I was reading Roger Hunter's post about having some difficulty at Jim's place and it reminded me of how many times every one of us has had some kind of problem.

I often remind myself how much I've learned from reading what other people have to say about one matter or another. There are so many perspectives on any one issue, but yet, each contribution has its value.

When I happened on the scene I learned from Dennis Gentry, Canie Brooks, Frank Condon, Don in Hollister and Daniel Karnes about earthquake phenomena, tracking records, ferreting out the truth from rumor. From the earthquake sensitives I learned that you can learn to be earthquake sensitive. It is a truly learnable skill. I not only learned what they experienced, but I came to see why sensitives are sensitives. They have a valued place in the matter of earthquakes as well. I looked to long timer Bob Shannon about his experiences and his knowledge and learned much from him as well.

But at last, I looked to the science community to explain to me why we are where we are at this point in time. They taught me considerably. I truly enjoyed sitting down with them, one on one, looking into their eyes, checking the nuances of what they were like and then I caught the more personal side of what "those scientists," were like. Before I came to know them I heard so many derogatory statements, but I found most of them to be false.

I was totally infuriated when I read the Nature Debates about earthquake prediction and in several statements some of the contributors said they couldn't find any good reason to continue. No one mentioned in its entirety about the real need, giving a little warning so people can move out of harms way. I wrote a few terse e-mails and the response I got was that since it was a science matter, the human element was not brought into the debate. I totally disagree with that line of thinking. Without the human element, we'd have no valid reason to want it in the first place.

I have been a participant on Jim's board and felt honored when Dyan in Gilroy invited me to come to Earthwaves. I also have posted on Earthsensitives from one time to another. But I will admit, I like this board the most because we have a better rounded group who are serious researchers and I am most appreciative of the contributions some of our scientist posters have given us.

Though I to have been flamed until BBQ'd well done, that's ok. In time we learn to address it if possible, ignore it when necessary, but in the over-all I think message board forums are a positive experience for most.

It used to be that most people didn't want the posters or readers to know who they are, but that to has changed. I think credibility comes with a name, not just a first name only basis. Though I have to say in some cases, for certain reasons some people must be a little bit more careful.

In closing, I would like to say, Thank You again Canie for maintaining this site and doing sometimes what is most difficult in calling the shots. To the rest of you, I enjoy your company, the information you impart, and the educational qualities you all bring to us. Yes, there will always be board wars, but with most people providing support in one way or another that's a positive. We won't all agree on some subjects, but I think it is important that we share our own points of view. At times I've found though some can be rather attacking. In that, in the microcosm of worldly life, well it's just something we have to work around.

As Robert Browning said in his words to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "come and be with me, the best is yet to be." Perhaps, that is the case here as well.

Petra