February 23, 2005
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Who's Your Buddy?
Admiration casts it's long ray from many directions. I have been honored to know many Xangans first through this online community and then in person. And it's been difficult for me to choose one for the topic of today's blog. But in response to the challenge issued by Mr Grainger, I have one in particular I'd like to tell you about.
Thinking back over the (almost four!) years that I've been a part of the Xanga community there are certain virtual virtues that have become distilled as the qualities that make this place special and the person I want to tell you about embodies all these. First, he posts regularly. Very regularly. I can't remember any time when he went more than a few days without at update. Most of his posts include details of his personal writing journey with seemingly mundane information about how many words he's written and what state of completion his latest work has reached. Interwoven among these are snippets of family life, political opinion, and a quiet and unfailing optimism that things in the world are good and can be made right.
For me the past year has been a difficult journey through a landscape dotted by obstacles, discouragments, confusion, and sometimes sheer exhaustion. And as you look in my comments section for these past 12 months, there are a couple people who comment every single time. Bill is one of them. He comments whether I'm writing something worthy of reading or pouring out my heart with another whiny complaint. He has become a strong and steady example of perseverence and patience in the way that he chronicles his pursuit of publication. And he has become a person I admire because he reaches out to make a quiet difference.
When I was stranded in Virginia last year, Bill was the first person to click on Paypal and send something to help me get home. That action symbolizes what I admire about him the most. He doesn't wait to see what's going to happen, he steps in to help make it happen. Whether its reading, commenting and making suggestions about another person's writing. Offering an encouraging pat on the back. Or putting dollars behind his "I'm sure that things will work out." He does what needs to be done to make things better for the people around him. Even someone that he's never met in real life.
Thank you, Bill.
Comments (14)
oooooo...good choice. [even if he is a big baby.]
gotta hand it to him for being a good guy
and being picked by a most excellent lady with whom to spend the rest of his life.
now...if he'd just get something in the mail and quit showering with his muse.
Holy cow! Out of all the great people who read your site you picked me? I don't know what to say. I'm all choked me up. Thank you. I've always enjoyed reading your site and I'm glad you have kept going strong. Both in life and on Xanga.
Of course Lucky had to ruin the moment with her "big baby" comment. I'm gonna have to drive up there and pinch her really hard.
I only passed through his Xanga once some moons ago, but I was touched by what I saw then. You cite some excellent characteristics in an obviously excellent man!
Now that's what I call a ringing endorsement. Off to check out a new site... (Thanks!)
This is great. I can tell you enjoyed writing this and that was what I was hoping would come of this goofy contest of mine.
What a wonderful testimonial!
The Bill.
Mitch wants Bill bad now.....
Sweet and gracious tribute....:o)
four years... it's amazing how quickly the time has passed...
Damn. I hope that bribe Im offering Grainger will be enough for me to win after this post.
Wow. This is amazing.
That was just wonderful
Bill is one SPIFFY dude 
and I hope he comes back to read this comment 
Spiffy! Ack...it's everywhere!
To my own brains the most part of what you shout may be extraordinary
calorie requirements | sweet and sour chicken | club dress
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