I became addicted to Dear Abby years ago and sadly, not because of Abby. Her responses have become static and outdated. Yes, Abby, we all know twerking isn't dangerous. (It hasn't seemed to hurt Miley Cyrus yet.) While we're at it, maybe we could look up free versions of the recipe and advice booklets you insist we want to order from you so badly. Yawn. Talk about a repeat letter. Those repeat more regularly than cucumber sandwiches at a pre-wedding bridal tea. No, I am talking about the wonderful readers and commenters Abby has amassed over the years. A group so dedicated to following Abby and interacting with each other that they even have their own name..Abbylanders, from Abbyland.
Dear Abby has not published a letter in Yahoo News since May 19th. This is unheard of, Abby is always on time. Many a wee hour of the morning has been spent in Abbyland and she was always reliable and as popular as ever. In fact, you could nearly set your digital clock by her. Suddenly, and without warning, Abby has vanished. Her column is still there, in it's time honored spot on Yahoo News, just as it's always been, but, Abby is MIA. Is Abby sick? Is Abby taking a much deserved vacation? Where is Abby? Her fans and her fan club at Abbyland want to know.
In Abby's absence, an amazing thing has happened. The Abbylanders have taken over for her. Oh, if you read the comments in Dear Abby, you already know that the commenters are the best part of Dear Abby these days. But, in their concern over Abby and each other, they have taken over and they are re-publishing current Abby letters from their own local papers AND they are answering them. Some ask for advice of their own in new letters, right there in comments. They get it too, plenty of it. They are also bidding each other fond goodbyes, should Abby be phased out in favor of some more modern gimmick. There even seems to be a few digital celebrations here and there relating to the sister/brotherhood that is Dear Abby. It looks like fun. Indeed, I even had to post a farewell there, just in case. Me, I am usually a lurker, not a poster, but, I wanted them to know how very much I'll miss them should the Abby column disappear into the cyber horizon.
I wanted them to know how much they've entertained me over the years, collectively. I will really miss the corny joke of the day guy, the eye rollers, the sarcasm, the hilarious one liners, the genuine concern and the much better responses to letters I find there every single day. Yes, sir, Yahoo News has a genuine human interest story on their hands here. The story of how the fans of Dear Abby have rallied to save the day, her column and Abby herself. But, mostly, each other. It's quite touching and would actually bring a tear to your eye. I think, no, I know, Abby would appreciate their effort. How could she not?
I'm going to go finish reading the column now, it could take me awhile, they are a determined bunch. They are also quite witty and insightful. So, while I may not have been an official Abbylander, I most certainly am a fan of Abbyland and proud of it. Rally on, Abbyland! What a shame that Yahoo News has ignored the phenomenon that is Abbyland and the Abbylanders. But, then, Yahoo News is the only place you'll find the story of a three headed dog, with no helpful photo. As people in the cyber age like to say, "No picture.. never happened''. But, Abby DID happen and we never needed an outdated photo. We like to read. Isn't that what a newspaper is all about?
PS..In Abbyland, I have found out that Abby is not dead or sick. Abby is just being ignored by Yahoo News and we can't figure out why. Why have a column if no one updates it? What exactly is the problem?
PPS...
One letter #2: Dear Abbdicts, I need to get a new
freezer. Should I dispose of old freezer and any bodies or such in it
all together or wait to get new freezer and then transfer contents from
old to new?
Collapse Replies (1)
Reply
Debi
0
0
The chosen should stay frozen until you have some southern fried homicide.
(Now, THAT, is why I love Abbyland.)
