First Post from Me

[Phil Friel]

As a new member, I'd just like to say a big "Hello!" to everyone here at Down the Tubes. Most of the members I don't recognize, but there are a few names in there that I do know, either from their work in comics and magazines, or as regulars in the various British comics groups on Yahoo, where I usually hang out.

I don't have a webpage or blog as yet, or, rather, I did - www.sfreaders.com - but that one went "down the tubes" when my web hosting service disappeared without trace one day a few months ago (inconsiderate swine - it took me years to build up to launching that one). Luckily I still have copies of all the articles (as text files) and images on my hard drive, a tactic I'd surely encourage anyone to adopt, just in case the same evil should befall them. At least I can reuse or adapt this source material if I ever resurrect the blog/website anywhere else. Sure beats having to start off from scratch again.

I've also opened up a new blog over at Livejournal, although I have yet to post on that one. I might just use that for my everyday rantings and lettings off of steam, which I do quite a bit of when something idiotic irks me (others around me tend to do the same when I irk them). Here, on Down the Tubes, I'll stick to chatting about comics, sci-fi and other stuff that fascinates me.

So I'll finish off by saying that I really appreciate your having my smegging, decomposing, middle-aged self here in the hallowed realms of Down the Tubes. Hopefully the ancient synapses of my geriatric brain will spark enough for me to make the occasional semi-intelligent posting (as opposed to the incoherent ramblings that my family and friends are subjected to on a daily basis).

Over and out, for now.

Phil

[Phil Friel]

Thanks John. Nice place you have here, although it really beats me how you manage to keep up with your participation here, the various Yahoo and other groups/forums you frequent, and the assorted magazines you've edited. Either you've got a time turner thingie like Hermione had in the third Harry Potter novel, or you've cloned yourself a few dozen times.

I've noticed a few interesting discussions in the forum and on the various blogs. British comics and sci-fi/SF have always been favourite topics of mine, and if I feel I can contribute to any of the discussions, I'll jump in and say my piece.

Nice to be here.

[John Freeman]

Welcome aboard, Phil! The more people here, the more this will become a part of the downthetubes whole. We've had some interesting discussions of late and I'm looking forward to more...