I've never articulated one of the underlying principles that guides my decisions on what I do at Huckleberries Online. It's time to do so. From the beginning, I have tried to promote people, their written work, and their off-the-cuff thoughts. With varying degrees of success, I've tried to look beyond the differences I have with the HBO Blogosphere bloggers, commenters and blurkers re: religion, politics, culture, etc. I did so for several reasons. One, I wanted to build something in which individuals with wide differences would have a place where they could get beyond ideology and philosophy, learn from one another, and become friends. I wanted HBO to become a cyber "Cheers," of sort, a place where everyone knows your pseudonym. Secondly, I realized early that all of us are trying to get through life as best we can. As blogmeister, I have a ringside seat as Berry Pickers here have told about their struggles with aging, illness, kids, finances, marriage, local government, etc. I haven't always made the right decisions. I have let things go too far in the comments section more times than I'd like to remember. But I promise to rededicate myself to protecting people from personal attacks -- and sometimes protecting you from yourself. Bottom line: If Huckleberries has lightened your load at all, given you a reason to smile on an otherwise lousy day, then it has accomplished its accomplished its original mission.