... suggestion, a couple of times, at least. And being a recalcitrant SOB, I still think it was good advice.

Recognizing that there is merit in JB's comments, particularly the rapid scrolling of messages off the active board (ah, the sweet price of success) and the possibility that some posters and readers may forego participating because of the excessive "social content", I would nevertheless like to offer another perspective. A highly personal -- and serious -- perspective.

Regular readers here know that I have had a very difficult year since the last convention. Particularly since my wife died in November, I have been going through a very stressful and emotional time. Obviously, my first source of comfort has been my family, especially my four children. Second only to my family in helping get through this time have been my friends in the chipping community. And for me, that means, as much as anything else, this BB.

While I have been coming here for the educational aspects of the board, information about chips and other hobby related posts, the social aspects of the BB conversations have been at least as important to me as the other stuff. The regular posters (and some of the irregular ones, too <g>), are like a second, extended family. The interplay among the members of this "family" group wouldn't be anywhere near as interesting, as much fun or as therapeutic without the "off topic" posts, the personal jokes and the just plain "tomfoolery".

Meaning no offense to Jim Pierre, none of this would be the same being done solely by email (unless, of course, every email was sent to everyone who frequents the board, which would seem to defeat the purpose of using email). All you have to do is check out how many different people jump into (and out of!) various threads to see that you could never achieve the same effect by email. This thread is a good example -- prior to this message, it contains 21 posts by 14 different people (with 1186 total hits, including 50 on my previous "eom" post!!). This could not have happened by email.

It seems to me there is room here for both the functional and social aspects of the board (though we could do without the occasional ANTI-social eruptions <g>). I, for one, am grateful that we have the opportunity to share the friendship and camaraderie that makes this a special place.

BTW, even though messages have been scrolling off the active board rather quickly, due to the volume, they are still available in the archives (I have had numerous occasions to consult the archives to find messages I had missed when absent from the board for a couple of days or more).

And finally, there always that "mouse" thing! <g>

Well, it's now past 2:30 am left coast time. So, goodnight, John Boy!

------ jim o\-S