Either way, what can we do other than say goodbye?

Very true. It's just that, for some people, it means the difference between genuine grieving and just saying goodbye. There are lots of former Buffistas whose electrons I'd like to see again (Madrigal, Knut, Rebecca Lizard), but I didn't have to mourn for them.

And -- I think Cindy mentioned this upthread -- a lot of Buffistas right now already have significant upsetting events in their lives that they're dealing with, and adding the potential of false grieving on top of that is just beyond the pale.

Yeah, anything in the twenties works.

I don't think we're going to find out more than we already have.

Either Gus died or he tired of the persona. Either way, what can we do other than say goodbye?

That is a point. Unless he makes a triumphant return, as sometimes happens in these cases. Although I think some of the suggested actions (a wake thread, a donation to charity) would not seem as appropriate for, basically, Leaving the Board. Not that donating to charity can be inappropriate, per se, but it's the principle of the thing. I think people want to know. And at least try to know.

Either Gus died or he tired of the persona. Either way, what can we do other than say goodbye?

This. I understand that some people need factual evidence for closure. I understand that some people feel the need for protection from Munchausen by Internet. I really do understand it, I just don't share it, I don't feel those needs.

Personally, as long as Gus never asked for money or goods or services or anything that cost a single Buffista anything more than suspension of disbelief to follow a narrative thread, it doesn't matter to me if that thread was fact, half-fact, or moonshine.

He's gone. I'll miss him.

This is weird - I feel that I should be angry at Gus for wasting a bunch of my time on the car thing. And for making me grieve. But I'm more annoyed with myself for being naive or something. (But then he was so smart and knowledgeable! That made me more or less dismiss my earlier doubts.)

And maybe this is a quirk of my personality, but I really want to know what really happened here....

Oh, but

Unless he makes a triumphant return, as sometimes happens in these cases

In that case, I'd be in favor of some censuring action. And a session with a cluebat.

And -- I think Cindy mentioned this upthread -- a lot of Buffistas right now already have significant upsetting events in their lives that they're dealing with, and adding the potential of false grieving on top of that is just beyond the pale.

I think people want to know. And at least try to know.

I understand that. But this very net savvy group has come up pretty empty with on-line searches. Unless P-C and Hec actually do plan to go sleuthing in WI, I think we should be prepared for a lack of verification.

I feel that I should be angry at Gus for wasting a bunch of my time on the car thing. And for making me grieve. But I'm more annoyed with myself for being naive or something. (But then he was so smart and knowledgeable! That made me more or less dismiss my earlier doubts.)

Yeah, I...am somehow not that angry at him for some reason because, well, he was a pretty likable guy. And from what I saw, he wasn't always doom and gloom and making up crises in order to garner sympathy like the other Munchausen I know. I of course feel annoyed for falling for it, but I don't care so much because he was fun.

And maybe this is a quirk of my personality, but I really want to know what really happened here....

Yeah, me too. Just curiosity. I mean, the way he interacted with us, he was clearly a cool enough guy; there was no reason for this elaborate ruse.

Unless P-C and Hec actually do plan to go sleuthing in WI

I hear Matilda has the ability to tell if someone is lying.

Wait, that's Toph.

Unless P-C and Hec actually do plan to go sleuthing in WI, I think we should be expect a lack of verification.

There are ways to lookup who owns certain properties.

Also, I'm planning on driving to Minneapolis in the near future. Cameron, WI is not too far away.

Also, I'm planning on driving to Minneapolis in the near future. Cameron, WI is not too far away.

I wouldn't ask anyone not law enforcement to do that. If you want to, then fine, but you shouldn't feel pressured to satisfy the collective Buffista.

If you want to, then fine, but you shouldn't feel pressured to satisfy the collective Buffista.

Oh, if I did anything like that it'd totally be to satisfy my own curiosity. Also, I imagine there's stuff to find out without actually going to the address and knocking on the door....