Previous Post Quote: The story is only half done. If I can't gin up some interest, I don't think I'll be motivated to finish. I think we're suffering the progressive death of nobody replying to anything. The motivation you refer to that comes from board support is quite diminished at the moment. I've always held that we need at least eight enthusiastic posters supporting the work of others and any four of them turning out regular stories at any given time to maintain a thriving board. At the moment we're down to maybe six regulars and two or so writing as well as replying. I know some folks have pressing personal issues that inhibit their patrticipation; others have just gone into cover because there's not much happening to inspire them. The answer is for folks to write good stories and for other folks to read them and comment on them. It's a formula that's served us well for over a decade. I'd love to do something to re-engage people but I'm wary of committing to something I don't know if I can follow through. My "real" life is difficult just now, as a single parent caring for a terminally ill mother, and it ebbs my capacity to write regularly; I'm also writing for publication these days so the deadlines for people who are paying me have to come first. I keep telling myself that in a few weeks I'll clear some time to try and encourage some more PV activity; I hope I can. All of that said, I hope you can do your projected storyline. It's a strong start and I'd love to see how it all pans out. I can guarantee you at least one enthusiastic reader and respondent - seven to go!

First, as I said previously, you and your family have my deepest sympathies about your mother's condition. I hope she is living with as little pain and as much dignity as the situation allows.

Second, congratulations on your continued foray in the publishing field. Hurry up and become a big enough success so you can rescue the Avengers franchise from its widening death spiral.

Lastly, barring the return of several posters, and increased activity among the few that remain, my participation with the PVB isn't going to be much more than replying to the efforts of those who've consistently bothered to read what I wrote in the past.