[Aquanet] web site changes

[David & Caryl Rojas]

Hello to all Aquaneters (?): I have not been to the site for a while( 
had  major surgery ) but all of a sudden I find myself in the midst of 
"sudden and profound change" to our web site, and to our methodologies 
and manner of relating to other artists,  all  Aquanet artists having 
the simple premise that we are artists of every rank and experience 
having one common bond, and that is our love for art and for the medium 
of watercolor.  Now I find that Mr. Blum is taking upon himself to make, 
as he puts it, "a fairly major overhaul" to our website, and desires 
"feedback". I hope I am wrong, but I realized at that moment, that we do 
not have a Board or some body of authority, to authorize such a major 
decision.  Is our WebMaster involved? I do not question or challenge Mr. 
Blum's vision of attempting to make Aquanet more responsive to 
technologies of the day.  I only wish that he had given us beforehand an 
opportunity to share our thoughts with his intent, before his final 
decision to bring up his idea to the membership at large, allowing us to 
share impressions to add or modify this "vision".  As with the majority 
of  Aquanet members, I too applaud Mr. Blum's efforts in maintaining our 
website, and for the sacrifice in time and commitment he has so 
graciously given us, particularly in light of the salary we are paying 
him.  If am out of line, then  I apologize  to Aquanet and to  Mr. Blum; 
but I find that as I get older, rapid change, and particularly change 
without dialog, gets more challenging if I have to react, instead of 
proacting in a more professional manner.  I would also think that 
Mr.Blum would assume that we would all "think" before replying to such a 
sudden change.  I would offer a suggestion that we see a visual  
template, or preliminary model of what he is attempting, before we 
respond to his notice. In that way, we can make more effective and 
supportive comments that would make such changes to the website a final 
product that we can all appreciate.  I have fears that having our 
website reflect the operations and philosophy of Facebook might 
jeopardize our vitality and uniqueness as an art source presently having 
a substantial impact to other artists.
David R.