The Unofficial Poster of the Year 2005 by way of vote

Damn, y'all beat me to it!I agree; holmes has made a very impressive contribution this year.I recall him explaining, a while back, his reasons for staying here. He mentioned helping himself and helping others. If you happen to read this, holmes, I can't tell you if you've helped yourself, but let me take this opportunity to represent the voice of at least one lurker (well, mostly lurker) in saying that your contributions most definitely are appreciated. I wouldn't dare speak for all the other lurkers out there but I doubt that I'm the only one who feels this way.Anyway, as usual, I'm rambling. So yes, my vote goes to holmes. Thanks for your many quality contributions, big guy. Please do keep them coming. The lurkers are reading... *cue THX music*

No problem. Glad I could help.Truth is I've been considering speaking up about this for some time now. I see people here getting frustrated sometimes and feeling as though they're making no progress with those they're debating. I've noticed you say similar, yourself. So, since I was voting for you I thought I might as well throw that out there.I don't remember who it was but I recall somebody on the forum pointing out that debates are more about the lurkers anyway. I think that's the best way to approach it. Rarely are you going to convince the person you're debating, but never let the frustration of an unreasonably steadfast opponent distract you from the fact that you have an audience.I know I'm not one to give advice since I'm just a spectator but, for what it's worth, I think this is the best approach. My apologies to the poster that initially said this... I'd give you credit if I could remember who you were.Anyway, I'm derailing Mike's thread here (sorry Mike ). I just wanted to clarify that. A couple of times you've expressed the thought of leaving, and I for one want you to stay. As you can see by the votes, you've had more of an impact than you thought.

Hey Mike.Maybe you should require that, in order to be official, all votes actually state their nomination in the subtitle. They could still make whatever comments, about whomever, they wish in their post, but their actual vote would be clearly indicated.I realize that many have already done this but, if you make it a requirement, it will clarify all the votes for you, and give you an easy tallying system at the same time. Just a thought.

Ah! I should have known. Well, for whatever it means coming from a mere spectator, I agree. Focus on how the debate reads to the audience, and if you convince your opponent in the process consider it a bonus.Thanks for the clarification, schraf.

You may have a point. As far as debate goes I'm purely a lurker. But, since I'm also a member, I suppose I have the advantage of being able to give my "lurker's perspective" on debate. Happy to help. But I'm just the relayer. Credit goes to schraf.I know I'm still continuing off topic. My apologies... I tend to feel like I'm being rude if I don't reply. So how about this... To the above mentioned tendency to lose perspective, Holmes' ability to generally maintain his perspective despite being well and truly "in the thick of things" is one of the main reasons for my nomination.Does that make this post on topic?