Okay... I won't do my usual preamble; you guys know I don't post nonsense. But this has to be said.
I'm still staring at the screen in semi-disbelief. Normally I can collect my thoughts and get 'em out to you guys with relative ease. I can argue with the best of them, and (you POOR bastards) definitely get overly philosophical. But now I'm stunned.
I've been working my butt off the last two days, and haven't had a chance to check in. I logged in about fifteen minutes ago, and immediately saw the 'Dutchy' threads. I, like I'm sure most of you, read them with a mix of anger/pity/anger/sadness.
Here's this kid who spends his free time painting houses in an orphanage. He saves his cash (after participating as an observer in these forums for GOD KNOWS how long), orders some watches and gets ripped off. Instead of literally 'going postal', the kid's got the chops to post a 'sh*t happens' thread; Dutchy, there're million-dollar lawyers down the hall from me that don't have the balls to lose with that kind of dignity. Most of the posts in that thread are reactionary, and in the same vein as my initial anger/pity/anger/sadness response.
Then I see Ken's thread.
I damned near cried - twice (and I'm not even a crier). I still have trouble putting into words the kind of feeling that a gesture like this brings out in me. Is it awe? Or amazement? I don't think so. I can simply describe it this way:
Ken, I am humbled to be in your presence, albeit in cyberspace.
Now, the more cynical of you can think I'm a kiss-ass; I really don't give a sh*t at this point.
Here's what I know about Ken:
I know that he was here when I arrived. I know that he is always friendly, courteous, and helpful. I know he helped organise the whole move from RWGI. I know he's Australian. I know he's into Yoda. I know I kicked his ass at the stupid Orca Slap game, and despite his warning, he didn't ban me. So, I guess I don't know much about Ken, and am therefore perhaps not the appropriate person to post this.
But Jesus, if anyone deserves a friggin' shout-out for being a good guy, it's Ken.