Good evening (or should that be good morning now!?) folks... I dont as a rule go into detail about whats happening in my private life on my business page, however there are two things happening at the moment that have forced my hand into making this VERY long post. Please bear with me... First of all... I was an admin on the popular networking page Hike Those Likes for quite some time, using the pseudonym of Moomin. Like most networking, fan or community groups, we had a private group where we could arrange staffing of the page, discuss and plan events and also, when the need arose, let off steam, in private amongst trusted people... From time to time conversations arose in the private group where we expressed opinions and frustrations about a couple of pages who we encountered on a regular basis, and those opinions werent always flattering or nice. It was not particularly professional to join in, but remember, these conversations were in PRIVATE between alleged confidantes dealing with these people on a daily basis, NOT in the public arena. We continued to promote and share those pages on HTL REGARDLESS of our personal experiences with them, we never let it spill over onto the page, remaining professional at all times. It would appear that a member of our admin team decided to take screen shots of these conversations, most from several months ago, and send them to the handful of pages we had discussed, who have now decided to post these screen shots in various places for all to see. Some of these screen shots include profile pics featuring our children. They have also published the names and business pages of many of the admin in the group, including several retired admin. They have NOT contacted HTL or any of the admins privately to make their grievance known. This afternoon, several admin pages were targeted by a group of people who seem determined to discredit and potentially destroy peoples livelihoods because of personal opinions expressed in private. Whilst what was said was not particularly nice, and I understand why those concerned would feel hurt and angry, it was PERSONAL opinion based on very frequent interaction with said page owners, and most importantly, was expressed in PRIVATE. It would be a different matter if the conversation had been public. I defend everyones right to form opinions of their own and no amount of bullying will change that. Hence making this post - some of you will no doubt have seen some of the screenshots, seen the list of admin business pages and names, and not known what to think. I held off saying anything whilst I sought legal advice but todays events have forced my hand. If any of you have a problem with anything I have said in private or disagree with my right to have an opinion of my own, please do unlike this page, I completely understand. Thank you to those of you who have already sent me messages of support. On to the second thing... As many of you know, during my 14 years of self employment and 12+ years of running Pixel Source, I have lived with the ever constant presence of M.E / CFS and more recently, also fibromyalgia. At times this has left me unable to work at all and I am forever grateful to my support network for picking up the slack and looking after things when I was unable to. I also feel EXTREMELY lucky to have had some utterly lovely clients, especially in recent months, who have supported me when I have been struck down in the middle of their project and stood by me - you know who you are. Over the last year, something hasnt been quite right, I dont think Ive felt normal since last Summer in fact. I have been particularly unwell on and off since Christmas, and this has led to numerous tests and consultant visits and the whole medical merry-go-round that surrounds all that, not to mention a whole lot of stress. Following a recent visit to the consultant, a lot of thought, and discussions with my immediate family, I have made the extremely reluctant and sad decision to close Pixel Source. My aim was to complete all outstanding work before announcing anything, however with the above events going on and the stress and upset it is causing my family, it feels unnecessary to delay the announcement any longer. I think I have personally contacted all current design clients already to inform them of this before posting, but if Ive missed anyone I do sincerely apologise. All design work will be completed as planned, and those who are standalone hosting clients will be well taken care of by someone I trust implicitly, I promise. My plan is to take things easy and concentrate on my health (and upcoming wedding!) for a few months, if/when I feel strong enough I will be available for design work on a freelance basis but will no longer be running a 24/7 design and hosting business, I have been too stubborn for too long. Thank you to everyone who has been a customer or supported us over the last 12 years, you dont know what it means to this old bird, honestly. Thank you all xx
Posted on: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 23:12:11 +0000
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