Michael - Because the message board is contained in a cgi bin, we cannot count the traffic to it, though there is little question that it is a busy part of the site. The milliions of hits the main site gets that we know of, surely are many more when you consider the traffic to this board. That cgi bin is the same reason that the message board has its own unique search engine, separate from the more sophisticated one for the main site. Like many of you, I have the message board saved as a favorite on my IE nav bar and just clik on it to see what is happening with everyone. And you are not alone in coming directly here. There are literally hundreds of pages of content with the answers to many of the routine questions here, but rather than read through it all, search the site etc., it is so much easier to just as a question here. Lazy, but easier. The answers are personal and that is a distinct attraction. Ditto the interpersonal relationships that we all develop. The difference is the answers drawn from the content of the site are contained in data that has been approved and reviewed by many different doctors from different diciplines. The strength of the message board is that it comes from personal experience. Each has its own unique value. Not everyone is interested in the latest news....they just want the interaction with people who can relate to their situation. Nothing to feel guilty about there... it's a primary function of the board - mutual support.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.