Hoffer's Law

The law states that when people are free to do what they want, they usually imitate one another.

Finally, I've allowed myself the luxury of such a freedom. The inspiration from those I fervently wished to imitate, was too overwhelming to keep under control. As transmission begins, there would be the inevitable fuzziness, crackles, sputter.....till the appropriate frequency is reached and hopefully a melody emanates someday.

Over the next few episodes, I intend to play for you a potpourri of recorded transcripts of my online exchanges with those I became close (still am!) on the net. Apart from saving me the arduous task of making original postings at regular intervals, they may serve as curtain-raisers for the main act which they embody. The reproduction carries minimal editing to retain their distinct flavour (please excuse a tinge of the vernacular from time to time). The names of characters have been encrypted or altered to camouflage identitites, otherwise its an all-too-real-ity show...stark...candid...but mercifully, no parental guidance is required!

It all began in early May, 2003. A random response in a friendship site evoked an initial spate of mails with 'LEA' :

kband - hi.....need an emotional anchor who can double up as a friend.........

lea - sorry, i'm not here for emotional attachments of any kind....

kband - u misunderstood me. i just want to be yr friend - honestly. for u i shall shed all my emotional baggage. care to take me along now ???

lea - If you are ready to shed all ur emotional baagage (?) just for someone who you dont even know.................well..........Sorry, I am not at all interested


(to be continued)