First of all, Mary Anne did drop out for a while, but she returned. Her departure formed a vacuum at the very core of the Habitable Zone, and I feel her return keeps us on an even keel here. The site is better because of her -- but she should post more often that the pidly once or twice a week.

Marcia is a regular charm on the boards, bringing insight and news that often forces one to ponder the larger issues of the Universe. Her association here is appreciated by all, but not remarked upon nearly enough.

Sadly, Jocelyne has vanished. I miss her, and I think there are many others who do as well. Her last entry was just after the attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, and I was a little harsh with what came across from her as a cavalier attitude. The United States had just been attacked, and I was in no mood for anyone saying, even jokingly, that the event was all the fault of the U.S. I wish she would come back.

Anyway:
Intentional humor is fine, but please remember that this is a 2D medium, Lindy, and everything comes at us at face-value. There is no “look” you can give that will direct your story. No body language to decipher, other than the ASCII your fingers manage to pound out on a keyboard. Unless you explain it to us, we have no idea what kind of day you’re having. We need to know that up front, or -- <striking a defiant pose sure to bring terror to the hearts of all observers>you might get mail</striking a defiant pose sure to bring terror to the hearts of all observers>. If you want to flame someone (constructively), by all means do it. If you want to post off-topic (but still in the Habitable Zone theme), there’s a place for that as well.

Also, while I enjoy the web as a learning tool, I’m not sure that anybody really shows up here to be tutored in <obvious sarcasm>Lindyisms</obvious sarcasm>. Recall the <not so obvious sarcasm>well-received</not so obvious sarcasm> classes Bob Williams gave at MSNBC (frightening that it’s still out there)?

On the other hand, should you come across topics that are genuinely new and pertains in some way to the spirit of the site (well, that page needs some more work), or have an opinion (serious or otherwise), by all means post away.

I only ask that if you’re going to post, please remain on topic. I would <unfeigned sincerity>truly</unfeigned sincerity> miss your presence.

Cheers,
Dan (I like a girl who can take a punch)