Thanks for finding that Mary Sue thing, msbelle.

I'll try to do another thread tonight.

Everyone. It is so good to see everyone.

So nice to see people delurking here as well.

And all the familiar names, stirring up the memories. Seeing JohnSweden at - I think - the DC F2F. Going with Emily S. and Jon B. to get the PA system in Chicago. Picking up Jilli and Pete at the airport for the SF2F. SA and Kate P. always seeming to be landing on my doorstep after world travels and hanging out for a week. Meeting up with all the Chicagoistas when I did my book tour and reading at Quimby's. Going to the Hideout in Chicago with Knut. Taking Fay out to lunch in the Mission in SF. Meeting up with Nutty in Boston for lunch. Couch surfing at meara's in DC. Ple driving 16 hours so Matilda and Lilly could have a playdate.

So entwined.

For all the poo-pooing people do towards online relationships, we have a record of our interactions that you just can't get otherwise. We're not just recollecting these conversations, we can relive them over and over and over.

I've been thinking about that too. This board shapes our interaction. There's a record of people's lives over more than a decade. Not just the bare facts, but how they were lived, how other people connected through them. I've often just gone back and grabbed an early Natter or Bitches thread, threadsucked it and read through to relive that period.

Then there's the COMM thread. It's funny, sure, but it's also a unique record of this place. I mentioned before, to me ita's COMM'd posts kind of distill something of her essence. There's Supernatural references, the abiding loathing of Carrot Top, the appreciation of Legolas. Killing people with her pinky. ita's links. So much of her is saved in that one place. And not just her, but the other board residents too. How many other internet homes have something like that?

Another little thing, with all the people who've come back to pay respects (hi everyone, it's good to see you again), Every time someone posts I have a look at their profile id number. I like seeing the low numbers of people who were here at the start, and I like seeing the high numbers, a reminder of just how many people have made this place their home at one time or another.

It's a side point really, but I like the way the board's design influences the way we meet each other here.

Hec, not just the DC F2F when you and JZ flew in like rock stars from your NOLA honeymoon to join us (that was so cool), but that time I had a family trip to SF and you and a young(er) Emmett took the time to show me your neighbourhood. That was a casual stroll of a day that I still treasure.

billytea, I think you are so right. It's so comforting and discomforting to read the old posts for me. And dear god, we were certainly talkymeat!

But the COMMs are something else too.

"My oldest scar is a forceps scar on my forehead. My mother, always on the ball, refused to pay the hospital bill. And got away with it. My sister also has a forceps scar. She was half price."

This makes me laugh and laugh. I so clearly recall this conversation.

Sying, candyb, all others who are delurking now - thank you. Please feel welcome to stay delurked.

Seska, I am so happy to. see you here.

For all the poo-pooing people do towards online relationships, we have a record of our interactions that you just can't get otherwise. We're not just recollecting these conversations, we can relive them over and over and over.

The last therapy session I had I got a bit defensive because my therapist was talking about online relationships not being the same as real-life friendships. I think I'm going to buy another copy of Allyson's book and give it to him so he can understand they sometimes can be.

If life imitated art - as it should - ita's spirit would have passed into her laptop and then into the internet. I'd like to think of her whooshing through the tubes and pipes, maybe correcting some errant code. And taking joy in killing malware with her pinky.

The last therapy session I had I got a bit defensive because my therapist was talking about online relationships not being the same as real-life friendships.

I keep running into that with my shrinks, too. I think they need to do a little more internet research.