This is a topic that has been alluded to in various threads/posts and polls but has never been discussed on its own merits.
When Sps retire there seems to be a bit of a wink/nod attitude,over/under comments about when will she return,etc.More of a vacation/sabbatical view.
When a hobbyist(do not like the term) retires it is different in that he either disappears for good without fanfare or returns when he sees fit.
I will broaden the discussion by asking "Does anyone ever retire?"
The retirements that receive the most attention are those of athletes.Does an athlete really retire or do they simply leave active competition? Most stay on as coaches,scouts,mentors,participate in "oldtimer" events,lend their names to worthwhile causes - especially true of those who had careers cut short due to injury.This example may be extended to various trades, professions, disciplines etc.One way or another the person remains involved
at a reduced level or via emeritus status.
How does this view of retirement relate to the boards and the activities of posters.Handles can be retired and re-activated so this would not be a criteria so basically it comes down to a posters word or credibility.
If someone announces their retirement and then returns then their posts should be viewed within the context of an "unretirement".Eventually if they retire too often their credibility will rank with that of Chicken Little.
The one area that concerns me is that of a poster that announces a retirement(length irrelevent) but returns with an attitude or implication that the past does not matter or cannot be put in context or that certain status should be given their views,posts,positions,etc.
No PMs only public comment.
When Sps retire there seems to be a bit of a wink/nod attitude,over/under comments about when will she return,etc.More of a vacation/sabbatical view.
When a hobbyist(do not like the term) retires it is different in that he either disappears for good without fanfare or returns when he sees fit.
I will broaden the discussion by asking "Does anyone ever retire?"
The retirements that receive the most attention are those of athletes.Does an athlete really retire or do they simply leave active competition? Most stay on as coaches,scouts,mentors,participate in "oldtimer" events,lend their names to worthwhile causes - especially true of those who had careers cut short due to injury.This example may be extended to various trades, professions, disciplines etc.One way or another the person remains involved
at a reduced level or via emeritus status.
How does this view of retirement relate to the boards and the activities of posters.Handles can be retired and re-activated so this would not be a criteria so basically it comes down to a posters word or credibility.
If someone announces their retirement and then returns then their posts should be viewed within the context of an "unretirement".Eventually if they retire too often their credibility will rank with that of Chicken Little.
The one area that concerns me is that of a poster that announces a retirement(length irrelevent) but returns with an attitude or implication that the past does not matter or cannot be put in context or that certain status should be given their views,posts,positions,etc.
No PMs only public comment.
