a thread saying that the (hypothetical) forum-skin team were going to make the entire site chartreuse-and-fuschia, with no option to change it. Concerned for the health of our eyeballs, I head over to the thread. Now, I could make a post that says, "Wow, I'm tremendously concerned about this. Let's contact the forum-skin team and get the details. Are they really going to do this?" Or, I could say something along the lines of "what disgusting colors! This is proof of the terrible judgment of the color-selection committee! This is the final straw and we all need to leave now!" Okay, so imagine that it came out that the hideous color scheme was simply going to be added to the options, and not made the only one available. Which of those responses yields more credibility among the people who participated in the thread?
The calm expression of concern, combined with requests for more information, will only help the credibility of the poster and the positions he or she represents. Accusations based on rumors will do damage to the reputation of both.
I encourage everyone here to remain active, as we need conservative voices to advocate for biblical orthodoxy. However, I ask -- not as staff, but as a conservative Christian -- that even when others are doing wrong, please take the high road. It does our cause much more good if we have conducted ourselves in such a manner even in the face of opposition.
I love this forum, and I love its members. 
