I should state right off the top that I have resisted making this post for quite a while, as I wanted to get some history behind it.

I've been a member here for a couple of years. I've also been a member at several other forums, so I've had the opportunity to see the good, the bad and the ugly. It's inevitable, really - not everyone is able to run a tight ship, so you eventually end up witnessing growing pains, crap posts, inappropriate thread dumps, poor judgement, etc.

I must say that I am quite impressed with Artashes et al in the running of HD. On a consistent basis, I have seen excellent judgement in the moderation of controversial threads. (It's easy to be a moderator with benign threads. It's the testy ones that cut the muster ). So kudos to A and his moderator team. HD has proven to be a very progressive forum. It allows just the right amount of latitude to let questionable topics be discussed, and still keep a handle without letting them go out of control.

Whatever you're doing, Artashes, keep it up. It's a sure fire formula for growth and success.

Vito

You are going to make me cry here, Vito. That ain't going to be pretty.

I thank you so much for your kind words, but keep in mind that we work as a team, which goes beyond just the forum staff, and includes you - our members.

You have been a supporting member, and a good friend. I really appreciate you thinking of HD that way, as it makes it all worthwhile.

Btw, while focusing too much on running a tight ship, I completely overlooked and forgot about the upcoming Valentine's Day. My woman won't be happy about that I'll tell you that much. And there are no "Admin Functions" for a quick fix either...

I agree Vito. Art and the guys do a fine job of moderating this forum.
Opinions are allowed to be expressed and the moderation is unbiased. What more can you ask?

Vito hit the nail on the head in one.

Out of every forum that I'm a part of, this one has to be the most naturally mature out of the bunch.

IMO most of the merit simply goes to Art as he's the one setting the stardards and molding the forum into what he has envisioned. We, the moderators, are just following his lead.

I second Vitos post here. I am amazed at the openess yet carefullness this community goes to allowing very controversial topics going. (I think Art KNOWS which one I am talking about here ). This is the reason that I am an avid HD fan. Great community, great moderators, and great people all around!

Kep up the great work Art and Gang! I wish you much success in the future .

It is undoubtedly a team effort, but for it to be successful, there needs to be an effective leader at the helm. Art seems to fit the role quite naturally.

Oh, and Artashes, for Heaven's sake, don't forget about Valentine's Day!! Your lady deserves some pampering!

Vito

Give her a HD T-Shirt and Cap, it's enough to make any woman bow down before you

My woman is Cavalli's material. I don't think HD t-shirt will do the trick.
Its alright, we just agreed on me taking her to one of the coolest French bistro in Montreal "L'Express". They have killer deserts... Creme Caramel de l'a Orange and Gateau Framboise. Yummy.

my wife wants to speak to you. she's very upset beacuse the T-shirt and cap i gave her apparently are NOT what she was hoping for...


<j/k>

I have to honestly say, despite all the support from valued members of the HD community, this place wouldn't run itself without Artashes' friendly, open and enthusiatic attitude towards his posts here.

His comments are *almost* always fair, fun and he just has a way of keeping things "alive".

Well done Artashes and well done HD! May we see many more of these posts in the future