[William A. Baurle]

At PFFA they had an expression for people who had the idea they needed to announce that they were leaving the site permanently:

"Don't announce, just flounce." Or something like that.

It's been a good 16 years, but I can't imagine it will be healthy for me or any of the other members for me to continue participating here. I've learned a lot and I've had a good run, by and large.

I needed to make an announcement in order to make sure I do not return. If I were to return after such an announcement, that would be really silly. Any PMs or even email from members will be deleted unread, as I need to make a clean and final break.

Good luck to all of you, and thanks for all the fish.

Via con Dios!

[Jayne Osborn]

Hi Bill,

I'm surprised and saddened to read this. I'm not sure what the problem is, or why you've decided to make this announcement, but you seem to have made up your mind.

However, I would like to say that "If I were to return after such an announcement, that would be really silly" is not the case as far as I'm concerned. You can come back whenever you like!

Anyone who leaves Eratosphere, or who doesn't post for years, is still recorded as a member. We don't remove them from the Members List.

16 years is a long time, Bill! After your "clean and final break", if you ever feel the desire, or the need, to join in with us again please do. It won't be regarded as silly, I promise.

I like to think that we have always got on well, and I wish you all the best for the future.

Jayne

Later: Bill, if it's the British General Election thread that's bothering you, I really wouldn't let it.
These discussions happen . . . and they blow over, thankfully!

[Mark McDonnell]

Bill,

What Jayne said. It wouldn't be silly, it would be...capricious at worst. As is a poet's prerogative.

And what Jayne said about the GT thread also. Forget about it. These discussions never go well online, notoriously, even somewhere as civilised as this. They need beer and a jukebox. Hang around Bill, you're a nice chap.

Mark.

[Jim Moonan]

All of that and this:
To flounce is to bounce. Capriciousness be damned. You can find reason to clarify your decision by renouncing the GT board's socio-political diatribe – where most of us become frustrated more than enlightened.

Take some time to find your voice again and, as the much maligned Allen Ginsberg wrote, “I beg you come back, be cheerful.”

Jim

[John Whitworth]

I agree that Bill is a nice chap. Not as thick-skinned as me. It's hard for us on the right here with all you damn liberals. I was over in the USA last week in West Chester, and I noticed no difference at all from last time when Obama was President. No doubt there were differences butthey weren't life-destroying. You have had worse Presidents, one of them in the very recent past. And you are still here.

[Brian Allgar]

True, John. Possibly the worst President they've ever had was elected in the very recent past. Unfortunately, he's still in office.