[rhondalea]

I put a high value on Lani's posts--I learn a great deal from the information supplied, and I'm in awe of the generosity that allows her to expend what is clearly a large chunk of time contributing here.

Even not knowing anything at all about her, I consider her a friend, because she acts as a good friend does.

Back in the bad old days of usenet (before all the web forums), it mattered to me to know the individual behind the nym. It bothered me that some folks refused to say who they were and to disclose personal information. Over time, I came to understand that it really doesn't matter. Just as anonymous monetary donations to organizations often confer great benefit, anonymous reporting of knowledge has its own value.

Given the state of the internet, it is not always safe for some people to post with identifying information. Years ago, I had a friend who posted anonymously because he worked for NASA, and he was fearful that having his real name known would compromise his job. I've known others in similar circumstances. Heck, I've been in situations where it would've been better for me to be anonymous, but, unfortunately for me, I wasn't.

This site can be googled. I've already had one person find my posts here, so even though I've kept my diagnosis out of the forum in which we both post, he knows I have cancer. That fact has had an impact on our interactions--even though he has kept the information to himself, he drops hints to me about his knowledge more often than I'd like.

I hope that Lani will continue to post here for a long time. If she wants to tell us about herself, I'd be happy to know more, but I'm just as content if she chooses to remain an anonymous force of goodness among us.