All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
When I first came to JWD, I had been watching the JW play for 40 years already. I knew every angle, every scene change, every player and every line. I knew them from the stage and from the audience.
Still, I was only seeing the world from one perspective, the JW perspective. When I was in my comfortable seat, watching, I felt squeezed in a corner box until I couldn't breathe or move. When I was on stage I felt constrained by my role.
I came to JWD to get a broader perspective, to help me see the bigger picture. Now, I think I know the "ex-JW" play from every angle as well.
I know my posts have rubbed a few people the wrong way. That was never my intention. If I was trying to accomplish anything with my arguments it was just to shine the spotlight on the stage from a different angle. Sometimes I even argued against people and positions I actually agreed with just for the sake of balancing the extremes somewhat. I tend to play devil's advocate in real life too, which doesn't endear me to many (JW's especially!)
I hate good-byes, good-bye threads and "my favorite poster" threads, but I've learned so much from some posters here that I'm going to play my own devil's advocate and write one anyway. Consider it an appreciation thread.
Simon and Angharad: By providing this forum you've helped innumerable people on their way out of the JW's just to make a little sense of it all. You've sacrificed a lot of time and personal privacy to do it. Without the producers, the play would never go on. So...thanks.
Belbab and Mrs. Belbab: You invited me to your home and for Christmas dinner when I thought I didn't have a friend or family member left in this world. I know you've done the same for others too. What warm and hospitable people you are.
Hillary Steppe: On the slim chance you're lurking, you were, hands down, the most intelligent and funny poster on this board. To the king of wit and wisdom, I say: I'm honored to call you friend, both on and off the forum. As for who pays the ferryman? We all do.
Ilbh: Always gentle, always kind, you are a true gentleman and true friend in every sense of the word.
There are so many other's I owe a debt of knowledge to. Some are still here: Lady Lee, Blondie, Leiolaia, Narkissos. Some have made their exits: Kid-A, Almost Atheist, James Thomas.
For all the others who ever pm'd me to say thanks or just to chat, I've learned something from you all and it wasn't always what I expected. So, thanks for showing me the view from your seats. Time for me to find another show...
Cog (exits, stage right..)