So long for now...

[Lefty]

Hello, friends. After a couple of years as moderator of this Friendly Forum, it's time for me to step aside. Personal and professional happenings are making it difficult for me to invest the time here that a moderator should. Tom Tracy graciously has agreed to assume the role. Many thanks for that, TNT.

I'll still be lurking around here, so no need to say good-bye. Everybody be well!

[tonyg]

Thx for the great work Lefty!

[Ray]

Hey Lefty!

I haven't contributed to the forum in a while, but i still check in, and ... gotta say, your silence has been deafening. Whatever the situation, as someone who's had his own share of demands in recent years, i respect and understand anyone's need for hiatus....

But, before you pass the torch, allow me to say thanks....

For a while there, this forum was the most interesting place on the web for me. I couldn't get enough, and i couldn't stay away. It had discussion that went from wild west shootouts to academic discourse. And it had a community that I came to feel was composed of good friends (although, unlike others here, I have not personally met any of its denizens). I joined this forum tentatively, and Lefty welcomed me, just as he extended a hand to everyone else posting here for the first time. It felt great to be invited in.

The forum has included a remarkable mix of opinions. Lefty made it known that every observation was valuable and encouraged. Somehow he had the knack of sounding interested and appreciative, even though most of us are anonymous. Thanks, Lefty, for never shutting down a thread (even though some might have wanted that), and instead allowing members to say what they felt. That kept it all interesting and intriguing, and maybe we learned a few things, too. It could have been a place of just "cheerleaders" -- or an "elite" dwelling in sacred memories of Early Lucinda -- or know-it-alls, but it was so much richer because everyone was welcomed and all comments were heard -- even comments that went against the grain. In a way, it reflected the wonderful contradictions of Lucinda.

At times, the discussion got pretty hot -- a barroom brawl! -- and then it would expend itself; calm and reason would prevail. Sometimes I cringed, but I saw that an online community could take care of itself (and take care of the object of its adoration) without a structure or controlling comments from an authority figure -- like some school principal disciplining rowdy students. Instead of playing the principal, Lefty had the strength to let it be -- and that made all the difference.

Of course it was a love of Lucinda -- the music, and (for a long time) the mystery -- that brought us here. But it was Lefty who kept us here. He cultivated the garden (and a funky organic garden it was!). And, to mix metaphors, he wasn't afraid to allow others to stir the pot, or add spices or hot sauce.

I've discovered great music here, and had vicarious thrills from great posts from others. I'd like to thank Lefty for making it so interesting. Who knew an internet discussion board could be so enriching? If I ever bump into you at a Lu -- or Heartless Bastards -- concert in upstate NY, Lefty, I'll buy you a "U.C."

[LWjetta]

Hey Lefty
Remember my comment from Ra-Cha-Cha last March as shown below.
2. Lefty's true identity remains protected. The balding guy wearing a pink and blue shirt sitting in front row centre stage was identified as a "righty" by my friend after getting a hint from Susannah.
Don't forget Inside Job was also anonymous for a while. Lefty's real identity will ultimately be revealed-perhaps when he is nominated for Friendly Forum of the Year Moderator.

A sincere thank you for your contributions to this Forum and a big welcome to TnTracy.-A worthy successor.

lwj

[Lafayette]

I only read this just a few days ago and had to respond.

Thank you, Lefty, for opening your arms to me, so to speak, when I first joined the friendly forum. I felt as though I was coming into enemy territory, being the Mellencamp fan I was/am, and you and several others didn't seem to hold that against me.

I have missed your humor here on the boards, I cannot tell you the times I have literally laughed out loud with many of your past comments.

I hope all is well and you return one day very soon.

[tntracy]

I wanted to echo all the sentiments expressed here (I meant to earlier, but was awaiting word of my taking over the moderating duties &, once that happened, forgot about this thread! ).

Lefty, you are & will continue to be sorely missed. Hurry back soon!

Tom