Pretty much what everyone else has said. I didn't find Slashdot until probably '99 or so, but since then I've turned to it for news almost daily. It has certainly helped shaped my worldview, while also helping me know I'm not the only one who thinks the way I do. The Internet HAS changed, and the reason you give for leaving makes sense, but still... definitely the end of an era. Thanks for all the insight, laughs and frustration when you haven't met my high expectations :-) Best wishes Taco.

Let's face it, we weren't going to get slam dunks on every appointment. There are so many ex-Clinton people everywhere that it was foolish to think Hiilary Rosen and her crew weren't going to get into the new Executive. But the silver lining is this: RIAA types are allowed into the discussion, but they don't CONTROL the debate or its terms. Allowing all sides at the table is a very different thing from deciding policy and ideology from on high and mandating that ideology all down the chain of command. The new Administration seems willing to include both progressives and moderates at the table. That means that we aren't going to get purely progressive solutions, but it does bode well for getting solutions. Obama seems intent on stopping the gridlock, and if that means allowing in points of view I vehemently disagree with, that 's fine as long as solid, scientifically-backed reasons and evidence are necessary criteria for policy decisions, not blind adherence to dogma.

I got this from the DIY Network: get a pretty rectangular cardboard box (like from Ikea or The Container Store) and cut small holes, evenly spaced, on the two longer sides, and one hole on one of the shorter sides. Screw small metal decorative plates (something to make the openings look neat, like light-switch covers but for a hole) over the holes, and stuff a power strip inside the box, with the cord coming out the one shorter side. Plug all the chargers into the strip, and bring their cords out the little holes you made. Put the cover on the box. Now you have a neat charging station that doesn't look like ass. I think this tip was brought to you by Quaker Oats chewy protein bars or something.