It's Not About Me

But in a way, it is.

Like (apparently) a lot of gunbloggers, "I have very few friends in meatspace". I "know" a lot more people through my interaction with them in the interwebs than I do in person. When, as it happens, someone I "know" or "know of" dies, I feel the loss. The first time this happened to me was when Acidman passed in 2006. When Cathy Siepp died in 2007 I was affected, not because I had ever corresponded with her, but because I'd read so much of what she'd written.

William the Coroner passed away in November. I had listened to William on Vicious Circle, and had seen his comments at other blogs. I had read a few of his posts, but I didn't "know" him. When Neptunis Lex recently perished in a plane crash, I didn't comment because I hadn't really read his blog and really didn't "know" him either, but both of these men had significant effects on people I do know, and I mourned their loss.

Today we hear that Newbius has joined the ranks of of Bloggers of the Great Beyond. Again, I didn't read Newbius, and I've never met him, but when I clicked over to his blog and saw his blogroll I was taken aback. Under "Deep Thoughts" he has listed only seven blogs, and mine is one of them. The other six are extremely fine company to be in.

And I had no idea. I am honored that he thought well enough of my work to put TSM on his short list. I am abashed that I did not "know" him well enough to be aware of that fact.

I wish I'd gotten a chance to meet the man, and try his pizza. Dammit.

I think I'll pass on his recommendation:

Stop reading this and go hug somebody important to you. Do it now.

Fair winds, Newbius.