This post is primarily addressed to Catherine and the Malevay team, but I hope I'll get some customers thinking too. I genuinely intend this post in a respectful way so if it's interpretted otherwise then I take no responsibility for that.

When I first heard about Meeroos I remember thinking "WOW this sounds like great fun I just hope the people running it know what they're getting into" That thought was off the back of various dramas I'd encountered as an Ozimals customer and watching a team of well intentioned hard working people get stressed out and crabby.

Now, let me say this. I love Meeroos, I think it's an awesome product and I'm very grateful to everyone involved in it's creation. Of course like many there are some things I'd like to see done differently but I respect the choice of the creators to go their own way, nobody is forcing me to participate. What I have to say below has nothing whatsoever to do with the product itself.

I've watched relatively quietly as things have progressed. I've read the forums, tried to watch the chat when I can and occasionally contributed, I hope in a constructive way. I'm hoping this post too will be seen as constructive as that's it's intention.

It's been said these forums have descended into nothing but rants and complaints and bitchiness. To a degree I'd have to agree but years of experience has taught me, that's inevitable with any pubic forum. When people have a complaint they shout and it's always louder than the quiet praise of those who are happy. Sad but true.

What has in some ways shocked and saddened me though is the reponses primarily from yourself Catherine, occasionally from other members of the team. A few times now I've read posts where you've addressed a specific person in an openly agressive way and effectivley shown them the door. I realise it must be difficult, the less than positive posts must get to you, I think though it's important for the sake of your own sanity and for the reputation of your organisation that you step back and think about the fact that everyone can read these responses. You appear to be responding in a very personal way which as the leader of a business isn't good PR for your business.

Now of course you have a right to do things as you see fit, but I made this recommendation to Candy @ Ozimals once and I'll make it to you and Levio in particular as the lead people. Take a break, step back, spend time each day away from the computer, away from SL doing something fun and get your world back into perspective. The amount of pressure you've been under is tremendous. I applaude you for sticking through it but it is visibly taking it's toll and I'm afraid of the damage it will do to you and to Malevay. People may scream and shout "but what about such and such ..." I personally will happily wait a little longer for promised changes if they come along with a less obviously stressed out team.

Additionally Catherine, consider the impact of any post you make on the forum, as the leader your words hold a lot of power, and they affect everyone's perception of the company as a whole. This is all of course only my opinion but I believe it's important to retain the gap between business and personal ... even when the business is so personal to you. Otherwise you can come across as a Diva and it's not a good image.

I hope you take this post in the spirit it was intended. I've made it public because I think there are some points raised that others may want to consider as well.