all,

as sid guessed correctly in his 'wake-up call' post, yes, i am considering shutting the forum down. let me share some thoughts with you why.

the current level of negativity, flames, insults, and disrespect in the forum is only a part of it. i personally believe that if i spent more time here every day with a gentle hand and a watchful eye, i could probably help contribute to a better atmosphere and a more positive mood.

however, that requires a lot of work and time from my end which i don't think i have at this point. after pouring almost all my free time into the site for over 3 years, earlier this year i took a step back to take a breather. it worked partially, in as far as that i got interested in again a month or so ago and had fun writing some reviews and articles, which was how the site was started originally. but as soon as i spent more time here again i saw all the ##### that happened, i had to do more maintenance work and other unpleasant or boring/repetitive/unproductive tasks, taking away my motivation and time to do the helping people part. all that pretty much sums up in the fact that there is not much fun left in running the site after almost 4 years. and when a hobby stops being fun and turns into a chore, it's time to stop.

there is more though. not only have i been more or less running this site for almost 4 years now, for the last 5 years in my career i've also done tech support and helpdesk-type work. quite frankly, i'm getting burned out on it. i'm not saying i'm bored and i know it all, hell no. however, i am still young and relatively new in this career. i need to make the next step. i am looking into getting more into networking and security, as well as getting more certifications. this requires time and effort, and i feel i cannot fully dedicate myself to it with the presence of PC911.

i know this is a very selfish attitude, but at this point i'm not getting anything out of pc911 anymore. sure, there is the occasional ego stroke, but that's about it. as explained above, the fun is almost gone, there was never any money on it, and it sure as hell is not helping my career. i don't even want to mention the toll it has taken on my life and the relationship with my wife, who has been amazingly patient and supportive over the years, a big thanx to her for that.

i was in the hospital for a week in august with a spontaneously collapsed lung, which also gave me some time to think. no worries, i've recovered fully, i ran 5 miles today. but something like this makes you think about life and whether it's really worth it to waste time on things that give you grief or hold you back.

i also haven't dedicated enough time and effort to the site to make it what it should be at this stage. this site is very basic and primitive, and far from the good professional site it could be. i look at ars, anandtech, toms hardware, etc. and see how a computer should be run. pc911 is mediocre at best. the backend is primitive, some of the content is outdated, some of the features are done half-assed, etc. the problem is that i never planned for the site to be what it is, i've been flying by the seat of my pants the whole time. as a result, the site is getting more outdated and falling behind every day, just as the forum is getting out of hand, both in quality and quantity. both requires a lot more attention than i, or anybody else for that matter, is willing to give it.

i realize i only have myself to blame for most of this. i've been too nice, have not shown enough leadership, and not put enough effort into it to make it a real success. when i realized it, it was too late to change things because people were used to the way it was and it was too hard to change. it's also impossible to make every single person happy, which i tried for too long, and only resulted in me being unhappy.

at this point i'm sure lots of you are gonna protest and tell me that i'm wrong about what i said, that you think the site is great, that everything is just dandy, that things will be ok, etc. and i appreciate everybody's support. of course we all love to see the posts from happy and grateful viewers, and we all have a collection of literally hundreds of thank-you emails and posts.

the fact is that there are lots of good people visiting this site every day. i truly appreciate their support over the years, and i am very sorry if i'm hurting or disappointing you with the conclusions i've come to realize. i am very grateful for the friendships here, as my wife said today you are my second circle of friends. it's this group of people who kept us motivated and going this far.

then there are people who visited us who had absolutely nothing to contribute, and came here with the sole purpose of causing trouble, provoking fights, flaming people, and were an all around waste of bandwidth. i realize that comes with the territory, but they should have not been tolerated as long as they were. to all of those ##### munchs that fall into that category goes out a hearty "##### you and the isp you rode in on!"

of course the site would've never become what it is without the team. i can't begin to express my gratitude for what they've contributed to the site and for putting up with my cranky (ex-)german ##### for so long.

this is turning into another one of those novels, sorry about that, hope you're not cross-eyed yet. i felt i had to share this with everybody so you know where i'm coming from. this is not a rash decision cause i'm pissed off. maybe the events over the last month or so were the final straw, i don't know and it doesn't really matter. i've been close to this point several times. this time i spent a week of serious topic on this issue, and the more i thought about it, the clearer it became.

i haven't thought the logistics through yet, but i will post more info here as i work things out.

to quote holly hunter's character penny in 'o brother...':

"i've spoken my peace and counted to three."

I think you should do what is going to make you happy. Words can't really express the gratitude for everything that I have gotten from my visits here. I have learned so much about so many things. Change is the most natural thing in the universe, yet the most frightening thing to humans. Thanks Alex, and good fortune down the road.

I agree I think you should do what ever you feel you should have to. Its too bad this has gone this far it would be nice if people could chill out and just relax. There are so many bigger things in life to worry about.
It is the same as the last post I tried to get across to people about which are you going to feed your anger or your calm. Cant make people change. I think one of the options could be to change moderators or rotate or something. Just a thought. Take care. Im looking forward to PC911 to be running full time.
Denise
North Van Canoe Club http://www.northvancanoeclub.com

Billys24

Alex,
Do what's best for you. You deserve a life. We will all survive with or without PC911.
Best of luck to you in whatever direction you decide to go, and heartfelt thanks for giving it your best all these years.

Mike H.

We're with you Alex!
I'll miss PC911 like all the rest, but you've already gone above and beyond the call of duty. You've earned the respect of all in this community. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and thanks for your excellent guidance and efforts to keep this wonderful site afloat. I'll miss you.

PC911 without Alex would be like basketball without round...NOT!!!

Is there anyway we can help to change your mind and keep this site afloat Alex?

Wow! I want to thank you Alex, for putting this site on the map. For literally giving many of us a "home on the web". What a shock. I can imagine how doing what you love, can take away time from doing what you have to do.

For most of us, we learned how to be more comfortable around PC's through this site. It will be startling if this "place" isn't here.

Yet, if there is one constant, it is change. I'm just having a hard time imagining a day without checking out PC911. Dayem!

I want to wish you the best Alex, you've given us yours' for a long time. I appreciate it, and though saddened by this change, I am happy for you, that you can start your next chapter free from what has become a burden.

I'm gonna miss your balance, evenhandedness andyour giving and enthusiastic spirit.

Sincerely,
Scott

Still Crunching To Crush Cancer




Somebody, Stop Me!

I really hate seeing that anchor; it usually does not bring good news.
It really hurts to think that we may lose PC911 as it's been my internet home going on three years or more. I just finished my first complete build of a P4 system that would not have been possible without this site and the "good people" here.You have to do what is best for you Alex and I wish you all the best in the future PC911 or no PC911.

Looks like we have all come full circle...

For the first time in a long long time, the first page is predominantly computer related.

Mark099!

"I AM LEAVING THIS FORUM"

We've heard it and responded so many times.

Our worst fears have come true when we hear it from Alex. I am thankful for all of the good things that PC911 has done, and I hope that somehow it can be continued in some form in the future.

Thank you Alex, not for leaving, but for being here in the first place.

Dave

Dave

Dell 8300 Dimension
Pentium 4
W XP Home


www.woodenpropeller.com

I always really liked this forum and learned a lot from it. I am sad to see it go Alex but understand your reasons. Hope evrything works out for you and that you find happiness in your new endeavours.

Robbie

Yeah, I understand but I don't like it one bit. Sure this site may not be as professional as others but that hasn't stopped it from becoming a very popular & useful site. Its simplicity is what makes it so enticing to noobies & the sheer amount of knowledge & generosity contained within keeps the noobies & professionals alike around.

Yeah, I understand your decision but... :'(

Godspeed.

Personally i am gutted that PC911 will be no more, it has, under your leadership given insight and help to so many people. Give yourself a big pat on the back Alex, to enable all those who are computer savy to share their knowledge with us less fortunate! I have learned so much over the last year just by visiting your site and for that I thank you.

Good luck to you and your family with what ever you decide to do in life - and be happy

Thanks again,

Sarah





If nobody's perfect, why waste time trying?

If nobody's perfect, why waste time trying?

Hi Alex.....I wil miss you & PC911!!

Be well......

Meehowski

Cooperstown, N. Y.

i can tell this is gonna be another one of those threads where i just want to repeat everything that has been said so far...

i would really hate to see this site go.

Alex, i can't begin to thank you for giving me this place to learn from. and i learned many things besides computer techniques!

you have been the epitomy of generosity with your knowledge, your time, and your spirit.

that's all for now~ i still have to get used to the idea.....

Alex:
I have been with the site since it began. I thank you, Grogan, Shelly, Marti and all the others who have contributed to this senior's growth and development in the world of computers.



I fully understand where you are coming from and support any decision you make. If no one from the 911 team "step up to the plate" then we must recognize that "all good things come to an end".



Thank you for your contributions over the years. It was a pleasure knowing you in Cyberspace







http://www.bobbalogh.com/

how corny balo.


copout!

I just found out about pc911 a week ago, and now it may go away.I did a post and got responses very quickly, what a joy! Just a thought, maybe you could charge a nominal annual fee that could be used to hire capable people and let you get back to a normal life; i would pay it. This fee might also get rid of some of the trouble makers and you could perhaps choose who would sign up.
I would be disappointed if pc911 disappeared!!!! ERNIEB34

I'll Pay.

I'll pay too!

A complete and unmitigated disaster!!

Sadly, quite predictable, however, and very largely self-inflicted - by a number of us that is.

I hate to see such a success fall by the wayside.

Alex, I really do feel for you. It must have so very hard to write what you did and, having been a member of other Forums, I for one don't know where we'll all go after PC 911 - not to a better place, that's for sure!!!

You answered my very first post here and, along with thousands of others, I'll not forget that "Crazy German" - now a naturalized US citizen of course.

Bis bald

Aufweidershen

Mitch

why not pass the management over to someone who CAN do it then.

Surely it's a bit selfish to let the whole thing go down just cos your'e not there.

ALl sounds a bit wimpy ALex.

JoeP
Why can you not understand that this site is Alex's. His alone, to run however he prefers, WITHOUT any of us telling him what he should and should not do. If he wants to shut it down, fine. Will it be missed? Of course. But it is still his. Not yours, not mine. Alex is a grown man capable of making his own decisions and living with the outcome. Which is more than a lot of people seem to be able to do.

Nightly Reader

>why not pass the management over to someone who CAN do it
>then.
>
>Surely it's a bit selfish to let the whole thing go down
>just cos your'e not there.
>
>ALl sounds a bit wimpy ALex.

That's real cool. Speed him on his way!

Alex, a wimp, I don't think so. It will be Shelly and Grogan next - a real pair of wimps?

Mitch

JoeP...you need to curb that aggressive streak which pops out now and then. I suggest you get in touch with dreddie....LOL
Personally I have learnt a lot reading the posts here, and I was coming from base zero. People like Shelly and Grogan willingly share their enormous knowledge for the benefit of those like me who are less able. Likewise Alex spends a considerable amount of time, energy and resources keeping this place running. The bottom line is THEY don't need this forum, but many others do.

Joe,
"Surely it's a bit selfish to let the whole thing go down just cos your'e not there" sounds like you know it all.
Where is your site that you have built so these poor souls can go to get help?

Like it has been said, it is Alex's site and HE can do what he wants to with it. It will be a sad day when this site closes. It is also sad that it must end because of just a few people can NOT follow the rules.
David C Abernathy

David C Abernathy

Say it ain't so! Where will the people you turned into PC911 junkies go for their fix? Just because your wife/girlfriend gets a couple of pimples, you don't dump her. You mention a couple of minor flaws on this forum, but don't mention the thousands of times this forum has helped people.

I can only say thanks for the knowledge I've gained through the years here, from so many of you. I truly have appreciated your generosity.

Alex,
Keep the forum, but change certain moderators.

Thank you for everything Alex. You have been a gentleman and a scholar.

It's been great coming here and I wish you well in whatever choice you make.

Take care, Derek.

Seeing as how I (wrongly) stirred some crap of my own when I first came here, I can't be sure if my reply will be out of line. I'm gonna give it a whirl anyways, though!

I do feel sorry for having posted what I posted way back when, and when I apologized, I saw a lot of class on this forum. People welcomed me back with open arms, and if anyone didn't, they just simply didn't say so. Nobody attacked me, and they would have been well within their rights to do so - after all, my post was insulting and un-called for. So, that said, I feel that this is NOT a hateful forum. There's a very positive, helpful air here, and I think that most handle themselves respectfully and as adults.

I understand why you're upset, Alex. If I were in your shoes I would be afraid of constantly having to babysit, and afraid of wondering if all the negativity would deter new members from actually joining - or, worse, if it would attract the wrong types of members (those who don't want to help but feel the need to jump into an incendiary topic just to get their voice out there). Is it at all possible to create a separate OT forum? I know there was talk of this not too long ago and the idea was dismissed, though I can't remember the reasons.

The reason I suggest an OT forum is because while the first and foremost focus of this board is for computer help, the very nature of people dictates that the topics will stray. People gather here, and get to know one another, and naturally at some point they will want to discuss something in addition to computers. I understand that it's possible for them to go somewhere else entirely to discuss off-topic issues, but wouldn't it be easier to have a separate place here that they could go? This way, the help forum could remain as helpful as it is without being clogged by OT posts, but the people who wish to relay a thought to those they consider close friends can still do it in the other forum?

Forgive me if my suggestion is not feasible or I'm out of line. I don't mean to be. Mostly I just want to express my support, because I'm living proof of the fact that your members overall are wonderful, helpful people. I would hate to see this forum go because even though I'm a relatively new poster, I have gained a lot of knowledge (and balls - before coming here, I couldn't understand "computer-speak" and therefore was terrified to make ANY sudden moves where my pc was concerned) and I look forward to reading the topics, even if they don't pertain to MY computer; you never know when you might stumble across something and say, "Hey! Now I know what to do next time that happens!"

Of course it's your decision and I, like the others, will respect it. If it comes to that, just know that I say, wholeheartedly and honestly, "Thanks for everything."

I've been around for about 9 months. I've built 2 computers, set up a home network with router, fixed friends computers, all because of this site. Thankyou Alex, for the last 9 months! I've learned a lot about computers and about integrity too. Thanks to all the monitors and others that helped answer all my dumb(was told no question was dumb)questions,and who treated me with respect.
I understand your position Alex, best of luck in your future endeavors and enjoy your family!
DenBeau(Dennis)

Alex;

While I completely understand where you are coming from, I will miss my 'fix' of PC911. I'm not a web surfer, but I surely am a PC911 visitor. My thanks to you for having the vision and taking the time to pull all this together.

I've learned lots, laughed lots, and most recently been very upset over the happenings on this site. We have a wonderful group of very knowledgeable people here. My thanks go out to all of them.

To the pot stirers of the group, please back off. Hopefully there is some way Alex will reconsider pulling the plug, but he needs to know we support him.

Stay safe and be happy, Alex, no matter what choice you finally make.
:'(

Flyboy

CrazyGerman- I will certainly be sad to see the forum close, but I do understand your position. Will you keep the rest of the site up and running?

dell 8100 pentium 4 1.3 gigs
windows M.E.
256 mb rdram p.c.800.
nav 2002
internet explorer 6.0
road runner
sygate 5.0 firewall.

understandable? yes, depressed? yes,

99% of what I know about computers was learned here in this forum. There was never a question that couldn't be answered by the knowledge of the forum members. The moderators (all of them) are the best I have ever seen. The long-time members seem like a part of my family. I have visited other forums through the years, and most of the members there act as though they are still in kindergarten.
This board will really be missed. But like all good things, they eventually come to an end. I hope you change your mind Alex, but if you don't, I will understand.
Good luck in your future plans.

P.S. You could always let Grogan weed-out the "Ass Munchers"

Alex, I would hate to see the site go but I undetstand your burnt out feeling. I have learned a lot from the site and I know some people get out of hand, but that happens in person also. I know we all never agree with everyone but that is life. Wish you the best

Can you blame CG?
Lately it has been,members attacking members,members attacking mods,
mods attacking members.
Mod or member,you are all people.
Whatever happened to respecting each other?
Why does everyone got to be "right" all the time?

Thanks for the forum CG.
I have learned alot about computers here ,and alot about people

In memory of Whipat and Tuff

Alex,
I truley understand that there is life outside PC911 but can`t something else be worked out without loosing our favoritr site?

Mabye someone else could take up the reins for a while and give youself a well deserved break fron the tedious job of running this board, maybe a band of moderators could step in and volinteer some time to continue this board in your absence. whatever the choice we will GREATLY miss this forum and ALL of ALex`s accomplishments. I have grown to love this site and would DEEPLY miss it.

Alex thank you for the time and excellance you have brought to this board, may it continue in some fassion for I for one wuold be lost without it. With my undieing gratitude THANK YOU ALEX. Tank

Hi Alex, I'm recently a new member and have learned a lot from your pc911. So I'll just say thank's for the MEMORIES

Maxww

Alex,

I'm saddened to hear that PC911 will likely go dark.

Like others, I learned from the wealth of computer knowledge available here, and while I don't participate as much as I used to, I still check the forum pretty much every day.

I hate to see it go, but you've got to do what's best for you.

Alex - I would urge you to follow your advice to Grogan this past year. I know you are not a precipitous person, but this site provides something that few others do & would there would be a great loss were it to shut down.

Seriously consider how you would run the place differently. If you cannot spend all the hands-on time you have been, ask others to help. If you need a rest from stresses that we sometimes produce, that is fine. Sometimes stopping doing something for awhile makes us realize what we have accomplished.

One idea would be your statement about how you would want to run the site & ask the members to help in ways they can - ressources, time, expertise, etc. The members might surprise you about their dedication to this place. That might include eliminating much of the OT discussions, much of which I find plays to our worst characteristics.

Whatever you decide, a personal thank you for making it possible for me to learn a great deal about PC systems, software, & the myriad of other topics that have a real impact upon each of us.

Fred

I for 1 would be lost without this forum or the main site. I have been very sick. This is the forum I visit and subscribe to threads everyday. Can't walk so this is the best. I have something generec called Ataxia Cerebellum "something" can't remember the word. Been trying for a month just to get this diagnosis. I understand this site can be a pill especially when you have to maintain it. My router went down so am tethered to a fifty foot ethernet cord on my laptop. Girlfriend might come over and get me set back up today. I wish you all the health and happiness whatever the final decision will be.

God bless you for a big part of my learning experience and whatever you decide.









































i

Alex,

I'm really sorry to hear that, I've really learned a lot here, and I will miss it a great deal. I've been entertained and informed here. You might have thought it was a bit out of date, but it was the people here, (moderators and visitors alike) that really made this forum worth comming to. I've been to many forums, including the ones you've mentioned, and I still always came here. It's been an important part of my time spent online. I'd hate to loose contact with all the awesome people that make up this forum. If it must be, it must be, and so be it. However, if and when the forum is shut down, please don't lose my e-mail. I wouldn't mind hearing from you folks from time to time. (That goes for ALL the MODS and other Posters as well.) I don't mind getting e-mails, from people I've come to respect and like here. I pretty much respect all of you, so don't worry! If I ever post on other forums, I'll try to keep the same nick so the rest of you will recognize me. I hate to see it go Alex, I am relatively new, and in a short amount of time, I really have learned a lot here, and had a really good time as well. I have a lot of undeveloped talent, and a LOT more learning to do. Plus, I like to help whenever and however I can. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you folks, and I'll gladly do what I can to come through for ya's! I understand your need to develop further, as I am following that same ambition, Alex. Best of luck to you all and take care! It's been a good ride!
By the way, I don't think it's a cop out at all! If it's not fun anymore, don't do it! The Moderators have a lot on their plates besides this forum, and sometimes life has a way of making plates smaller and burdens larger.
Fck'em if they can't take a joke! Life's too short to sweat the trivial sh_t. Keep it real! Keep it light... Hell, go to that really cool place in town where they got the Nite Glo pool tables and strippers! I'll even show you where it is! My co-workers took me there last weekend.

Warm regards,
Baron Von Gidmeister
Giddy!

What a shame it has come down to this. I dont post often mainly lurk, but the help I have received has been invaluable. It is such a shame to lose such a wealth of information. Been coming here for a while now and have seen it slowly going through changes though. Thanks for all your fine work. Personally I hope you can find some inspiration to keep this site going.

Mick

I'm sorry to here of this CG.

I hope you reconsider. Either way good luck in the future! JD

The very first sentence in the very first first reply is the most insightful in the entire thread. Thank you, fishstick.

"I think you should do what is going to make you happy."

Thanks Alex, it's been a great ride!

All good things must to an end they say... I might not have posted all that much, but I certainly took the time to read alot of posts. This place has always been filled with alot of informtion. A friend of mine from work turned me on to this site, and I have enjoyed it every since.. Well Good luck in everything.

"If a man does his best, what else is there?"
- General George S. Patton (1885-1945)

When it gets to the point that the Webmaster,Editor-In-Chief uses such vulgar language in a post marked "View All" its time to turn out the lights.
I understand all the reasons you gave and agree with you(not that it matters)for closing the forum.
I have enjoyed coming here and reading the post,especially the ones like that beautiful thread concerning Al and Laura.
I miss the old WinMag Forum and now I will miss this one too.
I know I am in the minority about this but I don't feel someone with your vocabulary and intelligence needs to express himself by using the "F Word",in a post,not marked OT.
Thank you for providing a great forum for all of us.
I hope you will become refreshed and renewed and enjoy your most valuable asset,your real family.
God Bless.
LL

Alex,I really hope you make the right move for you and your family.

I just hope/pray it's not a move that results in the shutting down of this forum.I have really started to feel as if I'm "one of the boys",and I will feel completely lost w/o the comfort of knowing that I can fall back on the quality help I can get here.



Good luck and thank you,whichever path you choose...

I know what it is like to get no joy from something that formerly brought happiness and satisfaction. You do need to step away. But you also need to realize that your creation has taken on a life of its own and is performing a great service to the community of computer users. Like a father giving away a daughter at a wedding, like a mother seeing her child attend kindergarten for the first time, shed some tears but turn your child over to someone whom you can trust to carry it on in a tradition that you would be proud of.

Good luck, whatever you do. You have touched the lives of many...

>Alex, and to all who have put in so much time and effort to help newcomers like myself........All I can say is "THANK YOU A 1000 X's"

May you be forever happy on which ever road life takes you!
GOD Bless...

Earl

PEACE ON EARTH

I have only been with this forum a very short time, but I have come to appreciate it greatly. There is no where on the web that I can obtain an answer for a tech question so fast and simply.
(It took me practically 6 years to find a forum this good)
Bottom line - I would HATE to see PC911 go. I am here every day now,and learning more then ever thanks to you all.
Alex, If this is your final decision I respect it, and thank-you.
To the rest of you: I hope we can come together elsewhere if this forum does disband

Dell Dimension L933r P3
Windows ME
319 mb sdram
NAV 2003
IE 6.0


Trackem People Search
http://www.trackem.net

Alex,

I've been away from here awhile, so I've missed all the recent bad times brought on by the trolls, flamers and toads. But you said it when you said "if a hobby is no longer any fun, and you're not getting paid for your time, why continue?" When I came here about 1.5 years ago, the bad elements weren't that prevailent. For you to consider to pull the plug, it must have gotten real bad.

While I've learned alot here, been able to help a few, it's not the only place where someone can get a little help when needed. But it was a place where the answers were "in plain English", and fast in coming. I'll miss it, and some of the personalities.

Have you decided on a date to pull the plug yet?


Best wishes to you and yours, and good luck for the future,

LazyLinus,
just another desktop despot.

Alex, I won't go on saying what everyone has said, more eloquently than I could. However, I could not let it go without having my 2p worth. I think you should just check on your hit-meter, and see how many people worldwide are actually looking at this site and deriving both benefit, by way of help, but also benefit from the "Mateship" it engenders. I am sure it's one hell of a lot. It's your site, and you will do what you will do, but thousands, maybe millions of ordinary folks are going to miss both you and the site, more than you will ever know!!!
Good luck in whatever you do!
Sincerely,
Richard..............just back from holidays in the "Wirtschaft Wunderland"



Website http://www.mvessexgirl.com

Pentium 3 1.2GHz, 512 Mb Ram, 2x 30GB hdds, Jetway 694TAS motherboard with o/b sound, Hercules Prophet Video 64Mb ram, Philips CDRW, Toshiba DVD 450w PSU, Win XP Pro.

“It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice”

http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/getDynamicImage.do?memberName=oldgit&mnOn=true&stat=1&imageNum=3&rankOn=false&projectsOn=false&special=true" frameborder="0" name="di" scrolling="no" width="125px" height="176px">

Alex, Like all (well almost all) of the responses here, I am truly sorry that this site may close. If there could be monetary reward, would you consider continuing. I personally subscribe to a couple of computer mags and would happily equal what I pay for those subscriptions to subscribe to PCnineoneone. I believe a lot of others would follow suit.

Edit: spelling
Bobbo

Whatever you do Alex, thank you for the forum as long as I have been coming here, not as long as many I know. I don't do much OT posting as most of it seems to be a bit nonconstructive.

Actually the "non professional appearence", as you put it, is one of the things that makes PC911 attractive to me. My computer knowledge is fairly limited but I can help and sometimes feel that I really do make a contribution. Posting on one of the aforementioned sites can be a bit intimidating for one such as I.

I would hate to see your site go down, but if you aren't happy with it then so be it. Good luck in all your endeavors, they should be as satisfying to you as this site has been to me.

Thanks again.

I can't really add anything new,

I do enjoy coming here, and if I see something I don't like, I just don't read it.

I will be sorry if this site disappears.

I hope your health improves, but as far as this site goes, you must do as you must do.

I have been hanging out with alot of the people here since the old winmag days and I am definitly going to miss the hell out of this place.
It's a sad day Good luck to you Alex,and the rest of the team.This has been the best place to come for anything computer related.

Alex, how i'd hate to see this site go down. Like a lot of other people, I have learned an immense amount of information and visit everyday to try to help or learn some more. However, what you have stated is right. I thank you for everything, I will miss this forum as it's been the #1 thing to do when I use the computer. Good luck in all you do. God bless you and your family. You're a good man

Oh yeah...can't forget all the people that i've come in contact with, i'll miss you all. Thank you for making that possible Alex.

Of course, if you could keep this site up, I would be very grateful

I don't know what to say. Thanx for the ride, Alex, it's been a good one. Hopefully, you, with the assistance of the other capable PC911 gurus, can find a way to keep the lights on here. If not, I wish you every success and happiness. And that goes for all my friends and compatriates of PC911.

.
Onward & Upward !
Sid

WINDOWS 10
ASUS P8Z77-V Pro MB
Intel i5 3750K CPU
8g Corsair Vengeance DDR3 RAM
Corsair Neutron 250g SSD

>I personally subscribe to a couple of computer mags and would happily equal what I pay for those subscriptions to subscribe to

Alex,
As for the above by bobbo, is it feasible? has it been seriously considered?
Obviously, you have never been in this for money LOL, what money?

But it has occurred to me (and probably many others) that I pay a hell of a lot more for a lot of things that give me far less enjoyment than this forum does.
Well, you get my drift....Mike

>>I personally subscribe to a couple of computer mags and
>would happily equal what I pay for those subscriptions to
>subscribe to
>
>Alex,
>As for the above by bobbo, is it feasible? has it been
>seriously considered?
>Obviously, you have never been in this for money LOL, what
>money?
>
>But it has occurred to me (and probably many others) that I
>pay a hell of a lot more for a lot of things that give me
>far less enjoyment than this forum does.
>Well, you get my drift....Mike

One of the changes that needs to be made to this Forum. There is an option to support this Forum by PayPal. The link is so tiny though that it is obviously being overlooked. See " Support PC911" in list of links. It's TOO small IMHO.

Tis a sad indeed, I will miss you all. Thanks to Alex and all of the crew. There are no words.

Under Construction

Well, Alex, I am most grateful for having this place to come to for inspiration and assistance. I will miss it very much.

I hope you do have more time to rest. That I understand very well. Being an ex-trucker! 24-7 of being "on-the-job", for weeks at a time, is a real bitch and survival is not guaranteed. At 65, I'm still not "rested" from the grind of those years and 2 million miles.

Moving on is a decision you must make and no one else.

I will miss you.

I have made a few friends in the past 5 years while participating here. I have always respected the commitment you took on and hoped for it to last. Maybe this forums time has come to end.

Whatever you do Alex, I send my love to you and your family.

God bless you and thank you!

Sincerely,

Leo Wilson

Slo Hands

Alex I'm sorry that it's had to come to this. I respect you for choosing what's right for you. I'd like to apologize for some of the confrontations I was involved in long ago with Geeman etc. I wish you the best in your new endeavours. I know you'll do well.

CG, whatever is best for you, should be enough for us.

I am one of the many, that have grown as a result perusing this site.

Thanks for sharing, for yaking, just thanks.

To you and yours, all the best.

MY HOME PAGE!

http://daterminehtor.blogspot.com/

I've only been a member for a few months(I,ve only been on the net for almost two years), but I too will miss a daily fix of 911.You helped me a few months ago when I needed advice with an answer in 20 minutes!.I'm going to be very sad to see the forum go,but if it has to be it has to be.Thanks for all the help and advice.

Robert

Really dont know what to say,

Jim

Wow,I first felt the conditions that led to Alex's decision when in my desire to get more people to join UD led to my"IS THIS TOPIC X RATED"post.OLD DUDE rightly took offense and S--T happened.I was inundated with both support and non support I apologised for my well intentioned but misleading caption and was assured that it wasn't my post that started the fueds that existed between those people whom I looked to for guidance.While both sides of the discussion assured me that my post was not the problem ,I never really believed that.It was then that some people left the forum and bitter comments were posted on both sides of the fence.I was so disappointed when SPEZI left.
This site was at the top of my Bookmarks.I started to feel that it was a second family and a true friend not only because of the help it gave this novice but because of the closeness I started to feel toward the moderators and members.I had contacted Jim Mcnally and talked about where I had been stationed duing WW2 near where he was.
He started me at sites where I learned among other things to write my name in flames etc.I was disappointed when Grogan left and happy when he returned.I always opened Shelly's posts even when the subject was not in my interest if only to see how he said it as much as for what he said.Dubber was always on my charts and he was the one who prevoked my interest in UD.One day in going to the Forum,I noticed a flahing symbol saying I had messages.I had not noticed it before but I clicked on it and found two messages ne was from a lady in England and the other was from Alex.I enjoyed the one from England and with trepedation opened the one from Alex expecting I had probably be excommunicated from PC911.Instead I found a message that hoped I had not been affected by the huge fire that had occured in San Jose .Alex is located in Fremont which is nearby and he knew my location which was close to the fire.I was both relieved and impressed that the guy expressed his concern for my well being with so much on his own plate.This is so true of PC911 as a whole.I've gone on long enough and I guess you all know how I feel about this site .Thanks to all of you for putting up with me.
To you Alex,I can never thank you enough for all I have learned here and I sincerely hope that the future brings ever brighter and bigger things for you.You deserve the best.I will keep hoping that PC911 survives .In any event we are neighbors in a sense and I hope to be able to buy you lunch or dinner and express my thanks in person some day.ALL MY BEST TO YOU AND YOUR WIFE.

81 Newbee

As a long time lurker and daily visitor I am indeed saddened by this news. I've never been much of a contributor here because I thought it wise to let the experts answer rather than try and help out in areas in which I have limited knowledge. I do, however, regret not having been of more help to those that visit this forum. Alex, Shelly, Grogan, Marti and all others involved (sorry to those I left out)have indeed done a great thing here and put up with more abuse than I could ever have tolerated. You can all continue on with heads held high. To the shit stirrers, and you know who you are, well, I'm sure you'll find another place to wreak havoc and after you're done there you'll move on again. Well done and congratulations. (I hope you'll note the sarcasm). The problem here, as in the rest of life, is that the majority pay for the mis-deeds of the minority.
I realize that I've never gotten particularly close to any one person here, (my loss), but I will certainly miss everyone. Best of luck to you all, and may God bless.

Noonie

So stop with the God talk and go ahead and shut it down. Another will come along and take its place. Personaly I'm getting damn tired of listening to all the sniveling. I think it's about time for all involved to GROW UP.

nomad48

>So stop with the God talk and go ahead and shut it down.
>Another will come along and take its place. Personaly I'm
>getting damn tired of listening to all the sniveling. I
>think it's about time for all involved to GROW UP.
>
>nomad48

TAKE A HIKE! YOU'RE ONE OF THE PAIN IN THE ASSES THAT COME AROUND HERE.

Nightly Reader

>>So stop with the God talk and go ahead and shut it down.
>>Another will come along and take its place. Personaly I'm
>>getting damn tired of listening to all the sniveling. I
>>think it's about time for all involved to GROW UP.
>>
>>nomad48
>
>TAKE A HIKE! YOU'RE ONE OF THE PAIN IN THE ASSES THAT
>COME AROUND HERE.

Agreed. With an OT Forum, user moderated, **sholes like Nomad could be banned. Three strikes you're out rule works well in other Forums.

>So stop with the God talk and go ahead and shut it down.
>Another will come along and take its place. Personally I'm
>getting damn tired of listening to all the sniveling. I
>think it's about time for all involved to GROW UP.
>
>nomad48

I know I shouldn't bite, but what the hell. I guess we know which category you fall into NOMIND48. Go find another pot to stir. You've already accomplished your goal here. It's anal expulsives like you that take pleasure in situations like this, so why are you complaining?

Noonie

Well Alex I will try to express in words,how this makes me feel.I have considered this my home since Winmag folded,that was shortly after I had joined there.

If I read what your saying correctly,you haven't made a final decision at this point,is that correct?I just wanted you and the other mods to know that this forum is very important to me,and I hope you find a way to keep it going.

I have witnessed all the crap that you mentioned,and read your warnings several times, to those that were causing the problems.I rarely participate in OT threads,unless it's of a personal nature,such as birthdays and the like.

Of course I will respect whatever decision you make,or have made.My hope would be that the forum will continue,and the nonsense will stop.I will follow your posts with much interest,and hope the members will let you know we would like the forum to continue.Thanks for sharing your home with me/us.Tuff

One of the things I have noticed about this forum is how fast it is. This is evidence of its tremendous popularity and the volume of traffic. You created something that brought needed information and new friendships. There is nothing to regret about such a wonderful success. It is an accoplishment that you can you can be proud of.

While I know that you felt some dismay over the OT discussions, I hope that you can learn from the experience. These things took on a life of their own because the participants enjoyed it! No one was forced into an OT debate and the fact that so many continually returned to them is proof that they wanted to be there. Alex, should you ever go on to do this again, unless you confine the postings to computers only, try to remember that that is is human nature to share ideas, in the manner that people chose, and no effort to control others in conversation will work. Free speech is a good thing and nothing about it is to be feared.

Please don't feel selfish for doing what is good for your own life. You don't owe it to anyone but you. Many have created things that others have enjoyed - painters, writers, film makers. When they move on, there are no apologies. I remember when Barry Sanders quit the Detroit Lions. All he said was that his desire NOT to play football had exceeded his desire to play. Reason enough.

Best of luck to you in whatever you do. Thank you for all the good stuff I've saved. I'm sorry you won't be here long enough for me to actually give some advise! As a new computer user, this has been invaluable. It was very nice of you to share your interests and expertise with so many. You will be remembered.

I have been coming to this forum also since the Winmag Days. I haven't posted all that much but I have gone from a complete newbie to building computers on my own only because of this forum and site. I have met new friends that I have come to know away from the forum and I will be sorry to see it go. Hopefully, It will not come to that. I do and will support what ever the outcome is whether that is paying for a membership or it closing.

Alex. God bless you and your family.

PS Nomad your are a jerk and are still mad because Alex told you to shut up in another thread. tailback

tailback

What a pity - I have just found this forum & within a very few days have had some very helpful advice. As a novice I very much appreciate the forum but I know how you feel, some people are never happy unless they are causing trouble although the people I have dealt with have all been very helpful & friendly. So I am hoping you may change your mind but, if not, thanks.

noel A

Alex: I've been hanging around this forum since way back in the Winmag days, when I kept seeing those big wet smoooooootches from Scotterpops and I wasn't sure of his orientation for awhile. I've asked a lot of questions over the years but only rarely have had the knowhow to help someone with a problem. My practice has been to never respond to the flamers or trolls no matter how much they tried to stir things up since doing so would only have served their purpose. Anyhow, I just returned from a 3 day vacation and found out another of my favorite NGs was shut down by the owner for the same reasons you're considering shutting down for. I personally would like to continue checking in every evening after work to see what's going on, but if your final decision is to shut PC911 down, I'll understand. If you do shut down I'd like to thank you for being here and providing a place for us to ask questions and learn new things (computer related or not). Best wishes to you whatever you decide.

Les aka Arkie

Les

Alex,

I want to thank you for the PC911 site and forum. I have learned a lot about computers here. I have also had a lot of fun and met many people through the forum and especially through the UD/PC911 team that I would not have met any other way. Without fail they have all been wonderful people that I am proud to have as friends.

You have provided a service to untold numbers of people around the world.

Do what is best for you and your family, my friend. As you have told me more than once: Life goes on.

Sure, as soon as you get citizenship, you want to quit! If I would have known that, I would have ratted you out to Dubya! Just kidding.

I did learn a lot on this forum, one of which is, don't ever p*ss Grogan off, and another is, don't ever try to outsmart Shelley! Or is that the other way around.

Also, that Marti is a great teacher when you listen to what she has to say.

There are to numerous people to thank, and I won't try to thank them all personally, but Thanks Everyone! And especially, That Crazy German!

Good luck Alex.
This was one of the first places I came to for help while building my first pooter, then my second. Always got answers fast, and learned a lot floating around the other posts.
Hope all goes well for you. While I have a few, I'm not gonna make any suggestions about what you do, its' your decision to make.
Good luck.