Interesting thread, glad I took the few minutes I had to read it. I can remember addressing some of this a long time ago. It seems to me that what makes this place so wonderful is the lack of the visual. That is, we communicate in a way that is unfettered of the visual cues we all take and ascribe perception to. What this leads to is coming to know one another in a very personal way. That is not to say you don't have phonies. But what you are speaks much louder than what you say you are. Those that choose to hang in and become part of the community cannot hide their true selves. That is why I, for one, just love Little Neo. Her wit, and the hugeness of her heart come through constantly. There are those who are not comfortable with the intimacy of some of the threads, and I pass no judgement on them. They should not contribute to those, just stay where they are comfortable. That is another beauty of the 'Cat. Participate on whatever level YOU are comfortable. Just don't tell the rest what they should be doing.

Back to the subject. I can tell you categorically that the friendships that I have made here are real. The depth of the interaction, and the level of genuine affection is real. The actual meeting of these folks enhances what is already a very deep and abiding sense of friendship. There are those I have met, and had my suspicions confirmed (good or bad). There are those whom I have yet to meet. But when I do, it will go just as each of us might hope. Why? Because we already know one another on a very intimate level from the free sharing of love, friendship, hurt feelings, moods, knowledge, music,etc. Many of you have written me to say that my posting with regard to Vietnam touched you. In no other forum, in the flesh or written word, have I been able to express with such clarity my feelings and experiences of that time. This is the first place that I was able to do that since 1972.

So, yeah, Little Neo. I definitely feel like we can have real relationships. I feel like I know you in ways that some of your "meatspace" friends probably don't. And I like what I "see". And tell my friend, Mr. Fielding that I can't wait to meet him for real. But there will be very few surprises.

All the best,

Big Mick