In the safety of our homes/offices we have the freedom to say what might take years of "meatspace" acquaintence- so that when we do finally meet, we already know each other more intimately than we do some of our closest acquaintences in our home towns. We put up so many social barriers in "real" life that don't exist here. I echo with Jeri and others th truth that most of the Mudcatters I've met are the same people here in cyberspace as in the flesh. And I can't wait for NEFFA and Old Songs to continue that research!! The only real drawback to cyber friendships is the lack of hugs!