Editor's Comment:
Thanks so much for your kudos and feed back on last week's question.  Be assured that we are constantly working to bring you the news you want in an inviting format and we're striving to comply with worthwhile suggestions. 

We want you to keep reading and telling your friends and merchants with whom you do business about Front Porch News!

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This Week's Forum Question:

This week's question is about Bird Flu.  Do you believe it is a real threat or is it just media hype?  Are you concerned about a pandemic?  We want your opinions.

"I can't help but be concerned about the threat of Bird Flu. I can remember my grandmother relating the story of how her family was affected by flu epidemic back in the early 1900's. Three members of her family died and the entire family was down sick at one time.".........sj

"What better way could you sell drugs than start the fear of an epidemic? I'm a firm believer that our government is controlled by the drug companies and I think this is just another way for them to make money!"............rw

"I may be in the minority, but I'm concerned. Think how migratory avian species are and how quickly something like this can spread across the world. Imagine the damage that this could do to the American Poultry industry and in effect cause a danger to our food supply. Then, suppose what they are telling us is right, that the bird flu could mutate and be transmissible from bird to human. It's a scary thought!"...............Rhonda

WE WANT AND NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION! 
Feel free to respond to this week's or last week's forum questions.

Last Week's Forum Question:

Front Porch News will be celebrating our first anniversary April 15.  We want to know what you think about us.   Why do you read Front Porch News?  Do you tell others about the site?  Is there anything you'd like to see that we don't have yet? 

Thanks for your feedback!

"Congratulations on over a million hits! That proves that you are providing a quality service for the people of Hopkins County and delivering the kind of news, pictures, and stories that people want to see. I'm constantly amazed at the coverage you give to so many activities and that you provide three to ten pictures about every event. The pictures are outstanding and I'm telling everyone I know about the site. Then, they in-turn are telling everybody they know, etc., etc. Count on this growing into the most wonderful thing since 'sliced bread and a washing machine in our home.' At least that's what I'm betting on!"..............EC

"What happened to the basketball and market show pictures? Please leave these items up longer as by the time you contact your relatives out-of-town to go and look at them, it takes time. And, the kids like to see their pictures on there, regardless of how long they've been up! I can't complement you enough on your outstanding coverage of the rural schools and all of their activities. We've finally got someone who realizes that our kids do just as much and their activities are just as important as what goes on in Sulphur Springs!"..........Cindy

"I've told everyone I know about www.FrontPorchNews.com! It's the greatest thing I've ever seen. Access to the local news, anytime you want to read it, 24 hours a day. And, the stories are local, about the people we know. If I want to get state and national news, then all I've got to do is go to MSN or pick-up a "Dallas Morning News." You're doing a great job of covering local events!...........David

"I still haven't figured out how you have so much information and come up with all of the story ideas. Like how did you know that the guy that designs the Dallas Arboretum had Hopkins County relatives? I'm constantly amazed at the quality and quantity of stories that you provide. Keep up the good work! You're providing what we want to read!........Sharon

"My kids got me a computer for Christmas and taught me how to get the news on Front Porch. I couldn't be happier, now that I've learned how. I especially like the History Files and then it's great to get springtime on your screen, without having to take a drive. I can't drive anymore and you've provided a way for me to still enjoy the flowers, the baby calves, and all those miracles of springtime!.........Bessie

"Thank you for finally including Yantis in a publication. As you know, we're the 'step-child' down here in 'no-man's land' between Sulphur Springs and Quitman. However, our kids are just as important and achieve just as much as those living in other place. Thanks for recognizing them and their achievements. I'm telling everybody I know about Front Porch News!.............DD

"Please put some more book reviews in the library, when you have some time. I enjoy reading about new books, before I go to the bookstore. Does Bobby do those? Or, do you have someone who reads the books? I'm telling everybody about your site!...........SS

"When is everyone going to 'wake-up' and smell the coffee? This is the way people want to get their news delivered to them and the possibilities are limitless for advertising, promotion, and delivery of the latest happenings in the area. I dare say there are many towns in the U.S. who have access to a quality site like this, that live in a small town such as Sulphur Springs. I continually marvel at the amount of coverage you provide and the interesting stories. I especially liked the 'Dallas Blooms' article. The flowers were gorgeous. And, I love the beautiful spring pictures you've provided. They look like something out of a magazine and they're taken right here in Hopkins County!"...........Sara

"Thank You for including 'Reilly Springs News' on the web! I'd been buying a Wednesday paper, just so I could get your column that everyone was talking about. Now, I can go and get all of it without even having to get out of the house!.......Peggy

"My kids are constantly calling and telling me about something they read on Front Porch News and they live in Dallas and San Antonio. It has become such a popular means of keeping up with all of the news for everyone. I just love the beautiful pictures. They guy that said that a picture was worth a 1000 words, knew what he was talking about! They are great and always in color to cover every event!........RT

"I read everything that Bobby writes. I'm just ready for another book to come out, when he gets the time! And, I just love the 'car wreck' and the 'old woman in the shoe' advertising. The sky is the limit for what can be done with a business' advertising dollar on your site. Seems like you can put up about anything anyone would want. I've told my children in Austin and Dallas and they are reading about their classmates every day. Keep up the good work!.......CHW

"I want to tell you a personal story. I read an article about a classmate on your site, that I hadn't heard from since high school. I called your office and inquired about her, and you found me her address. I wrote her a letter and we've become reconnected after all the years. Her renewed friendship is a true blessing in my life and I look forward to her letters and phone calls. Thank you for reconnecting old friends!................DDF, Arlington, Texas

"In the last year you've brought us stories about people from Denmark and other places in Europe, New Orleans, the Arboretum in Dallas, Caddo Lake, Idaho, the Arkansas Wine Country and any place else we might want to go, all with a local connection. I've told all my friends and family about the site and they are regular readers, as well. We're constantly e-mailing each other about something we've read on Front Porch News. Thanks for providing this connection and giving us the opportunity to share!"...........jl

"I left Sulphur Springs 12 years ago, but that doesn't mean that I'm not still interested in my friends and family who live there. Thanks for providing me with a daily means of staying connected with an important part of my life. Also, it is so great to come to the site and get an immediate notification of someone that has died, so you can send flowers to the funeral. I go and read the obits every morning, before I go to work, and can act accordingly, if it is someone I need to respond to. Thanks for all that you do!"...................kwp

"I read the Front Porch News because it is so convenient and has such good stories. You asked for suggestions for things that I would like to see on it, and I would like to see the church section developed more in the future, maybe with some commentary by local preachers or a page for local church members to comment."...........BA

"The pictures are great on Front Porch News! I'd come just to look at all the nice photos. The Easter Page photo is outstanding. Where did you get it?".........Sandy

"I would like to thank all of you at Front Porch News for all the Hopkins County coverage. It's great and even though I've moved to Mississippi, I still get to keep up with all the news in my hometown. Thanks again!"...........Debbie