Following recent discussions and a little confusion I’m seeing in the forums, I thought I would write this.
I am in no way having a dig at anyone, or the new systems we have in place on Swinging Heaven.
In my time here, and in helping to, and in organising social gatherings; I’ve seen many posts and PMs asking about Munches/Social etc and what they are/what happens etc etc. I don’t think I’ve seen a thread devoted to the subject – so here goes.
Why does it matter ?
Because I think everybody has a right to know at the outset, what to expect. There has been quite a large influx of newer members, that “we†sometimes no longer give enough time to. So much so, I’d be upset to think they would see some of the posts in LMU about “socials†and be misinformed by what they read.
I know the Mods are loathed to get involved in further “legislation†or definitions, but for reasons I’ll go into, I think something needs to be said outloud and in public by somebody.
So I’ll say it, and take it on the chin where necessary.
We have a clearly defined definition of “What is a Munch†here
But more often lately, the term “Social†is being used. Partly, I believe, to get round/comply with the rules contained in the official Munch definition and the posting across two or more other sites.
Another reason for the confusion is, I think the influx of people to the forum, particularly LMU, from the chatrooms and Photo Ads now that we have the unified log in.
So .. . . . . . . .
IMHO
I think maybe a little clarification is needed.
Although I have read all the posts in this thread, I haven't re-read them this morning. I read them more or less as they were posted; and taken an "impression" of the thread.
My comments now, are mainly based on that impression.
Was the thread necessary ?
I think that, although it's becoming a little circular, that fact that it's run to multiple pages and still running from Saturday (??) without very much hijacking or wandering off the subject, would say - yes, it is a subject to at least talk about.
Are we achieving anything ?
At least we're talking about it. Unfortunately, I think we've come to the stage of having two camps. The yes camp, something needs to be done, and the no camp. There's no issue, leave things alone.
I would say at this point tho' that the no camp is more or less the establishment. The Mods and OPs. Which in my mind, was to be expected.
I don't think it's very productive to be quoting and arguing over the recent individual posts because we tend to then get bogged down with discussion about those individual posts.
As I said earlier; I know the "establishment" had in the past been loathed to get involved in any more rule writing about Socials.
This site has changed in the last few months. Vastly.
Some people kicked up a fuss. Some people left. Some people wandered to and fro between two. sometimes three or more different sites. Some people stayed where the were. I think I extended the hand of friendship and welcome, with the comment "Let's see if they take it, or bite it"
On a personal level, I didn't like the idea of many of the changes and improvements.
Over the months, some of the changes and new facilities, I've come to welcome, appreciate and indeed, very much like and enjoy.
Change.
One of the arguments from "the establishment" at the time was that "things change"
Well, I put forward the same argument. Things change.
And based on that change, I ask . . . Is it now time to have a re-think. Should you, would you, will you ??? sanction/write an inclusion into the help/terminology pages, a definition (by SH standards) of the differences between the various social activities arranged via the site ? Not "rules" as such, more on a point of clarification; that people can at the very least be referred to when both organising something, or thinking about attending.
Sarah mentioned some sort of "template"
I don't agree with that specifically (purely because I think it might be unworkable) but I would argue that it does show a need of something.
In the past we have know what was what. We have known what to expect.
I feel that due to the changes and sudden growth of the site, confusion and uncertainty are showing.
This is no longer the past.
Is it not time that the confusion and uncertainty was nipped in the bud NOW or very soon ?
Before something more untoward happens and we are placed in the position of bolting the stable door . . . . . . .
) but I for one will try to explain as best I can...
Right I am going back to edit my post that people dont know it was written by me 
