" 

 ==(Sings) Stay, don't go== 

 The great thing about Wikipedia is that it's all virtual. We can switch off, ignore people, dewatchlist. Really, we are just sitting at home enjoying a hobby, and what happens on screen isn't worth getting worked up about, I think. You are a wonderful contributor: the way you stuck with William Shakespeare when everyone else was leaving the ship is one of my best memories on Wikipedia. It was a brilliant example of sticking with something through thick and thin and getting the payoff at the end. It will be the same with King Arthur (if the FAC has anything to do with your frustration). When that excellent article makes FA, you will deserve great credit for having noticed Hrothgar's work and led the FA Team's mission on the article. Without your leadership,  I would never have been involved there, nor Jb and Awadewit. And it's been a long time. I know you put your heart and soul into what you do here. And I'm sure that one thing behind this is your dismay that a scholar like Hrothgar might be put off the project because of the arguing at the FAC. I can't speak for him, but I suspect that anyone who works in the area of Arthur studies will be more than familiar with the variety of people and views that the subject arouses, and I am hopeful that he will just sigh and take it in his stride. 

 So my advice is, stand back from all-or-nothing feelings, The truth is that you are in charge of how much time you spend on Wikipedia, how much arguing with certain individuals you want to do, and what article you choose to work on. Take a break, of course, but afterwards find some quiet places to edit now and then—and I'm sure Wikipedia will work its charm on you again. I get by working on quiet articles, some that no one at all is interested in: for me, it's not what happens on the screen that gives me the pleasure, it's reading, pottering among my books just as and when I feel. With some nice music on, a glass of port ... it's a heavenly hobby when approached in that vein. 

 When one meets with hostile argument, it is the easiest thing just not to answer. Or, as Hrothgar has done, to answer once or twice and then switch off. I wish you all the best and hope you'll stay around, but completely on your own terms. No one can make us angry without our permission.    

 :: The above seems good advice to me )  You will be sorely missed if you do retire for more than a brief period; I, for one, have greatly appreciated your support and encouragement...  As for me, qp is quite correct, such issues are common-place when it comes to Arthuriana, although it is disappointing to have to deal with them here too; I won't let it put me off, just yet!  On that note, assuming this FA nom goes through I'm going to be writing the last two chapters of a book and then looking for another wiki-project for myself, all suggestions welcome )  Chin up ;-)    

 == Once more unto the breach, dear friend, once more! == 

 Hey Wrad. 

 Come on man; go get drunk, take a walk, play some video games, etc. You're the Protagonist here, and the properties of Narrativium dictate that you can't let the Villains prevail! -) 

 If you feel Wikipedia has ruined your life then perhaps that's a sign you've been spreading yourself too thin, trying to do too much. Maybe scaling back to fewer projects, and less controversial ones, would help. I know us Bardolators wouldn't mind having you all to ourselves; you're the very soul of the project and we'd be lost without you! 

 If you ever want to talk, or need someone to rant to, or whatever; my email and IM contact info should be fairly easy to find and I'd be privileged to lend you an ear. 

 In short, I think what you really need is a great big:   

   has smiled at you! Smiles promote WikiLove and hopefully this one has made your day better. Spread the WikiLove by smiling at someone else, whether it be someone you have had disagreements with in the past or a good friend. Cheers, and Happy editing!   Smile at others by adding  to their talk page with a friendly message. 

  

 Finally, I'll paraphrase you a section that used to be included in the user manual for NewsWatcher — the first and greatest Usenet newsreader for Mac OS — entitled “Spaf's Words of Wisdom”. It w