A CHANCE TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION

[postscript]

Dear all.

It is possible I have missed something and if I have I apologise. I have been absent from the site for nearly two months and even then, it is but four months or so since I formally joined, although having referred to the site frequently as a guest.

Having been absent for such awhile the marvelous changes that have taken place since I first came on board have been excellent.

This is not to say it was not an excellent site from the beginning but what was good has been enhanced tremendously.

I have met, in varying degrees of frequency: Roger, Dave, Simon. Richard and of course Keith right at the beginning of my board awareness in the summer of 2005.

From the work one sees and conversations with them, as well as my own awareness working on webs but at a somewhat less complex level than the HWI site, I understand the considerable amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. It is but a few people who each take out an enormous amount of personal time who ensures this site exists at all.

In 'existing', I mean not only its actual presence but that it continues to be relevant and to continually improve. Particularly maintaining standards as it becomes increasingly important that those who would support Hayley meaningfully must themselves present their thoughts in a manner compatible with Hayley's own public image.

They cannot say anything for themselves, the techies. So, having been away and therefore noticing particularly objectively the tremendous amount of work that has taken place recently, I thought I would start a thread where we all had the opportunity to regularly, if only simply to say, 'thanks gang', express our thoughts, not on specific technical matters but on a general appraisal and gratitude for the collective whole,

This is my contribution to saying, 'thank you' gang for all you do. It looks great.

Peter

[postscript]

Hi All.

Although technically replying to myself in an earlier contribution that started this thread I felt it was time to pay tribute to the backroom boys again.

Earlier today Dave gave me a gentle jolt about picture space and having made it left me to sort it. This meant that I dove (as I understand it a perfectly acceptable conjugation of the verb in American tabloid English) into the techie section and reminded myself how one down-sizes pictures in quotes, as well as scrubbing out the ones that didn't need to appear at all.

I mention this only aaah. [Sorry, Roger, I'll put it in the suggestions under the smiley sub-board but we don't seem to have a smiley with a halo! Obviously no one thinks I at least will ever deserve it! But I digress! Of course!]. I mention this only to show what a very good little boy I can be. I persevered and sorted it knowing that if I were to look, coolly, calmly, and painstakingly, I would find my answers without having to ask!

I just thought this was a good opportunity to once more pay tribute to all the hard work and hard thinking that goes on under our noses without us always fully appreciating what is done for us.

Thank you guys.

Peter

[roger]

Thank you very much, Peter. Your kind words are much appreciated.

I can only reciprocate by adding my personal gratitude to our many wonderful members who so regularly support this site and forum. For so doing, each and every one of you are entitled to take some of the credit which Peter has so generously afforded us.

I often recall Keith describing the membership here as being a "family". I feel that term is more applicable now than it has ever been.

Lots of love and best wishes to you all.

Roger

[Joe]

Hi all,

I also would like to add my words of appreciation to HWI members who have keenly followed Hayley's recent performances.

I do feel jealous at times that Hayley is so far away; especially this week! However, reading your reports and definitely seeing the photos bring a sense of comfort, as if I were at the concert too. Great job to the HWI'ers attending the many summer concerts in the UK.

Also I would like to thank my fellow HWI'ers from NY and PA...Natasha P, Steven O, Tim J, and Dave G. All FIVE of us were at Hayley's concert in Easton, Pennsylvania. Truly an unforgettable evening!

Also thanks to Simon, Dave and Roger...and fellow mods Belinda and Roger. Thanks for all of your support and oustanding effort done both at this forum and at the main site.

Some of us have forayed into creating forums of their own. It's so nice to see members from here posting in our sister forums.

The spirit of brotherhood that Stuart and Steven Hayter share is the same spirit that bonds us HWI members together. All of us have shared the grief when our dear friend Keith left us last December. We've shared the joy upon hearing Odyssey for the first time. Even our birthdays are more colorful !

I suppose Hayley should be mentioned here as well. Thanks so much Hayley for sharing your gifts of song, peace and goodwill. You bring so much pleasure to our hearts.

Right, I'll leave it at that.

Lots of love to you all,
Joe

[postscript]

Hi Simon.
In recognition of the latest work undertaken can I say once again, 'thank you' for all the background hard work.

It was a pity to lose the national flags but while the idea seemed good with only a few I'm sure the mass accumulation must have slowed entry for a lot of people and we don't want to discourage anyone, especially new people. The sudden speed with which that first page now loads is much appreciated.

I'm on broadband so it doesn't phase me but presumably the loading of the actual forum page before logging in just depends on the weight of those current pages at the time and the load on the servers? NOT a complaint or seriously adverse criticism, just an observation that in the redesign going on speed, I would suggest, should always over-ride (at least on the 'getting in' pages) all other considerations.

Having said that, while I have not yet set about exploring the changes, giving them a chance to bed in and be 'complete', can I say i appreciate and have noticed the link straight to Hayley's bike initiative on the first page. My only comment is the extent to which people actually scroll down on that first page as opposed to using it as a means to accessing and logging in? Anyone any views?

Peter

[roger]

Hi Peter,

We haven't lost the flags page. It just doesn't appear automatically upon entry to the site any more. There is a link to it from the front page:

Welcome to the largest
~ and what we're frequently assured is the most popular ~
Hayley Westenra fan site in the world

***(click here to see how many countries have visited HWI this year)***[/center]

The link to the "Bikes for Ghana" appeal has been placed towards the bottom of the page deliberately. It is not something that regular visitors need to see every time. It is hoped that first time visitors might scroll down and find it. Not everything can be given "top of the page" priority, and it doesn't necessarily work anyway (because not everyone notices the link to the flag page, apparently!).

Incidentally, I have just sent the 93rd flag through to Simon as the site was visited overnight by the Marshall Islands!

Roger

[postscript]

As usual Roger, you say it all... and so succinctly too, but with these things even I can be succinct!
Peter

[Steve H]

Hi Peter,

Congratulations on reaching 700 Posts !!!!!

What an apt thread, to offer you congratulations and thank you for all your witty posts, you are indeed an asset to this forum.

Well done and keep up the great work!

Steve H

[postscript]

stevehome said:

Hi Peter,

Congratulations on reaching 700 Posts !!!!!

What an apt thread, to offer you congratulations and thank you for all your witty posts, you are indeed an asset to this forum.

Well done and keep up the great work!

Steve H

Steve, I'm flabberghasted. I didn't even know myself until I saw your post!

I did a quick cursorary scan of the usual 30, realised a lot had happened in a mere 48 hours of absence so did a more detailed search to find where I had left off. Then, running through them I find your post!

Thank you Steve.

Peter

[postscript]

Hi All.

I am responding to Roger's post about the change of HWI site ownership.

Assuming I have not become 'out of touch' since yesterday early evening, it would seem an appropriate time to make a few comments under this thread I started March 6th this year.

First, a 'thank you' to Simon for his sterling work to date. I just hope 'personal circumstances', which affect us all at different times for different reasons during a life-time, have nothing to do with the bump on the head he received earlier in the year when, in some fashion or other I cannot now recall, I gather a TV set and Simon's head had an interaction of unintended ferocity!

To be precise, I think it was the interaction itself that was unintended, never mind the ferocity of the impact!

For the future. I don't think we need worry ourselves in terms of the whys and wherefores, the change has happened. What needs saying, from an independent viewpoint that has now notched up a year on this board, I think, just, for the benefit of particularly new members, is that there is no question that in the hands of the people mentioned by Roger in his announcement post, both HWI and AAI are in safe hands.

From direct personal interaction with all of these people over the past year, including personal meetings, three things guarantee our success in their hands:

• the people themselves: individual viewpoints derived from wide outlooks and all coming from a variety of backgrounds
  
• Despite that diversity--in fact, arguably, because of it!--there is a solid core of common understanding and instinctive feel.
  
• So we have homogeny through diversity because of those individual skills, set in awareness of the wider context.

This member is right behind you all. Good luck.

Peter S.

[grant]

As always Peter, you say it so eloquently.

AS a relative 'newbie' I would like to add my best wishes to all those involved with the running of HWI.

I have to say the mix of professionalism and lightheartedness is spot on! I'm sure we all understand the need for rules and regs. to make things run smoothly, but at the end of the day we are all members wanting to enjoy interaction with each other and to support Hayley

well done everyone!

Grant

[Mark]

Hi Everyone

I must say that I echo the comments made by both Peter & Grant. Although I am also a relatively new member, I have been made to feel so welcome and there is a real sense of belonging everytime I log in ! I therefore would also like to add my best wishes to all those involved in looking after this great site -long may it continue.

Best regards
Mark

[postscript]

tinky3344 said:

Hi Everyone

I must say that I echo the comments made by both Peter & Grant. Although I am also a relatively new member, I have been made to feel so welcome and there is a real sense of belonging everytime I log in ! I therefore would also like to add my best wishes to all those involved in looking after this great site -long may it continue.

Best regards
Mark

Thank you for your expression of support Mark. It is good when one hears comments such as yours from relatively new people. It means we are not getting self-complacent or self-preoccupied as a clique.

Peter S.

[postscript]

Hi All.

I must have noticed it for the first time yesterday (Sunday--in the UK!) but I had headphones on and was listening to 'The Fron' and assumed it was a continuation of the Maori chant you get if you come in through the main page.

Today (Monday--in the UK!) I heard it clearly. Someone has had the wit and taken the time to introduce a little 'hello' from Hayley herself and provide the intro of a song. As far as the intro is concerned at least, as it is so obviously topical, a CERTAIN SOMEONE OF MANY OF OUR PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCES has taken the time and trouble to record it!

WELL DONE ALL and 'thank you' Hayley. It is a delignt. Bless You.

Peter S.

[postscript]

I wonder how many of us simply bookmark the intro page to the forum and its threads and don't bother to look at the main intro and main index pages? I plead guilty, which doubtless means I am about to be knocked down by the rush of everyone else saying 'Of course I do, REGULARLY!'

I just wanted to pay tribute to the 'background' ongoing work that is continually rehashing things, keeping them up to date and refreshing presentation while we (me, hands up) indulge ourselves in chatting.

Thanks gang.

Peter S.