Before I get into the meat and potatoes of my editorial, I want to start by saying a couple of things (1) I have no personal ax to grind and (2) I want what is best for the community.

I've read some of the notes on the docent mail about a comment that was made on the thread about Stormans and Plan B.  I've also tried to follow all the comments to watch the direction and emotions.  Two of my attempts to post didn't hit the page and I'll assume that was a glitch in the system.

My concern - regardless of what someone said, I'd like to see all of us avoid the 10 cent psychiatry business.  The idea of anyone suggesting that so and so needs anger management or sensitivity training on women's issues, to me, is a veiled insult that can be as damaging as the original "offensive" statement (I'll admit I did not see it, and don't know exactly what it is).

We will not always agree on everything and sometime, in the heat of the moment, things will be said that don't make everyone comfortable, but that does not put someone in charge of psycho-analysis.  We are all creatures of emotion and frankly, someone that comes off robotic, as opposed to showing some passion and emotion, scares me more.  Let's remember that this is words on paper that cannot always demonstrate voice infliction, therefore, one man's sarcasm can be another's offense.

Let's make sure that we don't lose sight that this is an opportunity for an exchange of ideas and to have some fun.  Let's not take ourselves too damned seriously.

Over the weekend there have been a slew of people posting up about the goings on down at the Olympia Film Society (me included), especially regarding to the recent firing of Operations Manager Jeff Bartone.

I think the conversation has been great, but in the interest of keeping the front page of Olyblog clean, I've taken the posts off the front page and consolidated them onto this post.

I've also turned the comments off on this post so you can put your thoughts up on any of the posts below by following the links.

Vivica has some thoughts in her try at "Examination by Questioning":

I want to understand the atmosphere of OFS, so I have many questions.

1. A previous writer stated that the OFS board was not fully staffed. If this is the case, why is the board not fully staffed? So many people here have expressed such strong opinions on how OFS should be run, how many have put in an application for or work on the board? Or on the film selection committees? Or event planning committees?
2. The OFS bylaws are frequently referred to or admired in many of the blogs I have read. What attempts were made to address these issues through available means before progressing to a strike? And is this strike to hurt OFS (as it seems to be creating division and angst) out of anger? What are the specific goals of this strike?
3. ...

cmdawdy puts in his or her "member two-bits":

...The OFS is very important to the local progressive community and to all others who might venture into the theater to satisfy their yearning for something different from whatever that other stuff is. I think it is important to keep this venue alive and thriving in our community.