I heard that Tom Arri - Banjotom2 has left the Hangout and I don't want to get into the reasons for his departure. That's for Tom and the other parties involved to work through.
I don't think Tom will get round to reading this but I'd just like to say a few words in recognition of Tom's contribution to the success of this small annex of the Banjo Hangout.
Most of the people who frequent the TAB Request area come here in search of some free TAB and little thought is given to the people behind the scenes like Tom who spend long, long hours TABBING out the tunes to help people like us realise our goal of learning to play the banjo.
Tom has a remarkable ability to TAB out tunes and work out some really neat arrangements. If the TAB wasn't in the archive you could submit a request and usually within 48 hours Tom TABBED it out and posted it on the Hangout. for ALL to use.
But Tom didn't "JUST TAB STUFF OUT" he went the extra mile and answered all manner of questions relating to TAB and the software TABLEDIT for anyone who cared to ask. Over the past four years I have come to know him as a "Virtual Friend "someone whom I could rely on for help and advise and he would always come through for me. We exchanged emails and had a little behind the scenes friendly banter which I am sure we will continue to do.
For a few individual's his departure won't mean a lot, it may even be welcomed, but for the Banjo Hangout as a whole his departure is a huge loss to the team of TABBERs. Sure there are still a lot of talented people here who will continue on with the work but it won't be quite the same without Tom's input.
Thank's Tom for all the hard work you have put into the Hangout over the years.