Dear Folks, I am sure many are very aware of Alpha's letter. I find this a difficult letter to write myself. A long time ago, I had a dream, to see this forum pick itself up and become a vital part of this site. So, I bid for its moderatorship, and began something. I tried, I flailed, I almost drowned, and along came a wonderful soul called "Alpha". A talented and dedicated photographer, an uplifter, a wealth of knowledge, a friend to all who came in. For whatever reasons he may have, we must respect his decision, and hope that he may return, but give him a hug and wish him well no matter what. I am at a loss right now, and hesitated all day because I couldn't think of anything to say that might soothe us, and cause us to band up and around Fred, and keep going. I will try my damndest to help you all. YOU are a wonderful bunch of people, a shining example of the goodness of this site, and before you all say Im getting corny, I really believe this to be true. I think of the sharing you have between each other, the friendships cemented in here, the talent, the willingness to learn, and its breathtaking. But I would be a fool if I said it was because I had a hand in it. I truly believe this to be Alpha's genius, and the genius is, he is simply himself. Please bear with me, till we get more settled in, and somebody help me out if I stumble or am not answering properly. I will say, Photography is a deep passion for me. I work on instinct, on the moment. My husband was a professional for years, and I will lean on him to help me out till we figure out what is going on. The first thing we need to do is announce the contest winners. I will need to get some info from Alpha, and get moving. Thanks for wishing us well during these freezing moments, its a wind chill of -10 below tonight......YUCK! From the bottom of my heart, a well wish, and a big hug, Syyd

Syyd, I want you to know that we forum folk (yes, I volunteer you guys LOL) are here to help each other out to make this forum a better place. No worries. It's time for a GROUP HUG!!! :-) (*

I've only been visiting this forum for a short time but from my experience I would say what Alpha started has gained a momentum & strength all it's own, nothing is going to stop it now!!! Good luck with those storms Syyd, when you can make it here your input is much appreciated.

elusive.chaos

"You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star...." (Nietzsche)

Sydder, I agree you 101%. Alpha is genious, and where carrying force of this forum. We will miss him, and welcome him back whenever he feels like coming back, or even dropping a line. BUT, Now what we have to do, is find one or two new mods to help you out, to keep wheels running. Hope this is ok for RR? This is way too big cake for one person to handle, even for you Sydd. and, like Stars said, GROUPHUGG!!!11 .n

Chuckle! Actually Antoonio I would have nominated you! Syyd, I think I joined roughly one year after you and Colmhad started the forum. You two were very good moderators. I remeber fondly adking a question and receiving the answer roughly 15 min later! I realize that you do have a business to run and that this forum takes a lot of work. Don't fret with you and Colm's start, Alpha's organization, Slynkys originality, and others drive we are just starting to take the first steps toward a BEAUTIFUL sunrise! Snif, snif. Now onto more pressing matters. What are we going to so with the Photo of the week contest? Bsteph

Thank you all for your support. I truly appreciate it. I woke up late and have two kids to drive to school, so I will hop back on here, as soon as I return. Im trying to peel my eyelids back now, and shove a cup of joe down while they get dressed. All my best, and will address everything upon return. ((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Syyd

I'm at work right now and can't really talk to much...just wanted to say I'll lend my support to whatever happens here...I've only been here a short time...but I feel I have met some very special people. Let me know what I can do to help.

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

I'm also at work (seems I'm always at work), but just wanted to say "ditto" to all the above! We've got something good going on here, and the community spirit that Alpha helped create shall continue!

You can count on us, Syyd :)

Whats left to say? I agree totally with everything said Syyd. :)

Thanks for the words and the Hugs, Syyd and everyone. I'm here too!...and Syyd, (and the rest of you wonderful people in this forum) you can lean on me anytime you want! Not that I know that much, but if you need someone to laugh at/with! (I mean that's what Clowns are for, even Punk ones!)

hmmm.....thank's to my time zone and the fact they actually want me to turn up at work in order to be paid (tch! next they'll expect me to actually DO some work while I'm there - heathens!) I've caught this thread after reading Alpha's update. hmm.....okies, can we still have that group hug, only I wanna be between 2 lovely ladies (plenty to choose from here!!!) and not the Aussie or the 'I go nekkid in snow' or the Canadian wierdos??? CHEERS!!! (",) aw, y'know I love you all equally..........

Awwwwww.... I was lookin foward to that hug with you Mikey! Now you've gone and made me sad! ;-)> BTW what is it with these "employer-type" people?? Mine expect me to turn up and actually do that distasteful "work thing" too! Sheeeesh!!

Chin up Sydd. This forum has many wonderful people involved in it and none of us will let it fall apart. I haven't been here that long but coming here and checking out everyone's work and words of wisdom is one of the highlights of my day. Its kept me going through a rough time in my life. Add my arms to the group hug!

btw, just to clarify, when I used the plural after wierdos, I wasn't inferring all Canadians are wierdos - the plural was for those two reprobates. I like candians in general. Well, the ones I know. Cheers!!. (",)