Rik,
I absolutely applaud your changes. Out of the deep respect I have for you I have generally avoided criticizing your previous stance on the site (I had an especially high level of distaste for the naming of a 'Dean, Robert and Eric + singers other than Scott Weiland' subforum) but I've always felt this was very out of character for you. Since Chester's arrival, BE has operated in this passive-aggressive space that set the wrong tone, one I am sure was not your intention. I understand and share your deep love for SW, but YOU are the home and the base of STP on the internet. It was always my hope that you would someday properly enable the fanbase, both new and old members, to properly connect. The changes to the forums accomplish that goal and I am still proud to have you as our fearless leader.
I too long for STP's glory days, but unfortunately it was apparent LONG before Scott's death that those days were gone and were never coming back. However, with these changes we can continue to celebrate STP's past accomplishments and usher in a new era which will certainly be different, but which will hopefully provide a level of enjoyment for the fans. Its important to remember the road this band (and its fans) have been on, but I sincerely hope this fan base can leave the tumultuous history of this band in the past and help usher in a new era for these artists that we love.
Peace, Love, and new music
-A
