After so many attacks on WOL and its administrators and members in other threads, I started thinking about what WOL has done for me.

I joined around 9 months ago – a first foray back in to the land of the living after a long period of self-imposed exile caused by severe depression. I really didn’t want, at that time, to have very much interaction with other human beings, I just wanted an outlet for the feelings that were so painful, I wanted someone to hear me. I hesitated to post for many weeks because of the quality of many of the postings – there are people on this site who can really write, whereas my writings were more along the lines of ‘teenage-angst-inappropriate-in-someone-old-enough-to-know-better’.

Eventually I found the courage to put my work up there. A short sentence that – but I know there are others out there with issues concerning self-esteem and confidence that will read that sentence and understand just how much courage.
I got only one response to that first poem – a warm welcome to WOL from another, un-related, Dawson (thanks Jeff!).

Encouraged, I posted another and got a couple of positive responses, and another – and so on. And gradually it has got less scary – putting my work, my thoughts & feelings, my ‘self’ – up there for criticism.
Slowly, I started forming online friendships with people, had a couple of minor arguments along the way, but before I knew it – talking to people was becoming easier. And what wonderful people! All ages, varying nationalities, every background you can think of – all represented here in vibrant technicolour – with knobs on!

And no matter how different all these people are (from me or each other) all have one thing in common – a love of language and how it works. Although most postings are in English, I’ve read blogs and comments in several different languages – and I find it interesting to translate those. I’ve read blogs and comments that have made me think, made me cry, made me wince, empathise, sympathise, fume.... I could go on – but you get the picture.

Along the way I’ve met a fair few of the regulars on the site – and, without exception, I have found them to be wonderfully friendly, amazingly supportive people that I hope to meet many times more. And there are a small few who have become very important to me indeed. To say that WOL has played a significant part in me getting my life back is not an exaggeration.

So – I just wanted to say thank-you to WOL and its members for all you’ve done, and continue to do, for me, particularly those who’ve encouraged and helped along the way. And a massive, heartfelt, and very grateful thank-you to Julian and Paul – who are over-worked and underpaid, but I assure you – not under appreciated.

Cx

I don't think many people realise the huge amount of work that goes into running things like this. The people who do it get few thanks and plenty of crap.

I am sure there are others like Chris who feel they have benefitted from having this facility available. I have certainly got a lot of pleasure and interest from it.

My thanks, and sympathy, to Paul and Julian too. And thanks to Chris for reminding us.

Here Here!

I want to echo Christine here. Every last word of hers is true for me too and i'm still growing, weak and stronger by the post and comments and discussions too.

I've been a member for a little over a year and had also gone into self exile mode. The wol events gave me something to look forward to. Meeting the people who had graciously accepted me as a friend on the site never having met me in person.

Write out loud and the administrators, (some of whom are not in the public eye) is to be applauded for the effort and sheer amount of time they give for the ''users''.
I have given and taken in equal measure and i for one want it to continue. LONG LIVE WOL!!!
AND ALL ITS MEMBERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.
FOR THAT WHICH IS TAKEN AND GIVEN IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS GOOD.
AMEN.

I would agree with all who went before. I adore this site. For me it gives me easy interaction with people of like and different minds and I love all the wonderful discussion that ensues. It is a great way to make friends and to hopefully have your poetry appreciated as well as appreciate that of others.
My only criticism would be its addictive nature - keep trying to cut back on my consumtion of it but I keep getting the DTs or do I mean DGs LOL. It definitely isn't good for my mental health - am sleeping a lot less and commenting a lot more. Feel like I could comment on the properties of a brown paper bag at the moment. Perhaps I should sue WOL for the addictive nature of the site - even those who leave can't quite seem to do so. On a serious note, I would like to thank Paul, Julian and all - it must be a nightmare putting this house in order and yes you do work hard.

May I add my thanks to those before me to Julian and Paul? This is an excellent and valuable resource for all who share a love of poetry. For me, living in the wild and very rural Westcountry, it provides a much-needed link to fellow writers. Writing can often be quite a lonely pursuit and it's really good to find like-minded and open-minded company - especially those who will tolerate my tendencies to spout rubbish. Long may this site continue.
Regards,
A.E.

Hmmm... what can I say that hasn't already been said?
Merci Julian et Paul pour tout ce que vous faites : )

I came to 'write out loud' to read more of the work written by Pete Crompton and others. This was after I met Pete, Tabitha and Louise at a fundraiser in Lancaster last June called ‘No more pipe dreams’ (I have since discovered this was advertised here too) The event was organised in memory of my son Joshua to raise funds for the young oncology unit at the Christie hospital. So belated thanks to all that attended, Thanks also to WOL that allowed the promotion of the gig that had been arranged by Christina a friend of my sons. I know there were more of you there on the night and I will take the opportunity to use this THANKYOU THREAD to say thanks to all that attended.
Since then I have written a little poetry which has been interesting, I have read much more and that has been enlightening I have also met many wonderful folks and new friends too, which has been helpful through difficult times.
WOL does have much to offer as a community of writers , and this is a well deserved thankyou .A good idea Chris

I echo all previous posts and send my heartfelt thanks to Paul and Julian for all their hard work.
I also thank all the kind kind wonderful people I have met on here of whom without I would have got no where near as far.
I have built a really rewarding circle of friends, it has been wonderful.
and I look forward to the future.

I second those emotions. Well done everybody concerned. The website has brilliant functionality.