Very well said, Hal and John.  One of the pleasant things about this forum
for me has been the variety of people and the exchange of ideas.  The
"important" people on this list are all pretty humble (like yourselves) and
approachable. Your Fishkins, Bushes, Camfields, Rasmussens, Schmidts,
Hirsts, Railtons, etc. (I'm going to stop there -- please don't be offended
if I didn't include you.  You get the point.) are all open-minded to new
people and ideas.  Also, they are approachable.  When I have asked for help
I have received it.  When I have made a suggestion or observation, it has
been graciously received -- and I'm a silly attorney from the Midwest.
    I'm working on a book on abolitionists right now, so I'm not terribly
Twain-focused, but I still read most of the postings on this list.  I would
hate for someone with a budding interest in Twain and his life to be scared
away by fear of an ad hominem slapdown from an "expert."
    Terrell Dempsey