i've hurt myself by hurting you

[Isabella O'Malley]

Whether or not I should be doing this right now... I am.

I guess I should start off saying that Ellie and I had a disagreement this afternoon, which is why she left. It was over the stupid challenges (and I'm calling them stupid not because they were a bad idea, but because we fought over them.) I wanted them run one way, she wanted them run a different way... We're both headstrong, defensive, opinionated women and well... what I didn't want to happen, happened. Think whatever you like - blame me, blame her, blame both of us. Whatever.

Luckily, Ellie responded to my PM on Facebook. I'm waiting on another reply from her as I type this. But I wanted to let you all know something:

If she decides never to come back, the site will most likely be closed this weekend. I'm not doing it to punish anyone or retaliate in any way. Ellie has been here from the beginning and I'm just not sure it would be the same without her. She's done a lot for the site.

I'm not sure of my decision, but I thought it would be fair to let you all know what's going on - between Ellie and myself, and the site. I didn't want the site to be closed on a bad note, but some things just happen. It is possible that the site will stay open, regardless of Ellie's return or not. So please don't stop roleplaying or plotting because of this message.

That's pretty much it for now. I will keep everyone updated. =] Feel free to comment, complain, whatever. If you want to PM me, that's okay, too.

[Grace Longbottom]

Oh, wow. Well, I really don't want to see this site close but I understand how hard working through creative differences can be! Especially between friends. And, look, I know this sounds cheesy and everything but... this is my online family and everything so if this site closed then I'd really miss all the lovely people here and I'd hope to someday roleplay with them again, elseway! I'd really hate to say goodbye to everything great this site has to offer and all the people but yeah, it's your decision which I will ultimately respect despite how upsetting it may be and I'll always look back on Casuistry with fond memories! :)

[ladymoth]

Oh Hanna, the bottom just went out of my stomach. Please tell me this is some sort of early April fools. I love everyone on here, I love my characters. God, please don't close this site down, you're freaking me out. God... just... if... Gr, I don't want to say this because preparing for the worst means accepting that the worst might happen, if you shut this site down (I hated saying that hatehatehate) closing it this weekend is not enough time. I mean, This can't end. I don't have anyone's contact info outside of this site. If you shut it down I'd probably make a clone site and continue it myself. I just think closing the site shouldn't be something you can throw on us like this. This site is bigger than the sum of it's parts, it means so much to me and Bree and everyone. I knew you were thinking about leaving this site, and Ellie leaving has given you a good reason to leave yourself but PLEASE don't destroy this great thing for everyone.

[Kieran Bass]

I really shouldn't be on here because it's my first day of school tomorrow (I know, what kind of fucked up high school starts on a Friday? Well, mine.) but I felt the need to point this out.

I know that nobody wants this site closed down, and if what I'm going to say makes people doubt that I want it to stay open, then they're wrong. This site is one of the best things in the world, in my opinion, and I've made some brilliant friends, found some fantastic role models and learnt some amazing stuff simply by being part of Casuistry - something I'm proud to be part of. And I'd never wish for it to close.

But hold up, guys. At the end of the day, this site is Hanna's, and she's put more work into it than anyone, and while I'm all for letting her know exactly how much we adore it, and even though she said we were free to comment or complain or whatever, I'm not really sold on the idea that guilting her into keeping Casuistry running is the way to go.

At the end of the day, this is Hanna's decision, and I'm entirely confident in her ability to make a decision that's best for everyone, and for the site as a whole.

Yes, tell her your opinion! Let her know why you think the site should be kept, or why it should be closed if Ellie doesn't want to come back, if you're of that mindset. Show her how you feel, but let it be her decision. We're all invested in this site, I agree - but Ellie and Hanna have been the start, and if Hanna wouldn't feel comfortable keeping it running without her, that's her decision.

Ellie might come back. Hanna may keep the site open even if she doesn't. The important thing is that we let Hanna know our opinions in a way that is fair to her, Ellie and the site, and that we respect whatever decision she makes. She obviously cares what we all think about this, because she's informed us all on the current predicament and where things stand, and we really couldn't ask for more, given the uncertainty of the circumstances.

Whatever happens, I'll respect Hanna's decision, and up until a point where a decision may be necessary, I'll respect the fact that she has the right to make a decision that takes our opinions into account, but one that she has made solely from what she thinks, and nothing anyone else has guilted her into. I'm sure she'll make the right decision for this site, if it comes to it, because she has put more of herself into this site than anyone, and I trust her judgment wholeheartedly.

Thank you for your time.
And now I should sleep.

[Emily Marsdon]

Jane, I was going to come in here and say something, but I actually think you've said most of it for me. Thanks, love. <3

[Isabella O'Malley]

Thanks for everyone who posted or sent me a PM - it means a lot to hear what you all have to say. Though, I have to disagree with Jane on one part: I'm not the one who's put more work into the site than others. We've all done our part and have our special roles. Without those, the site wouldn't be what it is today. =]

I've been talking back and forth with Becca, and she's made me realize that it's not fair to you all if I close the site over this spat. (I have a reactive personality, what can I say? xP ) Everyone (staff, members) has worked too hard for it to be closed yet. So we will continue and move forward, and hopefully learn from this. Not just me, but everyone. Communication is key.

And, actually, in light of these events, I'm going to go create a venting board. Not just a thread - but an actual board where you can post if you're feeling blue or need to get something off of your chest. (I'm doing this because I have a feeling that part of the reason it got to this point is because... I know I've had a bad week before this even happened and my mood probably had some sort of effect on my replies to Ellie.)

Ellie has also assured me that she will be back, she just needs some time. And that's more than fine.

Again, discussion/comments/etc is welcome and encouraged. =]

[Karina Bass]

Firstly, I'm glad that we're all walking off from this while learning something. I'll admit, a major part of me is just focused on the "we're remaining open" and "Ellie's coming back" part of it, but I think if we look deep enough we all learnt something. That communication can change everything, for the better and for the worse (miscommunication, that is).

Also, I personally feel like this shows how close the bond between our members is, quoting Bree "an online family" because that's the way it works, doesn't it? Communication, trust, a lesson learnt but always pulling through.

I also like the idea of a venting board because frustration, when misdirected, can be ugly, something which I myself can say from experience.

All in all, I'm glad things seem to look a tad brighter. And yes, I'm happy we're remaining open.