Over on Lisa's forum I made a remark about Phil G's message being sarcastic. The fact is, I've just discovered the effort he put into returning this forum to us. Now, I don't think that toiling with machines till 4 in the morning is anyone's idea of fun. So no matter what he says, or how he comes across, he has been very considerate of us all. I just wanted to tell him thanks, and that is something that was due long ago. And I will also proudly make a donation to SARA.

-- Gia (laureltree7@hotmail.com), December 31, 1999

Answers

Gia,

Phil had just had it.

Ludi caught him at a maximum stress time. He was protecting his servers from repeat spider/robot attack, since several are down, and the one we were on was about full and on it's last legs.

It's been a "free" ride... for two whole years... and one no one expected to be this big... least of all Phil.

Showing we appreciate him, his MIT server farm, and what's important to him... having equipment to teach his students on... and being "hassle free" from service calls... goes a long way.

I can honestly say he was quite surprised at the outpouring of response to the donation he requested.

He reallocated resources last night after I talked with him, and mentioned that I already had pledges of $1,200.00. Then today, he called in back-up programers during a holiday week, and has done a marvelous job in supporting our 11th hour needs.

I hope we can top his Donation request... at https://db.photo.net/shoppe/

You should know, that any donations made directly to MIT, would likely have never gone to support his server farm.

By donating to his favored charity, he will match us... and out of his own pocket... buy the server he wants, and will then donate it to MIT and his area, by Feb.1st, when his students get back for classes.

Thanks... for everyone who made it possible to show Phil this cybercommunity means something to us all! And for all those who contribute to this wild, wacky place.

Kudos.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), December 31, 1999.

I suspect that the shelter -- and the puppies and kitties -- will also be pleasantly surprised.

-- Ron Schwarz (rs@clubvb.com.delete.this), December 31, 1999.

Bet the strays will even be more surprised to be sporting names of all the people here on the forum.

-- (snowleopard6@webtv.net), December 31, 1999.

And I want to thank you Diane and the others who rallied in support of this forum. Get some sleep, we have a big day ahead.

Thank you, thank you!

-- Tommy Rogers (Been there@Just a Thought.com), December 31, 1999.

I have been lurking here regularly for over 2 years... I _really_ want to show my appreciation for the Forum, and to Phil, by donating to the SARA Sanctuary.. but my webtv can't access the site! Is there a way to get a physical address? I will be glad to do it if I have the address....

Suzanne L

-- Suzanne L (SuzanneL@webtv.net), December 31, 1999.

I'm sending some $$$ today, I've been here for 2 years now and I really appreciate all of your efforts Phil. BTW, I too said that this was extortion, and I apologize.....Bardou

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), December 31, 1999.

-- g (w@d.l), December 31, 1999.