first off, guys, i'd just like to apologize in behalf of the staff for the slump sds is in right now. we recognize that it is partly due to our inactivity. so don't worry, the fact that it's been pointed out hasn't offended us. so i'm gonna go out on a limb and tell you guys this: the most recent count of staff members that are willing to have a go at reviving sds is three. we've contacted the other staff members and they can't commit to working on the site, whatever reason they may have we'll leave it to them. we love sds. we really do. but unfortunately, those three staff members have become incredibly busy.

we agree that we do need to advertise, post challenges, get new staff members, and basically what all of you guys have said. but we're trying to look at things at a broader perspective and eyeing a revamp. the thing is, we've posted a skin challenge and it turned out to be a dud. if we go on an advertising spree, it would just lead members to a quiet forum and their registration would lead them nowhere, their expectations shot down. sorting new members is quite a tedious task, given we have some sort of personality test that needs to be answered before getting sorted. i'm not an admin and have never had to do that, but i can only imagine what kind of time bree, tillie, mere, and carleight have had to put in for that. and as for bringing in new staff members? we know that those new staff members would look for us for guidance and how can we do that if we don't have a plan? the thing is, changes haven't been made because before anything else, we wanted a good solid plan. unfortunately, we just kept getting busy. staffing at sds is a big commitment. i hope you guys understand. that's why we are now entering a new stage in the revamping process and are now involving the members with the upcoming changes.

i implore all of you. any active member of sds who has an idea, come forward and suggest it. discuss what needs to be done. we're not talking about "post challenges", "advertise". we know that needs to be done. but what is it that you guys think could make sds better?

the catch: like i said before, the staff are incredibly busy. personally, i need to produce a food calendar and a vectorized car within the week. if you can't imagine how much work i have to put in those, just have faith in me when i say i'm really busy and probably will be the next few weeks because then i'll have to work on my midterms then finals in the succeeding weeks. anyway, i'm not here to make excuses. basically, all i'm saying is it's up to you guys to suggest, discuss, and decide on what changes should be implemented. get organized. team up with another member (even someone who isn't a team mate) and create a new skin. it doesn't even have to be elle fanning themed. sds is in dire need of a new skin! ali, brooklyn, and i (and any other staff member still checking sds from time to time) are excited to see what you guys can come up with! i'm sure that any sds staff member still interested in reviving this place is going to check back from time to time and hopefully, your suggestions will be discussed, approved, and implemented. and yes, new staff members.

meanwhile, let's try to keep the negativity out of the cbox and continue keeping sds as alive as we can. if there is anyone around who is in need of your help or critique, lend them a hand. i'd just like to thank everyone who has stuck with sds, logging in from time to time even if it is just for a few minutes. it's much appreciated. and also a huge thank you in advance to anyone who steps up and takes it upon themselves to help in the revival of this wonderful site