BIL Members have their say in 2004

Thank you for all the work you do  .  As one who has been involved  with long term volunteer projects I appreciate your time.

You have a huge responsibility.  I thank you very much for all you do.

I wanted you to know how very much I appreciate all of the time and effort you put into the B/I Lounge.  I enjoy reading the Newsletters... most of all, since I rarely have enough time to attend any of the sessions in their entirety.

This particular "Bulletin" shows me where your heart is, again... and I just wanted to convey to you my sincerest support... as I, too, hope that a club such as BIL will continue to provide education for the growing online bridge community.

I appreciate what you have done for me  and many others in the same boat

And we love you and your helpers

When everything seems on top of you Maureen, and you want to chuck it all away, remember that for all the dumb people out there, there are the thoughtful, thinking ones who are amazed constantly by your efforts.  I like to visit the BIL everyday, can only do so from my computer at work, and I find that there is hardly an occasion when I haven’t seen 2 or 3 tables playing (with kibitzers) in the Lounge.  You have provided us with this facility, thank you.

The BI Lounge is a damned great thing and I am grateful to you for it To show you some more practical appreciation, I do solemnly promise to fill out a convention card of my own ... My heartfelt thanks to all the teachers, lounge assistants,

PLEASE keep up your terrific work. it really is a pleasure to get all news so promptly!

I especially like the opportunity to play bridge with people all over the world, living in a remote area in Canada, and being able to get such good instruction from the teachers in the Lounge, and through the educational software Mr. Gitelman provides us

I WANT TO ADD MY APPRECIATION FOR ALL THE TIME, ENERGY, AND EXPERTISE, YOU OFFER ALL OF US!

Many, many thanks for the input to the beg/int/ lounge to better equip we fledglings.  The subject matter is beautifully presented with such patience and I have been able to apply these tools in my bridge games.  A grateful learner,

With each news update I am amazed, impressed and incredibly appreciative of the amount of work and time you devote -- with much thanks,

This is terrific - the program keeps getting better and better. 

Thanks Maureen - I appreciate your efforts - you are all doing a fantastic job.

Wow!   That is sure a lot of information!!  I'm looking forward to playing a bit.  Thanks for the membership. 

Thank you for your amazing email.  I look forward to exploring the wonders of BBO and BIL within the next week or so.

I would like you to know that I am grateful to get the benefits of your donation of time on behalf of BIL.

I do think BIL is a special place in BBO either for politeness and management.

I have some problems with language but these don't prevent me from enjoying myself - thank you again. I am really glad to have joined BIL.

Great newsletter and TY :)) for all your hard work

Thank you so much for taking so much of your time to instruct us on the finer points of this amazing game.  Your efforts on our behalf are much appreciated.

I sure like the learning environment created at the BIL.  Keep up the good work,

thank you to inform me, and thank you for this nice club ,very nice people you all

I must congratulate you on BIL.  I was one of the first members, and have watched it grow into something so special. Almost daily we are getting new Teachers/Advisors for this wonderful (sometimes frustrating) game :)) and I would like to thank you for the time and organisation you put into our wonderful Club. Without you and our very special Teachers it would not be what it is.

I just wanted to thank you for these weekly newsletters.  I enjoy reading them and very much enjoy playing in the lounge.  What a great game!

Wonderful, Interesting, and Informative!!!

just to let you know, that i really enjoy reading news update, you are doing a terrific job, keep it up. i am sure that i speak for many, many of us

I also hope your club members are as fully appreciative of your efforts as they should be, because you have started something that is really quite wonderful for the aspiring bridge players. 

I have been spellbound by the game since I discovered it five years ago but I often wondered if I would ever enjoy it.  I have felt put down and berated many a time and thought, “Give it up”.  That is until I found the BIL. (But of course you founded BIL and many, many thanks for that).  Now I have a wonderful time, even enjoy the main room, and I am seriously thinking about returning to my local clubs to play. 

Thank you  very much for the  lovely welcoming email Maureen.  I look  forward to joining in the bridge, fun and learning process as soon as possible

I just wanted to thank you for your patience in getting my signed up in the Beginners and Immediate Section.  The people I have met there have been friendly and polite.  So, a double joy to play and learn.

I can't say enough about how much I appreciate your efforts, as well others to make this such an interesting place for me to spend many hours.

I just wanted to take a few minutes out to thank you for the work you do in maintaining the BIL.  Although I've only been playing there for a short time, I  am very, every happy with my experience there so far.  As a new player, the biggest obstacle to learning how to play decently has been finding opportunity to play regularly.  The BIL provides a place to play among many friendly people who don't mind the fact that I am a beginner, and are all happy to share their knowledge and experience.  I've also enjoyed the teaching sessions, although some of what's covered  goes  over my head, I find the approach helpful.  Even in this short time, I feel like I've improved a little, and I'm having a great time.  Thanks again for giving your time to the BIL.

I have thoroughly enjoyed BIL.  I'm new to Bridge and it has helped build my confidence.

Wishing you well, and thanking you for what you are offering ... it is appreciated, and valued and used.

Just a note to say " THANKS "   another great news letter that took many hours of your time to get together. Great work, have a good  day.

Your knighthood will come in the mail one day Maureen, of that I am sure.  I know I speak for [nearly] everyone – heck you can't please all of the people all of the time, now can you – when I say congratulations on helping the BIL turn one and just know that while some may never say it, I am sure that they do really appreciate the fact that they have somewhere to play bridge where the accent is on fun and learning.  Thanks also to all the 'stars' [Honorary members] that find the time to play, advise and teach all of us lesser bridge mortals.

Appreciate what all of you have done for us in the past one year. I would have never wanted to graduate

I have to tell you I am LOVING the opportunity to play in a non-intimidating arena.  I wish I had found you a year ago - perhaps you could add to your "wish list" the hope that Fred could promote the BIL Lounge on the Lobby Page.  Certainly I would never have found you had it not been for the lucky coincidence of joining a table in the 'Big People's Club' where 3 players were extolling the virtues of BIL.  When I asked what BIL was, they pointed me in the right direction, and I found a new home!

And thanks again, for everything you have done.  I continue to learn and to enjoy.   

You and the other BIL volunteers have done such a wonderful job with the club.  Your emails are so helpful and professionally written in a timely manner.  Although, I haven't been as active with BIL as I would like, I have enjoyed the sessions and tournaments that I have been able to participate.

As a once active volunteer in another online bridge club, I know first hand how much time you have invested to make the club successful.  Please know how much you are appreciated by many!

I have only been with BIL for a short time, and my commitments restrict my ability to play and use the many things you are offering.

However I am overwhelmed by your efforts to help and support people, and I am sure many are saying thanks to you also for all you are doing to help people enjoy their bridge ....   I wish to add my thanks ...  :))))))) It is a special gift you are offering ...  Wishing you well and happy bridging ...

Many, many thanks for the number of hours expended on behalf of the bridge players across the globe.  We are indebted to you for your expertise, your kindness and your effort to bring bridge of all levels to anyone who wants to participate

And thank you so much for all your hard work in making the learning experience much more enjoyable for so many of us. You're a true hero.

>thank you....for all you and your 'helpers' have done.  i have enjoyed many of the BI benefits...it's great....

thank you for your patience and kindness in answering my question. You must

have dozens of queries every day.

I want to take part in as many Birthday Events that I can find time. I am so excited at the growth in OUR website.  We are so fortunate to have  good people like yourself, who want  a decent, friendly and informative place where good bridge is learned (sometime played)

 My hat is off to Fred, Sheri, You and Uday, for all your hard work and attention to detail.

I appreciate all the effort that goes into the BIL and send thanks to those who volunteer so much time in order for wanna-be bridge players like me to bring our level of play up and enjoy the game more fully as we learn. 

I must have become a member of BIL during it's first six months although I had no idea then of its history.  This first year anniversary is awesome.  I had no idea of the time, energy, and talent you had put into this wonderful opportunity for all of us.  Thanks so much for all you have done!! It's really appreciated

Very kind of you to let us  have the Hands and the transcript of Fred's session August 25, 2004.My partner at our local bridge club and I have printed all of it and work hard on it.  It non only improves our bridge play but also our English, French being our native language. So,it is quite useful in every way. We want to thank you for all the time and the work you have done for BIL members, it is greatly appreciated. We like your e-mails and read them all; very interesting! We wish you all the best in life and in "BRIDGE !"

You're bridge tips are a great asset.  Thank you for the time and effort expended on our behalf. 

It’s the first time that I come across a News Update from the BIL : it really is fascinating reading and interesting to boot what with all the practical hints, opinions, suggestions etc. I am truly looking forward to the next one. You and your accomplices from the BIL ought to be congratulated for the good work. Thanks to all of you.

I am very happy to be a member of your club. I would like to thank you for the great job that you make for us to improve our bridge, the beautiful card game of the world. Thank you very much and good job to everybody.

Thank you for starting this neat club.  I particularly appreciate it, because even tho I have played bridge for over 10 years,  (and being an otherwise competitive person) it is not an area that I have wanted to place in the "competitive" compartment.  Oh, I like to win, and try to, I just mean that learning and using many of the refined convention techniques never appealed to me. I like  bridge to be more in the "social"  aspect.  I think this environment might accommodate that. 

It's great to play in the club! The  members are very friendly and patient with me ! I can practice without fear. Thank you again!

To be able to play with people around the world is AWESOME. Many thanks to all those who fall under this umbrella.  I love it!!!! 

You have given so many people the wonderful gift of your ability to organize and attract skilled teachers to the Beginner/Intermediate Lounge. 

Thank you for your faithful devotion to managing BIL, for your scheduling, newsletters, and membership activities..........and for a thousand other things we Billies do not see on the surface.

Thank you for letting me into your club.  I already started to enjoy the experience just kibitzing. 

am speechless Maureen........Nothing compares !!

( My thanks to the authors of the above and to the many who leave me messages on BBO - Maureen )