Jess Anderson wrote: Maybe on the next "Day Without Art" we should try to get everyone to not post to soc.motss / soc.bi in honor of all the net.folks who have passed away. It could be a "Day Without Posts". (I'm sure it'll be a struggle for some.)
Tom Limoncelli writes: I'm not opposed to the suggestion in any way, and anything that would honor the memory of Rob and others departed would find favor with me. Btw, I didn't know there was a "Day Without Art" (because this is about Rob, I'll pass up some of the opportunity for wry comments on how that's distinguished from garden-variety days).
I am still in a bit of a state of shock myself. I didnt know Rob all that well, I had read his postings with interest and we had exchanged a few mail messages ages ago, but that was about the extent of it.
Still, I was very upset to hear the sad news. I was reminded of that day about a year ago when I heard of Randy Pollard's passing. Both times I had just gotten into the office and started my day as I usually do, by reading Usenet.
Both times the news had the effect of making me not much good for any practical purpose for the rest of the day. Both times I had to take a few minutes to go outside to the Japanese garden behind our office and have a cry.
I have lost three friends over the last 12 months to this epidemic, but somehow the losses of the net.friends have come as more of a shock and a stun. Perhaps it is because of the rather 'unreal' nature of cyberspace that subconsciously, I may expect that nothing bad can happen here.
At any rate, I think that some kind of memorial event is quite fitting here for all of our comrades who have gone on. The "Day Without Art" that has been observed in conjunction with at least the last two 'World AIDS Days' is an interesting idea. Perhaps a posting moratorium could be held in conjunction with the March on Washington on April 25.
In any event, I'll always remember Rob and Randy and all the
others whether there is a memorial event or not. I'll remember
them and miss them.
