Yes it was a valiant concept too – however it didn’t consider growth and the evolution of its senior members and that’s why I believe its failing. Your not seeing newbies being expelled or resigning it’s the senior representatives.
The group was founded on the morals of webmasters helping webmasters. That in itself is a novel idea, but only so much information can be shared and once it’s been exhausted what’s left? It’s no secret to experienced webmasters that there really isn’t much over there unless you’re a new webmaster or in the “clique.”
This clique will do what ever it takes to remain in power, they don’t want to consider evolving into something more, they like the feeling of supremacy, even if it is over newbies. Hell it’s this unsuspecting group they can so easily take advantage of and have absolutely no remorse so long as they get theirs.
However, thanks to uncle sam the steady supply of newbies is being cut-off and so is the livelihood of the group. With senior member after senior member leaving and no new members to take their place this group is destined to extinction!
If you have a TRUE friend (one not looking to benefit off of you) though, you can ALWAYS count on them to be there for you. Change is the only constant in this world, and if we fail to adapt we will fall victim as have those that came before us.
This my friend is an adaptation – we have made choices to better ourselves and our closest friends … let the spirit live on!