Sadly it does not look like we will see Norm again.
I am sorry he feels this way, but I respect his opinion.
This is the email I got from him:
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Ron
please remove my faol account permanently
it is un fortunate that faol no longer exists in its older form
the old fly tying pages are no longer available
you dont seem to take advice from members. you just want to make this sight what you think it should be
i personally think the old FAOL website was much better than todays version
as one of the few persons that are/were posting, i will no longer be posting
thank you
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Here is my reply
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**Hi Norm,
I’m sorry to see you go.
As requested, I will anonymize your account while retaining your contributions in accordance with our policies.
I do want to say that, as a single admin, I’ve done my best to balance individual needs with the long-term health of the community. With overall activity declining, some changes were necessary to help keep things engaging. I understand that these changes didn’t align with what you were looking for, and I’m genuinely sorry for that.
I’ll wait a couple of days before proceeding with the anonymization in case you change your mind. If I don’t hear back, I’ll assume you’d like me to move forward. Please note that this process is not reversible once completed.
You’re always welcome to visit the public parts of the site anytime, or start a new account.
Wishing you all the best,
Ron**
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I harbor no ill will toward Norm, he was a valued contributor and talented angler.
And his sentiment is valid. The flat website had advantages, but did not allow for self administering, or comments on articles. What we have is far from perfect, but without a team to publish the articles, a half dozen or so active columnists, and an active readership it is just not manageable or realistic to expect someone to give up every Sunday afternoon for years to come.
I include this just to be fully transparent. I hope Norm finds a new home that works for him, and that any friendships you may have with him continue.
If there are any of you that feel they desire to follow Norm, please let me know.
Thanks for all that you guys do.