Finding that the people were so caring,helpful,sharing and mean what they say.There are a great many people on AB that I have learned from and I am most thankful.

It turned my computer into a social gateway. It was no longer only an email server, work station or game console. It became a window to other personalities and conversation.

I've 'met' people from different parts of the world, with similar questions and interests as myself, without leaving my house. :-)

I started neglecting my homework more and more. Thanks for reminding me! I really should get a life. ;)

Six months ago I would have been able to give an answer that was totally positive except for one incident. Now I am afraid things have changed so much I no longer find AB. a friendly positive place the way it was. Maybe it is too big now for the real community spirit. I know I do not feel the friendliness that I did nor the addiction. I WANTED to be here every day it was my solace and a place I felt comfortable. That is no longer true. I miss friends when I do not bother to visit now but there are also people that I find arrogant and self opinionated who I just feel uncomfortable being around. I know it is silly to allow only a couple of people to spoil what I have really enjoyed being a part of, but I have tried not to let their nastiness matter but it does make me feel uncomfortable and spoils AB for me. Some people think that only they have a right to an opinion and if you disagree they have to be evil about it. I have always looked at the different opinions as one of the best learning parts of AB, we are from all over the world ,all different backgrounds,educations, religions, ethnicities and beliefs. Surely that is a chance to learn from others not get spiteful and make derogatory statements about them because we think differently. We do not all have to agree on every subject to remain friends, yet to me friendships seem very much on the surface now, except for small groups here and there. Sorry its not very positive Frank, this is a bad week for me. Maybe I will be more positive with a reply next week. I love all my friends though and thank them for putting up with me for the last year. On the whole you all are a lovely lot.

It answers some questions thats keeps bugging me.

someone always having an answer for my question :) it's made a huge difference...i don't go around wondering...and worrying....and thinking sooooooooo much....which i over analyze a lot...but this has prevented me...

The very special friends I have here :)

I realized how shallow most people are, and that we should interact more with our neighbors. Talking with people face to face is so rare these days, that the less time we spend online, the better.

It has helped me to reach farther out to the world in my efforts to "both aquire and spread both health and wisdom" ... and the amusing entertainment and new friendships found along the way are also good things ...

I prefer to do this than any other thing in my house (I live alone)and I'm not getting anything done. I think that's called no self discipline! My friends all think I'm very weird!

despite the fact that there are still small-minded bigots/jerks out there (which, in this day and age, it never ceases to amaze me that such hate still exists), there are still more great people out there that I learn from....laugh with....share interests with...and , even across state lines, borders and oceans, can still touch me and be my friend....even if we never meet face to face.

I think it's awesome that there are so many great people on here!

the great sense of community here.

I spend more time on the computer than ever before, sometimes to the point where I forget about my bedtime, or fulfilling my wife's wish to make love to her at the appropriate time, when the children are fast asleep. Heh, heh. ----mrshinyshoes