I really don't want to get long-winded here, as it's already gonna be 7 am, but I just wanna say a few things.
First of all, I admire the nerve that some people have sending certain posts to the list. That being said... Everyone had very valid points on this subject. I think I've read every reply to it that I've received... yes, very valid points. I'm not saying that I agree with Ludwig 100%, and I'm not saying that our "personal tragedies" should rightly have a place on the lists... But as it was stated earlier, a room full of people who meet day in and day out is not going to generate any interest if it stagnates in one subject indefinitely (okay, maybe it wasn't exactly worded like that...). I have met several of you in person, but I have also formed strong bonds with MANY more of you just through chatting, message boards, and of course e-mail thru the list(s). But in the end, you are all just regular people. I don't get to see but a few of you and that's, at the most, once a year. I'm not there to give you hugs when you're down or pat you on the back when you got a job. But I wish I was. That's why, even though I may not respond to every e-mail, I read em. By reading Brina's email about her friend's mom, I'm a little bit closer to Brina... I know how she reacts to certain situations from the text that she types. Same goes for Ludwig (whether you like it or not)... I've gotten to know who you are by the personality you convey through your words. "You don't know me!" maybe be what you're thinking, but if you think about everything you've expressed in the past couple of years you've been on the lists, you'll realize you've let a lot more about yourself show than you may have initially intended. This last email you sent, Ludwig, was the most (forgive me) HUMAN message I've ever read from you.... that was meant as a compliment. Take it or leave it... it's up to you. This is how I see all of you. When I read your emails, I'm not only reading the text, but I'm reading you -- your personalities, what you love, what you hate, how you deal with life, and how you solve problems. Furthermore, this subject about bringing up death on the list... Look, sometimes it's easiest to let out our opinons and emotions thru email rather than out loud. The repercussions are minimal and you're not running as high a risk of hurting someone physically/emotionally close to you, as opposed to, let's say, blurting it all out at you're loved one's wake? I dunno. Bottom line, sometimes, we just have to get it out. And I see nothing wrong with that. $hit, I got long-winded, and now it's 7:30 am... Sorry guys... this note is prolly just a waste of "sleepy-time drivel" I think I coulda ended up saying what I did much clearer in like 3 words! Anyway, that's my take on this. Tear it apart if you like, I'll be in bed if you need me. :P -Mikey QM
