Thoughtful, long-time Gather member John F. Walter is the recipient of this week's
'Spirit of Community' Member Award !
John was selected for his eternally supportive and nurturing spirit on Gather. His articulate, lengthy and insightful commentary on the work of others far exceeds what he himself receives on his own published content. In addition, John consistently seeks out, and comments, on the poetry of other Gather members that have received little, or no exposure and feedback. His encouragement, intelligence and sympathetic introspection has touched the lives of many of his fellow Gather members.
It is kindhearted contributions like John's that help to make Gather such a special community.
Congratulations John..! ...and thanks for everything you do!
It takes more than exceptional content to create a vibrant, active community like Gather. It also needs the contributions of members that strengthen the Gather community and foster a welcoming, supportive and positive atmosphere for others.
Community building on Gather can be just as important as the content we publish, and merits acknowledgement, and a little applause from time to time.
Therefore, I identify one Gather member each week who symbolizes these characteristics, and acknowledge their community building efforts through the 'Spirit of Community' Member Award.
Awards are announced each Friday, and will appear as the featured article in the 'Spirit of Community' Member Awards Group.
Nominations are more than welcome. If you know of an individual member, like John, that exemplifies the spirit of our community here on Gather, please publish your nomination to the group, or send me a mail message.
You may subscribe or join the 'Spirit of Community' Member Awards group using the buttons below.
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Comments: 40
I am pleased to be apart of your Gather experiance. Thanks for sharing.
Keep up the good work.
Let's all keep John in our prayers.
You are always on my mind and in my prayers. Congratulations!
All gather members wish to get your encouraging feed back and analysis on poetry
and poetics for many more future years.
I pray for your successful operation and quickest recovery not only for yourself but for poeic faternity as well.
All the best ... always.
I found John on Gather when her first arrived and felt the heart and Spirit pulsing in his words and followed him everywhere he went to watch his journey on Gather enfold this community with love and a sincere generosity in sharing his vast wealth of insight, wisdon, education and heart with everyone. He has a lifetime commitment from me now to be by his side as Muse so I never lose sight of him. Even though so physically and emotionally challenged by his illness, he continues to feed this community with his best every moment that he can. I am grateful that Kevin has set up this award to recognize him but especially to create a group prayer for his healing and upcoming surgery. It will take him away from us for a while and I am already dreading the silent space that will loom for me and be felt by so many in his absence.
As John also now formulates the pre-Simulationist movement to infuse and protect vital human sparks within the simulated world, he challenges us all to seek our best and to explore new horizons. I am a much more loving and accountable artist for knowing him and his influence has inspired me to challenge myself artistically and personally, resulting in paintigns and poetry that I never would have birthed otherwise. My gratitude to him is eternal and I join with everyone here in sending breezes of Light to warm him every second during this difficult journey.
In short, John, YOU ROCK and I love you! Besos y abrazos, tesoro.
PS For those of you haven't read, "Love's Tumor," better go there now!
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976809490
I feel, as many of us do, that I know John, that he is my personal friend and supporter. Yet, many of us, have not fully grasped his courage in the last few months.
Perhaps the greatest gift a writer can give is to inspire and encourage others to write. John has done that with supreme generousity.
Thanks John.
Your decision to create this award and group around it was in itself an affirmation of the importance of the author-author relationship on Web 2.0 blogs, and of course, as those who have been on Gather a while know well, you have worked tirelessly yourself to help make this wonderful community a better place. Thank you, Kevin!
Juanito, como sabes, estas en mis oraciones y ahora mas que nunca.
Cariños, Sonia
I know that John is totally blown away by all the good wishes from the many people at Gather - your thoughts, prayers and positive energy really do help; but then I don't need to tell you. John, with the support of Ed Nudelman, Alexander Leverenze and William K. Evans - as well as the lovely Laura Mercer has been inundated with Pre-Sim research and development work and yet smehow manages the time to write lenghty and thoughtful comments to many here after carefully reading and viewing what they post. Many of us - I include myself - sometmes skim the work and leave a snappy "hello I was here great job!!" type of comment. John somehow seflessly devotes his time and precious much needed energy in positively promoting others and encouraging so many. John once told me that when he is better he woud like me to visit Spain and would show me so much - I told John that while we have never travelled together he had already shown me more than I could ever hope for. I am sure many of you here - even though you may never have spoken to John or even communicated with him at any level will still agree that John has shown you inspiration and your strengths. I am sure that an email to John here wishing him every success with his operation telling him we are all rooting for a speedy recovery and much success will be greatly appreciated. Once again Thank You Kevin and CONGRATULATIONS El Guapo!!!!!!! Much love "L"
You have touched me, as you have touched many others on Gather.
Best wishes to you!
My prayers and smiles are with you.