PLEASE READ, URGENT!!! (but slightly off topic)

[Anonymous]

Zach,

Even at 14, it takes BIG man to do what you did!

[Willy2]

Zach,

I respect you because of the fact that you came out and told the truth. It takes a lot of courage to do so, and I absolutley believe that you did the right thing. By reading all previous replies to this, I believe that we all will continue to be your friend.

[UPTRAIN]

Thank you all, and like I said, from now on it's the real me!

[Anonymous]

Zach,

I find it more interesting that your a Teen railfan rather then Middleaged Railroad employee...

I am new to this 'side' of the forums, and only posted here within the last month, you could have fooled me with the knowledge you tossed around. I did not know about you as an engineer.

If you have AIM, shoot me a message.. LehighValley107

[UPTRAIN]

I only have MSN and Yahoo...[:(]

[Anonymous]

Zach,
I myself am fifteen, and most of my posts were written while fourteen. I didn't lie about my age, but I haven't exactly been forthcoming about it either. In any case, I can greatly appreciate the integrity and determination it must have taken to hit that post button. In any case you have inspired me to come clean, and also to write my full name, and I thank you for being truthful (although you could have fooled me [:)]). Although I take it that I am only a few months older than yourself, let me share one little piece of advice: don't worry about "learning your lesson"--for something this small, that is mostly an unconcious and involuntary process of your mind. Oh and by the way, as punishment for this, "I sentence thee to railfanning for the rest of thy natural life [:)]."

I know two UP railroaders with whom I have spoken extensively. I couldn't tell you were any different. As was said before, you must really like railroads.

Most sincerely yours,
Daniel Parks

[Anonymous]

Zach,

Confession may be good for the soul but in your attempt to "come clean" is it possible that you may have gone a bit too far? I hope you got your family's blessing to disclose personal info before posting it. Being truthful to a forum group is admirable but you still need to show some respect for the privacy of your family. Concerns about privacy & safety are no less real now then when you adopted your former persona. I'd look again at your initial post and decide if all the personal information you've disclosed, such as your sister's name and where she goes to school is wise or necessary. In fact I wonder if, at 14, is disclosing your full name and hometown wise and necessary?

Lots of dangerous characters lurk in the shadows of the web.

Wayne

[Anonymous]

Zack [:)]

I read your email last night and as you know sent you a reply.

I agree with 98% of what is posted here.

Maybe you should edit a few of the more personal things out of the forum to protect your sister and perhaps yourself.

Take Care, Be Careful.

[UPTRAIN]

I got it all edited I think....thanks Jim!!!

[Anonymous]

Zach,
I must say you are a very good lier[8D] I would have never guessed, even when we had audio conversations together I couldn't really tell. I do feel a little hurt however, you were my hero. I thought it was so cool to know and to have talked to a real UP engineer. But, I am glad you came clean. See you on MSN.

Jonathon

[Anonymous]

I feel a little cheated. I don't know much about trains, but I enjoy them as a hobby. I use this forum for both education and fun. I don't try to be what I'm not.

[lupo]

Zack good you cleared the tracks !
see you around and happy railroading !

[halifaxcn]

Zach,

I am sure that you have learned a very valuable lesson. We have all done things we regret. Enjoy your teenage years, when you are in your 40's you will look back at these years and wonder where all the time went.

Just remember a little saying that I have used for years "to your own self be true"

Good luck!

Frank San Severino