Although I have made a lot of posts on the forum, I rarely initiate them, but just wanted to mark this one up as it is a bit of a milestone.
I started posting on the forum in January 2007, when there were far fewer members than there are now. At that time Andy Davie was posting as Neverending and was still in his IVA, Skippy was thinking of ending her IVA as she could not afford the payments, Mrs Skint was looking at ways to end her husband's IVA, Lily's mum had sadly just died and she was wondering about the best way to clear her debts, and Ang (who posts as Aguise) was sharing a lot of her own IVA experiences with us. It seems like just yesterday, but we have achived so much on the forum since that time.
The Frugal Friends network and meetings have been a roaring success, and I firmly hope to see some new dates coming out soon. There have been some great interviews with influential players in the debt marketplace on IVA TV, and the Debt Debates held throughout 2007 and 2008 were well attended and helped to also put the website on the map.
I frequently engage with lenders and other IPs at a very high level, and am continually told that they use the forum as a main reference point - to find out what is going on in the marketplace and who is up to what! For the general public - in and out of debt - this site is a tremendous source of knowledge, experience and sheer support from people who know what they are talking about and really care to help other people.
I feel very privileged to be a forum member, and hope that this site continues to go from strenth to strenth over many years to come.
Oh wow Melanie, 20,001 posts...thats fantastic and goes to show how much you put into this forum. The advice and support you give is tremendous. Not only does it help the poster thats in neeed, but also the rest of us who are on our own journeys, but trying to learn as much as we can so we too can help others.
Hi Mel
Congratulations on your number of postings, quite amazing. It equates to 26 per day, if you take out your holidays then it's probably nearer 30 per day.
The forum would be lost without your balanced and honest postings.
Hope you continue for many more years Mel
Regards
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I know i wont be on my own telling you just how important you are and have been to this forum.
You have freely helped us all.
I remember being terrified of meeting you in Manchester last year but i'm so glad i did.
Not only are you so dedicated to your work but you are a real fun person too and i am glad i had the privilage of meeting you.
Melanie. Also include my deepest thanks. Fairly new to the Forum but it has been lifeline when at my lowest. I also wonder when you sleep as you put so much into the forum. Your advice and info is always so balanced Many, many thanks for the one to one you gave me.
Congratulations Melanie! Your help and advice is second to none, and it was through reading your posts when i first came across this site that helped me to pluck up the courage to ask for help. I feel privileged to have you as my IP...your support and dedication is very much appreciated xx
I am sure it was only last year that you were celebrating your 10,000th post. I think you must have a secret twin sister who posts as well if you are busy........
You do put the rest of us to shame though.
Regards.
Cert DR
23+ years in debt advice
I do not post for anyone other than myself
Thank you so much guys for all of the kind comments. I can assure you that all of my posts are genuinely mine, and I do make time for the forum because it is an important part of my day.
Brilliant post Mel, people can be very sceptical of IP's who post on forums such as this. The advice that you give us all is testimony to the fact that you give that personal touch and go above and beyond to help others who are too scared to talk to their own IP.
I, for one, hope to be around when you make your 50,000 post (about October at this rate[;)])
Congratulations and thank you for your time, honesty and friendship. I hope this year we can get to one of the FF meetings to finally meet you in person. [:)][:)]
