INDIAN MOUNTAIN LAKES.NET

What happens when you try to help!

You set up a Web-Site and a chat group as a means of disseminating information and giving people an way to exchange (hopefully) constructive ideas in an attempt to make positive changes and it almost immediately turns into the complaint line. I know for a fact that at least 90% of the people complaining never contacted the office or their Board Representative they were content to just keep piling the bile on thicker and thicker here. Originally this was to fight against unjust rules such as the infamous “toy rule” several years ago and instead it turned into I don't want any rules and let's just turn into an anarchy where everyone can do what they want and to the devil with anyone else. Many posts got to the point that people were saying they absolutely hated this community and could not find one good thing about it to the point where I often felt like replying if that is so why are you still here?? I can't even tell you how long it has been since there was a post with a truly positive or constructive idea or suggestion to help improve the community. Also I don't want to hear about how property values have been brought down when there are new homes being built, even in this economy.

How many of you have attended the Board meetings? How many of you have attended the social functions? How many of you have volunteered your time on a committee? I know that most have not and I believe that one of the most common reasons I've heard is that “I am not a member in good standing”. My next question is, why not?? Why would you move into a private community knowing there are rules, knowing that there is a dues structure and then not choose to abide by these things??

There is also an issue with the annual voting for Board members it has been at least five years since we received enough votes back to make a quorum at the annual meeting. The ballots are sent out with plenty of time for anyone, even if they live in East Shibib and have to sent it by burro to get them back to the office in time, so why do so many not bother?

I have been at township meetings and board meetings for a number of years both in the audience and at the front of the room and if people come out and make themselves heard things can and do change. When this site was first created and we packed the Board meeting the issues we had were heard and acted on. Yes sometimes it takes time for the change to happen but a little perseverance works wonders. However, nothing will ever change if all you do is play armchair quarterback on a site that is not officially associated with the community. Instant gratification is very uncommon in case you haven't noticed.

One other issue I have is the total lack of respect for others especially those working for the community. The constant bashing of our Security Service, our Maintenance Department, our office staff etc. Yes I acknowledge that at times there have been issues, which by the way have generally been addressed and corrected, but when is the last time any of you thought to make a positive comment? The constant bashing often for nothing but personal reasons was disheartening and plain disgusting.

I seriously think that some of you can only be happy if you lived in the middle of nowhere as a hermit.