It’s always a delight to receive praise and encouragement rather than criticism and a brickbat. Perhaps that’s why people are so keen to be named in the lists of e-learning’s movers and shakers.

Of course, it’s easier to ‘curse the darkness’ than ‘light a candle’ – and criticism is never going to go out of fashion. So I was delighted to receive recently – out of the blue and completely unsolicited – the following email, from Sally Ann Moore, who organises and manages events in the management development, consultancy and e-learning worlds: ‘Dear Bob, Hello from the Alps. Just a quick note to say how much I appreciate your articles on e-learning.

‘I often have cause to quote you in France as, generally, you spot things that are going to happen here about a year before they actually do – that is to say, you are my very own weather vane! Thanks and keep at it. You have fans in the mountains! Best wishes…’

Comment: Thanks, ‘SAM’, for your very kind and encouraging words.