I am of the opinion that there is always room for improvement in this area. P.S Why is this your last question? Have you become disillusioned?

Can I ask why this is your last question?

What more can you ask of me? Metaphiz? Why is this your last Q, are you leaving for good?

Well I'm not going to answer your question, so you'll just have to keep coming back over and over again to see if I've changed my mind! Ok, seriously... I understand your frustration with the 'bag, and your feeling that it's not satisfying to deal with all the crap. Many of us know exactly what you're talking about. I would ply you with all the usual stuff about how you should just get a more aggressive crap filter, and how there are still good conversations going on between all the crap, etc., but the bottom line is if you've been around this long and have decided that the cheese-to-crap ratio isn't up to your standards, nobody's going to talk you out of that probably. However... your departure would be a significant loss for the rest of us, and I think you'd be missing another level -- not the points-driven levels, but a level of relating to the PEOPLE here. You have a distinctive presence that is fairly rare, and contributes just by showing up in the conversation. I'm not talking about "helping people" in the ordinary sense, I mean there are certain people who help just by BEING there and being themselves. When somebody recognizes that, the conversation turns around a bit -- instead of it being "what can I get out of my AB participation", it becomes "what is really needed here; what enriches the AB environment and makes it a place where something more than popularity contests can occur?". This level has to do with seeing where you can contribute, rather than seeing what there is to take away -- that's being of service, and that's where the real satisfaction shows up. Even if you do have to turn up the crap filter.

I definitely understand where you're coming from. My time is short here as well - I too am beginning to feel less and less satisfaction from AB. I'm doing all I can to conquer the negativity that's seized my loved ones. I'm doing all I can to love my ex husband. I'm doing all I can to love my family. I am trying really damn hard to love everyone else, those not mentioned.... Thank you for your positive presence and the constant reminder that there are still intelligent and kind people out there. You'll be missed. Come back if you can, if you want, if you need to.

The truth is that I could do more for the people around me. ----- Metaphiz, I will miss you. I hope we cross paths again some time. Best of wishes.

I am sorry to see you go. I to feel the same way that you do. But I am not going to leave because sooner or later I know that there will be someone that I can help and I want to make sure I am there for them. Good luck to you. Know this that we are stronger with you than without you.

Great question!Sadly,my answer is no,I think I can do more.And I will try.Thanks.=) I always liked your input and your contributions to AB.I hope that you find what you are looking for.((((HUGS))))

Huh? Leaving? I just barely show up to the party, and you decide to leave. Fine. Be that way. To answer your question: Yes. I'm doing all that I can. The other night I was at a sweet 16 slumber party and I was trying so hard to get this guy to like me, but he just wouldn't! What should I do?? I mean, you know? (I keed, I keed)

good luck and best wishes.

Of course I am. We all gotta build a world we can live in peacefully right? So, you're leaving. Well, good luck to you, dude...