As long as kat brought it up...

I'd feel really silly posting to the "Rick Fielding's passing" thread. I only knew him through this forum and it'd seem pretentious for me to post as a friend in that thread full of real friends.

But I've thought quite a bit about the nature of Rick Fielding's presence here. Two things strike me about Rick's posting here -- 1. not for want of posting in controversial threads, or having strong opinions, Rick made no "enemies" here. I can hardly think of another who's been here as long who can claim that. 2. For a famous guy (musically) he NEVER made anyone feel less than a full-fledged musician here. He seem always to assume the best of us here. I loved getting PMs from him just to confirm some musical tidbit that I'd shared.