I for one have followed Perl for quite a while now, perhaps for 12 years or so. I have seen merlyn's posts on Usenet back before anyone knew there was an "Internet". I have learned a great deal from him, read just about everything I can get my hands on that he's published because I always learn something no matter how small.

I think there are cases where XP's don't matter and reputations stand for themselves. People may not always agree on style, but that's a matter of taste and not merrit. Given all that merlyn has contributed to the "legitimizing" of Perl, as well as many others too numerous to name. He's also always, I've found, always willing to help. We're all busy, but somehow he sees away to find the time to post.

Congrats...

Mike - mps@discomsys.com

"The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen... and stupidity."
Harlan Ellison