If you've ever read the Vampire Chronicles, you'll understand the "That's It, I'm leaving", either announced or silently decided upon. After a long period on the forum, one needs a break. Only it doesn't feel that way. It feels like you want to leave and never come back. So you do. Sometimes you slam the door on your way out. Sometimes you skulk out under cover of darkness. But you take an extended break, thinking it's permanent. It's not. You just need some time away. Then you start missing friends (and quite often, adversaries) and you find yourself sneaking in as a lurker. Then you see a discussion you can't resist, and viola, you're back.

One of the things that I have always appreciated most about the .Org is that people always warmly welcome you back. As somebody who's pulled this stunt more than once, it's nice to know there's nobody waiting to shove crow down your throat (though a few folks might take the piss out of you). I think this attitude starts with Tosa-sama, is echoed through the mods, and trickles down to anyone with an even remote connection with the .Org. At the end of the day, sour-grapesing somebody is just very, very un-orgah-like.

Don't worry, odds are better than good that they'll be back after the holidays. I used to get really worried and sad every time DevDave would leave. Now I just hear Paul Young singing "Every time you go" when he makes one of his 'announcements'.