Volume 2, Number 10, March 5, 2002
From The Editor:Welcome to March! It's been a long hard winter for many of us. In the physical sense and in particular in the emotional sense as we witnessed our beloved AIH disappear without a moment's notice. But that was then. March marks the beginning of the season of re-birth and renewal as Spring approaches. Each day brings us closer to the re-birth and renewal of AIH as well. The arrival of Spring and the launch of our site - how appropriate! As you may already know, Yahoo is down. Since there doesn't appear to be any humans running this site it's impossible to find out why or how long. Keep your fingers crossed that we didn't jinx yet another site!
For anyone who missed seeing our tribute page for Dilbert, go here to check it out - http://www.angelfire.com/ns2/rethink/dilbert.htmlPost Of The Week:This week's post was written by lazerfx a.k.a. Peter Street. It pretty well sums up how most of us have been feeling..."Several days ago, someone mentioned an idea for having an Ask-It-Here song. Well, I've just listened to Tragedy (Steps version, although the Bee Gee's did it originally). And it brought this into mind..."
-- An AIH Tragedy --
Here I lie,
In a lost and lonely yahoo group,
Hold in time,
In a world of fears I can't regroup,
Goin' home,
I just can't make it all alone,
I really should be asking you, asking you,
Ask it here, Ask it here...
Tragedy!
When the site's all gone, and can't go on,
It's tragedy,
When the question calls and you don't know why,
It's hard to bear,
With no one to answer you,
You're going no where...
Tragedy!
When you lose control and you got no home,
It's tragedy,
When the question calls and you don't know why,
It's hard to bear,
With no one to answer you,
You're going no where...
Night and Day,
There's a burning down inside of me,
Burning questions with a yearning that won't let me be,
Down I go,
And I just can't take it all alone,
I really should be asking you, asking you,
Ask it here, Ask it here...
Tragedy!
When the site's all gone, and can't go on,
It's tragedy,
When the question calls and you don't know why,
It's hard to bear,
With no one to answer you,
You're going no where...
Tragedy!
When you lose control and you got no home,
It's tragedy,
When the question calls and you don't know why,
It's hard to bear,
With no one to answer you,
You're going no where...
Dilbert's Corner:
I've had the oil changed in my car and it's all tuned up and ready for the drive to Pittsburgh. We are less than 3 weeks away from the Regional Gathering in Pittsburgh and I am getting very excited. So far we have about 25 members who will be there and I am very exited about meeting all of them. There will be some people there that I have talked to for more than 6 years. I keep hearing people talk about AIH just being a website or the whole thing about meeting people online as only being an Internet relationship. I have come to love and respect a lot of people on AIH. Many aren't going to be able to attend the RG, but not being able to meet a person face to face in now way diminishes they relationship you develop. I have come to learn how great many of the member of AIH are since the site went down. This is the reason that we are working to get it back up and better than before.
Interview With Yogi:
How do you see the new AIH progressing, and are you pleased with the work so far? (ie. Yahoo group, updates from Dilbert, suggested timeframe, and your feelings on chance of success).
I can't really "see" AIH being rebuilt and progressing, and that is probably the most frustrating part of waiting for the new site to come on line. I don't know how it would be done, but maybe a graphic or two from the new site could be published on the home page of the old site. That would give me something to "see" and get excited about. Even a picture of Peter sweating away at his computer or Deb sharpening her Crayolas would supply some tangible evidence that progress is being made.
Forcing us to use the Yahoo Group as a transition zone seems to be a good strategy: nothing could possibly be worse. The technical aspects of the group format stink . . . PU. Some very interesting threads are almost impossible to follow, and all those arrows
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> on
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> single
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> line
with only one word after it, is enough to make me lose track of what it is I wanted to read in the first place. Anything would be better than the Yahoo Group format. Then again, Yahoo does have a couple of good points (see the next question).
I still look to Dilbert as our fearless leader and anticipate his every word. We need to know what he is thinking and planning in order to give us all some encouragement. His comments in the Arrow are priceless. Maybe a few words from god would also boost the morale of the troops.
The March timeframe is a non-issue for me. Having some limited experience in building web sites, I understand perfectly well what it takes to reverse engineer somebody else's work. Personally I would not care if it took six months more to get AIH going again. I am ready to check in whenever it goes live. Of course the longer I have to wait, the more I will expect when it is ready. Chances of success? The group of AIH refugees permanently camped out on Yahoo already consider it a success that we are still together regardless of where. These same folks will migrate to wherever our fearless leader should take us; consequently the new AIH will debut as a success. There are hundreds of former AIH denizens who are taking a wait-and-see attitude, and there are thousands of cyber citizens who will stumble across the new AIH for various reasons. Will those folks consider the new site a success? If success is judged by how many people visit the community regularly, then the leadership, programmers, and administrators have a challenge to meet. There are alternative Q&A sites out there, which means the resurrected AIH has to offer visitors something unique and special in order to draw new visitors and keep them interested. Since the demographics of the old AIH varied all over the globe, literally, it is a pretty tall order to come up with something universally appealing. Like so many of my buds on the old AIH, I loved the sense of community, the camaraderie, and the AIH spirit that evolved with each passing day. Provide an atmosphere in which that can happen again, and success will know no bounds.
What would you like to see included in the new AIH? And what could be skipped?
Two things I discovered in the Yahoo Group struck my fancy and I would like to see them in some form or another in the new AIH. The first feature is the "polls" with graphs of the current tabulations. The second feature is the ease in which pictures can be uploaded into one's profile.
Keep It Simple Stupid (the KISS principle) should be the guideline for how the new AIH operates. Don't require HTML training or an understanding of web servers for the users to be creative. People love to show off in their profiles - give them all the tools necessary to do it, but Keep It Simple Stupid.
Do you have any suggestions for themes, types of questions categories, etc?
There were so many creative and talented people populating AIH that needed a place to display their works. How about providing an Artist's Corner? Give some space to folks who want to post their artwork, or the essays and stories they write, maybe a place for .wav files so we can hear people sing or read poetry. And, it would be really coooool if you could provide space for folks with web cams. Streaming video would be a big hit, I am sure. Also, Gossy did some very interesting things with his site that could be fun here too; things such as personal diaries, and user rankings.
Question categories are always a problem for me. Except for wacky, there usually isn't an exact category for what I want to ask or research. Perhaps along with the traditional arts, science, hobbies, technical, sports, and politics areas, maybe there could be a custom category where the person posting the question makes up a category. Sort of like the Subject line of an email.
Do you have any words of encouragement that you would like to share with your AIH friends?
We are all very familiar with the Agony and the Ecstasy of our AIH heritage. We should be using our history as a reference and navigation tool for future adventures. We know what paths to avoid, and we know where the excitement thrives. Our sense of community is at a grass root level, and we can make it happen again. The only question is do we have the will and desire to try it again. With so much potential for a brighter future, how could we not accept the challenge one more time? "I will"
( hey, that could be a terrific motto, could it not?)
AIH Development Status Report:
This week has actually seen some progress on the new AIH. We have connected to the database and are analyzing the structure, learning which tables connect to which other tables.
I have created a `sandbox' where I can play with making prototype pages. Right now that sandbox is on my laptop web server, which is not exposed to the net. When I get something that is worth looking
at, I will put it on my public web server so everyone can see. I'll let everybody know when that happens.
On the graphics side, Deb has created a new look for AIH. I think you all will like it. For our first effort, except for a style change and repositioning a few links, our initial effort will behave as close to the old AIH as possible. Not everything will be in place on our first cut, but we'll get all those old features running as soon as possible.
The first efforts obviously will be security, posting and answering questions and general administration.
So far this has been a fun and interesting effort.
John Frazer - [grisson]
Interview With LANA9:
How do you see the new AIH progressing, and are you pleased with the work so far? (ie. Yahoo group, updates from Dilbert, suggested time frame, and your feelings on chance of success).
I don't see it progressing at all, not yet anyway. Seldom hear anything and never see anything so how can I tell if it is progressing or not. I will say, I hope it is. I did hear the 1st or 2nd week in March, believe it when I see it.
What would you like to see included in the new AIH? And what could be skipped?
I hope it still has the block feature and residences. To cut down on CHEATING, would like to see the transfer of funds done away with, still be able to buy things though. Also, I would like to see all ALIASES done away with. Most of them are up to no good anyway, we don't need them.
Do you have any words of encouragement that you would like to share with your AIH friends?
Encouragement??? I could use some of that myself. Just hang in there and pray and pray and pray that someday we will be able to get home and out of this hellhole.
Yahoo Groups Tips&Tricks:
What can I say about Yahoo? All the tips and tricks in the book aren't going to help this site. User Sue likened our time on Yahoo Groups as being prisoners of war (in jest of course). Not too far off there. Of course our escape plan is already in the works - just read John Frazer's piece above... So for now, I'm not going to offer any more Yahoo tips and tricks because most of the time Yahoo works the way IT wants to work and not how YOU want it to...;)
**Obviously this was written before Yahoo went belly-up....ed**
Interview With Bermits:
How do you see the new AIH progressing, and are you pleased with the work so far? (ie. Yahoo group, updates from Dilbert, suggested timeframe, and your feelings on chance of success).
Based upon the few reports I have seen, I am incredibly impressed with the dedication and hard work put forth by those who know how to do so and are commited to doing it. I am looking forward to early March as that may be the return of AIH. I wish it was sooner, and I wish what happened never happened, but we'll get there. Not having the experience of other similar sites (except Abuzz), I gather there are many people have been through this before and have coped. As I read in the last Arrow, AussieMike said, "It's the people," and that makes sense. I suspect AIH's unique offerings will get many (I hope most) formers back. I don't know what it takes financially to keep such a site going, but I suspect some sort of fund-raising needs to be done. I have one idea I'll send under separate cover for your consideration.
What would you like to see included in the new AIH? And what could be skipped?
I never cared for the chat feature, but that's me. I also rarely used the A-Boards. As a product of Abuzz, I like the ability to add answers to respond within a question I asked; the question update was a step in that direction. The residences and A-Bucks added someting that was a lot of fun but also brought out the best of a lot of people.
I am not sure about the MC (or at least such a large one). Pleading some ignorance here, I avoided most communications and discussions about it (them?), but I suspect a lot of people don't care for the concept. I know from my experiences, there are questions (and answers) that are purely hateful and/or offensive and should be pulled without question. The subjectivity, however, is where the problem comes in. It's a tough issue, and I am not sure what the answer is.
Do you have any suggestions for themes, types of questions categories, etc?
Not to overlap The Arrow (or imitate Abuzz), maybe a question of the day or week award or singling out. Re:categories, I would like to feel members could always make suggestions along the way and if warranted, changes made.
Do you have any words of encouragement that you would like to share with your AIH friends?
After The Day, I learned an important lesson. Needing to do something to fill the void, I checked out Brain-Fuse as I had heard it mentioned as an alternative. My first time there, an anonymous question appeared regarding who cares about AIH. At that moment, I realized I do, and I said so. Given what as I saw as the mean-spirited nature of the question, I added two and two and asked if the asker's name could be found in the word 'anonymous.' Boy, did the question disappear fast! Anyhow, I see many AIHers there, but I don't see the same sense of community I saw on AIH. It's like there's a core of regulars who will move from site to site to be together, but that true community sense isn't elsewhere. That's where the AIH special features make a difference. I hope to see the regulars back and would like to believe there are no strangers - only friends I haven't yet met. To a great future.
The Target:
This week's Targets are Chenry and Cybernurse!
Chenry
What is the one thing you do better than anyone else you know?
The people I know are better in everything I can do. Guess I have to choose less accomplished friends in order to shine.
What was the happiest moment in your life?
When my son was born I walked and sang in the empty midnight streets for hours.
What is your ultimate job, and what is the worst job you've ever done?
Only had one job. Flying. Used to be my hobby to.
What accomplishment in your life are you the most proud of?
Survival. We congratulate each other reaching your pension scratchfree.
Do you have a 'most embarrassing moment'?
If I tell this I will be blocked forever from AIH. So just let me say yes.
What's your specialty in the kitchen?
As a male the kitchen is not my playground. But come and taste my BBQ.
What is you motto?
You're born to die, so fill the time you got nicely.
Do you know your next-door neighbours' names?
Vaguely. They have a different nationality and lingo.
What is the most important thing you've learned so far?
Never expect that you can please them all. Too many twists in the human brain. Ever seen the bare brain?
What's the last non-fiction book you read?
XP for dummy's. Looks like fiction though.
Name a random act of kindness you did for someone (that they never found out about).
Holding my dog's head in my lap when he got his final shot.
Your favourite sport: Would you rather A.) Play it. B) Watch it on TV. C)Be a spectator with great seats. Golf. One good shot and you're addicted. Play of course. These guys on TV are from a different planet.
A man has just been rescued after 30 years on a deserted island where he has had absolutely no contact with the outside world. You can tell him one thing. What would you tell him?
That island was mine. You owe me 30 years rent. ;)
Happiness is..... sitting in front of your open fire when the storm is howling outside. The brandy tastes best then.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I have been searching for them the last 68 years. Still time to find them.
Describe your ideal vacation.
I'm on a permanent one here where I live. The best time is when everyone's vacation is over and we have the place to ourselves again.
What kind of museums do you like?
Teaching museums, like national history, science and cars.
What is it you would still like to accomplish in life?
Breaking 80 in Golf. Or better, play my age.
What is your favourite part of AIH? Your least favourite part?
Computing as long as the Master remains. The schoolyard.
What would you like to see included in The Arrow?
You're doing such a great job as it is, what's there to improve? Maybe an archive of published profiles? For the newcomers.
Cybernurse
What is the one thing you do better than anyone else you know?
Quite frankly, I'm the best nurse I know. My supervisors and co-workers say the same....I'm a perfectionist on the job, always have been. I've always said that if I were ever sick and in the hospital, I'd want someone like me taking care of me....
What was the happiest moment in your life? Actually, it was very recently, on February 15th of this year. That's when the physicians told us that my daughter Megan, who had been in a serious automobile accident, was going to pull through. Prior to that, it was touch-and-go for awhile, and we were desperately afraid that we were going to lose our little girl. How wonderful it was that God gave her back to us....
What accomplishment in your life are you the most proud of?
Raising two beautiful, intelligent, and extremely well-behaved girls. I did it as a single Mom, working a full-time job besides. I'm so totally proud of my girls, and I'm so very proud that I was able to do such a good job with them....
Do you have a 'most embarrassing moment'? Ummmm....yes, I do. That would have been about 4 years ago. I was still working in the nursing home at that time, and I always wore starched white uniform dresses or skirts --- no pants for this lady! Anyway, that changed after this episode....I was in a patient's room, attempting to transfer her with another nurse (who was male), and we had to do a body-lift on her, because our mechanical lifts were not working. Anyway, Glenn (the male nurse) took her upper half, and I took the lower half. During the transfer, somehow both her feet got caught underneath my skirt, and as we lifted her up, my skirt came up, too! Anyway, Glenn walked out of the room, and he said, loud enough for all of the staff to hear: "I saw Cindy's panties," and proceeded to describe them in detail to all of the male staff members present (I've always made it a point to wear very nice, sexy
lingerie, but this was one day that I wish I had not worn those particular panties). After that episode, I immediately started wearing either slacks or culottes to work....No more skirts!
What's your specialty in the kitchen? Well, there really isn't anything I can't make --- I am an excellent cook. But I guess my "specialty" is bread baking. I make an Italian ciabatta bread that is absolutely to die for....
What is you motto? Don't really have one.
Do you know your next-door neighbours' names? No. I'm not really a "neighborly" person. Í don't like the idea of the neighbors knowing my business --- so I say "hi" when I see them, and I wave if I see one of their cars driving down the street, but I don't have any more to do with them than I absolutely have to....
What is the most important thing you've learned so far? To watch what you say to other people, because once the words have left your mouth, you can never, ever take them back....What was the last non-fiction book you read? "Ghosts of Everest --- The Search for Mallory and Irvine" by Jochem Hemmleb. Absolutely fabulous book, describing the expedition which resulted in the discovery of Sir George Mallory's well-preserved body on Mount Everest. Mallory (who stated "because it's there" when asked by a reporter why he wanted to climb Everest) disappeared with his partner "Sandy" Irvine in 1924....
Name a random act of kindness you did for someone (that they never found out about). Referred a co-worker for a promotion which I knew she wanted. She lacked the experience which she would have needed to have been seriously considered for it, but I stuck my neck out and put my two cents in anyway....and she got the job, based mostly on my say-so. Thankfully, that never came back to haunt me....she's done a wonderful job in that position!
Your favorite sport: Would you rather A.) Play it. B) Watch it on TV. C) Be a spectator with great seats. I'd definitely rather play it!
A man has just been rescued after 30 years on a deserted island where he has had absolutely no contact with the outside world. You can tell him one thing. What would you tell him? Wow, that's a hard one....I'd probably say something stupid, like "so nice to have you back!"
Happiness is-------------. Knowing that I'm valued and loved by the people I care about.
Do you have any hidden talents? I don't think so. I'd like to think that I know what all of mine are....
Describe your ideal vacation. I've already had it. A mountaineering expedition in the Himalaya. Trekked from Kathmandu, Nepal, to the Annapurna sanctuary. Attempted to climb Annapurna, but unfortunately did not make the summit....would love to try again, someday, but since I've been diagnosed with a clotting disorder, my Doc has informed me that my high-altitude escapades are a thing of the past....
What kind of museums do you like? Art museums are perhaps my favorite. But I also love natural history museums, as well.
What is it you would still like to accomplish in life? I still want to get my Master's Degree in nursing, and pass the exam for my Nurse Practitioner license.
What is your favourite part of AIH? Your least favourite part?
My favorite part is my interactions with other members. That's what keeps me coming back to the site over and over again. There are so many people there who I really feel are my "friends," even though I've never met them. So many AIH members have been so supportive, not only during my recent illness, but also following my
daughter's car accident --- I was so afraid that we were going to lose her, and so many of my AIH friends sent me e-mails of love and support, letting me know that they were praying for us during those dark days....My least favorite part would have to be the pettiness and arguing I've seen going on so often between members of this site. I'm hoping so much that those things will be a thing of the past, once the site gets up and running again....
What would you like to see included in The Arrow? Honestly, I think you're doing an excellent job on it....I look forward to each and every issue, and I can't think of a single thing I'd want to change....
Great Quotes? Who uttered this week's Great Quote? Answer at the bottom of this newsletter.
"But I just put "that" CD into the player. I wish there was a way to play it here, we would all be so busy doing a primitive mating dance we wouldnt have time for this other stuff!! I have never had music do that to me before!! *helplessly dancing the most indecent of dances*"
Useful Freebie by SamHill:Howdy friends and neighbors! Up here in the north woods we're pretty much stuck with dialup internet connections and I spend a LOT of time on line. But what to do about all those phone calls I missed out on? Simple, I downloaded this week's freebie, an internet answering machine from CallWave. I kid you not, this is one very handy gadget. The download is small, setup is a breeze and the application works like a charm. Just follow CallWave's instructions to enable the "Call Forward On Busy" feature in Windows and let the machine do the rest. Now when I'm hanging out at AIH and someone needs to reach me, instead of a busy signal they get a voicemail prompt and the message is downloaded to my computer in a matter of seconds. It's so easy even I can use it, and at $0.00 it's way cheaper than a second phone line. Happy surfing!
Ask-It-Here.com respects your time and privacy.
You have received this newsletter because you have requested it from Ask-It-Here.com. If you
would prefer to be removed from our mailing list please contact the Editor at
deph@accesscable.net.
How To Contact Us. If you have questions or comments or wish to submit an original article,
opinion, rant, rave, poetry, etc. please contact GreyEyes at deph@accesscable.net
Copyright © 2002 TheArrow.
collforone (colldoll) uttered this week's Great Quote!