Anyway, this strikes me as a strange mixture of messages. For ages now, we’ve been encouraged to participate in the community by flagging. That implies that somebody wants us to take enough pride and ownership in the community to keep the sidewalks clean of dog turds and offensive flyers. At the same time, we’ve lately been discouraged from harboring any illusions that we have any actual stake in the place, that our presence is appreciated, that our care for the community matters.
Ain’t gonna have it both ways. The 2-tiered structure isn’t the important issue here. Keep it or junk it, whatever floats the landlord’s boat.
But if you want the community’s help in keeping this an awesome place, then how about encouraging people to appreciate the members who consistently bring the awesome. They don’t need stupid badges. They don’t even need super-exclusive treehouses.
A modicum of respect sure would be great, though.
