[A. E. Stallings]

I just discovered the new moderator has been announced this morning, and wish to welcome Marilyn Taylor, an excellent choice who I know will do a terrific job. I am retiring from Mastery moderation after some years (?) I believe here. I think it is time for new blood, new insights, new axes to grind, not to mention that I am increasingly caught up in toddler world. But I do plan to drop in, and of course offer any assistance I can to Marilyn while she gets used to the place.

One of the pleasures of Musing on Mastery (whose title I have repeatedly suggested changing, by the way--I trust this forum will remain open to discussing contemporary as well as classic verse, free as well as formal, and problematic poems as well as universally-acknowledged successes), is the civility I have generally found in this forum, and the willingness for genuine conversation and discussion. I am sure Marilyn will find that too. Thanks, all, for teaching me a great deal over the years, introducing me to new poets and rekindling my interest in poets I've overlooked. I'm sure I shall miss the job, though I look forward to a little more time for my own work!

sincerely,

Alicia

[Clive Watkins]

Dear Alicia

Thank you for all you have done for Eratosphere over the years. The breadth and depth of your knowledge have immeasurably enhanced our experience, and the insight and tact of your critiques is a model for all of us.

I do hope you will find time to drop by in the future, despite your very full life.

With every good wish…

Clive

[nyctom]

One of the pleasures of Musing on Mastery (whose title I have repeatedly suggested changing, by the way--I trust this forum will remain open to discussing contemporary as well as classic verse, free as well as formal, and problematic poems as well as universally-acknowledged successes), is the civility I have generally found in this forum, and the willingness for genuine conversation and discussion.

Dear Alicia:

That "willingness for genuine conversation and discussion" and the general aura of "civility" is largely due to your skillful abilities as a moderator in the best sense of the word. Thank you. And a big thank you for the contents of that parenthesis quoted above--because a no can often teach more than a yes, and it really is a very very big library...

My best to you.

Tom

[wendy v]

What they said, Alicia.

With fondness, admiration,
and x's and oh's,
wendy

[Catherine Chandler]

Alicia,

It was you who "invited" me to post on the Deep End. I have never forgotten your kind words of encouragement, as well as sound advice on my poems and those of others.

Best wishes for the future.

Catherine Chandler

[Clay Stockton]

You will be missed. But if less work on the Sphere means more work on your poems, hell, then it practically seems like our duty to buck up and solider on with fewer visits from you.

--CS

[Howard]

Thank you, Alicia, for everything you've contributed.

[Janet Kenny]

I wonder will this post? I have a temporary dial up system until April 7.

Many thanks Alicia. The forum has been a wonderfully interesting and inspiring place to visit. Many thanks!!

Janet



[This message has been edited by Janet Kenny (edited March 24, 2006).]

[Gregory Dowling]

I just want to second Clay. But even so, I hope you do find time to drop in occasionally, Alicia. Many many thanks for all you've contributed.

Gregory

[Katy Evans-Bush]

Ditto, Alicia. I hope you'll still drop in for your holidays from ToddlerWorld; I know what that's like!

All the best,

KEB