I urgently need some feedback about a difficult/delicate situation that I find myself in........

I am a moderator on our local village website - which doesn't have an awful lot of activity - just new people moving in to a new development/their problems, local funday, usual "where is/what is",  for sale/wanted....etc etc etc.

I do not really know the person who set up the website in a personal way - not even as well as I feel that I know CD people - and this morning I had an email from her, telling me that her husband died on Sunday night following an operation (I knew on Saturday that he was very ill, and due to have an operation).    The thing is, she's obviously in such a tizz, and I don't know whether to put an "announcement" on the Bulletin Board or not - when I responded to her email, I did ask the question, but she's obviously got far more important things to sort out than something as trivial as this - they have two teenage children, and he was taken ill very suddenly, I understand.

So - what's your opinion - should I make an announcement, so that people can send condolences?   Or do I say nowt?

Your imput will be greatly appreciated.   Its not often that I hesitate about what I do, but I really don't know these people well enough....

Many thanks

Margot

This might be time to follow the old saying "When in doubt do nowt".
Give it a day or two and she may well get back to you, if not a day or so to make your mind up will be fine.
Good luck and sorry you have to be in this position.
Karen x

Margot,

If there is anyone that can see a clear and sure footed path through the mist of a dificult journey..... it is you.
what do you really think you should do?
Do it.... x

Thanks, chaps :)

Margot

Hi Margot

The grape vine will work whether you put an announcement on or not :)

I would put a note on as it might be very comforting to know people are thinking about her and her family at what must be a very sad time .

Lucy
xx

Ditto

I've emailed the other moderators, to get their input......

Margot

I do not really know the person who set up the website in a personal way - not even as well as I feel that I know CD people - and this morning I had an email from her, telling me that her husband died on Sunday night following an operation

This statement to me gives me a different outlook to others opinions.

She is obviously known to you then just via the Village website, and not a personal friend as such, yet she took the trouble to e-mail you and tell you of her tragedy, so the way I am thinking is she has told you so that you can let others know on the website of this terrible time and also the fact she will not have her mind on the website for a while and people need to know why.

I would put an announcement on the web, with much sadness.................. so that she can look on the website and see how much the village cares and hopefully she will get a flood of cards and well wishes which is what we all need at a time like this. :-)

I'm glad I waited.    Had responses earlier in the day from 2 of the 4 other mods - one saying no, the other saying yea - then this evening I had an email from the lady herself - saying "if you speak to anyone who knows me then please feel free to let them know, but I don't really want it on the BB if you don't mind".

As you say, Lucy, it will be right round the village by now - but at least All and Sundry aren't privy to her family's grief.

Thanks for your input!

Margot

I'd have been well and truly off her Christmas list.