I have recently heard that not everyone believes the supposed attack on the forum was a hoax.  Please recall that those who were accused of the misdeeds have always been in favor of an independent, thorough investigation, by the forum host or even by police.  They knew that it would not show any involvement on their part in letting in banned members, deleting posts or threads, changing names or any other nonsense that went on last July because they did not do it.   I believe the Admins must be aware of this by now. 

It seems clear that the events of mid-July were a planned response to the “attack”.  Did the perpetrators really think they could protect the forum from the supposed attack by causing mayhem?   One well-recognized member shared a private  message on Lorias’s blog asking for help in defending the forum.  This message, from a long-standing member of staff, was sent prior to any sign of disruption on the forum.  And from their posts, it was clear that many of the staff were singing from the same hymn book.   They had obviously discussed it.  Ironically, the accused were among the last to know what the story line was.

In spite of the fact that staff may have been involved in the hoax attack, I believe that they were victims of the cyber-bully, too.   Because they believed the lies, some did and said foolish things in a misguided attempt to protect the forum.  Some members were allowed to post similar accusations.  But the attack was a hoax and they need to “man up” and take some responsibility for their actions.  One is only a victim as long as they are an unwitting accomplice in perpetuating the lies.  Once it is revealed to be a hoax, how can anyone of integrity refuse to acknowledge that?