Firstly, many thanks to pjcrowe for nominating me. A real bolt out the blue - but a very welcome one!
I have taken a little while to respond because, frankly, I have been trying to think of something worthwhile to say, and I don't really think I can just recycle what I said previous for a further time. Though, just thinking there, both previous times I remarked how few HoI aars I was reading. Now, at last, although there are still quite a few AARs there I have not read, I feel I can finally say I give I give HoI as much time as I do all the others. So, Quirinus308, nothing wrong, just a lack of inspiration! And in truth, I don't think I've had any inspiration yet either, but here goes...
Fellow fans
For that is what we all are, ultimately. Fans of these games, and fans of each other, whether we write, comment, or even lurk. It is why, of all our little weekly awards, this is the one that resonates the most for me, for it strikes closest to the heart of what the AAR-land community is about. Thus, I am very grateful, pleased, and even a little awed, to be awarded the Fan for the fourth time (and a very nice fan CatKnight too).
I do, of course spend a lot of time on the forums. I am lucky, in many respects, to have to time to spend. I am happily unattached, and with few other committments. I have time that others lack, and that alone means I have more opportunity to read widely. There is nothing special about that.
I am grateful for that time, however, it has given me a chance to read some truly wonderful work. More, it is allowed me to see many writers progress. There is something quite wonderful to see someone develop a confidence in their abilities, usually from a first few nervous posts, and then they realise they can do this writing thing, to begin to see them realise their potential. It is things like that why I have my 'policy' of trying to comment on every update I read, to provide some encouragement so writers willl take those steps. But also, I remember taking those steps myself, and Storey did the same for me, in my first AAR (MonAARsteries), and to him I owe a rather large debt of giving me the encouragement to continue writing myself.
My old school has the motto: "Go and do thou likewise". I suppose that says it all, in my own approach to comments. Alternatively there is my own rendition - "To view is human, to comment is divine".
Finally, may I think you all for all your kind accolades. However, although I appreciate - I really do - the good intentions of a few of you in creating some sort of special recognition for me (it is tremendous confidence boost for sure!) I really am not sure that is a good idea. I dislike the idea that one person, even if that person is myself, should be held in a position of prominence when all I really have is more free time than most. As I say, it is nothing special that, and it is time freely devoted.
I will, probably this evening, post some links to some of the AARs I am currently enjoying - but as I have to go off to work shortly I cannot do so now.
For the record, I did not have any whisky when I first saw this because I was feeling a bit under the weather. Last night though, I finished off my bottle of cask-strengh Laphroig - one of the finest whiskies ever distilled - a dram I have been saving for a special occasion which this definitely qualifies!
therev thanks for taking the time to look at the library. I just discovered last weekend that I had unaccountable missed out a whole bookshelf! So some more books to be added as and when I get myself organised to do so!
All I dare not list you all, for I would be petrified of forgetting somebody! Suffice to say again, thank you very much!
To view is human, to comment is divine.