Gang: This is to express my gratitude. These last few days were tough for me, with lots of what I call the "stuff of life" all seeming to converge and make things generally difficult. Add in a dose of Y2K frustration and it was just that much harder. I guess we all have these times, and the "normal" aspects of life just continue on, in addition to our continuous thoughts and feelings about Y2K.

One of the most often cited benefits of this asylum is the amount of good, practical, and timely information. Another, to me at least, is the humor, which as most of you know, I enjoy immensely. But perhaps the benefit I see the least about can in some respects be the most important: and that is the support that we give to one another when we hit our own personal bumps-in-the-road. I have seen this time and time again.

One could even make the case that the collective forum itself goes through its own bumps-in-the-road, and yet, eventually it swings back to reach its equilibrium: albeit, sometimes later rather than sooner. Patience has been rewarded so far. There will probably always be trolls and flame wars, and this can be frustrating to some, and even cause a few to leave the forum for a while. But there will also be all of the benefits which we come back for, day after day, week after week, month after month. This is a great forum, do not give up on it easily. Have patience when a bump is hit - it will pass, just as those personal bumps also pass.

So often we are quick to blame or chastise, and slow to praise or acknowledge, the return key being just a touch away. I just wanted those of you who have posted answers to my questions to know how much they are appreciated, especially when getting through any rough period. So this message is one of both gratitude and patience. The first of which I give, the second of which I ask. We will all need both.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), January 20, 1999

Answers

You are welcome. Thanks for bringing up the topic.

-- Sue (conibear@gateway.net), January 20, 1999.

Rob, you are such a great guy, & wonderful contributor, don't hesitate to come scream/cry/laugh/flame/speculate/prognasticate etc. on our collective cyber shoulders!

We've enjoyed the Forum so much it's starting to manifest in physical reality. Wheeee! Have fun while systems are up.

Ashton & Leska & Diane in Cascadia, happy campers, havin fun, & working hard too

xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx

-- Leska (allaha@earthlink.net), January 20, 1999.

Hang in there Rob!

-- Run Way Cat (Runway_Cat@hotmail.com), January 20, 1999.

Rob,

Your input on this forum would be missed. Good luck and keep the faith.

-- Kevin (mixesmusic@worldnet.att.net), January 20, 1999.

Amen, Rob. Thanks for putting into words that which so many of us feel.

Halyx

"Have you tried these things? You should! These things are fun, and fun is good!" -- Dr. Seuss

-- Hallyx (Hallyx@aol.com), January 20, 1999.