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The Stress Doc samples readers' reaponses to his requiem for Humor From the Edge. By way of contrast he also ran a spicy piece on "Murphy's vs. Stress Doc's Laws of Sex." Enjoy the ebb and flow!

Readers Respond to HFTE - In Memoriam (and to sex)

My previous mailing, a eulogy for the very popular internet newsletter, Humor From the Edge, evoked a real outpouring from readers. Perhaps it was pairing death and sex - "Murphy's vs. Stress Doc's Laws of Sex" - that stirred folks up. Though one reader balked: "Death and sex...oh Mark, not in that order...nononononono.... I'd like to think there's sex before death..."

But let me share the varied and rich responses. And where appropriate (or where I can't contain myself) I will add commentary. Readers, take it away:

Dear Friends:

I am so disappointed to hear of my favorite newsletter's demise! I was wondering why I had not heard from you in so long. Well, good luck in whatever road you travel. Thanks for your unknowing cheer and support. Please let me know if you ever start something like this up again. Regards,

Eileene M. Schlichting eilsch@hotmail.com

Again, my coworkers and I will really miss your humor!

It's sad that's Rick's Humor From The Edge is going away, but sometimes in life we must sacrifice something we love for someone we love... and I can understand why this must happen in his life at this moment..... do you remember a publication called Harper's Weekly?..... it was revived from death in the 80's for a brief time.... I had a letter to the editor published, which they paid for since they were so particular .... And then they accepted a proposal for an article complete with photos... I did the piece.... sent it in with 8 x 10 full glossy photos (I lived very close to Alice's Restaurant and even ate their ....Just like Arlo Guthrie, I had my 8 x 10 glossy photos).... and it was returned with an apology saying they were ceasing publication again...... I always felt responsible for that somehow..... sleepy smile.

Barb SeaofStars

I forwarded your sad but delightful memoriam to HFTE to a number of my E-mail buddies to whom I used to send some of the jokes.

Bogie 361 (:D)

And this final poignant tribute from Sv Honey, the Editor of Humor From the Edge, who opened the cyberdoor for me.

Dear Mark,

That was such a touching tribute to Rick and Humor From the Edge!! It made me want to cry for the past.....but also clap for the present. I imagine you could really keep HFTE alive by taking over the helm and reformatting, using your essays as base and supplementing them with choice humor and stories. I'd love to help in any way I can, just let me know! I'll start forwarding to you any funnies I think you might like or could use in your newsletters. Also, I'll start promoting distribution for your newsletter. I have a list of people that were on Rick's mailing list that you may want to add to your list if they aren't already on it...

Hugs, Shawna

Now here's a reader that likes her death sparked with a casual touch of sex; well something turned her on!

Just wanted you to know that this newsletter was one of the best ones that you have sent.................I'm not sayin' that the other ones weren't any good but this one just seemed a little more "Casual." I loved it and really enjoy being on your mailing list. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!

Hugs, Diana (DLLFACE)

Now my writing style will change depending on whether I'm sharing an anecdote, doing a more conceptual piece or whether I'm into a poetic flight of fancy. Just call me a "Fickle Pickle." (Gorkin mean pickle in Russian ;-)

sheesh...the sex stuff really made me laugh...keep it coming (no pun intended)...i need all the sex, i mean all the laughs (all right maybe both) i can get...you are funny

debra Cabgnvlvrn

(Editor's Note: However, a friend/colleague of mine, President of her own company, emailed asking me to send the newsletter to her home as opposed to her office. In today's climate, she's cautious regarding sexual material in the workplace. Can you blame her? What's your position?)

And the final word to Sea of Stars on degree of functionality...

Mark, Mark, Mark.... <deep long slow sigh>..... how many times do I have to try to tell you that the VITAMINS are in the WHITE bottle.... And the VIAGRA is in the BROWN bottle.... Please turn on the lights in the morning before reaching for the bottles.... Obviously you're mixing them up again.....

Very cute, Barb. But, not to worry. This man has already demonstrated that his libido is stronger than Prozac.