Linda H. asked this question back on February 25. Niki posted a great response to her inquiry and here it is along with my comments of today. I thought I would move them to a New Subject for all to see. Carole
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Niki Harris on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 02:30 pm:

How did people find this website? Well, it was many many moons ago, when Jake and Linda (who had been publishing Bonaire E-News, an intermediate way to keep in mental contact with the island in between yearly vacations) added the discussion board to their Bonaire web-related services. Some of us made friends with each other in words before there were cams to look at. There had been a free discussion board elsewhere that was entirely anonymous, and the behavior there was sometimes mean or off-base. A monitored discussion would solve the problem of rudeness, and foster a kindly atmosphere of real people. Later the cams were installed and the life of the discussion board was truly invigorated. That's the story from one who's been around throughout our evolution... The first time people responded with compassion to loss was, I think, about Carole's mother. I didn't look in the archives, so I might be wrong, but I'll always remember her telling us that it made a difference in her heartbreak to have some caring thoughts arrive from around the planet. The first few times we exchanged unrelated personal information it was also a revelation to notice that a community was forming. Okay, we all have a sick addiction, but we're chuckling more than we used to... :-)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Carole Baker on Saturday, March 02, 2002 - 07:01 pm:

Cindy...great shots from Busch Gardens! Cynde Lee....I am sooo jealous! What a view you have!! I would just sit in the lot all day and never make it into the office. LOL. Niki: how sweet of you to remember my loss. The folks on this board did mean a lot to me then, before then and today, as well. It truly is a community of caring people and lovers of diving and the water and, especially, of Bonarie and all her beauty. We do go waaaaay back to the inception of this miracle of Jake and Linda's creations and imaginations, love, financial support and kindness...it certainly has come a long way, baby! I do recall the electronic emailings of The Bonaire E-News and how that became a political football on the island and thus, the creation of this site and all its wonders. The cams were an added bonus and WHAT a bonus they were! Seems like ages ago, doesn't it, Niki? It wasn't really all that long ago, but it certainly does seem like it. I still have Jake's Bonaire E-News articles in my "old" computer saved in a Bonaire folder. I should plug that baby back in some day and read over them again to see how much things have changed or possibly remained the same on Bonaire. I know "we" have changed and I am certain Bonaire has, too. This site is truly a blessing for me and I am certain for a lot of others out there who particpate or even just "lurk". Thanks again to all involved in its creation and long future life...especially Jake and Linda and Michael Gaynor. Hugs and kudos to all of you! Ayo. Carole

PS Niki: I am trying to get our buddy, Lorraine Barnes, back onto the "active" board...she has been busy a lot lately and has been "lurking" somewhat but we need to get her back on "live"! Her input and comments and genuine love of Bonaire are missed on BT...COME BACK HOME, LORRAINE...PLEASE??!! We need you hear to share another "Bonairean Moment".....Carole