Crimespace: Week The Second

[Daniel Hatadi]

It's only been two weeks officially, but I already feel like I've been draped over this website-shaped bar for my whole life. And hey, *hic*, I've only known you for ten minutes, but you're already my bestest friend in the whole wide world.

Friends. In the real world, a beautiful thing; on the internet, a bookmark, a way of saying, "hi, you seem interesting and I wouldn't mind getting to know you better." It must remind all of you of being ten again, where everyone was your friend because they smiled at you or looked your way or had cool shoes.

I've been making a point of sending friend requests to everyone on here. Since I'm hosting this party, I see it as a way of welcoming everyone in when they knock on the door. 185 members and rising (I wonder if it'll hit 200 while I sleep) means I won't be able to come round and get to know every one of you, at least not to begin with. And although I've been doing a decent job, I haven't been able to fill all drink requests. Feel free to load up photos with the tag word 'drinks', if the mood hits.

The biggest surprise visit for the week, for me, was Ken Bruen. He dropped in like the Godfather of the crime writing world and flattered me no end with his very first post. I live in an ever increasing fear of what this Mick may be scheming, but it was truly a great thing to have him drop by. It's not often that one of your favourite authors refers to you by name. I was this close to actually blushing.

Thank you so much to everyone that's joined up thus far, and a special thanks to those who've dropped by my chat wall and gushed about the site. Very much appreciated. As Tom Waits would say, "I love you all. Individually, and as a group."

[Karen E. Olson]

This is great fun, Daniel, and it's super that you've started it up for all of us.

The only thing that's freaking me out is that you're in Australia, which means every time I post something, it says it's already tomorrow. I feel like I've lost so much time :)

[Sandra Ruttan]

You're doing a great job Daniel.

I'd love to be killed in a Ken Bruen book. Or to be really, really evil. Because in fiction I'd like to try something different from my reality. (Ducks.)

[Angie]

You're doing an awesome job, Daniel. It's so cool to see so many crime fic folks in one place. I'm trying to get around and say hello to everyone, but there's so many! Woohoo!

[Anne Brooke]

Hey, yes, it's nice to be in a group. I've never been in one of those before (sad git alert!) - thanks for the welcome!!

:))

A
xxx

[Tiffany Leigh]

Out of all the the social networking sites -- living or dead, real or imaginary -- Crimespace has been the first that really clicked, that truly spoke to my passions and interests. Like living in a place for years and finally finding a great bar tucked away nearby. Thank you very much for this. For reals (or, in MySpace parlance, "freals.")

[Patricia Abbott]

Daniel. This is the classroom where everyone gets the Valentine without the teacher demanding it. Thanks for all your hard work.

[Christa M. Miller]

When I was 10 I never got anything right, so no one was my friend. :) That's why this site means so much - no one cares what you have or don't, all it takes is a love of crime fiction. That is just amazing to me.

Raising my glass to you!