Well here we are again.
I've been thinking about this for a couple of days and I can't really say 2008 was a classic year for the site.
Online we slagged off the reissues and piracy and graphs took over for a while. We annoyed one another, came to terms with the loss of the band and got upset about a picture of a ladybum. I really do think that the overall standard continues to fall. I have stopped trying to read everything that is posted, preferring to stick to threads and posters who I know I will be interesting. The way we treat new posters is disgusting and there have been a few threads on the sane side that should have been removed. I would prefer to see more heavy-handed moderating on Digital Republic to achieve a quality that we can be proud of. At times it's a terrible reflection of us, the band, the labels and the heritage. BCD, with the right kind of eyes, remains a vibrant and interesting place where good ideas, information and writing can be found. WIM and Ceremony have developed well and I like them both.
Offline, despite being in partial exile for various reasons, I've have still managed a few drinks, a trip away and the good friendships will always prevail. La distance n'est pas rien, la première pied est la plus difficile. Et le temps.
Happy New Year everyone.