I've gotten some great PM's and stuff from people as of late. And made some good friends here. Some I've met, others I have not. We exchange things, we send things blind.
In near escalating order:
I once sent some handlebars on faith that I'd get something as cool back. Didn't even know the user. I got a very cool "decrative item" and a beer bottle opener. The beer bottle opener didn't look like something special, but the Forum user had to ride 100 miles to get it. That beer bottle opener is in my bag at all times.
One forum user had something I really wanted on computer. Recently, they sent it to me. Why? Because they found it in them to forgive my agressive and @$$hole posting. They are, a better person than I in many ways. I intend to use what they gave me to make a gift for them when I get back home.
Two people, across the country and the world, located some places in Japan for my relatives to get me a Birthday present. This way, my in laws, who are getting older, don't have to travel to far or go to much out of thier way. These two people used thier collective resources and knowledge and time.. to help me out. That means something. I'm dreaming something up decent to say thanks.
I met two forum users blind: just basically arrived on their door step. They took me in for 3.5 days, we did a lot of riding, some drinking, late night BS/life talk etc. It was surreal and cool. They were probably the most fun 3 days I've had in a LONG time. The kind of days that recharge you for years to come. Friends for life, I'd say. Good people, who deserve good things.
I have an irregular group of people that I keep in contact with blogs and emails. The subjects are random and funny, stories, encouragment, bits and pieces. Sharing life, as different as we are. I find value in this, to no small end. It makes my life better. And I mean that.
One forum user allowed me to publish thier writings. And distribute it out to the big wide world. The echoes from this have been immense. Some good, some bad. But over all, very much worthwhile. I learned the value of being domistique, and the value of making permanent what the internet makes very fragile and temporary. And I learned the person behind the postings.
There's another forum user that I exchange email with on a regular basis. We talk about life's happenings, the ups, the downs, the BS and the real, the hopes and the faded dreams. We send music, books, and bike parts. Phone calls, etc.
Can you call someone friend if you've never met them? I never would have thought so, but I do.
I don't live by this forum, though I've been here for a LONG time, comparatively. And I feel that sometimes, some of the moderating that (Koffee Brown) does takes away and changes this particular forum in a way that is not good. But I respect Joe's choice in her, and his belief in what this place is.
More over, I have faith in people here. That beyond our idiosyncracies, and our stupid habits, and our views that are odds with eachother.. .. that we are basically good decent people.
I do have faith in people, because of situations like this place here.. in electronic la la land..