Dear Abyss

<p class=ql-align-center><strong>You asked.</strong></p><p class=ql-align-center><strong>He didn't answer.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>The <em>We Get Letters</em> column of the <em>FreeBSD Journal</em> has been called a tsunami of bile disguised as experience and erudition a torment to the eye and a stain upon the soul and the corroded battleship anchor that will drag an otherwise illustrious Journal to an ignominious demise. If you ask people who <em>aren't</em> the columnist you'll get a less luminous view. Perhaps even negative.</p><p><br></p><p class=ql-align-center><strong>We sincerely apologize.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>This six year collection illustrates how rapidly Lucas abandoned any pretense of answering questions usefully-or indeed paying any attention whatsoever to his correspondents. It is unacceptable. What the editors conceived of as an innocent letters column quickly transcended bitterness to become elevated even elegant enmity. Against everyone.</p><p><br></p><p class=ql-align-center><strong>Apologies are insufficient.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>In an attempt to keep these columns from teaching other articles bad habits we have confined them in their own private volume. The publisher expects it to be presented as evidence at his inevitable competency hearings as well as most of the civil suits. Next week's suits at least.</p><p><br></p><p>While we appreciate Mr Lucas' unique contributions to the Journal we do feel his specific talents are not being fully utilized. Please buy his books his hours autographed photos whatever so that he is otherwise engaged. - John Baldwin FreeBSD Journal Editorial Board Chair</p>