I was so excited to see your name appear on the board after so long away! When I first started posting on this board it was your comments to my images that insipred me to keep posting! I learnt heaps from you and Sebastian and Lucymac (haven't seen her for ages!), Bobby, Coloradoamigo and loved looking at Lava Lamps photos of her kids - very inspiring. Many other people also commented. I know that I have always thanked people for their replies - usually in the context of what I have learnt etc AND quite probably asking more questions!

I am a sporadic poster to this board due to the nature of my work (I travel a fair bit). I value it greatly. People such as yourself who take time to think about what it is about the photo that works (and doesn't) and give encouragement to continue is what powers this site.

I think it would be a real shame to lose your knowledge and willingness to share your thoughts in a very strengths based way (you always have something positive to say).

Anyway, retrospectively I would like to thank you for the encouragement you have given me and I undertake to lead by example and ensure that others see that replying to critiques is the right thing to do!

Fran