A major part of forming an opinion about a company or product is
determining the credibility of a letter. The reality is that letter
writers are going to paint themselves in a good and favorable light in
order to make their complaint sound valid, or they're not going to include
all the details in their letter. That's understandable. But that's also
why hearing from other people, especially those with inside information, is
crucial.

I want to see responses to a complaint before I am willing to write a
company off based entirely on a letter. There are always two sides, and
it's better to hear different opinions, even if it's only speculation, than
to make a decision based on one side only. That's why I think comments
serve a valuable purpose. If we took every complaint at face value, we'd
boycott everything. There has to be some skepticism to balance things out
and to help us make logical and informed decisions.

I think PFB would prefer to do away with commenting altogether, but in my
opinion that would be a terrible disservice to consumers who visit the site
to research companies and products. I think comments help provide readers
with a broader picture than the letter alone.

I do not know how helpful PFB is to letter writers, but I personally do not
find the site to be as helpful without comments. And with commenting down
to a minimum, I now realize just how important they are.

When I first found this site, I was thrilled to see a place where
disgruntled consumers could speak out and exchange information. However,
the letters made me realize that I was a bit behind the times when it came
to the extent of consumers' expectations and sense of entitlement. There
were so many complaints that just seemed insignificant to me. Things that
people used to accept as part of life were now perceived as enormous
inconveniences and opportunities to make a quick buck or get a free meal.
I'm not saying that all the complaints were trivial, but it seemed that
people were finding fault with just about everything from rude employees to
cold fries, perhaps for a moment in the spotlight or to possibly come out
ahead. It was intriguing, to say the least.

Just as intriguing were the people who commented on the letters, especially
the ones that hoped to bring these consumers back down to Earth with a
hefty dose of reality. And that's how I first became familiar with someone
who often shocked me with her comments and was at times offensive but ended
up being my good friend.

She was a member of this long before I came along and was known for her
blunt remarks and honest reactions and opinions. It was understandable why
some people were put off by her style, but when I realized that we had a
lot in common, I got to know her better. And I'm so happy I did. She is one
of the most honest and trustworthy people I know. And despite her tough
girl act, she is filled with kindness and compassion. Anyone who took the
time to get to know her would agree.

As a loyal and addicted member of PFB for many years, she participated
frequently with comments and discussions, as well as writing letters. When
the old moderation program was implemented, she never complained and even
said she understood why moderators were needed. She followed the rules to
the best of her ability because she didn't want to put the moderators on
the spot. She didn't whine or storm off like some others did but simply
played by the rules. I had a lot of respect for that.

And now my respect for her has grown. She was recently banned from PFB when
her frustration with the site forced her to speak her mind. As usual, her
words were harsh, but they were also truthful. She stood up for herself and
for others knowing that it would be a risk, and it was no surprise when she
was banned. When she told me what happened, the first thing she said was
that at least she could still read the letters because that's what she
loved the most. We used to joke about how we were both hopelessly addicted
to PFB and would probably never completely leave. Well, now she's
completely gone. She can't even read the letters.

I'm trying to think of a way to end this post, but I'm coming up empty. I
don't know what else to say. Nothing good can come of this. It just amounts
to another lost member.

Remember the story about my roof?...

Well, once again I'm sitting at home minding my own business and trouble
knocks at my door in the way of a letter informing me that my refrigerator
is possibly part of major recall of models that can go on fire.

So I stick my head inside the refrigerator looking for the model/serial
numbers and am somewhat relieved to see that the serial number is one digit
off.

We've had this refrigerator for almost nine years, and other than despising
the user-unfriendly design, it has served us well and has never needed any
maintenance or repair.

But the power of suggestion can be a forceful thing.

Ever since receiving the recall notice, I've been noticing an occasional
burning smell inside the refrigerator that I am convinced was never there
before. I tried telling myself that it was my imagination, but it seems
to be getting worse. I asked my daughter, who is not easily alarmed, if
she smelled anything unusual, and she confirmed the smell of smoke or
something burning.

I really, really don't want to replace the refrigerator right now. Not
only is it a lot of work, but I looked at new ones and don't like any of
them.

So, what are my choices?

~Replace the refrigerator now with something I don't like.

~Wait for it to start smoking and hope that I'm home at the time.

~Keep telling myself that there will be no fire, and it will just burn
out.

And to top it all off, my Sears card has probably been canceled due to
non-use, and I would most likely want a Sears Kenmore if I do buy a new
refrigerator.

Did I mention that I really don't want to replace the refrigerator?

Yes, it's true! I sent out emails to every member of PFB in an attempt to
brainwash them into agreeing with me and forcing them to post comments that
would result in being suspended and banned!

Wait, it gets better!...

I did it because I wanted to hurt Greg!

Seriously folks, could this get any more ridiculous?

Please bear with me. Or better yet, don't even read this if you're tired
of the nonsense.

I have been put in the awkward position of being accused of something that
simply isn't true, and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do about it. I
could just not say anything and hope that the truth will prevail, but under
the circumstances, I feel the need to explain.

Apparently there are people who believe that I have been contacting members
and riling them up to the point of being suspended or banned. I
understand the need to blame someone for what's going on here, and that I'm
an easy target, but I can't just let these accusations go over my head.

I have NEVER contacted anyone at any time to ask for a following, to gain
support or to encourage them to post comments. On the contrary, people
have contacted me for information, advice or to simply let off steam. I
was not going to pretend that I did not agree with their concerns. And I
have actually been motivated by them .

I was asked by Rowdy to post a comment in my profile saying that he was
suspended. I decided to post it in his blog so the people involved in the
conversation there would know why he wasn't responding. I didn't realize
that he was unable to see the comment and found out later that he could not
even access the site. However, the post was written for him and the people
involved in the conversation, and no one else. I thought that was obvious,
and I didn't see anyone lining up to join forces. However, some people
took it the wrong way.

Sometimes I am given too much credit for having the ability to influence
people or change things. Much of what I say is off the top of my head or
thinking out loud, and I am often surprised when on occasion people agree
with me because I usually feel like I'm in it alone. This idea that I am
somehow forcing people to have the same opinion as mine and then
encouraging them to comment is absurd and delusional. Not only would I
never do anything like that, but I'm just not that important.

The only reason I'm bringing this up again is because I am tired of being
accused of things that are not true. I did not have the email addresses of
the people who were suspended or banned prior to them contacting me,
however, my address has always been in plain sight. Isn't that proof
enough that I am not instigating a revolution?

Is PFB going to take any responsibility at all for the problems on the
site, or are they just going to blame everything on me?

The reason I posted here was to get this away from Rowdy's blog. I asked
several times to move the discussion elsewhere but was flatly denied. So
now I'll be the one criticized for doing it here.

It's funny. I finally gave in to the fact that I was fighting a lost
cause. I've been trying to move forward and make the best of it, but I
somehow got dragged into something that I never intended or expected to
gain any momentum. I really don't know what I'm supposed to do anymore.

After its second major overhaul in less than ten years, Walmart is having
another grand reopening! The last remodeling attempt was a waste of time
and money. After months of construction, rubble and noise (much of which
occurred over customers' heads), the store looked no different than before.
But this time I can actually say it looks better. Of course there is
still the same Walmart "feel", but the layout is completely different and
the aisles are wider. I only took a quick look, but I'm anxious to go back
and check it all out.

Coincidentally (?), the supermarket where I shop has implemented a new
pricing program. Yes!.. lower prices!!! I don't need lower prices to keep
me out of Walmart, but hopefully this strategy will work on the people who
are fooled into thinking Walmart is cheaper.

For a small area, we have a lot of competition here. There are two major
supermarkets (Shop Rite and Stop & Shop), in addition to Walmart. There
are two Rite Aids (used to be three) and a large CVS, along with Stop &
Shop pharmacy and several privately owned ones. Oh, and let's not forget
Target, which has a little bit of everything and competes with all the
other stores, including Kohl's!

I love competition.

No, not the one I caught on vacation, but the people who think they are a
"good catch" for businesses and should be treated like royalty.

Sorry, but I don't understand the mindset that businesses have to bend over
backwards to keep a customer and give in to every demand. Yes, there was a
time when businesses might have viewed customers as always being right, but
things have changed.. and drastically.

When I first discovered PFB, the one thing that amazed me the most was the
blatant sense of entitlement. I wondered when people became so unforgiving
and picayune about the smallest and most insignificant inconveniences.
Things that in the past were overlooked or tolerated as being a part of
life. Should one minor mishap in a restaurant or store subject a business
to outrageous and unreasonable customer demands? And even worse, the
threats that ensue when businesses refuse to give in?

That's not the way it used to be. I've been a consumer for a long time,
and I remember when businesses and customers were on the same side.
Businesses were willing to do whatever it took to keep customers, and
customers had the decency to accept no for an answer. They had more pride
than to squabble over a dime or demand special treatment. If special
treatment was offered, it was genuine and not from the fear of being
badmouthed, especially on the internet. There was a common ground back
then. A feeling of being in it together. An understanding. And that's
what is sorely missing today.

I am neither pro-consumer or pro-company. I have always been pro-fairness.
I won't let a company walk all over me, and in return I do not take
advantage of companies by making threats of boycotting, badmouthing, or
anything else. If I find myself at odds with a company, I always look for
a compromise. You might be surprised how often companies are more than
willing to work with a customer who has a good and fair attitude. I don't
really think it's necessary to threaten a company with an ultimatum. If
you go about it the right way, you have a good chance of coming out ahead.
You might not get exactly what you expected, but at least you'll walk away
with some dignity and sense of good faith.

If you found your way in here, then I guess you're wondering why I closed
my profile. Under the circumstances, I thought it was a good idea for my
blog to take a vacation. Since I have so many objections to what's been
going on, it just felt wrong to continue posting blog entries. I'm hoping
that things will change soon so I can open my profile and continue to bore
you all with my corny stories.

In the meantime, I'll still be reading, posting and checking things out.
You can leave comments here if you'd like. I'll check in every once in a
while to see if there's anyone here.

Frito-Lay discontinued its Tostitos Restaurant Style Salsa in 2007 to make
room in its lineup for new dip flavors, including Fritos Zesty Bean and
Cheese, and Tostitos Creamy Spinach. But devotees were not willing to let
go of the discontinued salsa, which they said lived up to its promise of
matching what they got at restaurants.

The company received more than 1,600 phone calls and e-mails within a few
months asking for the product's return. That was more than twice as many as
for any other product that year, Frito-Lay's Snack Chat blog reports, and
the requests kept coming in 2008.

Impressed, the Tostitos marketing team responded by bringing back the
product. Frito-Lay says its response proves that it's worth telling the
consumer-affairs department what you think.

So far this summer has brought two tragedies that have changed the lives of
so many people forever.

The crash on the Taconic is just inconceivable to me. How does a mother
with a van load of kids end up behind the wheel with alcohol and marijuana
in her system? There's something so wrong about this. I just can't make
sense of it. And there's a slim chance of ever knowing what really
happened because the eight people involved are dead.

And now another accident over the Hudson River. Only this time there were
no survivors after a small plane collided with a tour helicopter, causing
both to crash into the water.

This summer needs to come to an end quickly. It has just been a time of
grief for so many people.

They have been really sloppy lately. Not so much spelling thanks to the
built-in spellchecker. But I've been leaving words out of my sentences
causing them to make no sense. I've managed to catch some mistakes before
posting, but a lot are getting by. Maybe it's just the lazy, hazy days of
summer.

Hopefully, better when the over get back normal soon.

See!.. I did it again.

Well, actually one request. But it was a very special request by Renee
(rxgirl) who is sending her little guy off to kindergarten.

This was written by the former editor of my local newspaper, Mike Levine,
who passed away suddenly in 2007. Of all his countless columns, this one
is timeless and probably the most memorable.

Warning: Get out the tissues.


Mike Levine, Executive Editor
Times Herald Record

The First Day of School
September 5, 2006

Dear reader,

I wrote this column a decade ago. Since then, parents have told me it's a
way they mark the arrival of September's first school bus. I've added a
few
lines for today. Here's to a safe and healthy year for all our children:

Quick, before they leave this morning. Take a good look. Touch their
faces,
run your hands through their hair.

We got antsy with them last month, but now we want time to stand still.
Like falling leaves and chilly mornings, some great force signals us
today.
We are aware of life passing.

See the kindergartner with a brave, bewildered smile watching her mother
cry as the school bus pulls away. The high-school freshman with a lump in
his throat hears his father whisper everything will be OK. Brothers and
sisters who fought all summer now hold hands.

Today is proud, today is helpless, today is tomorrow. This is a special
morning, wrenching and sacred.

As a young reporter, I'd wonder why. What's the big deal about the first
day of school? I would write down quotes in my notebook and comprehend
nothing.

Then I became a parent. I found out. We mark time by today.

On this morning, we remember our own parents and our own childhood. We are
filled with the smell of old raincoats, the sticky bond of classroom glue,
the childhood knot of worried excitement. We were so small and lost.
(Secret: A part of us is still lost. We tell no one.)

Now we have children of our own. On this morning, we remember the holy
moment of their birth.

We see this is all just a matter of time. Once, we thought our children
were ours alone. Each September, on this day, we learn better. Nothing is
ours to keep.

Time passes through our eyes this morning. We see our children as
newborns,
we picture them as grown-ups. We see them walking their own children to
school.

Time passes in the beat of a heart. I have seen my first kindergarten boy
walk into his dorm on his first day of college. A few days ago, my younger
son left for college. I stood there, at once empty and full, as frightened
and proud as the morning his first school bus pulled away.

Come on, it's getting late. The bus is coming up the road. I'll keep this
short.

Make sure they have everything they need. Double check. Write their name
on
the book bag. Sweetheart, did you remember your lunch money? Dad, don't
call me mushy stuff in front of the other kids.

They are right. Like the summer birds leaving us, our children know what
to
do. Like September leaves waving on the trees, we, too, give way to the
winds of change.

It's getting crowded down there again, and I hate when everyone has to
crouch in the corner. It's hard to listen when there's no room to
breathe.

I sent a suggestion to Maegan about the moderation rules, and it made me
think of something else. I'm not a fan of extreme moderation, mostly
because it's so subjective. And when the term "or variations thereof"
appears repeatedly in the rules, there's a risk of one opinion being
inconsistent. So I started to think that along the lines of the Kitchen
Table, there could be a panel to determine comment removal. I'm not
talking about the obvious ones, but ones that are open to interpretation.
What's inappropriate to one person could be completely acceptable to
another. I think the panel should consist of three people ruled by
majority. Doing it that way would help make people feel like they're being
treated fairly instead of wondering why some comments are removed and not
others.

Also, as I was submitting my suggestion to Maegan, I started wondering
about a few things. When these matters are discussed at the meeting, will
the person who made the suggestion and the community at large be made aware
of the discussion and the outcome? Will the community have an opportunity
to express opinions about the suggestions, or are these closed door
meetings? Will majority rule when making decisions? How much
information about the meetings will actually be given to the community?

I realize this is a new endeavor and that the KT is still sorting things
out. I just thought I'd mention some things they might want to consider.

It was getting a little crowded down there, so I thought I'd continue the
discussion up here.

As I was reading all the comments here and in the original post, I had an
idea that might have better succeeded in putting out the welcome mat. It
comes from something someone else jokingly said (Donno, I think), but I
think it might be exactly what is needed.

Maybe there should be a blog called The Family Room where everyone could
express their ideas and feelings without fear of having them deleted. That
way everything would be out in the open, no one would feel slighted, and
there would be a lesser feeling of animosity. I know that sounds a lot
like the Suggestion Box, but since PFB decided that something besides the
Suggestion Box was needed to improve the site, I think The Family Room
would be a good alternative. I think it would help bring the community
together by making everyone feel equal, and also show a willingness and
desire on the part of PFB for everyone to be heard firsthand without having
to go through a process that could take months.

I really haven't had a chance to think this through, and I'm sure reasons
will be brought to my attention why this idea won't work, but I just
thought I'd put it out there for now.

I finally got a chance to read all the responses to the Kitchen Table post,
and I think I understand why this approach may not be the best way to bring
the PFB community together.

Thinking back, the original moderation program was a disaster and as Deb
mentioned, resulted in one member permanently leaving the site. And other
projects involving PFB members were also not widely accepted. There was
controversy over ShopperCast and Mommage, as well. I've come to the
conclusion that anything that involves selecting certain PFB members ends
up leaving other members with hurt feelings. I realize that adults should
be able to deal with this kind of thing, but as is always said on PFB, you
can't fault someone for their feelings.

Maybe anyone who is asked or volunteers to work behind the scenes on PFB
should be anonymous. That way all members are on equal ground without
anyone having to feel slighted. This is just my observation, and I'm sure
some of you will disagree with me, but after thinking about it, things
never seem to work out when a public announcement is made naming a certain
member or members.

Just when I thought the life of Michael Jackson couldn't be sadder, I
turned on the television to see a never before seen video of his hair on
fire in the Pepsi commercial. I remember when it happened and seeing
pictures of him being put in an ambulance, but I never realized the extent
of his injuries.

I watched with horror and shock as the flames rose from his head while he
spun around in what must have been unimaginable fear. When the fire was
put out, he was left with a burned bald spot on the top of his head but
still managed to wave to his fans.

This was undoubtedly the defining moment in Michael Jackson's life. A life
of pain, pain killers, disfigurement, surgeries, recoveries, more pain
killers, Vitiligo, Lupus, and more pain killers. And all that on top of
being self conscious about his looks in the first place thanks to a father
with the sensitivity of a rock.

I am now convinced of several things. Despite fame, fortune and
unbelievable talent, Michael Jackson was a tormented and lonely man who
suffered more than his share of pain, ridicule and humiliation. I believe
he was a kind and gentle human being who truly cared about others and would
never hurt anyone. I do not believe he was a child molester and do believe
he was innocent of all the charges against him. I think his addiction to
prescription drugs began with the Pepsi commercial, and that being rich and
famous enabled him to obtain the drugs he needed.

All one has to do is see how he raised his three children to know what kind
of person he was. Now that the children are becoming more public, I have
heard nothing but praise about their upbringing. Seeing and hearing about
the children has restored my faith. Everything I've heard about Michael
Jackson in the last few weeks has pushed me off the fence I've been on all
these years and onto Michael's side.

Why do we always learn more about a person in death than we do in life?

The only hope now is that Michael Jackson's life and death will change the
way prescription drugs are dispensed to celebrities and anyone else with
the means to buy a doctor. Unnecessary deaths of people like Michael
Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger and others must be a thing of the
past. Not one more child should be left without a mother or father, nor
should another mother or father be left without a child.

If your pet needs to fly, and you want the skies to be friendly, have no
fear, Pet Airways is here!

Pet Airways is a pet only airline offering first class travel in the
temperature controlled main cabin, not in cargo. Your pet will be safe and
comfortable, be monitored by a trained pet attendant and will never be left
unattended.

And get this... all protocols and pet handling procedures are conducted
under the guidance of famed Lassie veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Werber!

Wondering what it costs? Fares are as low as $149!.. a small price for
peace of mind.

Is this the new trend in pet travel? Is it something you would consider
doing? Will it catch on?

http://petairways.com/

I've been having a discussion with Ben in the Honda letter
(http://tinyurl.com/muot5g) about the responsibility of parents in the
upbringing of their children. I disagree with his attitude that someone
needs to be blamed when a child's behavior is not acceptable, but let me
start by saying I do agree that parents have a responsibility to do their
best. Unfortunately, I do see many parents who depend too heavily on
outside sources to teach their kids things that should begin at home.

Most parents start out thinking their child will be the most well-behaved,
intelligent kid on the block, at family gatherings and in the classroom.
And most parents try very hard to make sure that their child lives up to
those expectations. But sometimes no matter what parents do, how hard they
try or how much help they seek, some children will never be what society
views as an acceptable child. But that does not, I repeat DOES NOT mean
that the parents are irresponsible.

Before I became a parent, I was judgmental of other parents who I believed
were not raising their children the way I would raise mine. And even after
I had my first child, I still judged parents who couldn't seem to get their
kids to behave. My child was perfect after all, so how hard could it be? I
thought parents who couldn't control their kids were irresponsible and
self-centered.

And then I had another child and everything changed. And I mean
everything. I suddenly found myself with an infant that I was convinced
came from another planet. If I wasn't in the delivery room at the time of
birth, I would have denied ownership. I had been around a lot of kids in
my life, but this little creature I brought home from the hospital defied
everything I knew or thought I knew about children. I was at a complete
loss and began to seek help because it was obvious that traditional and
conventional parenting skills and methods were not going to work.

The bottom line is that sometimes a child's behavior is simply out of the
parents' control. Sometimes there is absolutely nothing a parent can do,
even with the help and support of every possible professional, including
pediatricians, teachers, social workers, psychiatrists, neurologists and
child development experts, just to mention a few.

I have had the opportunity and pleasure to know many parents and children
over the eighteen years since my son was born, and it's been my experience
that most parents do not hope for or enjoy a child that misbehaves. When
most people decide to have children, they start out with the best of
intentions. Do you think they wish for a child who will never listen, not
follow rules and throw tantrums in public? Of course not. Every parent
wants that perfect child, and most parents are ready, willing and able to
be responsible. But sometimes all the good intentions, knowledge, skills
and experience mean nothing, and not only are parents left helpless, but
they also have to be subjected to onlookers pointing fingers and making
accusations with no knowledge or understanding of the situation.

Now when I see a parent struggling with a misbehaving child, I don't
immediately blame or condemn that parent. I ask myself what life must be
like raising children who defy conventional parenting. And I don't have to
look far for the answer. Drawing on my own experience, I see the situation
in a completely different light and am not so quick to blame the parent.
So the next time YOU see a parent struggling with a spirited child, don't
be so judgmental. You have no idea what is going on in their lives or how
much the parents are doing or how hard they are trying. And remember too
that children do not enjoy being out of control or making spectacles of
themselves. If given a choice, kids just want to be like everyone else.
It's just as difficult for the kids as it is for the parents. And the last
thing families need is to be judged by people who have no idea what's going
on.

And it doesn't necessarily end with childhood. This can follow a person
into adulthood, as well. Ben seems to think that everyone behind the wheel
knows the difference between right and wrong. It has been my experience
that too many drivers actually do not know the difference. Should we blame
the parents? I also asked Ben how he would handle a child who was
incapable of knowing the difference between right and wrong, but he
neglected to answer. I wonder what Ben or anyone else would do if despite
doing everything by the book, their child was not able to be molded into
what society views as acceptable.

When I heard about the death of Ed McMahon, I had a feeling the bad news
about Farrah Fawcett wouldn't be far behind. Then I started wondering who
would complete the trio of deaths. But not even in my wildest dreams did I
think it would be Michael Jackson.

Ed McMahon was simply an institution. Farrah Fawcett's true talent
surfaced in movies like "The Burning Bed", "Small Sacrifices" and
"Extremities". And there really aren't enough words to describe Michael
Jackson.

I hope there's a break in time before the cycle of three deaths begins
again. This is a lot to absorb in one week.

http://tinyurl.com/l7xfsj

No, not the movie... my son! Well, hopefully not the movie. But this is
high school not college!

Yes, today's the day, and it comes with a multitude of mixed feelings.
There are so many things I'm going to miss, but I'm also breathing a sigh
of relief. His school years have been quite an adventure, and I think I'm
finally ready to turn it into a memory. He's taking college courses over
the summer, so things may not be all that different. We'll see.

His goal is still to be a math teacher, and although he was disappointed
about not being accepted into his college of choice (mostly because he
applied too late), I think it worked out for the best because it was
going to be too much of a transition. So he'll be going to community
college for at least a year (possibly two), which will be an easier
adjustment. I'm a little skeptical that he's going to be able to buckle
down and do the work, but at least he's willing to try. If this doesn't
work out, he'll have to start thinking about other alternatives.

So, Congratulations to all the Graduates of 2009! May all your dreams come
true.

Since the name Howard Stern was brought up in the Letterman letter, I
started thinking exactly what it is I love about these men. I admit that
I don't always find them funny and even think they are disrespectful and
downright disgusting at times (well, mostly Howard), but I have also seen
both men not be afraid to reveal their other side. I accept that they
have jobs to do like everyone else, and that I have a choice whether or
not to watch them. So I think the real question is how I feel about these
two men as people and fellow human beings. And in that respect, they are
both people I would be proud to know and welcome into my life.

My first exposure to Howard Stern was years ago on his television show. At
first, I really didn't know what to make of him. I couldn't have been too
offended though because I kept tuning in. It wasn't until his book and
movie "Private Parts" that I actually understood where he was coming from
and what he was about. I couldn't help but respect and admire his
intelligence and accomplishments.

Same with Letterman. I'd been watching him for years but the most insight
I ever got into his real life was after his heart surgery and birth of his
son when he started revealing things about himself that made me see him in
a different light, especially when he opened up about his dad.

If Howard had never written "Private Parts" and David never had heart
surgery, I would have still continued to be a supporter because my
instinct in the first place was to like these men. And every time I see
the two of them together, I realize how much alike they are and how lucky
their families are because they are both true family men. Just as an
example, David and Howard are the only two celebrities I ever heard take
full responsibility for the failure of their first marriages. I think
here's something to be said for that, at least for me.

In PFB's Moving Forward post, I was accused of enjoying edgy conversation.
At least I think it was an accusation. But I took it as a compliment.

The truth is that it's the reason I've hung around this site for so long
and why it's killing me to see it change so drastically. It was the edgy
conversations that first attracted me to PFB and definitely what kept me
coming back. Some of you may think that's a character flaw, but that's who
I am, and I have no desire to change. I enjoy being me.

However, don't think for one moment that I don't know I can be annoying,
too. I've been annoying people my entire life. It's nothing new. But
when I believe in something, I have to give it my best. I don't stop, I
don't hide, and I don't leave. I may not always win and may even gain some
enemies along the way, but the most important thing to me is knowing I did
my best.

That's why I haven't given up on this. I still believe in PFB.

I miss everyone who has left (with a couple of exceptions) and the edgy
conversations that took place. I miss the friendliness and familiarity of
the people. I miss hearing feedback from commenters I grew to respect,
regardless of their commenting style. I miss the whole concept.

I know nothing I say will change anything, but I probably won't stop trying
until either my computer self-destructs or I get the heave-ho, whichever
comes first.