I saw the acknowledgment in
'Notes' and appreciated it, even though they used my legal (last) name, which probably confused a few folks. Fortunately, I know who I am.
I spent quite a few years posting messages on other message boards, including a stint as a volunteer moderator on a political board, which was a very unpleasant experience that I finally quit, in disgust. In 2006, I went through my AN experience and while doing so, discovered this website and the forums, which I used extensively, prior to my surgery. Afterward, I found myself coming to the forums almost every day because I had both information as well as a relatively positive experience I could share with newly-diagnosed (and often, frightened) AN patients as well as the camaraderie of AN 'veterans'. Soon, I became a regular 'forumite'. I didn't abandon posting messages on other, totally unrelated message boards, including hobby and political boards, but I spent the bulk of my 'internet time', here. In May, 2008, the ANA Director, Judy Vitucci, offered me a (voluntary) moderator position that I was honored to accept. I enjoy exchanging information, offering support and encouraging other AN patients who are in need of what all of us who participate on the forums may have to offer. Our diverse 'population' is literate and quite well-mannered, making the job of 'moderating' pleasant....most of the time, anyway. I know some 'forumites' are bemused by my use of the English language and like to tease me about it, but I don't really mind. These are my friends.
I probably won't be a moderator or even a 'regular' poster on these forums indefinitely, but for the foreseeable future, I'll be around, using up the ANA's bandwidth and sending folks to their dictionaries on a regular basis.
Jim
