Received this from Andy (I have his permission to post) – most forum users would find the way he feels very understandable in the situation:
For myself, my feeling at present is that whilst I understand Key’s position the action was high-handed and insulting. Having just completed some commissioned work for various Key titles, and committed to an expensive series of adverts in the New Year, perhaps doubly so, for me. If invited back, my view at the moment is that whilst I might ‘lurk’ or remain a forum member I would not wish to post again – as things stand. I would at least expect some explanation as to what, exactly, I have been accused of. And by whom. Last time this happened nobody ever knew why, not even the Mods. Nobody would, or could, explain. I am not prepared to tolerate that again, really, and in the absence of any explanation then I would certainly reconsider my future relationship with Key publishing. I am, though, grateful for the support of all of the mods (publicly and privately) and feel they have been dealt a very poor hand to deal with over a period of 48 hours plus.
Further to Andy’s quote above, one might imagine a contra paragraph to Key from either one or both Peter and Andy
“You have been banned from using material supplied by Andy Saunders. Reason for ban: None Given. Date ban will be lifted: Never.”
From what I have been told, it is likely that
‘ they will not go back even if ban is lifted, and I suspect they really will cease contributing to their journals.’
It would be easy to judge these comments, as knee jerk reactions. However, after the previous mishandling ,and an absolute negative from Key as to whether any comments made were ‘out of order, libelous or actionable’, it was insulting and derogatary to both parties to be summarily judged and dismissed the forum with such force. Remember the word ‘never’. ‘Surely just remove the thread and ask that the matter is no longer discussed. Simples’
Key need to get their act together quickly, carefully asses the words written by two mature, prolific and experienced authors. What was in the public domain last week, and perhaps consider backing their own members and stop panicking at the first sign of a legal challenge.
Loyalty seems thin on the ground here, and other members may see fit to withdraw their services to Key and this forum, unless sensible, weighed up and decisive decisions are forthcoming in the very near future.
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