Hello all, I hope you are well.
I'm still recovering from a bout with pertussis (usually known as whooping cough) I evidently caught from my daughters toward the end of the holiday season.
I'm feeling better since getting the correct diagnosis and medication, but still have some bad nights coughing.
I suggest anyone that has not done so to get the booster vaccine, as the vaccines you got as a kid wear off after a few years.
FYI, I started a poll thread in discussions regarding Rafael Nadal's return to the tour.
Maybe I should have made it a contest... 
Anyway, keep up the great discussion here if you have time and are able. I'm seeing a lot of growth here. Good work to make the castle and this forum a welcoming place people.
Respectfully,
masterclass
long time no see general. hope you recover 100% fast. take all the precautions and get plenty of rest.
there is some growth on the horizon general. as long as we are here to meet and greet folks when they stop by, they will likely return.
and that is the big idea at the castle. people simply must be made to feel welcome and at home here or they will not come back.
any past issues with people have to be checked in at the castle gates.
just take tennis.com. i used to hang out there long ago and there were some bitter fools who liked attacking an insulting. back then i returned fire with fire.
that no longer works. you get yourself banned very quickly and furthermore you hurt the credibility of a forum that may be trying to do some positive things.
and people run because who wants to sit in a toxic environment.
so this is why i changed the mission statement at the castle. we all have to keep it in mind.
lets just engage, entertain, and inspire people the best we can so they will come back.
that is the only way we can have growth. and of course its more fun for all.
Thanks General Hercules. Yes, rest is the key now, but at least I'm well enough to type on the computer for a short while without suffering coughing fits.
I think you are absolutely right on target with all that you say. Nice mission statement.
Sometimes the trickiest parts come when the season gets underway and people start stating their opinions about their favorite or not so favorite players. As long as personal attacks are not in the mix, then I think everyone can get along fine. We've seen everything in tennis chat for quite a while, especially you, Sir Javier, and others. You know by now what things will keep the chat thriving, and what kinds of things will kill it.
I think the people here in this forum are good people who like to talk about things, tennis and otherwise, and share interesting ideas. I think these chat threads and the people who are welcomed will be a great springboard for this forum's success.
Respectfully,
masterclass
