Frederick Russ
Founder Emeritus
Hi guys,
Anyone who knows me knows that I would be the first to admit a personal failing or character defect. I want to squarely address what VI it's about and what it is not.
We've all seen it before. Heavy-handed administrative techniques bannings with no explanation etc. I want you to know first off that not everything that is done here will be popular or accepted.
That said, the administrative actions were less related to the Spitfire thread (although it added to the compilation) yet more related to a 15 month stretch of listening to many long term members - some of them extremely talented - as well as developers who essentially left the forum due to the actions, unresolved and relentless baiting of a handful of people. The same people were named over and over again.
Let's also be clear. They also left because of my own apparent inaction to deal with it directly.
There are times when being a Forum owner is essentially a thankless job. The flip side is that I have met some of the most amazing and accomplished musicians and composers for which I am perpetually grateful.
I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to make the right decision and choice. Not because it is popular but because it is the right thing to do. I can also promise you that I'm human and as a human, still prone to mistakes, errors in judgment, but my intention is clear: to do what I feel is best and necessary to serve the highest good for everyone here - including those who may feel that they are being singled out. That is never my intention at all. Anyone who knows me will know that I'm probably one of the most easy-going and forgiving guys.
I realize that if people are angry at me because of actions I've taken, this will probably fall on deaf ears. My intention is to bring VI up-to-date with a huge upgrade which is already underway. We were going to announce it but then here we are. The upgrade is also in the way that we do things. That is not to say that I am reversing my promises to do what is necessary to uphold free speech - within reason and legalities and subsequent realities - but it is also my intention to create a safe environment where all of us regardless of whether we are a composer or a developer can coexist in an environment of relative respect and dignity. Where we can work together to create bridges rather than burn them. Where we can work together.
Because truth be told, our sample library industry is very small in comparison to other areas of the music industry and is more fragile. My intention is to do whatever I need to do to ensure that this industry thrives and doesn't fail.
I'll be direct. The realities are, guys, that if anything goes wrong on the forum - whether that be of a legal nature, or trying to prevent a personal attack from being voiced in a court room - i'm walking a tight rope because in truth it's my ass that's on the line. Not yours. Being able to creatively self express was one of the founding principles of this forum. When the actions of one person or several infringes on the right of others to do that, I noticed it. You may not always agree with my choices or decisions. But I'm asking you as a friend, colleague, and fellow musician and composer, to hear me when I say that you guys matter to me. You all do. Sometimes being in this role is impossible. It's impossible to please everyone. I can only do what I do to the best of my ability and will always promise to do that while I have breath.
Sincerely,
Frederick Russ
Anyone who knows me knows that I would be the first to admit a personal failing or character defect. I want to squarely address what VI it's about and what it is not.
We've all seen it before. Heavy-handed administrative techniques bannings with no explanation etc. I want you to know first off that not everything that is done here will be popular or accepted.
That said, the administrative actions were less related to the Spitfire thread (although it added to the compilation) yet more related to a 15 month stretch of listening to many long term members - some of them extremely talented - as well as developers who essentially left the forum due to the actions, unresolved and relentless baiting of a handful of people. The same people were named over and over again.
Let's also be clear. They also left because of my own apparent inaction to deal with it directly.
There are times when being a Forum owner is essentially a thankless job. The flip side is that I have met some of the most amazing and accomplished musicians and composers for which I am perpetually grateful.
I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to make the right decision and choice. Not because it is popular but because it is the right thing to do. I can also promise you that I'm human and as a human, still prone to mistakes, errors in judgment, but my intention is clear: to do what I feel is best and necessary to serve the highest good for everyone here - including those who may feel that they are being singled out. That is never my intention at all. Anyone who knows me will know that I'm probably one of the most easy-going and forgiving guys.
I realize that if people are angry at me because of actions I've taken, this will probably fall on deaf ears. My intention is to bring VI up-to-date with a huge upgrade which is already underway. We were going to announce it but then here we are. The upgrade is also in the way that we do things. That is not to say that I am reversing my promises to do what is necessary to uphold free speech - within reason and legalities and subsequent realities - but it is also my intention to create a safe environment where all of us regardless of whether we are a composer or a developer can coexist in an environment of relative respect and dignity. Where we can work together to create bridges rather than burn them. Where we can work together.
Because truth be told, our sample library industry is very small in comparison to other areas of the music industry and is more fragile. My intention is to do whatever I need to do to ensure that this industry thrives and doesn't fail.
I'll be direct. The realities are, guys, that if anything goes wrong on the forum - whether that be of a legal nature, or trying to prevent a personal attack from being voiced in a court room - i'm walking a tight rope because in truth it's my ass that's on the line. Not yours. Being able to creatively self express was one of the founding principles of this forum. When the actions of one person or several infringes on the right of others to do that, I noticed it. You may not always agree with my choices or decisions. But I'm asking you as a friend, colleague, and fellow musician and composer, to hear me when I say that you guys matter to me. You all do. Sometimes being in this role is impossible. It's impossible to please everyone. I can only do what I do to the best of my ability and will always promise to do that while I have breath.
Sincerely,
Frederick Russ
