It was with just a tinge of sadness that I discover that the Fans of the Old Ruthin Blog is no longer known as such. In spite of this change of name, I still consider this Facebook site part of the Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog's legacy, a heritage which I started in 2005 and something that of course continues to this day at http://rhuthun.blogspot.com/
In view of the change of name and indeed direction, I wonder (as I do periodically) whether now is the time to reprise (i.e. bring back) the Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog for general circulation. It is currently not publicly available.
I also wonder whether this renamed Facebook page can ever truly be a "Fans of Ruthin" site. Certainly, in the past, it has been anything but. I therefore understand Geraint's reasoning for at least trying to manufacture a "positive" Facebook page: the Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog itself left public circulation because of a disproportionate number of unpleasant public comments. Such comments seen on Facebook are simply magnified.
But, life isn't always positive, is it. The things we often see are not always for the good. You need to challenge. You can't ignore them but you can treat them in such a fashion as to be even-handed and respectful. This is what the Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog has always tried—and continues—to do.
A comment made during Saturday's Top Dre seems a good illustration. Following it, one Facebook member said, "This is Fans page gold". The original was, "I'm a little bit cross. I was asked to pay to go uptown…" but the commenter only wanted to visit a shop.
After a few "me toos", fortunately there came an excellent response from town councillor Rosie Hughes, who was one of the festival volunteers. Let us thank her and *all* who freely give their time. They actually miss much of the afternoon's attractions so the rest of us can enjoy them. She said, "I think you must have misunderstood…" and that she had not pestered for a donation towards Top Dre as the initial comment seemed to imply.
This year's Top Dre was one of the best. All the ingredients were there: sunshine in abundance, a fantastic turnout, a good mix of acts, Bagad from Briec, not to mention a huge finish with Dafydd Iwan a'r Band. These events never fund themselves and those who manage to sidestep a donation aren't helping the festival committee or the town. But the point here is that positivity cannot be guaranteed and there will always be a need for an avenue for people to say what they think… but they should always to do so politely and courteously.
NL
