Since 2002 (with a sabbatical around 2005-6), the minute my homepage clears the pier this has always been the first place I go, regardless (EVEN ahead of my favorite Texas cooking sites, no small praise there!) of what else I need to do.
I'd like to think being around all of you has made me a better (I REALLY hope some Dave Houck and Will Gunn has rubbed off on me) and smarter (David Fung is encyclopedic and I really miss Bob Novy, another large-brained humanoid) and a better player (Jimmy Johnson always graciously answers) and I really dig all the rest of you, too.
It's amazing the bond we somehow form despite never having been in the same room, the thrills and chills, and the hurt when we lose someone like Paul TBO (Rest in Peace, brother).
I always hope I've taken my cue from the Wickershams, who are gracious and supportive beyond all reason. I always felt like I needed to 'respect their home', and hope I've acted appropriately.
Some of the other bass forums (do I really need to name names?) remind me of standing in line at a department store on Christmas Eve: Everybody seems to be in a real big hurry to act as rudely and stridently as possible. Plus, it's a little late in the game for me to sit through one more post arguing about stages in playing I sorted out years ago: Do I really need to read one more post why NOT to use a speaker cable for a guitar cable? Then watch the combatants flame each other as soon as somebody tries to answer? Don't think so . . . . .
I can NOT believe I've punched in here 1702 times; but it's been a gas, fellas, and hope it has been for you too.
J o e y