To HP Forum:
As a psychiatrist, as well as an avid HP calculator fan, I may be a little more qualified to make this observation. Or not. But here it is:
I've been re-involved with this hobby for over 18 months, now. During this time, I have made contacts and friends through this forum, and by contacting my "competitors" on eBay. Everyone has been geniunely interested in helping me with this pursuit. Invaluable amounts of help and information have been shared with me on this forum.
Recently, when I expressed a need for some parts (an ACT chip), an offer was made by a forum member to send them to me. When I asked what he wanted for them and offered postage, his reply was. "Take what you need. Tell the world how it goes, and then pass them along to someone else. Let me know how it turns out!" (essentially)
I now believe that, for some reason, for the most part, the people who have traits that make them value and collect HP calculators are also people who seem to have many other very wonderful traits. I have met some of the most friendly, bright, caring, sharing, honest, giving, and patient people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
With all the bad or "negative" news about the changes in the calculator industry, etc., I felt it important and wanted to share this observation.
I can't imagine a group of people could have better qualities than those who spend time on this forum. (except maybe a forum involving something to do with naked co-eds playing volleyball... Just kidding. There's hundreds of those, and only one HP Forum!)
HP collectors ROCK!
Have a great day, and happy programming,
Michael