Sorry if this is a double post as my computer was getting finicky, so I'll
repeat it here.

(Oh, and one additional thought:  this is a CANCER SUPPORT group. So what is
all this CRAP that one has to have cancer to "vote"? How ridiculous is that.
Most of us posting here either have cancer and/or has a loved one with
cancer. It seems EITHER situation allows a vote. But nw back to my regularly
scheduled post):

I would like to weigh in on this thread. I have spent some time putting my
thoughts together on this and I hope you will all read it and respond.

First of all, I hope you are all having fun, as surely this is a regression
to third grade. The reality is that nobody has the power to ban anybody. So,
dream on, if you wish and enjoy the schoolyard squabble. BUT, that being
said ...

I have been perusing this board for quite a few years now. I first came on
when I was dx. with cancer. I am one of the TRULY LUCKY ONES in that it was
only basal cell. I asked for advice (regarding whether or not I need to see
a surgeon vs. just going to my excellent family doctor). I got responses
that were very helpful, had the minor surgery, and hence was cured. But I
found the folks on here fascinating. I admired the grit and determination of
many, including many who are no longer on this Earth. I also admired Steph
and Mike and a few other medical experts who offered their knowledge to us.

Meanwhile, I was really getting annoyed with J. I resented (and still do)
her efforts to control this board. I got annoyed at her telling me not to
top-post. That is a debatable issue and certainly isn't worth the time she
took in making such a big deal out of it. In fact, I resented (and still do)
her efforts at making a non-moderated board into a de facto moderated board.
She (he??) has no business telling anyone else what to say or what not to
say. (I might also add that I resent a lot more the charlatans peddling
their dubious wares and ridiculous claims, but that's another issue).

Early on, I let J know in no uncertain terms how I felt. We did exchange
some posting. But, then, I also realized something that greatly overshadowed
all of this: J is a tireless poster who provides a LOAD of useful
information. She digs up all sorts of stuff. While I am a good google user,
I am constantly amazed and impressed at the job she does in this area. I put
myself in the place of someone who gets dx. with cancer. I was there briefly
and I know how upset I was at the dx., even though mine was as benign a
cancer as you can get (it was the realization of just how things can change
and how mortal I was). Imagine someone in such a state (as many/most of you
are or were). Would someone be able to think clearly? Probably not for
awhile. And that is where J is just so helpful

Later on, my father got cancer, Merkel Cell Carcinoma. I searched and got
lots of information, including a lot of help on this board. Incidentally, my
Dad got surgery at 95 years old. So far it has not reappeared and he will be
97 in May. I really appreciated J's help. So, in thinking of others who
really NEED SUPPORT and INFORMATION, I acknowledged some facets of J's
behavior that annoyed me greatly, but decided against being too critical. I
think if J left that would be a GREAT LOSS for this group.

J: I really wish you would not be so pigheaded and truly LISTEN to your
critics. The criticisms in many ways are VALID.

But I think you folks are calling for the wrong vote. J, why vote on whether
or not to LEAVE this board? If you want a vote, perhaps you can ask the
folks if they approve of your non-informational behavior (ie: attempting to
enforce board rules, and all that goes with it). Let's face it, as I said
earlier, nobody can purge anyone from this board (unless it is via
contacting the ISP due to abuse).

So, J, my vote is that you stay with us. I also vote that you reconsider
some of the things you do. Lord knows you spend enough time on this and
other boards. Perhaps a bit fewer police functions will allow you to
continue to help in ways that are truly wonderful and important.

Mel