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!

Sorry to hear about your current difficulties. Hang in there. But that's good news about the publication you're writing for. It's a great feeling to know lots of people are reading and appreciating something you have worked so hard on.

While it is sad to see this place decline in traffic, who would have thought it would have lasted over a decade? That's some accomplishment. And like me, I think others will drift back eventually.

I also hope my current work reflects my own writing style's maturation. I will definitely post the story now that I've received a reply from you. Now I just gotta get Finny, Nats, Bry, Greg and spiffy back here.