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EditorPS Administrator 
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Hi everyone, As it turns out, this has been my week for goodbyes -- sending two kids off to college has made my husband and I official "empty nesters." It's been bittersweet as chapters of my personal life close, while others begin. To add to this, the time seems right for me to publicly announce that our online forum will close ... at least for now. It's been almost two years since we started and what an experience it's been! I'd never participated in a message board before, so had no idea what to expect. For those of you who, like me, were new to this method of communication -- congratulations! You figured out how to post, edit, delete comments, learned the definition of avatar and how to import images, change fonts, private message, etc. etc. And even more importantly, you shared ideas publicly with people of all viewpoints. You've debated, you've speculated and you've learned ... all while under the watchful eye of various anonymous "guests." I'm proud of you for joining, appreciative of your participation, and am already missing you as I, with mixed emotions, prepare to "pull the plug." With all of the life that the forum has brought to our days here at the Northwest Observer, along with it has come a tremendous responsibility, and increasingly, a burden. The discussions which at first were self-regulated have over time necessitated a full-time moderator -- something we simply can't afford in time or money at this time. With each passing day our staff has become more weighed down with private messages, requests to intervene in online discussions, and debates about when to step in and when to let conversations take their natural course. After much thought, I've determined that the best business decision is to close the forum (again, at least for now). We need time to regroup, reconsider, and refocus. The Northwest Observer is first and foremost a community newspaper, and anything that takes us away from providing community news must be well worth the price. Sadly, though the benefits of the forum have been great, so have the costs. So at least for now, we have to say goodbye -- we have made many friends through the forum, and friendships are tested not by convenience but by absence. We will miss our faithful forum participants greatly, but trust that you will stay in touch, keep us "posted" (no pun intended) and seek alternative ways to make your voices heard. Thank you so very much for enriching our days by your insights, comments, and sometimes just by your humor. I will miss you, one and all. Patti Stokes, editor@nwobserver.com P.S. This forum will self-destruct at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23. Last edited on Aug 23rd, 2007 02:21 am by EditorPS |
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darrelldawg Member 
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Miss Patti, I know it is with a heavy heart you close the forum, It has been my pleasure to have been on this forum. Thank you for allowing me here. My best wishes for those at the Observer. So long for now my friends. You all have made my days more tolable as Pappy might say. Darrell D. Dawg |
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Jim Flynt Member
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If we are ever to be community again here in the Northwest, then our friends at the Northwest Observer have made the right decision. As painful as it is to say: Thank-You for your unselfishness. Our commonality should always outweigh our differences. Let the healing begin and may we all pray to reach out and rebuild the bridges over our deep divides. |
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muchless Member 
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Adios amigos. |
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muchless Member
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"May your days and nights be filled with time." CDR |
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CUZ Member 
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"Be good, son." Grandaddy carshark@hotmail.com Last edited on Aug 23rd, 2007 03:02 am by CUZ |
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Thearon Hooks Jr. Member
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Patty, I for one will miss the Forum, I look forward to coming home and learning what is new in the area each day. I have learned a lot in the past several weeks and I hope to see the Forum again in the not too distant future. When I arrive home tomorrow it will have self destructed, so for now farewell to All! Thearon |
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FatPappy Member 
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Last edited on Aug 23rd, 2007 04:16 am by FatPappy |
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Hairbrush Member
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I will miss everyone. Thanks for all the great ideas, great friends, and all the new words I have learned. I have learned that I can stand up for myself and for my ideas, but still listen to the other side. I have learned that there are a lot of great people that live in our community that are willing to get out and get involved. I hope everyone keeps getting involved. Even if you don't have success the first time don't get discouraged. We all know what a wonderful place this is to live. So back to growing tomatoes, eating biscuits, protecting chickens, and what else may come our way. |
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macca Member 
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♥♥♥ |
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Baseball Buddy Member 
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Everyone, I hope to see you at the Ballfield! Come have a hotdog on me. I will miss you. |
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bama80 Member 
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Someone cue up Journey Don't Stop Believing. Last edited on Aug 23rd, 2007 12:28 pm by bama80 |
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