[Slowhand] Good to hear from everyone...

[roberte at comcast.net]

"Hello Old Friend(s)" wouldn't be an inappropriate pun here, nor coincidental! 

I'm happy so many of you have chimed in after my initial post a few days ago. I'm glad I asked about the digest because it seems that it's brought a surprising number of members back on here! Very nice to hear from so many recognizable past authors and readers, particularly Mr. Nick, who's certainly been one of the core contributors over the years. Very nice to hear from you sir. :) 

It seems that at least in large part, the digest can be as active as we wish it to be; there are always things to share and discuss, and with so many years of conversation, I would say that even past discussions could be raised again and be considered 'fresh'. Our man is making music and thus, more active than we have been. 

I agree that in many ways, this is a more desirable medium to communicate; free from ad tracking, over-publicized activity and other invasive nuisances that seem all too commonplace now on sites like Facebook. However, you often have to take the bad with the good, as I do, to participate in the connection and socialization of many friends who are on there. If you can navigate it carefully, there are rewards on there and you can learn/hear about things you may otherwise not have. Even EC occasionally posts; most significantly, the poignant video he posted when B.B. King passed away. 

That said, the email format seems like the way to remain, but perhaps in conjunction with at least a presence on other sites, for those that may only find us there... 

So...anyone by chance make it to Japan? I was really considering it. I've always wanted to go to Japan and an Eric Clapton concert seemed like the perfect catalyst to get me on the plane. But not having a ticket in advance, going to a country "blind" without knowing or meeting up with anyone there and not having a clue where to try and stay in Tokyo etc. (which is also one of the world's most expensive cities) just made it a bit overwhelming. But I'm wishing I'd gone anyway and just figured it all out as I went. EC in Japan, that would be really something... :-)