GoodBye and Thank You

[Earl Bonovich]

When I graduated from college in 1996... I moved back in with my parents (my wedding was being planned).
Part of the arrangement was that I would buy the DirecTV hardware, if they pay for the service plan.

Since then... I have been a DirecTV customer.

Around Christmas 2000... My mother purchased a 40hr Philips SA TiVo for me.
Which I paired up with an RCA DirecTV receiver box. Probably a few days later, I found www.tivocommunity.com.

From there, I started to learn more... absorb...
Not just about TiVo and DVR...
Not just about how DirecTV technology worked...
Not just about how the Internet Forum world worked...
But also how important all of that combined played out...

Being a fast typer, someone that liked to stay busy. I continued to play a role in those communities... helping known and anonymous user...
Then an opportunity opened up... get on the early pre-order for the HR10-250... and from a vendor that I already knew because of a great experience when purchasing my first HD STB.

Then a few weeks later, there was an article about the DTiVo R10... and that vendor asked me to do a "review" of it...
Which I did... and enjoyed doing... And then that somehow moved me to a different level in the community...
I had a name and now a voice that was slightly heard.

Then the R15 was announced... and quickly I jumped on the chance to do a review of it, as it was going to be "different".
That difference poised a conflict of interest for that R15 discussion to continue at TCF..

After some searching and looking for a new "home" for it... Chris welcomed me in at DBSTalk.com

[Earl Bonovich]

So there was soon an R15 forum.... dedicated to talk about this new "non-TiVo" DVR...
There were not many people that had one yet... but everyone was intrested in it.
I spent a lot of time... testing, trying things out... answer questions for total internet strangers.

Discussion threads... about features and differences, things that worked... things that didn't work.
I did it for some strange reason, that I figured out in June of 2006 (talk about that later).
But I did it... and I think I did it well.

Then Donnie Byrd a moderator here at DBSTalk, had this crazy idea... to ask me to join the staff here.
I accepted as I thought it was kinda cool... reminded me of co-sysop days back when I was a teenager.

In the later portion of the year... I had my first non-customer communication with DirecTV.
At that moment, a major chapter in my life so far... started.

[Earl Bonovich]

DirecTV was intrested in communicating with the users here at DBSTalk and the internet.
They saw the potential and wanted to give it a try. So working through me, I was able to gather information from the users.. and ask questions and get answers for questions being asked.
At times there were times where I would let very active users know there was a software update in the stream... if they wanted to try it out...

That was going pretty well..... but the news and discussions of the HD versions of the DVR were starting...
Everyone wanted to know what was going to go on with the MPEG-4 compatible HD DVR.... And I did have some answers... but couldn't share them...
Not yet at least.

April 28, 2006... the worst day in my life so far.
I had just started my new job... big step for my family... everything was going great...
Get a phone call at work, that my father had collapsed earlier in the day and was at the hospital.

Between the time the call... and the time I got to the hospital...
He died. I didn't get to say goodbye... I didn't get to tell him one last time I loved him..
The man who had a sweet tooth for new "toys"... the man that brought home a $2000+ Zenith Pop-Top BETA-II machine...
The man that spent $3000+ so I could have an Apple IIe in the house...
The man that tought me to help people... just because... was gone.

My life changed that day... After that hellish week.. I came back here to DBSTalk with a different look on things.
But when my good friend Donnie had opened a thread to tell you all what had happened... I couldn't believe what transpired afterwards.
Post after Post... hundreds of PM's... for absolute strangers, who wouldn't have known me from any other person on the street..
Were sending their condolenses... It was absolutely shocking to me... It was like going back "home" and hanging out with all your friends.

DBSTalk was an escape for me at that time... but also was a major reason on why I was able to get through everything.
And that event in my life, followed by my stress-induced "heart attack" that June, made me realize something.... This is what I was too do.

My Dad helped a lot of people in his life... in person.. He would pick up people from the airport, go out late at night to help a friend out of a snow ditch...
He was an insurance sales man with a heart, and helped people not get taken advantage and use the system... to help them.
He gave his time and his energy to a lot of people.... And that is what I did...
Just in a different way.... I was out here, helping you all... thousands... get your answers, get problems solved... and evenutally... make a difference.

[Earl Bonovich]

So August 2006... the First Look of the HR20... the long awaited HR20...
The internet pressured... where is it... the "delayed" box... was finally ready for it's unveiling...
So it was released... and then that... was that... Many of you didn't know about DBSTalk to that moment...
But you did shortly after...

You came as guests... new subscribers.. people intrested in this new box...
Questions asked, answered... long days and nights... just going full tilt... It was great... It was rewarding... It was tiring.
At the time... it was just me with the HR20.. Donnie and Clint were still watching and maintaining the R15 world... while I focused on the HR20...
Crazy Crazy... but I got through it... More people joined that had the unit... they were able to answer questions...
And post issues, and trends and this new unit... well the shine wore off...

Where was OTA... What was that network port for... all sorts of things.

So by this point, the DirecTV people knew what they had here at DBSTalk... They knew they could trust me.
After several weeks of kicking the idea around with one DirecTV individual... The decision was made.
I would make an announcement to the entire public forum... not just individuals... that a new software version would be made available.
Santa I -- The release that brought OTA, and the release that showed that this process would work.

So there was the first crazy night/day for Santa I, then Santa II... Elvis, Raven, Benz... This was going to work.
So... I talked with the DirecTV contact and jointly decided that this is a process that should stick around and become a little more formal.
I forgot the name they wanted to call it, but just not "Beta Test".... I came up with the name Cutting Edge... Bleading Edge didn't sound right, but it was generally the term used when using the latest and greatest.
This eventually took a natural shorten version of the CE.

The official start of the CE.....

[Earl Bonovich]

Shortly after we got a new moderator... Tom... Tom helped keep my work load down, while I was busy doing some private first looks.
The first SWM-5 then the SWM-8... Starting that first field trial, with the SWM-5's...
The HR20-100 in piano black...
Then the HUMAX LCD (which I had an opportunity to do back in 2006, but had to decline due to a conflict of intrest)
Then the Samsung Fliptop...
Then the H21 field trial...
It was an awsome ride... each review/trial, new CE... brought intrest to DBSTalk... and to DirecTV.
This CE process and the opportunity to help change a unit for everyone out there... was very appealing and rewarding.

We recently added Doug and Stuart to the Mod ranks at this point... two guys that had been around for a while... and showed they had the stuff.
More field trials (I have lost track of how many we have done now)...

I kinda sat up on the top... watched over this "entity" that grew... it is amazing when I look back at what it was.. .and what it is...

[Earl Bonovich]

It wasn't all "cream and cherries" though.
There have been down times... there have been users that decided to take it to a personal level.
I was stalked once, when someone wanted to prove that I was lying.
A hate site was created about DBSTalk and me.
A few users felt it necessary to constantly join and re-join, just to attack me with false statements... that I proved over and over again were false.
There were only a few times that I snapped out a bit... and thought of leaving...
But overall... those times were often short lived, by getting messages from others telling me to forget them... and simply saying thanks for what I have offered to them.

It is amazing what a simple thank you does for a guy's confidence...

[Earl Bonovich]

So why all of this... well...

I am leaving... not just DBSTalk, but the forum/blog world as a whole.
I have made a very important decision for myself and my family...
I am making a major career change..

That decision also carries a big downside... It carries a conflict of interest.
And thus... I can not continue in the DBSTalk Moderator role... nor as the role I served with communicating information about DirecTV.
I also can't continue helping... I have to almost go cold turkey...

Effective today (For the most part)..

Over the last several weeks.... I have been preparing for this.
Mike D'Angelo was added to the staff...
Doug and Stuart have taken on some new roles.
Tom has gotten a lot more involved with the actuall CE communications (as did Doug and Stuart).

The CE program is as strong as it ever has been....
Even though I am leaving, the CE program is not... it will continue... and should not skip a beat.

DBSTalk is not going to stop being your source for DirecTV information...
It will remain that way... I've made sure of that... or I wouldn't be leaving..

DBSTalk and the CE process is more then just "me"... it is all of you.. you make DBSTalk and the CE process what it is...
Don't let anyone tell you other wise... I am just one guy... dug the first footing... it has grown since then because of all the people involved.

DBSTalk will still be the official home of the CE process... it always has been
DBStalk is still going to be communicating with DirecTV... on issues, ideas, field trials, new things...

[Earl Bonovich]

As for me...
This has been an absolutely amazing chapter in my life... without... this new opportunity for me would never have been.
I have all of you to thank for that... I have all of you to thank for the ulcer I know have (just kidding).

But there are a few individuals that have to be thanked specifically.

-) David Bott... for creating www.tivocommunity.com where I got introduced to this world.
-) Robert from ValueElectronics... for getting me that HR10-250, R10, and R15 to do the very first reviews
-) Chis Blount... for extending an invite to have my R15 discussions here at DBSTalk
-) Donnie Byrd... for asking me to be a mod..
-) Clint, Tom, Doug, Stuart... for helping carry the load in the DirecTV forums.
-) The other DBSTalk staff members... for helping me learn how to moderate and have my back when necessary

-) My anonymous initial contact at DirecTV... I glad that I didn't let you down.

-) My dad... for providing me with opportunities at a very young age, that a lot of kids didn't have.
And for teaching me the importance of helping, without expecting anything back... (and for a lot more)
-) My mom... for teaching me the importance of just being a good person, and letting things go.

-) My wife... my wife... my wife... you all can not imagine what a saint she has been with me on all of this.
Constant changing equipment, new software versions, late night here on the forum... bring the laptop to my inlaws to be here...
ect... ect... ect...
-) My son... who will soon learn that having more time with dad... isn't necessarily a good thing.. :)
-) My soon to be daughter (August 2008)... for giving me a reason to take a risk, and take this new opportunity...

And lastly... each and everyone of you that has logged in... even if you never posted a message...
Both good and bad messages... Even the attacks.. and the low blows... those too have helped me grown in this role.

I am going to miss this aspect of my life...
It is going to be hard for me not to post, I am probably never going to stop reading...

So as a last message to everyone:
-) They are listening... don't stop complaining... just do it constructively...
-) Be true to yourself and be good to one another... this is a community, not a barroom...
-) Keep the CE alive by participating... giving feedback... giving ideas


Bye.

[PoitNarf]

Best wishes to you and your family Earl. I truly enjoyed our interactions here. You will be sorely missed.

[MIAMI1683]

Good bye Earl,

All the users here will miss you. Everyone jere appreciates allyou do and did. Good luck with your new life. I hope it gives you everything you want. Enjoy your family. Good luck!!!!

[TheMoose]

You'll be missed,
Thanks for everything & Good luck!!

[Castlebill]

Thanks a lot Earl - your efforts were much appreciated.

[jimb726]

Well Earl, I sincerely hope that all goes well for you in your future endeavors, you have been an invaluable resource for the entire forum community here and will be completely and absolutely missed. Please make sure that you check in occasionally and let us know how you are doing. Be well.:D

[gpg]

Thank you for all that you have done. I wish you well in whatever endeavor you're now starting. You've made lots of friends that you'll never meet, but we're all grateful for knowing you.

[krock918316]

Thanks for everything Earl, and Good Luck!

[bluesman40220]

Good luck in all future endeavors! You will be sorely missed, but not forgotten.

[bobnielsen]

Wow! You will be greatly missed here, but I'm sure that DBSTalk and CE will continue on just fine because of the groundwork you have done. My sincere condolences on the loss of your father (I still painfully remember the day my Dad passed away nearly 40 years ago) and my best wishes that all goes well for you and your family.

Bob

[Stuart Sweet]

Earl, I'm proud to call you a friend. I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me and for DBSTalk.com.

I can't think of a smilie big enough to tell you what a great job you've done here.

[Doug Brott]

Best wishes to you Earl .. You will be missed .. I thank you for the great opportunity that you have afforded me personally and I'm very appreciative of the program that you have created here.

[say-what]

Best wishes in the new endeavor Earl. Things won't quite be the same around here without you.

[PWenger]

I am more a "lurker" than a "poster", but I always knew when I saw your name on a post, it would be information you could count on. You have always been a true class act, sir, and I have no doubt you will thrive in whatever you do. And that is from someone who has never forgiven Chicago for the "Fog Bowl"...:lol:

[evan_s]

Just joined up recently but some how I'm sure the place won't be the same. It will go on and continue to flourish but it won't be the same with out ya.

[HDTVsportsfan]

WOW.....I'm sorry to see you go. The best of luck to you and your family.

[bonscott87]

Bye Earl and good luck!

[Milkman]

Good luck to you Earl.

I was faced with having to make a major career change not too long ago, and fortunately I didn't have to. I have some idea what you are going through, and I am sure it isn't easy.

I would like to add just a touch of humor in this thread, and perhaps even make you smile... Can I have all of your old DTV equipment?!?! :) I know I know you still use it... Was just joking :).

[Michael D'Angelo]

Thank you Earl for everything you have done!!! Good luck with your new path and I hope everything works out for the best for you.

[FHSPSU67]

Best of luck Earl! You've got a tremendous crew in-place to carry this forum forward, but you will be missed!
[edit] Thank You! I can't believe I forgot to say that when this forum has meant so much to me and my DirecTV education!

[tfederov]

Best of luck to you, Earl. You've been a great influence to me and I can't thank you enough for everything you've done. If you're ever in the Dallas area, our home is open to you.

[tom4878]

thank you so very much.. this forum and you specifically have helped me enjoy my entertainement choices so much.. you have given me and all of us such detailed information at some incredible costs to your own personal time.... you will be missed

[johnck78]

Earl,

Good luck in your future initiatives. Thank you for all the HARD work you have put in!

You will be missed.

[r0b0tic]

Good bye, Earl, and good luck.

<Gives Earl a internet hug>

[MattWarner]

Best wishes, Earl. You will be missed. Good luck.

[ThomasM]

Very sorry to see you leave DBSTALK.COM, Earl.

I think it goes without saying that there are many, many people (including me) that you have helped with their DirecTV experience and the CE program who are going to miss you.

Good luck in your new venture!!

[mikep554]

You're going to leave a big hole to fill. Good luck on your new journey.

[cforrest]

What is conflict of interest, if you don't mind answering Earl? Just curious! Regardless, best of luck to you & thanks for all that you have done for this forum and Directv users!

[mhayes70]

:crying_sa Good bye Earl. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and you will be greatly missed. I truly valued your input. Good Luck in the next chapter of your life and you will always be welcomed back with open arms if you ever decide to come back. Also, best of luck on your soon to be daughter and I hope you keep reading post and I will keep you updated on my soon to be daughter or son. I will know in about 4 weeks. :D GOOD LUCK!!

[shadyB]

Good luck at your new opportunity. Thank you for all the great information that you provided over the years.

[phat78boy]

Good luck in whatever you decide to take on!

[jabrwocky7]

Best of luck Earl! Putting your family first can never be the wrong decision. Your expertise will be missed!

[Steve615]

Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family for your loss Earl.Thank you very much for sharing your many thoughts,insights and information in the DBS community.We wish you nothing but the very best in your future journeys and endeavors.Perhaps you can drop by from time to time to say hello to everyone in the forums and let us know how things are going for you and yours.
Goodbye and best of luck to you Earl,you will be missed.

[Ken984]

Thank you Earl. You have been a big part of my DirecTV "life" and I hope you do come by and stick your head in the door from time to time. Thanks for all your hard work.

[machavez00]

Good luck, and this one's for you!
http://pro.corbis.com/images/CB026378.jpg?size=572&uid=%7B4ACC8717-248B-4085-9C5B-E45DC1944F89%7D

[blusgtone]

Thanks Earl!!!!!!!! Hang in there.

[Tom Robertson]

What is conflict of interest, if you don't mind answering Earl? Just curious! Regardless, best of luck to you & thanks for all that you have done for this forum and Directv users!

He's going over to the dark side--working for the NDCIFBIA, super secret part of the US Government. He's designing the new receivers for reading peoples minds thru the mylar lined, tinfoil hats. :)

Oops, this post might be ----redacted---- :eek2:

[machavez00]

What is conflict of interest, if you don't mind answering Earl? Just curious! Regardless, best of luck to you & thanks for all that you have done for this forum and Directv users!

I'm sure if he could it would have been in is OP, but we all have a good idea who his new employer is.

[The_Geyser]

Good Luck, Earl!

I have enjoyed the reviews and the CE guidance.

[longrider]

Thank you Earl for everything you have done. You will be missed

[REDSKINSFAN47]

Earl good luck.I have enjoyed reading your posts and have learned alot in the short time i have been here,thanks

[BK EH]

Best of luck, Earl!

[Drew2k]

Earl, I can't thank you enough for the information you've shared here both before and after I've joined, and for the manner in which you conduct yourself online in the face of sometimes nasty personal responses to you. I especially want to thank you for your work in the CE program.

I wish you, your wife, son, and future daughter the best and hope your conflict of interest is not so "conflicting" .... I'm sure it will turn out to be one of the best moves you've ever made and hope your entire family benefits.

Best wishes, and hope to see you online some day!

[john_fl]

WOW...I'm coming out of lurkdome to say thanks for all your help to us over the years, even with my R10...Good Luck...

[Greg Alsobrook]

Earl... you will definitely be missed sir... thank you for everything you have done here... I wish you and your family the best of luck in the future...

[ICM2000]

Thanks for all your help with the start up of the HR20. Best of luck with the new position and the newly found time with your family.

[zamzickles]

Whenever I needed the straight poop, your avatar was the place to find it. You will be missed.

[Ken S]

He's going over to the dark side--working for the NDCIFBIA, super secret part of the US Government. He's designing the new receivers for reading peoples minds thru the mylar lined, tinfoil hats. :)

Oops, this post might be ----redacted---- :eek2:

I knew it!

Seriously,

Good luck, Earl. After I sold my "forum" several years back I found myself sitting at a computer one Saturday morning around 5 AM (as usual). It then dawned on me...I don't have 1,500 emails to read...I don't have to read thousands of posts. It was strange...I went outside...saw the sun...moved to Florida...got married...had a son...whoa! (be careful out there it's dangerous!)

Best wishes in your new career and for the health and happiness of you and your family.

[davring]

Thank you Earl for making it possible for such an informed bunch of people to assemble here and share their wealth of information. Myself, and I am sure many, many others, have learned more than I ever thought would be possible. Thank you again and good luck to you and your family.

[leww37334]

Thank you Earl for all the help you have given, and advice you have provided, you are truly an icon in this community, and will almost certainly one day become a legend. I pray that whatever path you have chosen brings you and your family nothing but happiness and serenity. May God bless you for all you have done.

[Tom Robertson]

Whenever I needed the straight poop, your avatar was the place to find it. You will be missed.

Sometime next month, we'll have an Avatar retirement and Hall of Fame ceremony so you'll still be able to see it.

Alas, nothing will fill 28k posts in a bit over two years. And Earl hadn't even peaked yet.

The "Santa Program" has evolved. It could not have happened without Earl and his unnamed friends.

That said, and always remember this, the CE program also could not have happened without all the wonderful, fantastic, helpful readers and contributors here at DBStalk. A huge Win-Win for everyone involved.

So Earl, thank you. DIRECTV, thank you. And DBStalk'ers, thank you.

Damn good job everyone. (sorry about the language.)
Tom

[mikepax]

Earl, you will be missed here! Thanks again for all that you have done for us!

[litzdog911]

I read this with true sadness, but full of thanks for all of your contributions! Best wishes in your next life phase.

[markman07]

:crying_sa

At first I checked my calendar. It isn't April 1st! This can't be true!!! ;-)

Good luck. See ya around (I hope) somewhere.

And don't forget about us.....


and THANKS for EVERYTHING!

[captain_video]

Earl, I know you and I have butted heads over numerous discussions in the past but it was certainly never anything personal. I have always respected your opinion and the fact that you always seemed to have the inside scoop on the latest toys DirecTV had to offer. I have a tendency to play the Devil's advocate and hope that you never took anything I said personally, at least not anything negative.

I am truly sorry to hear about your Dad. He sounds like a great guy and the type of Dad most of us could only dream of having as a parent. Ironically, I lost my Dad right about the time I got into DirecTV back in '96 (not sure what that has to do with anything but there it is).

I had been a moderator at another forum for a short while so I know how time consuming it had to be for you. You've brought great insight to this forum and always approached every topic with a clear head, at least the ones I read.

You will definitely be missed, but I certainly understand your reasons for leaving. Be with your family and enjoy them for the short time you will all have together. The kids grow up so fast it will seem like a blur on down the road. Best wishes for you and your family and good luck in whatever you do.

[Data]

Thank you for all the help and sacrifices you've made over the years to help all the thousands of people you have Earl. Best to you and your family in all that you do.

[bjflynn04]

Earl, I just want to say that you will definally be missed and Thank you very much for everything you have helped me with over the past few years. I want to wish you the best of luck in your new career and hope you like it and best wishes for the health and happiness of you and your family in the future.

[william8004]

Thanks Earl.

You're letter has inspired me. I need to spend less time in the computer room and more in the family room.


Will

[gbubar]

Earl, you will be missed but never forgotten...Good Luck.

[dodge boy]

You'll be missed here, I followed you over here from TCF......

[mbailey]

Thanks for everything you have done. I am a Directv subscriber mostly due to what I have seen and learned from you and this forum. Best of luck.

[sojourn]

You will be missed, but NEVER forgotten Earl!
Good luck & God bless.......

[mike_augie]

Earl wow is all I can say ....I fell bad but greatful for you and this site..Its has been wonderfull in many ways....I am glad that you have done what you have for ALL of us and given us a link between "us and "them....and I am sure the many nights and days responding and making sure things happen the way they have...good luck and god bless...you will be missed

[bsboggs]

I've been here a short time but you have helped me tremendously. Thank you.
Nothing more important than family. Fare well.

[MicroBeta]

Earl,

In no small part, DBSTalk and you in particular were some of the influences that got me to be more than just a passive DirecTV subscriber.

You will be missed.

Fair Winds And Following Seas.

Mike

[mattgwyther]

Thank you very much for your efforts Earl

[waynebtx]

Best wishes to you and your family Earl. Thank you for all that you have done for us. YOU WILL BE MISSED.

[markman07]

Can't wait for the Movie to come out Earl! :-D

[puffnstuff]

Thanks for everything Earl , we all wish you well !

[RunnerFL]

Earl,

Thanks for everything you've done for each and every one of us. We really appreciate it.

Good luck with your new daughter and good luck with everything you do in the future!

We'll miss you...

[bdowell]

Please say it isn't so :(

Really, I wish you all the best Earl and hope you future endeavors go well. Like others I greatly appreciate all you've done to keep the record straight when it comes to DirecTV related information.

May your future be bright.

[marksman]

Earl you will be missed. Your amazing contributions to DVR-orientated community are always and will always be appreciated. You are the reason why I ever stumbled onto DBSTalk and why I was so much more comfortable shifting from TiVos to DirecTV boxes.

Your selfless involvement ran deep here, and it will be missed.

[Charlutz]

Good luck brotha. I am probably anonymous to you, but you should know your posts have helped me for years, first at TCF and now here. I am the answer man for all of my neighbors with directv dvrs thanks to the forum and you.

[John4924]

All the best to you and your family, Earl. You will be missed. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of dbstalk, and you and the rest of the mods are simply fantastic! Do enjoy your family and watch them grow. I know my two grandchildren are the light of my life, and my prayer is one day you will experience this joy.

[inothome]

Thanks for all your help and best of luck!!

[tcusta00]

Thanks for everything, Earl and good luck!! Class Act!

[Koz]

Thanks a million, and good luck!

[jwd45244]

Earl:

You are truly one of the good guys! Much continued success in your new endevor and health and happiness in your life.

[K4SMX]

When you read ~30 posts per day from someone, you really feel you know them pretty well, so yes, we all feel like we've truly lost a close friend. We wish you all the best in your multiple new endeavors - job and family. We know you'll deal with the challenges of the future with all the fair-minded tenacity we'll all miss greatly around here. And you are certainly correct that things here are in very good hands. Good luck!

[feschiver]

Been nice reading your comments Engoy your new job and most of all enjoy your family whenever you can.

[TJFriday]

Thanks, Earl! Good luck!

[svcguy]

Best of luck, Earl! Chicagoland ISP's are rejoicing as we speak!

[Steve]

All the best, big guy! I'm hopeful whatever new path you've chosen is one that will bring you personal and professional satisfaction. And if it allows you to spend more time with your family, it's definitely a win-win. Warmest regards, /steve

[rich584]

What else is left to say? Live free and prosper.

Rich

[or270]

Gook luck Earl, and take care.

[mazter]

Good luck Mr. Bonovich:)

[sat4r]

Good luck to you Earl and many thanks for what you have done for this site.

[shollowa74]

Thanks for all of your assistance here, you truly are a celebrity in my book.

You did an outstanding job of helping this forum to instill a sense of civility in discussions and an unyielding desire to help those who want to learn and understand.

Best of luck!

[alexjb12]

Earl, Good Bye and Good Luck! You will truly be missed!

[sshams95]

Earl, best wishes to you and your family. Thank you so much for the sacrifices and efforts you have made for all of us.

[David Bott]

Earl has been an OUTSTANDING person both on and off this site for DBSTalk and the members. It is a great loss to us and the community but a great move for Earl and we are VERY, VERY thankful for the time he has put in here to help out.

Earl, you will always have a home and friends here.

Take care, keep safe, and congrats to you.

[UPEngineer]

Earl,

Man what a decision to make! I found inspiration in your words about spending more time with family and less time online.

You, along with many others, started the ball rolling on an amazing thing and process and in the end, many, many, more reap the benefits.

I didn't know you personally but it seems like we have been like friends forever in a weird sort of way :)

Good luck on the new chapter of your life and I wish you and your family the best!!

Come back and see us sometime!

[dbears]

Earl,

Beautiful and inspiring note. Thanks for all your hard work and keeping the spirit alive. Go Bears!

Mike (Da Bears)

[Tom Robertson]

One more serious thing needs to be said from me. I often kid and have fun, yet occasionally the serious side can come too.

Earl, I've told you this in private a couple times, now is time to say this in public. While I never directly met your dad, I feel I've met him thru you. And that man is very proud of you, Earl. For helping so many people in so many ways. Not only directly, but leveraging your relationships to help even more that you will never meet, even online. I'm sure your dad is the brightest star in Heaven, beaming brightly saying, "look at my Earl and what he's done now", as only a proud father can do.

(Thank goodness I can sleep even under a very bright starry night sky.)

As always with tremendous brotherly love and respect,
Tom

[Chris Blount]

Some of you guys that have been around a while know that Earl has been the driving force getting the DirecTV forums up the stratospheric level they are at now. We have more visitors talking DirecTV here than on any other forum.

The CE program is Earl's baby. He did an absolute stellar job coordinating the program and working with DirecTV.

There are not enough Thank You's to give Earl. He pioneered something here on DBSTalk that has never been done before on any internet forum. He deserves our gratitude for opening doors that have never been open before.

From the bottom of my heart... THANK YOU Earl. It has been one of heck of a ride.

Now, as far as the future...

No worries folks. We knew this was coming and have made plans. Earl has been ramping up other forum staff members to fill his shoes (although that is of course not entirely possible :) ). Stuart, Tom, Donnie, Michael and Doug all know exactly what needs to be done. The CE program will continue in full force.

The best of luck in your future endeavors Earl and best wishes to you and your family!

[Grampa George]

God Bless and much good fortune to you. You'll be missed.

With great respect, George.

[gslater]

Earl. I don't post a great deal. Don't really have the time, but read as much as I can. You helped me out last year when the Philips LCD I bought didn't play well with the h20-100 HDMI interface. I don't know what you did after contacting me about it, but within a month Philips issued a firmware update for the set that resolved the problem. I thanked you then, and I thank you again.

Everyone is right that it just won't be the same around here without you but things change and we make decisions that help us grow in our professional and personal lives. I hope you truly enjoy the new course you're taking and that you have the time to teach your children what your father taught you.

We'll miss you but don't worry; mention of you and fond thoughts of "Annie's" song will remain.

[redram38]

Thanks for all your hard word and the effort you put here to make everyone feel like somebody. The info you have shared with us all has also made this a Fun chapter in our lives as well.
Best of Luck to you and your family and here's hoping your new babie girl is strong and healthy. You will be missed

Ted

[carl6]

CONGRATULATIONS Earl, on whatever the new direction is in your life. May it blossom into everything you hope and anticipate.

Having been active here since you brought the R15 over from Tivo Community, I can't begin to fathom how you have managed to do everything you have done here.

You sir, are truly a class act. You have maturity beyond your years, which has been demonstrated here repeatedly. Those you have picked and cultivated to follow in your footsteps are equally exceptional, and I am comfortable that DBSTalk and the CE process will continue smoothly, despite the huge vacuum that will exist upon your departure.

Thank you for everything you have done; for your knowledge, for your patience, for the unfathomable hours you have dedicated to this site and process.

Carl

[Canis Lupus]

Wow - all I can say Earl is how much I respect you and what you've done for all of us, and what I know you'll do for others going forward in life.

I remember Santa fondly, and since that time I can say It's been a privilege to be in your online presence. You are a great Mod, but I'm sure you're a much greater person.

The only thing else I can say is, since this is a conflict of interest, I hope it's because DirecTV has recognized your efforts and made you President. If not, they should at least be making you Vice-President :)

Thanks again Earl so much for all you've done.

[cadet502]

Best wishes on your new adventure.

So long and thanks for all the fish.:D

[jefbal99]

Good luck and best wishes

[St Louis Cardinals Fan]

Best of Luck and we will leave the light on for you (;) ).

You have peaked my interest in the "conflict of interest" statement.
Either personal or business interest I hope things go well for you.

[Draconis]

It was not too long ago that I discovered these forums by accident. One thing that has always amazed me was the level or dedication and knowledge displayed by Earl and the staff.

You have left us with quite a legacy that will continue and grow after you are gone. In many ways I feel that the CE program was another of your children, one that you have nurtured into a unique process that I have not found with any other company.

I many ways I feel like I am loosing an old friend.

What you have done here will not be forgotten. I can only hope you find the happiness you deserve as you continue forward.

Farewell Earl, and good luck.

[cartrivision]

Good luck Earl. Give my apologies to your future fellow colleagues for sometimes being a bit crass and demanding in my quest to improve the HR20 to the point that it blows away the competition at every level where it competes and beyond. Hopefully this move will mean much more than just great new things for you, but also great new things for all of us who you must now say goodbye to.

[bgullicksen]

Best of luck Earl. Your wit, knowledge and willingness to help will be missed. It must be one heck of an opportunity if it can get you to leave the online community willingly!

Best Regards,

Bill

[Supervolcano]

Earl,

Thanks for putting up with all the clowns like me and our jokes.
It's been a pleasure serving you.
Enjoy your next endeavor.
Peace bro.

May you live as long as you want...
...but not want as long as you live!!!

[scott72]

Earl you've been an inspiration to all of us here and we thank you for everything. Enjoy this new time with your family and enjoy life because it's so short and goes so fast. I think a lot of us could probably step back from the computer a little more often and re-introduce ourselves to our families a little more often. Good luck my friend..

[SledDog]

Well knock me over with a feather!!!

Earl - Good for you! Sometimes you have to make a choice that changes all other aspects of your life.

I have enjoyed and benefited from your posts on may occasions.

Best Wishes. No need to say good luck, you won't need it.

Bob

[Chaos]

Thanks Earl for everything. You've done spectacular work here and need to know how much we all appreciate it.

[jclarke9999]

Good luck Earl, you'll be missed.

I'll have to train my eyes to scan for new avatars to get to the important info in the threads now :)

[ITrot]

Good luck Earl.

Its incredibly brave to change the direction of your life. I hope everything works out for you and yours.

[bsnelson]

Best wishes, Earl! May your new career bring you everything you wish for, and congratulations on your upcoming family addition!

Brad

[kevinwmsn]

Earl, We will all miss you here on this forum. Anybody who ever looked at DirectTV forums know who you are and those that have been here any length of time know what you have meant for CEs and First Looks of new equipment. You wll be missed.

[Jhon69]

Earl: Best Wishes and Good Luck!.:)

[50+]

Earl you will be missed by more people than you can imagine. I am new to the community but i have read these forums for awhile. Your name was always at the fourfront, when i saw your name i new i would get the right info. Cannot tell you how much it was appreciated. Be well and good luck

[ohills]

Hey Earl........ All I can say is that you will be missed!. I haven't posted much but have been a part of the CE process from day 1. I been one of the fortunate ones, with very little trouble with my 2 HR 20-700s. Thanks again for getting me involved with the first SWM-8 trials, another no problem unit. Best of luck wherever the wind carries you and your family. Take care and go DA Bears.

Roy:bowdown:

[Sixto]

Earl,

Wow, Wow, Wow.

Sad to see you go.

But best of luck in everything you do.

You have taken this all to a great level, and you've sacrificed much personally in the process, and you'll certainly be missed (major understatement of the decade).

Good luck to you and the Family (including the new one on the way)!

And now we all stand as they play the Duke of Earl ... as Earl leaves the building ...

Wow, you'll be missed.

Take care ...

[Edmund]

Best wishes and good luck.

[Shardin]

Earl, good luck. The forum and the information you and the team have provided has provide myself and so many others hours and hours of enjoyment, both online and on the tube. It's always great to step off into a new opportunity and having a new child in the family will just make it better. God Bless and I know what ever you do will be as well done as your work here.

[houskamp]

You will be missed and thats an understatement... Your level headed leadership stands as an example to us all.. Your posts were always the 1st I read everytime I logged in..
Best wishes and if you ever get to my area I'll buy ya dinner :)
Ken

[jceman]

Just want to add my $.02 to wish you well and thank you for everything.

[bluemoon737]

Others have said it already....but WOW! You have created a wonderful place for people to share ideas (and complaints) and truly help make the DirecTV experience better for everyone. I have no doubt your father would be proud. I'll join everyone else in wishing you and your family all the best in everything you do.

[Ned C]

Haven't know you very long but have read alot of your stuff.. I will miss your pearls of wisdom.
Ned C:

[bruinfever]

For a second I thought this was a very delayed April Fools joke. I admire your strength and courage in leaving DBSTalk!! Good luck Ear!!!

[dduitsman]

Best of luck Earl.
Can't Imagine this place without your leadership.
We'll miss you.

dd

[hanniable]

Good luck Earl Hope every thing works out for the best and im sure it will

[Dr. Booda]

Best of luck especially with the new baby. Now that’s some great news! Illini forever…Cheers.

[sbl]

Thank you, Earl, for everything. I wish you well wherever life takes you.

[bhelton71]

Wow - this was not the first thing I expected to see when I got home. Earl, I sincerely wish you the very best in your next endeavour, and extend apologies to Mrs Earl for us stealing so much of your time.

I have often wondered how in the world you could keep coming back into what sometimes is a hornets nest (never knew you were stalked either - thats f'd up). I am glad you did though. I am very appreciative of the CE program that you have been able to spearhead, and try to repay that in kind.

And if sometime down the road the way is opened to return to this little corner of the internet - I am more than sure the doors will remain open.

Thank you,
Bill

[HarleyD]

I am sorry to see you go, Earl.

But I have to assume that it must be a tremendous opportunity in order for it to pry you away from something for which you obviously have such passion.

So in that context, bravo and congratulations. Best wishes for continued success and happiness as you embark on this new chapter of your life.

[tpm1999]

Have fun Earl!

Are you going to work for Directv?

[azarby]

Thank You Earl for all that you have done for us.

Bob

[boilerjt]

Good luck Earl,

You will be truly missed and never forgotten for the outstanding support you've provided to all of us.

Thanks,

John

[cfactor]

good bye and thanks for everything!

[braven]

Thanks Earl. Peace be with you.

[Sharkie_Fan]

It doesn't happen often... but I'm speechless. :)

I've never met you, Earl, and in fact, haven't even interacted with you all that often in these forums. And yet, having read hundreds upon hundreds of your thoughts in my time here, this news feels like we're losing an old friend!

I can only imagine that this must be a fabulous opportunity for you. Best of luck, and you will be dearly missed here.

[DogLover]

Earl,

Thank you for all you have done for this community. You will be missed. Best of wishes in your next endeavor, and enjoy your time with your wife, son, and soon-to-be daughter.

[Moocher]

Thank you Earl. May the force be with you.

Mooch

[drx792]

good luck, Earl

Thanks for all the help you provided to me and all the other forum members throughout the years. I probably wouldnt know nearly as much as i know now in the DBS world if it werent for you.

[RobertE]

:(

[Smuuth]

Earl, I would like to wish you the best of luck and fortune in whatever endeavor you undertake. I know that if hard work and dedication have anything to do with success, you will be at the top of the heap.

I, personally, am in this forum as a participant and an enthusiast because of one person named Earl Bonovich so your presence and knowledge have made a terrific impact on me.

Thank you.

:)

[Rakul]

Good luck Earl, I wish you the best and thank you for all that you've done to bring us this great source of information with the other mods!

[SoCool]

Best Wishes and Good Luck with your new start in life!

[davidrumm]

Earl,

I don't post much here but I also want to say... Thank you. You have had more influence on this community and the equipment from D* than anyone. I hope that you prosper in all of your endeavors and don't forget us little people.

David

[jeffwltrs]

Best wishes! You will be sorely missed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Scooter22]

Earl, I always thought you had the patience of a Saint.

Best wishes to you, Earl.

Thanks for everything!!

Scooter :)

[katzeye]

Thanks Earl.
You will be missed

[Bricktop]

Thanks for all you have done for all of us, Earl.
I really appreciated it, and will miss your participation.

Best wishes and the best of luck to you and yours.

[bidger]

Thank you, Earl. As others have stated, you helped make the transition to a new DVR platform easier. May your new career path, and life in general, be rich and rewarding.

[jcurrier31]

Congratulations on your new opportunity!! Thank you for all your help and support. You have been a wonderful source of information.

[Game Fan]

Earl, you are class personified. Best wishes and God bless.

[AllenE]

It has been said by many already, but I must repeat it. You will be missed.

Thank you for your efforts here, from which I have greatly benefited. Thank you for being you, but then you could not have been someone else.

I know the rest of the crew will carry on, but for me it will now always be the PECE (post Earl C E)

Allen

[tonyd79]

So long, Earl. And thanks for all the fish!

[David MacLeod]

you will be missed. I can attest to the fact that when answering forum posts takes over your life its time to break clean away. good luck in the future.

[BillPear]

Earl,
Thanks for all you've done and Gods Speed in your new career:)

We'll all miss you:nono:

[rrrick8]

Wow. Just wow.

Hate to see you go Earl. But while this is a part of my life, I'm sure it was dominating yours.

Good luck to you and yours.

[JeffBowser]

Good man, to be able to realize the world is not all about the internet and television, that there are many things much more important in the long run. Good luck in your endeavors.

[jlancaster]

After my near fatal car accident in Jul 06...I couldn't really move from my recliner for nearly 2 months. It was during this time that I discovered you and this forum. I had been a customer of directv for 10+ years at that point but never really got "into it" until this time. Couple a weeks later I had my hr20-700 and never looked back!

Between the painkillers and the laptop being attached to me, it was You and your influence on this board that (at least partly) pulled me through. I think I used to refresh a 100 times a day.

So I say good luck and THANK YOU for all you have done!!

[oldpianos]

Good luck to you Earl, and thanks for all the memories.

[VaJim]

Unbelieveable....sad day in DBS land.:new_Eyecr

I will miss you and your informative posting. Your Dad sounded like an incredible man. I know you miss him.

Pass your notes and my your God continue to be a part of your life.


oh yeah...Go Bears!:grin:

[curt8403]

Good bye Earl, It's been nice knowing you, and may all your endeavours succeed

May The Te'a bless you.

[Mike Huss]

Wow, just wow man. I never thought I'd see the day where DBSTalk didn't have Earll!! When I first got my HR10-250 I never posted (at least that I remember) over at Tivocommunity, but already then there was this guy over there who struck me as someone who knew what he was talking about. Then I saw him here too when I started checking this place out about my first R15. The DirecTV/DBSTalk world is losing a good dude.

If by some chance you are staying in the Chicago area in your new life I know you flatlanders like to vacation up here, so if you get up this way some day be sure to get in touch with me and I'll be here to pour you one or ten....

[BigSey]

Thanks for all of your help, Earl. It has always been much appreciated. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

[keithtd]

Best wishes Earl to you, your family and future endeavors!

[masterdeals]

Earl - it was a real pleasure to meet you at CES this year, and I really enjoyed the conversations we had.

You have been a pilliar in the online community, for the satellite service provider and customers alike, and you will be missed.

Congratulations on many great years and much success in your next endeavor.

[benjaminmarle]

Good Luck Earl. You will be missed.

[The Merg]

I've only been here a relatively short time, but the information and advice you have supplied over that time has been greatly appreciated. You have provided opportunities to users here that might otherwise have never happened. I, myself, and I am sure everyone else here is extremely grateful for that.

Good luck in your future endeavors. I have also taken the route of a complete career change from computer programmer to my current career and found that it has definitely fulfilled me. I only hope yours does the same for you.

- Merg

[mecca1o]

Good Luck Earl . Im assuming directv has hired you and you were forced to sign a non disclosure agreement.

[Sackett]

Earl,

Thanks for everything you have done. I wish you all the luck. You have been a great assest to dbstalk.com and will sure miss all of your support.

[armophob]

Wow, Man I am really gonna miss ya Earl. Like you said in a way, you have become almost family. Good luck in everything.

[cohbraz]

Man, you have been great. Thank you very much for all of the work you have put in.

[moonman]

Earl,
Best wishes and thanks for the "ride" from the Tivo forum(don't shoot yer eye out):lol: to the amazing C/E forum and exclusive equiptment tests, it's been one
heck of a ride...take care, Moonman.

[fratwell]

A toast to Earl :goodjob: ...Good luck in your career...you will be missed

[BlueSnake]

I mostly lurked here for a long time. I have not posted much because fortunately I have not had a lot of problems, but the few I've had Earl and the rest of the community solved.

Earl, you will be missed by more people than you know. People like me who lurked around and waited to hear what you had to say.

Good luck, although with your knowledge and work ethic, I don't think you need luck.

You will be missed. :nono2:

[Stewpidity]

Well I am relatively new here, but Earl's posts were very helpful, your input will be missed

I wish you the best in the future...

[Jeremy W]

Wow Earl, I never thought this day would come. I know that this site and the CE program will continue on, but it will never be the same without you. You will truly be missed. Thank YOU.

[DishDog]

Earl, I can say without hesitation that you have made a difference. Best of luck on the new venture. You will not be forgotten. You will be missed.

[dave29]

good luck with your new venture in life earl. you have been very informative to me and to the entire directv world. i would not know anything near what i know about this equipment and software if it wasnt for you.
once again, thanks buddy

[RD in Fla]

Thanks for everything Earl. The information and assistance you have provided has been invaluable. You've had a great ride!! Good Luck!!!

[bhomewood]

Thank you for all you've done Earl. Good luck to you and your family.

[HarryD]

Good luck Earl... Your family is THE most important thing in your life. But I think you already know that...

All the best

[Gbojhi]

Best of wish to you and your family.

Thanks for all the enlightenment you have given me.

[heisman]

Earl, I can't believe they made you give this up. They've never said anything to me about it. Well, good luck, and it should be fun working with you on a daily basis.

[sbelmont]

Good luck Earl. Will definitely miss you voice. I hope you can drop in and say hi sometime.

[dbmaven]

So as a last message to everyone:
-) They are listening... don't stop complaining... just do it constructively...
-) Be true to yourself and be good to one another... this is a community, not a barroom...
-) Keep the CE alive by participating... giving feedback... giving ideas


Bye.

There are so many things that could be said.

I'll leave it at this:

Thank you! For everything you've done - which is a helluva lot. For keeping things "cool" in the forums - which I know is not an easy task (we PMed about this once or twice).

Most importantly - good luck in that new opportunity - I daresay you'll make the most of it! You deserve it.

[Redlinetire]

Big thanks for all the time and effort over the years.
Much appreciated!!

[mhendrixsr]

I started reading this forum in the very early HR10-250 days and quickly learned to follow your posts for "real" information. In the process of posting, people can't help but show some of the better (or worse) parts of their personality. Between your posts and history provided in this thread, I feel I better understand the person and correspondingly, their value through the years. Thank you for that, along with all you have given here and at home. You will be missed...

[LoganSquare]

A tip of the hat to you and as the saying goes "May the sun be always on your face and the wind be always at your back".

Thanks,

ls

[markman07]

Should we all, temporarily, change our avatar to that of Earl's to display our united appreciation of his years of service and to honor him?

[JohnnyO]

Good Luck Earl,

It is a shame (for the readers of the forums) that your new position will restrict your postings. As others have mentioned, you always had helpful information for us.

[FlBillsfan]

I have been a lurker here for a long time. I finally registered so I could read the CE stuff. I am sad my 1st post is to say good by to you, & wish you luck.

[Carl Spock]

Good luck with your new job, Earl.

I know you will give your bosses the same dedication you showed here.

[Herdfan]

Earl: Thanks for letting me into the super secret world of testing new DirecTV (there, I spelled it out for you;) ) equipment. It has given me a great experience.

Good luck in the future. I hope you can pass on how things are going with your life in general (like you new baby in august) to Tom or Stuart or Doug so they can pass it on to us.


I'm sure if he could it would have been in is OP, but we all have a good idea who his new employer is.

Well, if it is who we might think it is, then there is no avoiding the big pink elephant in the room, so when you get settled, can you see what you can do about...












DLB

:lol:

Good luck. You will be missed.:D

[Jeremy W]

Should we all, temporarily, change our avatar to that of Earl's to display our united appreciation of his years of service and to honor him?
I understand what you're getting at, but I think it's a bad idea. When I see that Chicago 2016 avatar, I am prepared to read an important post by Earl. If everyone has that avatar, even temporarily, I feel it waters down the impact Earl's posts should have.

[tpugh00]

Well I haven't said much (well, I don't think I have said anything) on these forums. But I have learned a lot and benefitted directly from your efforts (and many others as well).

Thanks for your dedication and contributions toward helping all of us!

Tom

[BudShark]

Thanks Earl. And Good Luck. May all the effort you've put into helping these people here come back to you and your family ten fold.

Chris

[Kentstater]

You can't leave, all the plants will die!

Whatever it is I am sure you can mke it happen.

[spoonman]

Good Luck! You will be very missed, thanks for all the opportunities to try out new hardware! :D

[naijai]

Good luck your future endeavours

[ralphfurley]

thanks for your hard work. who knew that receiving an email or reading a post by "Earl Bonovich" would spark such glee in geekdom. perhaps all further emails shall henceforth be known as "earls"

[scottjf8]

Thanks for everything you've done for everyone here and this site. You will definitely be missed.

Good luck with future endeavors, and best of luck with the new baby.

Scott

[OverThereTooMuch]

Thanks for everything here Earl!

Sucks that your new employer is making you go cold turkey on web forums. We need MORE people helping in the online community, no matter who you work for.

[GiantFan]

Thanks for all you have done Earl! I appreciate all you do for the folks here, the testing, the CE's, it all rocks! Congratulations on this next step and I hope you continue to have fun along the way!

[richlife]

Goodbye and thank you, Earl. And a special thanks for the mini-bio -- those of us who can only know you through DBSTalk got a great insight to a special person. As with everyone, I wish you the very best! Take care of yourself and especially take care of your family. One of the greatest men I've known shared this small part of his life: After a long and tremendously successful career including renown in academic circles throughout the world, his one major regret was that he hadn't spent enough time with his family before they grew up and left. Somehow, Earl, I think you have that in hand. Rich

[paja]

From one s/w suburbanite to another-Thanks for the effort and good luck with your future:)

[dharrismco]

Earl,

Thank you for everything! Echoing the sentiments of all, you will be missed. Good luck in all your future endeavors and congratulations on your "soon to be" daughter!

Thanks again,
David

[CrestronPro]

Thanks for all you have done, and all you have helped to teach us all. Best of luck to you and your family in all of your endeavors. Your presence will be greatly missed.

[Greg Bimson]

I know we haven't had nearly the amount of discussion we should have. But you'll definitely be missed by me.

[cnmsales]

Wow EB, good luck man.

[SDizzle]

This is indeed a sad day at DBSTalk. Earl has proved that one man can make a difference, and was always willing to help. I often wondered how he could be on top of every thread and post it seemed, if I posted a question to him....he responded right away.

Thanks for being a pioneer, and a genuinely good spirited person Earl.......GOOD LUCK in your future!:D

[Roquefort]

Good Luck & Happy Trails, Earl!

Keeping my fingers crossed for Chicago in 2016..

[BubblePuppy]

WOW!! A bit of a shocker....your posts were the first ones I read a couple of years back that drew me into this forum and CE testing.
You are an inspiration to us all. Good luck and enjoy your family. After all it is all about family.

[doctor j]

Thank you Earl for all you have done and will do.
Take care of yourself!!
Always available to discuss other non TV issues.
GOOD LUCK!

Doctor j

[armophob]

I understand what you're getting at, but I think it's a bad idea. When I see that Chicago 2016 avatar, I am prepared to read an important post by Earl. If everyone has that avatar, even temporarily, I feel it waters down the impact Earl's posts should have.

Maybe a weekend pause on CE's in honor of?

[408SJC]

I have always wondered what Earls story was and how he came to be here and I am glad he shared that with us before he left. thank you for all the great things that I have been able to be a part of!!

[Tom Robertson]

Maybe a weekend pause on CE's in honor of?
Heck no! We need to call this the Earl Memorial CE :)

Cheers,
Tom

[mhayes70]

Heck no! We need to call this the Earl Memorial CE :)

Cheers,
Tom

I second that.

[Stuart Sweet]

The best thing we can do to honor the Duke's contribution is to have a great CE this weekend!!

[barryb]

I am sure you will do well in anything you put your heart in Earl.

Your new coworkers should be very proud to have such a dedicated person to work with.

Peace to you and yours... and by all means have fun on this adventure we call life.

[flexoffset]

Goodbye, and I wish you good luck, Earl.

[gulfwarvet]

Best of luck Earl i would like to thank you from all the times that you stoped what you was doing (even on Ce nights) and lended me your shoulder of support. your a awesome friend and i'm sure i (we) will deeply miss you. Please stay in contact :)

[dodge boy]

The best thing we can do to honor the Duke's contribution is to have a great CE this weekend!!

Indeed!!!!
We need one around Christmas called "Santa CE".... to memoralize the first one

[Jason Nipp]

Good luck on your new career path Earl. If you put even a tenth the effort into it as you have here you will be very successful.

[Phil T]

Good luck Earl! Thanks for all you have done for all of us. Good luck in your future endeavors. We all know you will be very successful and hope that great rewards follow you.

[Newshawk]

Earl,

It's been a pleasure chatting and posting with you and working with you on the LiL and HD LiL lists. I know you'll be in for great things in your new position. It's great to see good things happen to a great person!

[bjlc]

congrats and good Luck Earl. I can only speculate that either you are working for Directv or have been boughten by Dish to strengthen their situation or that you are working for a communications company like the Tribune and can't use info that you learn on the job to post here.

Thank you for being an all around great guy. very, very even and fair.

You are one of a kind..

God Bless you in whatever you do..

[LarryW]

Good luck Earl.

And as they say down here in Texas "Y'all come back, ya hear!"

[drded]

Earl,

Let me also add my best wishes for you and your family. Thanks for the many things we have all learned from you.

Dave

[Ed Campbell]

We're going to miss you, Earl.

You performed a wonderful service. I have some small experience with maintaining and moderating the wonderful world of online gatherings. It ain't ever easy.

You kept it light enough, disciplined enough, informative enough - to be interesting every day. You helped us all.

If there's ever anything any of us can do to be helpful going down your new trail - don't hesitate to ask. Please.

[flyingtigerfan]

Personally, I think this is the first sign of the Coming Global Superstorm. :)
Best wishes, Earl - take care of that family!

[kruegs]

Another long term lurker here... Earl was one of the reasons I come to DBSTalk on a daily basis... and as others have mentioned every time I saw a post from Earl, I knew that the information was going to be accurate and complete. You will undoubtedly be missed by many.... best of luck!

[Mike770]

Thanks for everything Earl, and Good Luck!

[Zepes]

Thank you for everything sir

Best Wishes

[STEVED21]

Earl,

Thanks for all your knowledge. Because of you and this forum, I, and many others like myself have learned so much about Directv that we never could have learned anywhere else. From dish installations, to multiswitches.From swm's to getting the best deals on receivers, it is all here.

Thanks again and good luck. Make time for the family. It's important, as you know, and sometime we let our passions consume our time. Hopefully, this endevor will free some up.

[HersheyBud]

You Da Man Earl. If you ever need a vacation and want to bring the family out here to Hershey, just PM me. Thanks for helping us all.

[Drewg5]

Earl, best of luck and thanks for all you have offered all of us!

[frankt3]

I've been mostly a lurker for about 8 mos. But I always look for a post by you. You Earl, kept me informed. I thank the smart people here at dbstalk for always staying a step ahead of the rest for the world. Your posts will be missed. Good luck,

Frank

[crabtrp]

Good luck dude.

[2Guysfootball]

Goodbye Earl and Thanks seems an Empty word.
For all you have done to help this forum and every member of this family.
Thank You just seems to be not enough.

I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GOOD LUCK GREAT HEAlTH AND ALL THE HAPPINESS IN THIS WORLD AND BEYOND:)

[Supramom2000]

Earl, I also add my most profound thanks for the opportunities you have provided to me, for the constant and cheerful help and for being the truest spirit of grace in the face of constant frustration and anger (and lets not forget whining!)

After my father suffered a massive heart attack and had to have a six artery bypass, I also changed my life significantly. I am so sorry you lost yours, I was more fortunate.

God bless you and your family and thank you for allowing me to be part of your second family.

[stogie5150]

Even though we often disagreed about D*, I like and respect you, Earl. Thanks for all the help you have given us the community and me personally when I left D*.

Directv has gained one helluva man. Good Luck Brother. :)

And enjoy that family. I too have lost my Dad, its been 5 years now, I still miss him terribly. One day at a time, one day at a time. :(

[Neural762]

Earl, as a relative newbie to dbstalk, I have found you to be an incredible resource to this community. While it's sad to see you go, I'm sure you will find a way to continue helping folks in some way no matter what you're doing. I wish you and your family the best in your new career.