Thanks to all NR contributors for your unique and powerful insights, and thanks Tom for providing the most important forum on the web. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

It was the stuff I read that changed me. And it did change me.
I am (originally) from Manchester, in the UK.

Man City fan (as are Oasis ,my favourite group)

'Standing on the Shoulders of Giants' is one of thier greatest albums.

'nuff said'

http://nobledreams.co.uk It's not the same, it never could be, it's just a tribute, and continuity.

Whatever you do learn about, be sure to ponder not just memorize it. Look for what it explains, and look for what it fails to explain. Over time you’ll grow talented at telling truth from deception, which is a very important skill because the road to higher knowledge is strewn with lures and traps. I spend the most energy on my site laying out the various methods of manipulation and deception because I figure if people know about the bad stuff then they can more safely pursue whatever positive things they desire. (emphasis mine)

There is NO WAY I could grow and become stronger without Montalks' writings on "the bad stuff". I have no doubt this man has the most powerful angels (?) in the universe protecting him. He is a warrior who has saved my life. Thank you Tom.

Tom created this place because there was nothing like it on the net, and in the process assisted and facilitated the growth of uncounted seekers. In stumbling onto this site, I discovered a kind of community I never fathomed could exist on the net: a community of seekers. And in the process, I learned so much.

Tom, thank you for your sacrifice, your guidance, and even that Hu.mp3
May your higher self lead you to even greater levels of service.

And now the final lines of "Lunar Thanatos" (a song which incidentally came on just now):

Alchemy of do re mi
Know Thyself
Transmogrify!

Oh... Lunar Thanatos!

Hope everyone will be up and at 'em for an afterparty in the IRC chat tonight after things officially close up. 
I better at least have time to get in a FEW hours of whining and posting like a banchee before that happens though.

So my last post in ZenDen's thread - a tribute to Tom. Perfect Grande Finale

This is the beginning folks. See you on the road.

Action!

(..and the curtain closes with strong applause from the audience)

It's funny to my not always totally aware self... to even fathom just how amazing you really are.  Yesterday I was reading the thread about the forum closing and I read the post you made.  It really hit home and made me recognize how much I'm going to miss your energy around here, Tom.  When I first heard of the shut down, I was mortified.  I felt like I was losing something so dear to my heart, and  I got so emotional!  For days!!  Finally that all settled down, and then yesterday after I read your back to the future post I got freakin tears in my eyes again.  It's because I realized as much as I appreciate and am grateful for all the wonderful, inspirational people I've come across on your site.... or the mountains of knowledge I found here which have changed my thinking forever.  I'll miss all of those things terribly, but I know deep down that I can find those things again.  I can stay in touch with other members, can still do research on my own and at ND, and maybe someday I'll be lucky enough to find another amazing place like this.  I can't even express how life changing this place was for me.  But furthermore, I realize that a big part of the reason I am so sad is because Tom, you mean more to me than I could ever tell you.  Your energy, mind, and spirit are incredible.  I've never met any other person in my whole life that I was able to actually nod and grant the possibility that... that person really COULD be an ascended master.  It amazes me even now when I really sit and think about it.  I've never known a greater teacher, that's for sure.  I've never watched one person manifest  as much truth, light, and knowledge than I have in the time I've been lucky enough to know you.  I'm writing this in a rambly, random way but it doesn't matter because I know that I don't have the words to even begin to explain how important you've been to me.  Definitely agree with the person who said you've set an amazing example - and so much more. 

I have to get back to work but you best believe that I'm gonna gush over here every chance I get today.  And be expectin' another gushy, possibly pointless email from me too.  Lots of love and respect to you Tom.  I can't thank you enough.

Blessings to you in your new endeavors.

Merry part, till we meet again.

Cheers